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The Prayer Walk is printed below.
It can also be downloaded in video from above or in printed pdf form here ... |
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A Prayer as You Begin…
Let us journey on our way, and I will go alongside you.
Genesis 33:12, Esau to Jacob
Gracious God: bless my walk today. Whether I am walking out of doors or just in my imagination, I ask that you make me aware of your tender and abiding presence. As I move through this community, go with me, and bless all the people in this place. Amen.
Waterfront
God saw everything that [God] had made, and indeed, it was very good.
Genesis 1:31a
Creating God: I look out on this lake and this park and I give thanks for all of creation. It is surely beautifully and wonderfully made. I give thanks for the Mississauga peoples who have blessed this land with their presence and their care for thousands of years. I give thanks for the lake stewards who watch over these waters to ensure that they are well cared for. I give thanks for all the people who enjoy this park and water. May they know the gift that it is, and may they celebrate simply being alive and living in your good world. Together may we be good stewards of your gift of creation. Amen.
Scugog Memorial Public Library
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31
God of wisdom: this library is a place of learning, of art, and of gathering. Bless those who work here, that they may continue to find ways to open our hearts and our minds to both the new and the old. Thank you, God, for the written word. What a gift it is to be able to communicate and to tell stories. Whether it is through the written word, movies, art, or movement, or simply sitting around a campfire, may we all be given the confidence and the clarity to share our stories. Amen.
Municipal Offices
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; …
Romans 13:1a
Dear God, our centre and our guide: I thank you for our municipal government, and for the services that it provides to my community, such as road maintenance, the fire department, and the arena. I pray for our mayor and councillors, and for our elected representatives at other levels–regional, provincial, and federal–who have answered the call to public service. May they make difficult decisions in these challenging times, with wisdom and with love for all people. Amen.
A Local Pharmacy
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Sustaining God: thank you for the miracle of modern medicine. Bless this pharmacy so that those who work within it will be given the patience and insight to provide excellent care. May we all be inspired not to take good health for granted. May we work to create a world where all might be as strong and as whole as possible. Help us to see the vulnerable, and help us to make a difference in our own community and around the world. Amen.
Post Office
Let your speech always be gracious, …
Colossians 4:6
God of connection: I thank you for the ways in which we are able to keep in touch with one another. We are fortunate to be able to communicate in a wide variety of ways–by email and by telephone and through social media. I thank you for the delight in receiving hand-written letter or a card in the mail, or in finding a thoughtful delivery at the door, and knowing the personal touch that it has taken. And I pray that we will continue to stay connected with one another during this lockdown, so that no-one might feel alone.
A Home or Apartment Building
My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, in secure homes, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah 32:18
Loving God: bless those who live in this house. May conversations be loving and kind. May there be enough food at the table. May there be an abundance of listening and laughter. And, if there is turmoil or strife in this place, I pray for healing. If people are unsafe in this home, give them the strength to seek safety and new beginnings. Bless all in this space with your peace. Amen.
Fire Station, Ambulance Depot
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luke 10:34, the parable of the good Samaritan
God of courage: I thank you for the first responders who are ready around the clock, and who do not hesitate to place themselves in harm’s way to help people in this community. I pray that they will continue to find the commitment and the stamina to carry out their critical work. Amen.
Oak Ridges Hospice of Durham
[God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for [these former] things [will] have passed away. Revelation 21:4
Eternal God: bless this place that one day will serve as a hospice in our community. For all those who are about to leave this earthly life, bless them with your deep and peaceful presence. May they die knowing that they are loved and cherished. Take away their fears, settle their pain, and surround them with your light. Bless their dear families so that they might be comforted and sustained at this difficult time. May ending conversations with their loved one be holy and healing. Amen.
Schools
The child [Jesus] grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him. Luke 2:40
God of laughter and learning: I thank you for the schools in our community–S. A. Cawker Public School, R. H. Cornish Public School, Prince Albert Public School, Good Shepherd Catholic School, Children’s House Montessori School, and Port Perry High School–which all so value the importance of quality education to a society. I pray for the students, teachers, and support staff in these schools. Whether they be in the classroom or learning remotely, may children and youth still know the joy of growing in mind as well as in body. Bless all of our children and youth in these difficult times. May we listen to their struggles, learn from their insights, celebrate their gifts, and support them now and into the future. Amen.
