Today at both worship celebrations, (Portland and Elgin) this prayer was spoken after “Let it Be” by The Beatles, was sung….
Prayers of Hope and Healing….
God of favor and purpose, You have clothed us with a robe of righteousness.
And journey with us wherever we go – even in the midst of the pit of darkness…
You are with us in our deepest pain, fear, and bewilderment.
Help us to Let it be, Lord, let it be.
You hear our cry when others turn a deaf ear and a cold heart.
You lift us from the depths of discouragement – and walk with us over the troubled waters of life.
Help us to Let it be, Lord, let it be.
We come to you now with confidence – on behalf of our families, the church, and the world:
We pray for our biological family members – all near and far. May Your Peace and Healing Presence be evident to them.
We pray for our church family, our sisters and brothers through Christ’s Body, who are struggling in different ways. And we certainly pray for all you have created throughout the world – All of Humanity – All Creation and Creatures.
We pray for the world that is broken and spilled out. May we be open to Wisdom that will guide us to actions of Justice and Love, and make your dream for the world a reality. May we put aside our ego and all personal gains and say – Let your will be done, Lord, let it be.
Help us to work to fulfill your mission to a point that we are ready to give our lives, like Jesus did.
We know that people might be able to kill the dreamer but your dream for the world will ALWAYS have the last say.
Help us to fulfill your mission, which is – showing mercy, proclaiming Your Good News and living a life of Grace with ALL.
Help us to Let it be, Lord, let it be.
We pray for Peace everywhere, specially in the United States
– May People walk the streets by holding on to Your Love as a torch that guides their way.
Help us to love O Lord, help us to love.
We pray for reconciliation among families, factions,
and nations living in envy and conflict.
We pray for those betrayed, beaten, thrown down, or abandoned,
those in bondage, fear, or distress.
Help us Lord to Let your Love be apparent – Let your love be.
Clothe us with your favor and love once again;
inspire us with dreams that come from you.
Hold us up when we falter in the storm, and help us to say
– Let it be Your Will O Lord, Let it be…
And now we pray the prayer that Jesus taught his followers…
The Prayer that Jesus Taught his Followers.
(Translation from Aramaic by The Rev. Bruce Sanguin. Canadian Memorial United Church, Vancouver)
Loving Presence, luminous in all creation, hallowed be your name.
Thy Kin-dom come. May we reflect on earth the yielding perfection of the heavens. Help us to receive an illumined measure from the earth this day. Forgive us when we trespass against others,
human and other-than-human, as we forgive others who trespass against us. Keep us on the path of wisdom
when we are tempted to take the selfish path.
May it be your rule we follow, your power we exercise,
and your radiance that allures.
May this be the truth that guides our lives,
the ground from which our future will grow,
until we meet again. Amen.