Pastoral Prayer for August 14, 2022

Loving God,

In your mercy, Lord, remember those who are desperate,

exhausted, beaten down, and forgotten.

Remember those who are unfairly imprisoned.

Remember those who have limited opportunities,

who see no chance to make things better.

Remember those born into failed families, neighborhoods, nations.

Inspire all Americans to do everything in our power to keep us from becoming

a failed nation ourselves.

Remember those growing up in broken circumstances of all kinds.

Remember those whose lives are torn apart by war –

especially those in Ukraine experiencing firsthand

unjust aggression.

Remember those whose lives are torn apart by racism,

or unfair laws that prevent them from building a life

for themselves and their families.

In your sight, as you have told us in Scripture, they are

my mother and father, my sister and brother, and I am their keeper.

You have called them blessed.

Help them to hear your surprising word today.

Bless them.

Provide for their deepest hungers.