Praying in 2026
Mennonite Church Alberta's Three Priorities will be the focus for 2026, which may take the form of a prayer or a Menno Minute, or a something else! (Have an idea - please reach out!) But let's not lose sight of communal prayer, either.
Prayers will be added to this page throughout the year as it seems natural. If you, your church, family, small group, Sunday School Class or any other group has an idea for a prayer - please email Linda
February
11-Feb-26
Dear Friends within MCA,
As we pastors gathered for prayer this morning, we were mindful of the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge. We read the story of Hagar from Genesis 21, as she is alone with her dying child. God hears her cries and sends a messenger to her, saying “Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.” God hears the cries of parents. God hears the cries of children where they are.
Knowing the shock and hurt felt by many of us in response to the events of Tuesday in BC, we offer this prayer. We recognize that our human tendency is to move quickly to blame or to solving problems. We want to do something. Yet, in times of tragedy, we are called to sit in the pain with the community of Tumbler Ridge. We join them in their sorrow, trusting in God’s comforting presence.
Please pray with us…
God, who hears our cries,
The people of Tumbler Ridge
are in grief and shock.
Hear their cries of rage, of disbelief, of anguish.
You promise that when we do not know how to pray,
your Holy Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
Hear the sighs, the piercing cries, the tears.
In your mercy, Lord
Hear our prayer.
Just as you came to Hagar in her grief,
comfort and surround this community.
May they know that they are not alone.
In your mercy, Lord
Hear our prayer.
From the chaos of this tragedy
we seek your presence and wisdom, O God.
You alone have strength to carry this people.
Carry them now, O Lord.
Carry us now, O Lord.
You alone have wisdom and power to heal
the wounds of a community and a nation.
Heal us, O Lord.
You alone have compassion enough to enter our widespread grief,
and from it bring hope.
In your mercy,
Lord, hear our pray.
Amen.
In grief and hope,
Bill Christieson, Aiden Scherzinger, Rachel Siemens, Tany Warkentin
