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Workshop
participants at the 20th Annual Convention of the Diocese of East Tennessee
were asked to write their individual prayers on 3-by-5 cards, which were
then organized and read by youth delegates during a worship segment that
was conducted within a convention business session.
Among the prayers
were these:
- Gracious and loving God, grant understanding and respect between your children; through your love, allow that respect to grow into acceptance and love, so that the playgrounds of Earth may reflect the playgrounds of heaven, with all your children joyfully praising you together.
- In thanks for "Amazing Grace," the source of my faith and hope.
- For the music program at our parish.
- In thanksgiving for the gift of art in all its expressions and the power it holds to reveal God's abundant grace to us all, regardless of race, gender, age, orientation or status.
- For the one in four girls and the one in six boys who studies show are sexually abused.
- That we as a church act in love with three times the spirit of those who act in hate.
- For ministry to Spanish immigrants.
- For the grace to see the reign of God wherever and whenever it appears.
- For all those who have been victims of hate crimes and for their families.
- For all those who hate, that their hearts may be changed to love.
- Help us in the Diocese of East Tennessee to learn in our differences to hear each other and to respect each other.
- For all people to recognize how education can provide help, love and understanding that can help reduce violent acts.
- God, please give us wisdom and understanding.
- Let us speak and listen with kindness.
- O God, who listens to us with infinite wisdom and patience, help us to truly hear each other as we seek to be in deeper communion with you and with each other.
- For strength and courage to turn from the secular and embrace again the spiritual.
- For reconciliation between Christianity and al-Islam.
- For commitment to listening.
- For discernment.
- For patience and respect.
- For the voices of reason in all religions and particularly in the Middle East.
- We are grateful for the gifts of storytellers and musicians. Bless the storytellers and musicians.
- For Jack Cannon and family.
- For the un- and under-employed that we may be aware of their needs and be fearless in advocating on their behalf.
- For my daughter, Frances, who is in the darkness of her soul following the death of her fiancé by an accident.
- For Gregory, who is in prison.
- For all my family and friends. I pray the Lord to lay his hands on all who need healing. I pray for all who are here.
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