Interfaith Day of Prayer – Prayer from Rev. Dr. Paul Sherry

God of us all,

We ask your presence with us in these days of challenge when so many of your people are in need of your tender care. Be with the dead and dying, be with all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones, be with us all so that together we might find the solace and the strength that only you can provide.

We know that the days ahead will continue to be difficult for so many. We know that our anxieties over the future we face will threaten to overwhelm. We know there will be many days and nights when we are tempted to despair. But we know also that even in these days you have not abandoned us. And in this knowledge we will face the days ahead, as challenging as they might be, with trust, with courage, and with love.

We commit to you, dear God, that as you have not abandoned us we will not abandon each other. We will love each other. We will support each other. We will walk with each other through the darkness of this night even as we pray fervently for the coming of a new day.

Dear God, you are our guide and stay; today, tomorrow, and in all the days that lie ahead. Amen.  

Rev. Dr. Paul H. Sherry

Former General Minister and President, United Church of Christ (1989-1999)