God of surprises, open our ears to hear you call our name. Whether it be in the middle of the night like Samuel or in the middle of the day, teach us what it means to hear your voice. And when you do call our name, remind us that you are inviting us to be included in your story where you are drawing people into a closer relationship with you.
Today, we lift up to you the people and situations that are in need of your love, your healing, your guidance, your wisdom, and your strength. You know what each person needs far more than what our limited understanding allows. Even in this very moment, may those who are in need of you this day, hear you speak their name, reminding them that your grace is more than sufficient to care for their needs.
Just as you called upon young Samuel to respond to your calling so long ago, we also lift up to you the young people of today. We pray for our schools and our teachers in the important work of providing a safe place for them to grow in knowledge and in the skills that are needed to help them reach their potential. In this unsteady and confusing world, may your joy and hope be kept alive in them. Reassure them that they truly are your blessed, beloved, and beautiful children of God.
And on this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, may we all respond to your call to actively work for peace, justice, and equality for all.
O God, lead all of us to respond to your calling in our lives by saying, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” We pray this in the name of Jesus who calls us by name and who invites us to pray these words together…
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
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