An Intercessory Prayer for My Community

Lord, I bring my community before You — the streets I walk, the faces I pass, the neighbors whose names I know and the many I don't.

Bless the homes on every street. Where there is worry about money, provide. Where there is conflict behind closed doors, bring peace. Where there is loneliness, send a knock at the door.

Watch over our schools — the children learning, the teachers giving more than they're paid for. Watch over the ones who keep this place running: the nurses and clerks, the drivers and cooks, the ones who work while the rest of us sleep.

Give wisdom to those who make decisions for us. Give courage to those who serve us. And give the rest of us open hands and open doors, so that no one here has to struggle alone.

Make me part of the answer, Lord. Show me one neighbor to encourage this week, one need I can quietly meet.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this on a walk through your neighborhood, on your commute, or whenever local news leaves you heavy-hearted. It's also a good prayer for small groups who want to pray for their town together.

A Verse to Hold On To

"And seek the peace of the city... and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace." — Jeremiah 29:7 (KJV)