Psalm 139 has always been one of my favorites, and today’s lectionary gave me a chance to reflect on it. May these prayers remind us all that we are known and loved, completely.
Oh Lord, you have searched us and known us.
You know when we sit down and when we rise up;
you discern our thoughts from far away.
You search out our path and our lying down,
and are acquainted with all our ways.
We praise you, O living God,
For you know us completely and love us completely.
You have created us good and holy,
lending your image in the act of creation.
Again and again, we have fallen away,
and you have brought us back with words of grace.
We have hidden from mystery of your presence,
and you have found us, again and again,
and repeated the call, “Follow me.”
You bring peace into the chaos we create;
You bring hope into the webs of doubt we spin;
You bring your holy spirit into the corners of our lives.
Even before a word is on our tongues,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem us in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon us.
We praise you, O living God,
for you know us completely and love us completely.
We pray for the world wrapped in your love,
for the people and places dear to our hearts,
and for the ones known only to yours.
For those who are cold, whether in body or in spirit:
Bring the warmth only you can provide,
and move us to us to share the warmth we can provide.
For those who are hungry, thirsty, grieving or ill:
Bring the comfort only you can provide,
and help us to share the comfort we can provide.
(Continue with prayers for your specific community.)
Hear our prayers, O Living God,
for you know us completely and love us completely.
On this weekend of marches and commemoration,
we give thanks for the life of your prophet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As we celebrate his legacy, O God, let us recognize yours.
Convict us of the ways we support injustice through our action or inaction,
and empower us to work for your reign of justice, peace, and dignity for all.
Where can we go from your spirit?
Or where can we flee from your presence?
If we take the wings of the morning
and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead us,
and your right hand shall hold us fast.
In the name of the one who was Love made flesh,
Amen.
And also with you. 