Prayers of the People

Illustration by Eunice Sunmie Derksen

For the Ache of Home

Celebrant:
With trust in God, our true refuge, let us bring before Him the ache of a world longing for home.

Intercessor:
Heavenly Father, You are the Creator of Home—the place where we are fully known, loved, and safe in Your presence. Yet so many live without that refuge, without belonging, without hope. Hear our prayers for those who long for home.

For Vulnerable Children
We pray for children without families, those in foster care, and those who feel unloved. Cradle them in Your arms, Lord, and raise up advocates to nurture, protect, and cherish them. Stir our hearts to open our homes, offer support, and lift them to You in prayer.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Single Mothers
We pray for single mothers striving to create a home. Strengthen them, O Lord, and surround them with a loving community. Show us how to share their burdens and be agents of Your provision.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the Imprisoned
We pray for those incarcerated, longing for redemption and restoration. Speak freedom to their hearts, O Lord, and break the cycles of despair. Call us to seek justice, mercy, and the dignity of all people.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the Homeless
We lift before You those wandering the streets or living in shelters. Protect them, provide for them, and surround them with care. Open our hands and hearts to be instruments of Your sheltering love.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For Refugees and Immigrants
We pray for those displaced by war, violence, and desperation. May they find safety and welcome in new communities. Help us to see them as neighbors, bearing the same longing for peace that we do.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the Lonely and Grieving
We remember those who mourn, those with broken families, and those carrying loss. Draw near to them, O Lord, and surround them with love. May we offer comfort, presence, and the gift of community.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the Elderly and the Sick
We pray for those in nursing homes, hospitals, and places of isolation. Let them know they are not forgotten. Use us to bring dignity, companionship, and care.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the Dying
We lift up those approaching the end of this earthly journey. Grant them peace, O Lord, and the assurance of their heavenly home. May we be bearers of Your light, offering love and presence in their final days.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Celebrant:
Lord, break our hearts for the things that break Yours. Teach us to pray with hope and to act with courage. Use us to reflect Your love, to welcome the displaced, and to offer a sense of home wherever it is needed. Until all Your children hear Your call:
"Not home? Come home."

In the name of Jesus Christ, our refuge and our true home, we pray.
Amen.