The following prayer was written for use on a youth Sunday formed around the parables of the lost sheep, coins and sons (Luke 15) and includes five youth voices.
Let us together turn to the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth in prayer.
We pray for your wonderful creation, the earth, and its streams, mountains, creatures, and plants. Remind us anew of your wonderful gift of creation and empower us each to live in ways that honor your intent for us, your human caretakers.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
(Youth #1)
We pray for this holy gathering and for the people of God in every place. May the church universal be faithful to your call to help bring about your kingdom on the earth as it is in heaven.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
(Youth #2)
We pray for all the leaders of the world that they may make wise choices for everyone and that they may lead us to honor and respect all people. May their words and actions lead away from oppression and violence and toward peace and possibility.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
(Youth #3)
We pray for those who live without resources we take for granted. We give thanks for those people and ministries who seek to help provide food, healthcare, and shelter to those in need and we ask that you would bless and expand their efforts.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
(Youth #4)
On youth Sunday, we give thanks for loving support our congregation gives to our middle school and high school youth groups. We pray that through all of the ministries of our church we would faithfully serve Christ in our community and the world.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
(Youth #5)
We pray for those who do not understand or have not experienced your love, that they may seek a deeper knowledge of you. We pray for your love to touch those who are hurting today, including those on our congregational prayer list.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God, you are our Loving Parent. Meet us now with open arms as we pray together the Lord’s Prayer