March 22, 2026
Pastoral Prayer
God of steadfast love, bring new life to this community of your people, known as Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church. We pray to hear your voice and to be filled with your Spirit. Come to us today from the four winds, bringing us vitality and purpose to our worship, that we might be energized and encouraged. During this time of transition, open our eyes to see possibilities, open our ears to hear new stories, touch our hearts to welcome and affirm all of your children who are seeking a community to call home. And may that be Lakeshore Baptist.
From our traditions and convictions of working toward peace on earth, we continue to be troubled by the violence that is happening in places under our country’s watch. Teach us to not turn away from troubles but to lean into them; prod us from our indifference toward being awake; and while we may be pursuing justice and righteousness, we ask that you remind us to trust all of these things in your hands. Lord, we can’t do it all but we pray that we can all do something too. Help us to save lives, save the children, save the powerless, save the world as you, O God, has saved us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.
O God, we also confess that at times, we have our desire to rule in your place. Like the house of Israel in Ezekiel’s time, we are cut off from communion with you. We are like dead people, going through the motion of living. We cry out for forgiveness and a new beginning. We long to know you and to live in reverence before you.
Today, we pray for those in our midst who can’t pray for themselves. For those who are facing illness and sickness, we pray for healing and restoration back to health and wellbeing. For those who are facing life-challenging conditions, perhaps like Lazarus, we pray for the reassurance of new life that even when we die today, in Christ, we have new life with the Lord. And for all those who mourn like Mary and Martha, grant them the balm of healing and comfort that there is going to be a new morning coming.
O God of strength and fortitude, make our arms and shoulders stronger to carry the weak, make our legs and feet swifter to run the extra mile, make our right hand and our left hand open up to grasp the hands of those who need our assistance today and every day.
All of these things and all of those concerns buried deep in our hearts, we pray in Christ’s name, Amen.
Benediction
Roll away the stone that keeps us from being in the world.
Call us to come out to live in the light.
Unbound us from our wrappings of fear.
Go out to proclaim God’s freeing love. Amen.