O God of the summer, our days are filled with light, heat and
growth. Your glowing sun and refreshing
rain awaken the world around us ... the lush green covers our yards, the fruit is ripening on the vines and we feel fully
alive. Your delicate balancing act in nature draws us outdoors, to see the vibrant colors, hear the sounds and feel the warmth of your rich creation.
Today we gather in your house, depleted from the noise, overindulgence and celebrating of the fourth of July. We are grateful for the country that we live in, for the
freedoms we have, and for the men and women who have fought to protect our
rights ... but we also recognize the many challenges we continue to
face.
We seek a nation where justice, mercy and compassion guide our laws and actions. We proclaim that we celebrate liberty and justice for all, but we also know that many of our citizens feel this is a
lie.
God, we saw your light in those days after Charleston, when people of all colors joined one another to be voices of
love, forgiveness and light. Their collective brightness dimmed the noise of people who
speak harsh words of racial hatred. We know that evil remains in the hearts of people. We have witnessed the repeated burning of black churches in
the South,
we hear of increases in gun sales, and politicians continue to use race and marriage equality as
a dividing issues for our people.
God of light and abundance, we seek your calm spirit amidst the darkness of the
world.
Energize us to listen to your hurting people, to promote love over hatred, to cast out the negative voices. Change the hearts of those who seek to harm others, who hold on to hatred and revenge. Transform our own hatred and help us to face those places we
know we need to change in our own lives.
God of the summer, we cherish the long days of extended
light. Our eyes become more opened to the daily miracle of life as
we witness the growth and abundance that surrounds us. Expand our ability to see beauty in our world and to
reconnect with you, our God, in profound ways.
Your son Jesus was sent to dwell among us, to challenge us to walk a journey more closely aligned with
you. Our individual journeys have days of bright sun, and days of dark clouds.
Many of us have bodies that betray us with illnesses and disease. Others have minds that are clouded by
depression, addiction and anxiety. Caring for our loved ones challenges and depletes us. Help us to feel your spirit and your light deep within us.
Lord, nourish us with healing and hope ... allow us to be gentle with ourselves and others
as we seek health, healing and better ways to cope with the challenges we face caring for ourselves and others.
As your church, loving God, we seek to unite with one another
to grow in love and service to your hurting world. Let the challenges of limited finances and busy lives be made
small by the living, abundant spirits of your people. May we seek out the dark places in our community and world to
shine your light and life brightly. Inspire your people to seek creative new ways to serve. Bring us together to worship you and to be renewed for the
challenges of the week.
Like the bright and colorful flowers of summer, encourage us to stretch toward your light
and warm us with your deep, abiding presence. Anoint us to be your energizing and loving presence in the
world.
We praise you, we thank you and together we speak the prayer
taught to us by your beloved son ...
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