Our Shared Prayers October

October 29

October 22

October 15

Creator God,
Painter of the clear blue autumn sky
and the flowers that are starting to fade,
and the plants that will stay green
and the leaves that put on bright new colours for the fall.

Thank you for the beauty that is all around:
The beauty of colour
The beauty of nature,
The beauty of people,
The beauty of your creation.

Open my eyes to see your artistry at work,
even when the news around is monochromatic darkness.
Open my ears to hear the music of the birds, and the wind and the rain,
even when voices rage with hatred, fear, and predictions of doom.
Open my hands to receive your blessings,
even when people offer only disapproval and blame.

Open my arms to embrace the all the wonder that is You and your creation.
For all that You are
and all that You give, 
I offer you my thanks, Oh God.

Written and shared by Debbie Baergen, First Mennonite Edmonton

October 8 

Our Generous God,

Our hearts are full --

       with joy for your wonderful world and our blessed lives,

       with gratitude for all you have provided,

       with thankfulness for your continued presence in our lives.

We see the bounty of the harvest, full grocery store shelves, and the beauty of this season.

We are delighted.

We also know, there are some for whom the reality is very different

       for whom tables are bare,

       for whom money doesn’t stretch far enough,

       for whom this season does not seem beautiful.

May we be mindful of the needs around us, and ways we can share.  

May we be aware of how our privilege may exclude others.

May we strive to ensure everyone is welcome and included at your banquet table-your table of food, and of homes, of care and love.

With grateful hearts, we thank you for the ways you guide us to ensure that your healing and hope flow through us to the world,

this Thanksgiving and always.

Amen.

Written and shared by Jan Wilhelm, First Mennonite Church Edmonton

October 1

A prayer for our pastors -- October 2025

O, Great Author and Teacher of Love,

Today we pray for those who have felt the call on their hearts to lead Your people into new understandings of who You are and deeper communion with You and each other.

We pray for our pastors and church leaders who consistently, with dedication, do their utmost to serve You and our churches.

For those who are presently shepherding us as our pastors:
          We pray for strength, energy and passion.
          We pray for wisdom and discernment.
          We pray for people to walk alongside them.
          And most of all, we pray for the outpouring of the Spirit’s grace, welcome, and inspiration to fuel their ministry.

We pray for our past pastors, who have shaped and influenced us:
          May they receive a special blessing for the years of service and love they have offered us.

We pray for those who will one day become pastors,
          those who are presently pursuing education having already felt Your calling on their lives, for those who don’t yet know that this will be their path, and for those who are pastors without a congregation at this time:
         Give them courage.
         Give them both confidence and humility, trusting in You.
         Give them hope.

We pray for churches who are without a pastor:
          We pray Your blessing and Your direction on their fellowships and their leaders, so that they may continue to find purpose and meaning in living faithfully as Your ambassadors.

God of Love and Generosity, Christ of Welcome and Restoration, Spirt of Life and Renewal:
          May we appreciate and support the work of those called to the ministry of pastoral care and teaching.
          May we be open to receive the insights and the empowerment of the Spirit through their words and actions.
          May we share in all the joys, cares and endeavors of being communities of faith, together.
Amen.

Written and shared by Laura Wiebe, Trinity Mennonite