Lord of the Seasons, you who place the planets in their places, causes our tides to rise and fall, and food to flourish to feed us, we gather this morning and thank you.

As the temperatures turn colder, we are mindful of warm places to sleep, hot food to eat, and adequate clothing to stay warm.
	
Spirit, make us mindful and diligent in addressing the causes in our nation that prevent that for all people.

Our Sustainer, for the food on our tables, for the opportunity to purchase it and the grace to eat it safely, each of us are reminded of how blessed we are.

Our Rock and Refuge, burn in our hearts a searing compassion for those 42 million facing food scarcity in our country and give us a vision to meet their need both as the Church but also as a nation.

God of Peace and Shalom, on this day, we give thanks for those men and women who have selflessly served our nation in its defenses for their families who waited at home and worried,and commend to you those who did not return.

Holy Spirit, Inspire our national leaders to work for peace and justice wherever there is conflict – with whomever we can partner with to ensure peace; let our leaders seek the good of all, forgetting that which is politically expedient.

Lord of the Heavenly Reign, you came and showed us the Kingdom with its promises, its potential, and its purpose.

Jesus, there are many in our nation who are not experiencing that abundant life because of partisan bickering, scapegoating, and gross pursuits of power-grabbing; federal workers are not getting paid but are expected to continue serving, patrolling, screening, and coordinating essential services for their countrymen and women.

Holy Spirit, haunt all the leaders in Washington and drive them to work for the common good of all, even unto the least of these, and restore the essential services of our government; make them entirely uncomfortable that while they are getting paid, able to play golf, and not suffer want, their fellow citizens are struggling and losing livelihood. 

Spirit of healing, rest upon those whose bodies are frail or ill;
comfort those whose hearts are broken and confused; instill hope with those drowning in despair.

As we make our way through the week, help us to remember the 69,000 dead in Gaza and the 2,900 Jews from October 7th, the atrocities occurring to the children and women in Sudan; and all those in war zones from Eastern Europe and Africa.

So now we come, and we pray the prayer our Lord taught us, as we pray: 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 us from evil -For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. Amen.