God of mercy and reconciliation, we so desperately need your healing. Restore relationships that are strained or broken, between couples, within families, among friends, across nations and cultures. Move us to follow your lead in grace and forgiveness. Amen.

I wonder if you smile, Lord, when we call this “Rally” Sunday. While we may have “taken a break” over the summer and now return to full participation in our community of faith, you have been steady and ever-present! Be with us as we intentionally engage Elements of a Living Faith. Amen.

Gracious God, as we prepare for Rally Sunday, remind us to look out for newcomers in our midst, even as we are excited to reconnect with familiar friends. Let hospitality flow from each house of worship that seeks to represent your presence in the world. Amen.

The beauty of colored leaves, the subtle changes in light, the gradual cooling of the days all point to the change of seasons. God of all creation, open our eyes to the wonder that surrounds us in the natural world, and help us to live in harmony with all you have made. Amen.

Today, God of Wisdom, as members of our congregation gather to study your Word, bless their efforts with your insight and guidance. Fill all who read the Bible with the Holy Spirit, with attentiveness, and with humility. Accomplish in us what you desire out of the written word that reveals to us the Word made flesh - our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

God of order and creation, schedules and routines give us boundaries to order our priorities. Help me to make wise choices for how I will use my time as the demands of work and school and church activities return to their regular pattern. Let me see my time as a precious gift to be used in life-giving ways, for myself and the needs of others. Amen.

As a new school year begins, O God, we thank you for the delight of learning new things and the satisfaction of new accomplishments. Bless all students with eagerness, support, and confidence. Grant teachers wisdom, compassion, skill, and energy. Fill each of us with a desire to grow in knowledge and a will to serve. Amen.

On this Labor Day, let us be mindful of the gift of useful work. Guide us to appreciate the work of others that brings pleasure, support, or care to the lives we live. Use us to care for those who are unemployed or unable to work. Teach us your ways of justice. Amen.

Like a great fall migration, many seem determined to go “somewhere else” on these long holiday weekends. Bless all who travel, Lord. Keep them alert as they drive, relaxed as they celebrate, and refreshed as they return, that all might serve you through our daily work. Bless, too, those who remain at home and worship together today. Amen.

God of wholeness, you know that having meaningful and useful work to do gives purpose and direction to our days. We depend upon employment to provide for basic needs for food and shelter and clothing. Be strongly present to those who are unemployed or unhappy in their work. Let us as a community work together to provide support and assistance when families or individuals are in transition. Amen.

Though the calendar still says summer, Lord, this weekend marks for most of us the end of vacations and the return to an ordinary routine. Thank you for the rhythm of rest and work. Help us to find joy in the diversity that life offers, and in all circumstances to seek the good of our neighbor, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

O Heavenly Father, forgive us for being our own worst enemies! Some have not enough food, and so are dying of starvation, while others are consuming so much that their lives are also at risk. And as you forgive us, guide us to seek the life-nurturing relationship with food that you intend. Amen.

God of all nations, help us to see what we have in common as your human creatures. Let our similarities overcome our fears. Teach us to listen to each other for the sake of understanding, so that we all can live peacefully in your world. Amen.

God of justice, we try to follow your command to care for those who are vulnerable and in need. Give us courage to also speak out when systems and situations are unjust and in need of change. Help us to be faithful. Amen.

God of healing and hope, be present with those who are ill in body, mind, or spirit. Grant skill and compassion to doctors, nurses, and all those who care for those who are sick. Amen.

As we gather for worship today, O God, restore us with the good news of your love and feed us with your Holy Meal. Give us peace in the midst of our questions and send us into the world with hope and joy. Amen.

Sovereign God, we ask for your blessing and guidance on the leaders of nations. Give them courage to lead out of compassion and wisdom, for the sake of the whole world. Amen.

As the summer draws to a close, Holy God, young adults begin to leave home for new ventures of college or career. Bless both the sweetness of tender good-byes and the excitement of challenges and new experiences. Hold together families even when they are separated by distance. Amen.

Knit us together, Lord God, in communities of health and wholeness. Help us to see the common needs that we share and to establish systems and structures that care for those who are strong and self-sufficient as well as for those who are more vulnerable. Amen.

Lord of sun, moon, and stars, grant us the wisdom to live in harmony with nature. Grant us favorable weather for growing crops and providing food. When storms threaten and the destruction caused by nature disrupts life and work, use us to help rebuild and restore what is lost. Amen.

Sometimes life is full and rich and abundant, Lord, and I am so grateful! Thank you for friends, for companions, for experiences and events and entertainment that enrich my days. As I enjoy these good gifts of life, keep me aware of those whose lives are lonely and who are in need of my friendship. Amen.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that because of your grace and mercy I am free to start again when I fail, when I sin, when I make mistakes. Thank you for your incredible assurance that nothing can separate me from the love of God, because of you. Amen.

By water and the Spirit you claim each of us as your own in baptism. Lift us up and fill us with the power of that Spirit to be both signs of your love in the world and your instruments of transformation and reconciliation. Amen.

Creator God, it is easy to get blinded by the overwhelming details of our daily lives, and consumed by what is urgent in each moment. You are God of all creation. Slow us down. Open our eyes to the wonder and beauty of all that you have made. Help us to appreciate our place in your good order. Amen.

Today we remember Mary, Mother of our Lord. Thank you for showing us that none is too humble to be of service in the coming of your reign on earth. Thank you for faithful women, generation after generation, who have been bearers of God to their children. Amen.

Psalm 100 invites us to “make a joyful noise to the Lord!” Thank you for musicians who help us raise our voices in praise. Bless the youth who are attending the “Higher Ground Music Festival” and fill them with your presence. Amen.

So, Lord, what exactly do you expect from your church? How can we be faithful to your call to “come and follow?” What unique gifts and interests have you planted here that will tell the story of your love so that everyone will find a welcome? Amen.

God of all creation, in these hot, dry days of late summer, we ask you to continue to care for this beautiful planet on which we live. Even as it is more than we can imagine, we so easily take it for granted. Make us good stewards of the earth, sea and sky, for those who will come after us. Amen.

We are captivated, Lord, when we watch the skill and grace of athletes from around the world compete in the Olympics. Even as we cheer for our own team, open our eyes to see the common humanity you bestow upon every tribe and race and clan. Let our similarities overcome our differences. Amen.

Spirit of God, breathe into each of our hearts, stir up your power and joy in this congregation. As we witness again the outpouring of your grace in the waters of baptism, remind us all that we have been named, claimed, and washed clean for your purpose. Amen.