Prayers for May 17, 2026

O God of all majesty and mercy, we come before you united in faith and obedient to your holy will in the full knowledge that you see all things and will listen to our prayers.  You created a world of perfection, but your people daily confront challenges which adversely affect their lives.  We ask your blessings in all things and pray that our faith will be magnified by service to all in need.

Dear God of peace, we pray for your intercession to bring about an end to wars and conflicts between nations which have brought widespread death and destruction to your people.  We ask that world leaders seek your guidance, as set forth in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, to establish an environment in which people no longer live in fear.

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

O God of love and mercy, we pray that the words of the Sermon on the Mount become embedded in the hearts of all humanity so that people of all nations might see the path to better lives.  Help us to put aside hate, prejudice, and ambitions which divide us from one another.  Let the Holy Spirit guide us to be the light that unites all with whom we interact and let our works be evidence of your love.

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Beloved God of healing and comfort, we pray for all who cope with physical and emotional distress.  Grant them relief from the anxiety and fear of their suffering in the sure knowledge that you care for them and will always be there for them.  Your love knows no bounds and is the source for all in need.  We especially pray for those named in our prayer list and ask that you hold them close.  At the same time, we pray for those who have gone before and give thanks for the inspiration that they have left us so that we may live our lives in their memory.

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of all creation, help us to be faithful stewards of the world you created.   Be with those who have experienced natural disasters as a result of storms, floods, and drought.  These events have not only destroyed homes and livelihoods but also bought about severe damage to the environment often resulting famine.  We pray that scientists and world leaders will work together to reverse the effects of climate change.

Merciful God, receive our prayer.