Pastoral Prayer for January 16, 2022

Loving God,

Your kingdom seems far away today.  We see death and disaster in the news, and everywhere people are arguing, always arguing.  And yet Jesus said that your domain – the only true and enduring reality – is also among us.

May your kingdom come in the middle of our discouragement.

Even in our own hearts, we hold grudges, nurse anxieties, withhold compassion, and put ourselves first.  Too often, our hearts are not hospitable places for your Spirit.

May your kingdom come first in our hearts.

Empower your people to see where your way of life is already showing up.  Help us to become passionate agents in this continuing unfolding of your will for all things.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Brother, and Friend, Amen.