Prayer for the Season of Birth, Hope and Renewal

by Patrica Brennan-Alpert


God of Grace,

In this season of birth, hope and renewal, we give thanks together for the stories from the scriptures that make us revise our mental pictures of history and today’s reality.



When we are full of fear and pessimism, let us recall how you brought Sarah from ironic laughter to joyful motherhood. When we fear we have lost everything, let us remember Hagar, cast out of her home, her hopes overturned. She was anticipating death in the desert when you made a new promise to Hagar, Ishmael and their people.



God who reconciles and makes new, we pray for those closest to us, family, friends and neighbours. We pray that old resentments and prejudices are let go so peace and understanding can take their place.



We ask your blessing on the intentions and work of our teachers and leaders. We pray they feel your presence in our support. We pray they are awake to your spirit and trust in your will.



For the powerful in the world we pray they find and build the path of peace and justice through confusing times, conflicting interests.



Dear God, we pray for those most in need of your strength and comfort. We pray for those in our congregation who are ill and grieving. We pray for all who face frightening changes due to climate shifts, and economic ills. We pray for all living in war zones, violent communities and homes. We pray for all who live with effects of violence and the absence of love.



For ourselves, we pray we may put aside our own worries and busy plans to be your hands where help is needed. Help us put aside greed and self-interest and fantasy in favour of compassion, clarity and self-giving.

Help us follow Jesus example and be the world we want to see.



We come together on this day to pray for renewed understanding among all the peoples who share in your worship, your word and your work. Our scriptures tell us we are brothers and sisters to each other. Let us make brotherly love a reality in our community.

Let us make trust in God our reality.

In Jesus’ Name we pray.


Amen