Prayer for Worship August 16, 2009 Scripture John 10: 22-39 "THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING"

Wondrous and Loving God, hear our prayer. We praise your name and offer our thanks for your faithfulness to us always. Even when we have failed in our covenant relationship, whether by ignorance or arrogance or even callous disregard, you stayed close at hand. We confess that we have often blamed our disappointments, our hurts, our unmet expectations on you and ask your forgiveness. We know, dearest Abba, that the world and time do not revolve around us, our needs and our wants, but are loathe to let go of the hold they have on our spirit. When they threaten to take over help us banish anxious thoughts, endless worrying and our penchant for being in control. Move us from resistance, opposition and rejection to credence, approval and faithful acceptance. Bestow upon us your boldest vision of our purpose and mission as Christ’s body in this world, in this community, in this time... today. Amen.