Hospital, Health Centre
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?
1 Corinthians 6:19a
God of healing: I thank you for the excellent medical facilities in our community–the Port Perry Hospital and the North Durham Health Centre. I pray for the doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators, and maintenance workers, that they may continue to provide high-quality health care in stressful circumstances. Bless them with good health and strength. I pray for those who are hospitalized today. May they know your strong and peaceful presence, and may you bless their bodies, spirits, and minds with healing and wholeness. Amen.
Port Perry Villa
… remember, I am with you always, … Matthew 28:20b, Jesus’ great commission
Dear God: I thank you for the Port Perry Villa. I pray for the residents here, who must be feeling the loneliness of not being able to have regular visits with family and friends and to gather together as a community. May they know that they are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we are all looking forward to the day when we will be able to hold hands and share a hug once again. Amen.
Port Perry Place (Community Nursing Home)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23
Ever-present God: I thank you for Port Perry Place, and for all care facilities like it. Having a nearby home for those who need day-to-day extra care is a blessing. I pray for the residents and staff here, who must be feeling vulnerable and fearful during this second wave of the pandemic, and especially for those residents and staff who are now ill with covid-19, that they may very soon recover. I pray for the staff of Port Perry Place in their ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe, and who are doing everything they can to care for the ill. And I pray for the families of residents, who are feeling anxious and helpless at this time. Amen.
Local Organizations
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Giving God, I pray for all the caring organizations in town and all of Scugog that are working so hard to make a difference. I pray for Big Brothers, Big Sisters Durham, Community Care Durham, North House, Operation Scugog, Community Living, Youth Shelters like Joanne’s House and Women’s Shelters like Denise House. All have worked so hard to continue to deliver their services and be compassionate during this pandemic. Multiply their efforts that so the vulnerable might be cared for and so that we all might be made aware of the needs in our community and beyond. Amen.
West Shore Village
… remember, I am with you always, … Matthew 28:20b, Jesus’ great commission
Dear God: I thank you for the West Shore Village. I pray for the residents here, who must be feeling the loneliness of not being able to have regular visits with family and friends and to gather together as a community. May they know that they are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we are all looking forward to the day when we will be able to hold hands and share a hug once again. Amen.
Town Hall 1873
Praise [the Lord] with tambourine and dance; praise [the Lord] with strings and pipe!
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Psalm 150:4, 6a
Joyful God: music, theatre, and dance are missing from this building right now. We give you thanks for past productions, and for old friendships renewed and new friends made. We give you thanks for all the times that the productions in this place made us laugh or cry or sing. We pray for all arts organizations that are struggling to keep going during this pandemic. Bless them with ongoing creativity, as we bless them with ongoing love and support. Amen.
Reflection Park
… my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. John 14:27
God of justice and of love: this is where your people have gathered for climate walks and Good Friday gatherings. This is where youth gather to spend time with a friend or to eat their lunch. This is where people come to simply reflect. Bless this space with your peace. May it continue to be a place of healing, inspiration, and grace for years to come. Amen.
A Local Grocery Store
Also take with you every kind of food that is eaten, and store it up; and it shall serve as food for you and for them.
Genesis 6:21, God to Noah
Dear God who fills us up with good things: I thank you for the grocery stores in our community, and all those workers–in food processing plants and warehouses, truckers and cashiers–who are essential to our accessing the food and supplies that we need even while all else is in lockdown. And I pray that those essential workers will remain safe and well, even as they put themselves at risk for the benefit of others. Amen.
Churches
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27
God of blessing: I thank you for the churches in our community. May they serve as a sign of your steadfast presence in our midst. May they keep us all spiritually grounded at a time when we might otherwise feel adrift. May they be beacons of light in our community, showing care and compassion for one another, for our community, and for our world. And may the worship that they offer in these times serve to uplift and to renew. Amen.
