Pastoral Prayer for March 24, 2024

Loving God, we lift up the following persons to you, all of whom​​ 

stand in need of various forms of healing: ​​ Anne, April, Bonnie,

Elias, Garth, Henry, Jeanne, Joshua, Lyn, Patrick, Ruth, Sandi,​​ Wayne

Our pastoral prayer this morning comes to us from Susan Bock.

Please allow her words to become your own.

Jesus, like the prodigal,

at times we have wasted your love.

Like Nicodemus,​​ 

at times we have crept about in darkness.

Like James and​​ John,

at times we have slept through others’ sorrow.

Like Pilate,

at times we have washed our hands of blame.

And yet, as with the woman at the well,

you give us drink in the heat of the day.

As with the man born blind,

you open our eyes.

As with Simon the Pharisee,

you teach us mercy.

As with the disciples,

you wash our feet.

As with the criminal hanging near you,

you promise us paradise.

As with Peter,

you restore us in your love.

Jesus, grant us the gift of turning,

the grace of forgiveness,

and hearts made ready for Easter’s joy.