Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

Martin's Brandon, Burrowsville
Gracious God, we thank you that this past year the people of Martin's Brandon came together in hope for worship, word, prayer and praise. We are especially thankful that last year you blessed us with the means and opportunity to restore our parish hall and bell tower, and to replace our belfry cross (once taken from us) which now once again shines as a beacon for all our community to see. All these wonderful changes have enabled us to return this year to our tradition of service within and without our community by once again throwing open our doors to feed, teach, shelter and comfort. We ask that this year you give us the clear discernment to seek and provide loving service within our immediate community and beyond, making full use of all you have given us. Help us to employ the gift of hospitality toward all those who come into our midst, aware that, in welcoming the stranger we are welcoming your holy angels. These things we pray in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Mark's, Hampton
Father God, Almighty and omnipotent, we praise you and thank you for your grace, mercy, and love.  You have blessed St. Mark's throughout our transition with lay persons and supply priests who have faithfully continued your work.  We ask that you grant us continued patience and discernment as we seek our next shepherd, and when revealed, please grant us a spirit of harmony as we gracefully accept change, lovingly build relationships, and boldly go forth to become all you wish us to be.  We ask this through your Holy Spirit and in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.