Gracious Lord, we come before you with grateful and faithful hearts, seeking your presence in this moment, asking for your guidance, wisdom and peace. Open our minds and hearts to your word and lead us in your truth.
We pray for all religious leaders throughout the world; that they might be guided by wisdom and inspire those whom they lead in the ways of truth, justice, compassion and mercy.
We pray especially for an end to the terrible situation in the Middle East. We hold in our prayers the people of Lebanon, praying for the souls of those who have been killed, for those who mourn them, and for those who are frightened and displaced.
We pray for those who have been hit by flooding in Wales and England, and for those clearing up after the recent floods in central and Eastern Europe. We ask the Holy Spirit to move among those who have been affected in any way.
As the effects of climate change continue to be felt around the world, we pray for political leaders and policymakers; that they might be encouraged by the Spirit and commit to finding creative ways to meet the challenges we face as a planet.
We pray for anyone who is experiencing distress or darkness in their life; that they might know the presence of angels around them and be renewed in courage and strengthened in faith.
Lord of All, we thank you for the gift of your angels, who surround us with protective love. May they lead us closer to you, carrying your light into every corner of the world. Help us to trust in their presence and feel your peace through them. Amen.