A Sunday Prayer for My Church Family

Father, thank You for my church family — this odd, imperfect, wonderful collection of people You have stitched together into something like a home.

Bless our pastor today. Give them words that are Yours and not just theirs, and rest afterward, because Sundays cost them more than we see.

Bless the ones who serve where nobody looks — the nursery workers and the sound desk, the greeters, the coffee makers, the ones who stack the chairs when everyone else has gone. You see them, Lord. Reward them.

Bless the person walking in for the first time today, nervous in the parking lot. Let someone learn their name.

And bless the empty seats — the ones who are sick, the ones who are traveling, and the ones who are drifting and don't know how to come back. Draw them home gently.

Keep us patient with each other, quick to forgive, and slow to keep score. Make us the kind of family people are surprised to find still exists.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this on Sunday morning before the service, or whenever your congregation comes to mind during the week. It is a good one to pray slowly, putting real names in place of each line.

A Verse to Hold On To

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" — Psalm 133:1 (KJV)