Almighty God who placed all the planets and the stars in their places and yet know each of your beloved by their name, we come to celebrate your love and goodness as we pause and worship you. You are among us in this sanctuary this morning as you are also in the tunnels in Mariupol. There is no place we can go that you’re not already there waiting for us!

            We gather this day, led by the Holy Spirit, as your people. Each of us comes with our own reasons for attending today. Some gather because this is the only time of the week they are surrounded by others. Some come to seek a sense of peace that only you can provide. We gather today because we want to hear your Word spoken to us and shape our lives. Still, others come for release from the pain caused by a loved one’s death, a divorce or breakup, the loss of a job, or the diagnosis of a serious illness or condition. For whatever reason we’ve come, honor it and receive it as praise and thanksgiving.

            For the fearful ones, fill them with the peace that surpasses our understanding.

            For the grieving, wipe their tears, re-instill Easter hope, and give them Easter eyes.

            To all who are lonely, grant them the comfort of this community of saints.

            For the sick, bring wholeness and comfort and give them your healing presence, reminding them healing takes on many forms; give them the grace to see and experience it.

            For the addict, release them from the bonds that drag them into the depths of Sheol.

            For the abused, help them to overcome their trauma and let them see a beautiful future once again both emotionally and physically.

            For the spiritually lost or complacent, fill them with the fire of your Spirit that will break the bonds of a hardened or apathetic life.

            Jesus, lover of our soul, we pray for those caught in the crosshairs of war in Ukraine, Syria, Somalia, and  Ethiopia. Lord, hasten the day when swords are beaten into plowshares and weapons of destruction are no more.

            Give our leaders and politicians a heart of justice and truth and purge them of all ignoble power and pride.

            To you, the Alpha and the Omega, the One who is, was, and will always be, we lift our prayers to you and pray as Jesus taught us…

…Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever! Amen.