The Reverend Christine V. Hides

Holy God, Gracious Parent of us all,

Your presence is with us all of our days

And your love surrounds us in every tender moment.

We ask your blessing this day for all fathers, grant

them joy and togetherness, grace and wholeness. And in those parent-child

relationships where there is hurt and disappointment, we dare to pray for mending

and repair.

For your presence is with us all of our days

And your love surrounds us in every tender moment.

We ask your blessing upon those known by other titles who exemplify nurturing love and care: grandfathers and uncles, mentors, and coaches. We are grateful for the abundant ways they enrich our lives.

We pray especially today for those for whom this day is difficult: for those who are longing for children, for those who are grieving. We pray for children searching for parents, and all facing illness and hardship. Bring wholeness, mercy, and strength, Holy God.  Grant your gentle peace to all our hearts.

For your presence is with us all of our days

And your love surrounds us in every tender moment.

We ask your blessing upon this congregation as we continue gathering back together in both new and familiar ways. Strengthen us in our common mission to worship you and extend your love through our ministries of education and outreach. We ask that the efforts and devotion of those who were part of the Tulsa Impact trip be lasting and fruitful. We give you thanks for their safe return.

For your presence is with us all of our days

And your love surrounds us in every tender moment.

Lord, we ask your blessing upon our nation and our world as

we seek justice and peace while acknowledging the complexity of our history, especially

on this day after Juneteenth. Grant us wisdom, courage, and critical thinking

skills; open us to new perspectives; and make way for fruitful dialog across

the many lines that divide us that we might be a catalyst for your desire for this

world to be as it is in heaven.

For  your presence is with us all of our days

And your love surrounds us in every tender moment.

Holy God, Gracious Parent of us all, hear us as we pray together…Our Father…

Amen.