Thank you to Rev. gretchen N. Sausville (Arvada Presbyterian Church), for sharing her prayers with us. Please feel free to adapt for your faith tradition and community and please cite the author.
Premise: As I pondered the past Sunday in a new way, I thought about all the communities I have served, nationally and internationally, urban and suburban, and what those communities all have in common. I then considered the connection that comes from prayer as a way for individuals and households to be in and for the world, while being distanced from one another.
This Community Prayer is intended to be done by driving, walking, biking, or from a kitchen table. It is meant to allow us to leave our personal place of loneliness, fear, and isolation, and remember we are a part of something much greater.
Consider the community where you live, and then plan a route to these places. Maybe venture out to all 12 places in a day, or choose 1 place every day. The prayers are written to be multi-faith, inclusive, and inter-generational.
A House of Worship
O Divine Presence, You have many names and your creation cries out to you in all the languages of the earth. Bless this House of Worship and its people. May we remember that we are all connected in the divine plan of your world. Help us help each other, no matter the creeds we speak or the mantras we meditate upon. May our words ever be “loving kindness.” Amen.
A Community/Recreation/Senior/Social Service Center
We pray, Infinite Spirit, for the safe haven of these walls and for those who come here to connect in body, mind, and spirit. We pray for the staff and the many services they provide, for their well-being in this time of sickness and closure. We pray for its patrons, who dream and long for the return of community, of laughter, of athleticism, of acceptance. We pray that all may be seen and heard while being absent from one another. Amen.
A School or Library
Within the mortar of brick and reflection of glass, in the bookcases of mystery and science fiction, and from the lips of storytellers and historians, we find ourselves. We remember our favorite teachers, our favorite books with weather-worn pages; we remember the stomp of shoes and the excitement of a new lesson learned. Bless our teachers of past, and bless students of every age. May we remember that we are never too old to learn a new thing. Amen.
A Police/Fire/Rescue Squad Station
“Look for the helpers”, said Mr. Rogers and so we look to you, and pray for you, those of you on the front lines of emergencies day after day. From fires and flat tires, to animal rescues and flat lines, you respond to us with courage and compassion. May we continue to help each other in all circumstances. Amen
A Medical Practice
It is not easy to work here; and yet every day you come, no matter the weather, no matter what is happening in the world, to care for all creation. You tend our bodies and minds, our eyes or feet, even our teeth, and maybe even our pet’s teeth. You place our needs above yours, and you work to make us healthier. We pray for your health, safety, and spirit on this day, and that of your patients, too. Amen.
A Place where food is purchased, cooked, stored, or shared
We know that bread is life; and yet for many, they wonder from where their bread will come. We know that many go hungry even though there is an abundance to be found. We pray that all may have enough to eat and drink today, tomorrow, and always. We pray for those whose livelihood is food that they may continue to cook, and share, and live by bread. Amen.
A Local Business
You are a staple in our community, you who have been here for three generations and you who have only just begun. You add color and life to our community: You fix cars and shoes; you sell amazing wine and bake delicious cupcakes; and you have been the best tax person anyone could ever ask for. Your small businesses are what make Saturdays fun and remind us that anything and everything is possible. So, we pray for you, the strong and mighty pioneer of local pride. Amen.
A Park/Green Space
Spring dawns with her buzz cut of green and her full body of color and texture. The birds return their songs to her, the sun bows and the moon adorns her with diamond skies. Spring parks herself on a bench beside the tulips, and she inhales. The scent of color calls forth “thank you,” “bless you,” “Blessed bee”. In this place, Spring is stung by the beauty and the fragility of our environment. She prays to all that will hear, “Bless the bees of the field, the flowers of the field, and the sweet honeycomb. Blessed are all things that come from the earth.” Amen.
A Cemetery
As the cycles of life change us from birth to death, we remember all who came before, all who walked this road, all who journey with us, and we honor them. Whether or not they are here in this hallowed ground, they are here among the humble and not so humble who have gone before us. We come to thank them, the unknown and the unnamed, and say “thank you”. You remind us that we are given this one organic body and this one amazing life, and we are named Beloved. May we live fully, create beautifully, and remember that we are dust of the heavens and of the earth. We honor you, and your families who grieve and celebrate you. Thank you, well done, good and faithful ones. Amen.
A Care Facility (child, senior, recovery, rehab)
Care comes in many forms, and your caregiving is a gift. You may be a saint with children and a gem with elders, you may be a wise one with those who need a new way home. Big decisions are made here for the welfare of each resident. You care! Care comes thru smiles, laughter, handshakes, silly songs, and solid conversations. How lucky we are to receive care from you. We lift up your goodness and patience and perseverance for the care of all God’s people. Amen.
Your Neighborhood
This is my exit and my street. The dog howls, the children swing, the dads dwell in deep thoughts, the moms time out, the widow makes her way to the Apple Store and the widower Snapchats her later, after his grandchildren have showed him the way. My neighborhood, where I see the Divine in all I meet. Some of my neighbors have always lived here, some are brand new, some I have never met, I must rectify that. I pray for my neighborhood, my street, my microcosm of community, the loud man, the noisy car, and the dog that signs his name on my part of the side walk. I love my neighborhood in sickness and in health. I do. Amen.
Your Home
I’ve lived here long enough to know, I would love it or hate it. But this home is mine by the grace of family and friends, by the grace of the right deal at the right time, by the grace of the One called God/Parent/Creator. This home in this neighborhood is where I dream and cry, where I write my memoir and share my life. This home, whether it is my body, my house, or the place I long to find in a dream, may I see it safe, secure, and strong . . . so that future generations may say “Home is safe, secure, and strong.” May it be so. Amen.
Rev. gretchen N. Sausville gives permission to use these prayers. Please feel free to adapt for your faith tradition and community and please cite the author.
