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Blessing for teachers

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Scripture reminds us that teachers are a gift from Christ himself to the church. Together with apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors, our teachers equip God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up, find unity, and mature in faith until we attain ‘the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.’ That’s no small task! Therefore, today we say THANK YOU. Thank you, teachers and leaders, for answering Christ’s call; we honor your service and offer our support, our prayers and our heartfelt gratitude.
Let us pray:

For helping the congregation fulfill our baptismal promises, may God richly bless you.

For sharing your love of Christ with God’s children of all ages –from toddlers to teens to retirees -may God richly bless you.

For inviting your students to dive into Scripture with both head and heart, may God richly bless you.

For preparing lessons that spark curiosity and stimulate discussion, may God richly bless you.

For challenging us to ask the hard questions and have courageous conversations, may God richly bless you.

For crafting activities that spur creativity and allow talents to grow, may God richly bless you.

For late-night lesson plans and last-minute substitute teaching, may God richly bless you.

For lock-ins, mission trips, escape rooms and bounce-house duties, may God sustain you!

For equipping us to be sent out into God’s world to share the love of Christ, may God richly bless you.

For living lives that in and of themselves teach us so much about what it means to be a disciple, may God richly bless you.

Bless you for being just who you are -men and women of faith who teach us to love God, our neighbors and ourselves. We thank you, we love you, we honor you and we pray God’s blessings on you this day and always! And all God’s people said: AMEN!

Submitted by Jerie Lukefahr

Prayers of the People: eternally victorious

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We give you praise, O God,
because you are eternally victorious over death.
In faithfulness you have raised up Christ for us,
and your mercy knows no end.

God of life, we pray for those who are bowed down
under the weight of hunger, injustice, uncertainty, or despair.
You who provide every good thing,
uphold your people.
Open your hands wide
and satisfy the needs of every living thing.

God of hope, we trust in your righteousness
and depend on your love.
Be near to those on whose behalf we call upon you;
to those who face sorrow, illness, injury, or death.
Fulfill our longings for wholeness, healing, and new life;
hear and answer all who cry out to you.

Steadfast God, preserve us in your love,
that we might speak your praise
and bless you forever
in the name of the holy one, the Risen Christ,
who teaches us to pray as we say:
The Lord’s Prayer

 

Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA

POP: creative grace

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O Lord, you are our shepherd;

we shall not be in want.

Your creative grace is visible in lush green pastures

and revealed in still, clear waters.

Your restoring resurrecting Spirit revives our souls and our communities,

and you guide us in ways of righteousness for the sake of your earth.

We pray for the earth you create and love:

for people, families, nations, and species that dwell in the valley of the shadow of death;

for all who fear the evils of pollution, violence, depredation, and illness;

for those whose suffering is on our hearts this morning, and for those whom we will never meet.

Shepherding God, be with your people;

with your rod and your staff, restore us and lead us.

Spread your table of abundance before those who hunger and thirst;

set us free from enmity and division.

Anoint us with your calling to reconciliation,

and let the cup of our life overflow

with justice and life for all your creation.

Let your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life,

and make this earth your home forever,

in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA

POP: you are our light

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (based on Psalm 27)

O Lord, you are our light and our salvation;
we are not afraid of anyone or anything.
When terrible things happen, we put our trust in you,
and we know you are always with us.
Help us to see you at work in our lives always.

We pray for people who are suffering or frightened today,
and for everybody who is sick or grieving;
wrap your arms around them,
give them healing,
and keep them safe.
We pray that everyone would be able to sing your praises
and tell that you have done wonderful things for them.

Show us how to follow you, O Lord,
and help us live as your disciples
as long as we live.
We pray in Jesus’ name,
who taught us to pray, saying:

The Lord’s Prayer

 

Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA

POP: flows abundantly

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We praise you, O Lord, for your greatness and splendor;
we rejoice in you for the beauty and delight of your presence.
Your goodness flows abundantly in the life of the world,
and you provide enough
not only to sustain life
but to make living a delight.
We pray for all that lives,
and especially today for those creatures
whose lives are filled with suffering or uncertainty
because they cannot find enough
food, shelter, security, love, or hope.
Guide us as we seek to use the gifts you have given us,
and open us to see what wonders you can work in the world through us.
We pray for those who hunger for signs of your love
and who thirst for the gladness of your good news.
Make us vessels of your mercy
and servants at your welcome table,
so we might make room for everyone to find a home in you.
We pray as disciples of Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who teaches us to pray, saying:

The Lord’s Prayer

 

Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA