A PRAYER FOR THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Luke 13:10-17 (NRSV)

10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” 13 When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.

We are bent and broken

Our wounds never seem to heal

We hurt in many places

in our bodies

in our minds

in our souls

We have illnesses

too numerous

cancers and sores

strokes and falls

surgeries and pain

Lay your hands upon us

Lord Jesus

and we will be whole

We are bent and broken

Our hearts are very sad

Our countenance brought down

We seldom smile

seldom laugh

seldom sing

We lose too many

Friends and family

Relationships

Colleagues and jobs

Moments and possibilities

Lay your hands upon us

Lord Jesus

and we will be whole

We are bent and broken

Our Spirits are very low

We have lost direction

Lost focus

Lost direction

We don't have trust or faith

We wander aimlessly

Reaching out into the cosmos

Reaching out for a hand

Searching for a presence

Lay your hands upon us

Lord Jesus

and we will be whole

Come, Lord Jesus

Heal our bodies

Mend our hearts

Restore our souls

Lay your hands upon us

Lord Jesus

and we will be whole

Amen