Gracious Lord God, in this transitional season of the year when we are about to end one and begin a new one, when the daylight hours are shorter and the night time is longer, where we are troubled by the news from yesterday and afraid to watch the evening news hour tonight, we are reassured that even in such changing times, you are with us and your steadfast love endures forever. We look forward to the gatherings of family and friends to give thanks for the abundance that we have as well as to making commitments to do more for those who happen to have less.
As your disciples of the faith at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, we pray for those who are in great need; those who need your miracle of healing, those who are seeking hope in dire times, and those who are searching for safe harbors to feel secure and rooted. Quicken our steps toward your will to offer assistance and comfort to many.
Now that the federal shutdown is over, we continue to pray for the many people whose lives were disrupted particularly to those who didn’t have enough to pay for food. We pray for safe skies when people are returning to family homes and places to celebrate Thanksgiving.
And during this time of giving thanks, we are reminded of the sins of our forefathers and foremothers who came to these shores while seeking religious freedom also took the way of life of the people who were already here. For the indigenous peoples on our eastern shores, these days are remorseful rather than thankful. Let us not forget and do what we can today and for evermore how unabated transgression and oppression will lead to untold suffering and sadness. Forgive us, Lord.
Lead this church to be vibrant and effective as it conducts its Quarterly Business Meeting today and looks forward to next week when we make our pledges of time, talents, and treasures to the life-changing ministries of LABC. Grant us faithfulness and dedication to your work on earth.
Bless us and keep us, we pray in Christ Jesus’ name. Amen.