Welcome to the Federated Church of East Arlington

Midweek prayer:

Dear Lord,

We give you thanks for the life, love and healing that you offer to us without limit. We give thanks for the many people, past and present, who have demonstrated Your loving, healing and life giving spirit through their service to help others. We ask you to watch over all those who seek to help others, that You protect them and guide them and comfort them when the burdens of care weigh heavy on them. Bless them, and bless us all that we may serve one another as the Light of the World taught us. Amen.

We find ourselves in the season of abundance – excess zucchini secretly left on porches, hydrangea bushes so full that the flowers can’t help but touch the ground, huge watermelons inviting seed-spitting contests. Help us share in the bounty that we have so much of, Generous God. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to respond to those around us. Summer is ours to dwell in fully and with compassion. In your grace-filled name, we pray. Amen.

We’ve been enjoying some beautiful days, Holy One. Days of sunshine after so much rain and cool evenings, ideal for good sleeping. Let us not take any of it for granted. Instead, may we be filled with gratitude for this gift, and may we use this time to enjoy what we have. And let us remember days and nights like these when the inevitable extreme heat and cold challenge us. You are with us through it all, Creator God. May we be a blessing to you and your world. Amen.

At this midpoint of summer for those of your children in the Northern Hemisphere that is upon us, Gracious God, we recognize how much of your creation there is to enjoy. We don’t want to miss the chance to eat of such treats as fresh corn on the cob or plump and juicy tomatoes. We want to hold onto the moments of wonder that are ours to behold like a starry night filled with the sight of fireflies and the sound of crickets. There are so many colors and textures and smells and tastes and sounds to treasure. Help us live each day well, Almighty One and continue to keep us forever filled with thanksgiving. It is in the blessing that is you, God, that we pray. Amen.

Summer is heating up here in our part of the world and all that warmth brings a heightened awareness of all your non-human creatures and growing things that are all around us, Almighty One. From the mosquito whose bite we try to avoid to the trees heavy with an abundance of green to the rabbits gnawing on clover to berry plants bursting with goodness, we offer our praise and thanksgiving. Make us good stewards of the majesty that surrounds us. Keep us humble in our sharing of your earth. In your gracious name, we pray. Amen.