O God, Wisdom of the universe,
You bear the pain of Your people.
Grant us the gift of wisdom,
that we may discern Your way
and live justly and graciously
amid the struggles of this world.

Ever-present God,
we look around the world
and see places where people cry out to You:
in places torn by the ravages of war,
in countries demolished by natural disasters,
in areas like rural Kentucky where there are no jobs,
in families across our own state
who have been devastated by opioid addiction.

Help us bear Your light
into the places of the world
that need illumination and healing.

God of Wisdom, draw near to us.

Gracious God,
give us a gentleness born of wisdom
that we might go out into the world
and serve as Your ambassadors.

In order to do that,
bless us with the wisdom needed to do so;
a wisdom that is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.

God of all mercy and grace,
give us the courage to seek You out,
to search our hearts for Your truth,
and to be guided by the stories of scripture.
Since our hearts do not rest until they rest in You,
lead us to the pastures of Your protection,
that we might be faithful members of Your flock.

God of Wisdom, draw near to us.

Healing God,
we pray for those among us this day
who need Your love:
for those who struggle with depression’s grip,
for those who journey with physical disabilities,
for those who are lonely, hopeless,
or battling addiction;
for those who are angry and bitter,
for those who are broken and battered,
and for those we lift up to You in silence…

O God, our teacher and guide,
You draw us to Yourself
and welcome us as beloved children.
Help us to lay aside our envy and selfish ambition,
that we may walk in Your ways of wisdom and understanding
as servants of Your peace.

God of Wisdom, draw near to us. Amen.

Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy

Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.