Call Congregational Prayer

Thank you God for the glorious weather we have had these past few days,
summer lingering for us to enjoy.
Tall trees still filled with dark green leaves with just a hint of yellow,
combines harvesting long golden windrows,
the fragrance of mint in the garden,
the taste of late strawberries,
the touch of cool breezes on skin still heated by the sun's warm rays.
You extend a call to us every day, Jesus, and we thank you for your call to love.
We hear that call again and again,
expressed to us through many kind hands and warm hearts around us.
Thank you for giving us intricate networks of family and friends and church 
who embody your love, and call us to love in return.
Open our eyes to this call, 
which is not narrow, but as wide as the world.
Help us to love, not only theoretically, but practically:
love for refugees in Ukraine and Iraq,
love for those who are sick with the Ebola virus,
love for our neighbours and co-workers,
love for our enemies.
Forgive us for the times we have failed to share your love,
choosing to hoard what is freely given, 
fearful that we have limited resources, limited time...we're too tired.
And then, on the edge of our hearing, comes your voice,
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, and I will give you rest."
Help us to respond with cheerful hearts as we do your work.
Strengthen those among us who face heavy burdens,
who live with pain; physical, emotional, spiritual.
Holy Spirit, bind us together as we study your word and share with one another.
Multiply your call in us and through us.
Everything we do, we do in the name of Jesus,   Amen.