Prayers of the People

Praise our Lord who gives us life! He made us, breathed into us, and sacrificed to give us eternal life with Him. We praise you, the life-bringer, life-changer, and life-giver of us all!
We lift up the Tokyo Olympics: As our Canadian Olympic athletes join with others from around the world in Japan this week, we lift them up in prayer for protection from Covid, from the extreme heat of the region, and all the difficulties they face as athletes in Olympic competition. May they feel your presence and grace through challenging times, and may they be able to celebrate one another in unity.
Together we lift up the farming communities across Western Canada who face drought. The high temperatures and little to no rain have put crops at risk. We ask for your mercy, Oh God, that you would bring rain and cooler temperatures to the farmers so that the crops would grow and the harvest be plentiful.
We pray for those working in human resources departments in Muskoka. We ask that you would give them knowledge, compassion, humility and wisdom as they set and enforce the policies between employers and employees. We pray for your grace to shine through their actions so that you may be glorified in their workplace.
We lift up our congregation to you Lord Jesus. We pray that we may communicate with each other in grace and truth. We pray that you would use our words and actions to draw people closer to you and to each other so that we worship you together. We pray for those feeling isolated, overwhelmed and alone. Please help us to reach out in your Holy Spirit both to help and be helped.
We pray for Howard Hawes as he begins chemotherapy this week. Lord we ask for the treatments to work well and that side effects are minimal. We pray for healing and strength for both Howard and Anne as they go through this process.
Praise the Lord for the witness of those faithful in Christ whom you have already called home. We thank you for their lives and the impact they have on family, friends and our community. Their testimony of faith has helped us see you more clearly, Oh God, and for that we praise you. Praise the Lord!