Heavenly Father,
In your mercy you looked on those you created. Though we rejected you and your Word, you moved towards us in love. Your compassion exceeds our imagination. Thank you for not leaving it to our imagination. We see the Cross. You moved first and have loved us. You sent your Son in the image of sinful humanity, took up a cross, and died for us.
Thank you for this grace. You have ushered us into your communion. We have believed your Word and your Resurrection. We have crossed over from death into life and now we enjoy the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Resurrection of your Son has set in us a lasting hope.
Yet, why do the nations rage against you? Why does the evil one still kill, steal and destroy?
We would drop these weapons and words of war, turn them into plows and set our hands to the fallow ground of our hearts and our communities. Surely there is good to be shared!
Oh Father, may your Spirit blow across our land as a refreshing breeze for the nations. Forgive us for we have resisted your call to be still and know that you are God. We lift up indigenous brothers and sisters who are weary from grief as yet another life has been taken in a violent encounter with police. Oh Lord there must be another way!
Lord we lift up to you the people of Yemin, and plead with you for peace. Oh Lord may your shalom emerge in the most chaotic corners of this nation. May your healing for the nations be made known through the revelation of Jesus Christ. May your provisions be released to provide for a people weekend by famine. Oh Lord come and hear their cry.
Lord we thank you for the Graduates from the University of British Columbia and from Langara College here in Vancouver this week. Bless them. Provide for them. Turn your face toward them and be their delight. Establish the work of their hands so that your goodness will be shared with many neighbours.
Oh Lord, we need you and so we pray as Jesus taught us. (Please join me in the Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one;
for yours is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.