Last Sunday I preached as part of our "Where Do You Find Yourself" series about those times when we are at the riverside. The scriptures were Psalm 30 and 2 Kings 5:1-16, the story of Elisha healing Naaman.
This is the Prayer of the People that I wrote as part of our service,
God of every place,
there is no where we can go,
where you are not with us.
Whether mountain top or valley,
riverside or wilderness,
garden or desert,
you are with us.Â
As we gather by the riverside this morning,
We lift up in prayer those who depend on the river -Â
those who are in times of drought or find themselves by polluted waters.
We lift up in prayer those whose rivers have flooded the banks,
washing away opportunity and resources.Â
[silence]
As we gather by the riverside this morning,
we lift up in prayer those who journey on rivers.
Protect those who face rapids and waterfalls, a rocky path.
Encourage those who drift along,
feeling stuck or far away from their destination.Â
[silence]
As we gather by the riverside this morning,Â
We lift up in prayer those whose path is blocked by flowing river water.Â
Build a bridge or part the water so they may continue their journey.
We lift up in prayer those find themselves separated from others,Â
where lines are drawn between your children that seems impossible to cross.Â
[silence]
As we gather by the riverside this morning,Â
We lift up in prayer those in need of the healing, renewal, new life
that can be found in holy river water.Â
Be persistent in calling us to the river,Â
that we may experience this renewal for ourselves.Â
[silence]
As we gather by the riverside this morning,
may we be nourished, moved, connected, and healed. Amen.
Thank you, Sarah.