Luke 10:38-42 Prayers of the People

Prayers of the People for Sunday, July 21, 2013 (RCL Year C)

Text

Luke 10:38-42   Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”  

Prayer

Like Martha, who welcomed Jesus into her home, we are worried and distracted by many things. Hear those worries, Oh God, and take them as our prayer.

We pray for those who are ill, healing, and grieving. Bring peace with your words; bring comfort with your presence.

We pray for those who are are longing and torn. Speak guidance through your spirit; bring patience through your peace.

We pray for those who feel powerless, and for those who hold power over others. Bring compassion through your commandments; bring justice through your love.

We praise you for the way you love us–a way that calls us to sit and to listen as well as to go and to serve. Remind us that we have not been left to do the work by ourselves, for you are with us along the way.

In your holy name, Amen.