February 15, 2026
LABC, Oakland, CA
Faithful and Ever-present God, we praise you in songs, words and our hearts as you make your presence in our lives at home, at work, at school, and in this church community at Lakeshore. We are here to share our broken relationships that we have with others and to find the strength and commitment to mend and restore our fellowship with them. Help us to see others as you see them in your eyes as just a little lower than angels.
Today, we pray for our country and what it has stood for—mercy and understanding of those in other lands, cooperation and collaboration with others in order to building long-lasting trust that have benefits for everyone. For those who are vulnerable to deportation, we pray for their safety and recommit ourselves to provide a safe refuge against persecution. Teach us, O God to live and advocate for peace when the geopolitical forces build walls, harass hard-working people who have been in the US for many years.
In our midst, we pray for people who are seeking healing and hope.
Prayers for family and friends of Jim Dorr as they mourn his passing; prayers for the family of Alean Saunders-Coffey as they mourn her passing; Alodia and family as they mourn passing of her sister;
Prayers for the people of Nigeria in the midst of religious conflicts; prayers for all the places where violence and injustice are taking place;
Prayers for Ray and Martha, friends of Marie; LaRhonda Alexander; Margaret Alexander; Sister Roxanne; Rev. Valentine Royal; Amber Turner; Linda Allen; ZondraMartin; Katrina Lau; Tammy Thienes; David and Barbara; Lee McDaniel; Jeanne Robinson; Leslyn Henry; Peggy Rogers; Allen Rubin; Sheila Sims for her sister and nieces;
Prayers for vulnerable members of our community; those in need of housing; families in financial need; for those who are caregivers;
Prayers for Guillermo – a local community leader who was ambushed by ICE yesterday and is now in detention – and Shadi Khouri – a Palestinian teen who today was sentenced to 32 months of imprisonment for a crime he didn’t commit.
Prayers for Pastor Emeritus Jim and Karen; Dorothy Paul; Manjulika Sarkar; elected officials who work for the good of all people;
We pray for many who are in need of your reassurance that all is indeed, well. Hear our prayers for those in our hearts.
Lord, you have walked with the saints at Lakeshore over 166 years and we are faithful that you will continue to guide us and leads us for another 166 years. Evoke in our minds and hearts to trust you and in each other in carrying out your will in Oakland and beyond.
In this African American Heritage Month, open our eyes to see and learn about history that would make us more complete. Thank you, Lord for showing us that when we are together, richly inclusive, we are closer to the picture of the Realm of God than when we are meeting in separate silos. Grant us the strength we have in the Oneness we have in Christ Jesus.
O God, we ask for courage to admit mistakes and overcome them. Show us what we can do to right the wrong things for which we are responsible. Forgive us when we fall short of your expectations of us. And equip us once again to return to the work that is waiting for us outside our front doors.
All these things both spoken as well as those concerns that are buried deep in our souls, we come to confess and to seek your grace. Empower us as reconcilers and servants of your way. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.