Lord, we pray for the body of Christ,

      Your church, as we seek to be

            Your voice, Your feet, and Your hands:

Help us to speak Your message of

      love for the lost, hope for the hurting,

      compassion for the heart of this city and nation.

Help us to walk where Your feet would lead us -

      into places of hurt and hunger,

            oppression and isolation.

      Where others fear to tread,

            may we go with You.

Help us to reach out to the forgotten,

      oppressed and lost with Your helping,

            healing hands, hands that are still pierced

            with Your sacrifice

            and raised with Your victory.

                        Bless our church,

                        not for our sakes but for the sake

                        of Your kingdom which shall come...

                        Amen.

--Rev. Dr. John G. Hamilton