And may the peace of God be your peace; may the love of God be the love you know
may the joy of God be the joy you show; and may the world that God would see be found in you. Amen.
Let us journey on our way, and I will go alongside you.
Genesis 33:12, Esau to Jacob
Gracious God: bless my walk today. Whether I am walking out of doors or just in my imagination, I ask that you make me aware of your tender and abiding presence. As I move through this community, go with me, and bless all the people in this place. Amen.
Waterfront
God saw everything that [God] had made, and indeed, it was very good.
Genesis 1:31a
Creating God: I look out on this lake and this park and I give thanks for all of creation. It is surely beautifully and wonderfully made. I give thanks for the Mississauga peoples who have blessed this land with their presence and their care for thousands of years. I give thanks for the lake stewards who watch over these waters to ensure that they are well cared for. I give thanks for all the people who enjoy this park and water. May they know the gift that it is, and may they celebrate simply being alive and living in your good world. Together may we be good stewards of your gift of creation. Amen.
Scugog Memorial Public Library
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31
God of wisdom: this library is a place of learning, of art, and of gathering. Bless those who work here, that they may continue to find ways to open our hearts and our minds to both the new and the old. Thank you, God, for the written word. What a gift it is to be able to communicate and to tell stories. Whether it is through the written word, movies, art, or movement, or simply sitting around a campfire, may we all be given the confidence and the clarity to share our stories. Amen.
Municipal Offices
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; …
Romans 13:1a
Dear God, our centre and our guide: I thank you for our municipal government, and for the services that it provides to my community, such as road maintenance, the fire department, and the arena. I pray for our mayor and councillors, and for our elected representatives at other levels–regional, provincial, and federal–who have answered the call to public service. May they make difficult decisions in these challenging times, with wisdom and with love for all people. Amen.
A Local Pharmacy
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Sustaining God: thank you for the miracle of modern medicine. Bless this pharmacy so that those who work within it will be given the patience and insight to provide excellent care. May we all be inspired not to take good health for granted. May we work to create a world where all might be as strong and as whole as possible. Help us to see the vulnerable, and help us to make a difference in our own community and around the world. Amen.
Post Office
Let your speech always be gracious, …
Colossians 4:6
God of connection: I thank you for the ways in which we are able to keep in touch with one another. We are fortunate to be able to communicate in a wide variety of ways–by email and by telephone and through social media. I thank you for the delight in receiving hand-written letter or a card in the mail, or in finding a thoughtful delivery at the door, and knowing the personal touch that it has taken. And I pray that we will continue to stay connected with one another during this lockdown, so that no-one might feel alone.
A Home or Apartment Building
My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, in secure homes, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah 32:18
Loving God: bless those who live in this house. May conversations be loving and kind. May there be enough food at the table. May there be an abundance of listening and laughter. And, if there is turmoil or strife in this place, I pray for healing. If people are unsafe in this home, give them the strength to seek safety and new beginnings. Bless all in this space with your peace. Amen.
Fire Station, Ambulance Depot
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luke 10:34, the parable of the good Samaritan
God of courage: I thank you for the first responders who are ready around the clock, and who do not hesitate to place themselves in harm’s way to help people in this community. I pray that they will continue to find the commitment and the stamina to carry out their critical work. Amen.
Oak Ridges Hospice of Durham
[God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for [these former] things [will] have passed away. Revelation 21:4
Eternal God: bless this place that one day will serve as a hospice in our community. For all those who are about to leave this earthly life, bless them with your deep and peaceful presence. May they die knowing that they are loved and cherished. Take away their fears, settle their pain, and surround them with your light. Bless their dear families so that they might be comforted and sustained at this difficult time. May ending conversations with their loved one be holy and healing. Amen.
Schools
The child [Jesus] grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him. Luke 2:40
God of laughter and learning: I thank you for the schools in our community–S. A. Cawker Public School, R. H. Cornish Public School, Prince Albert Public School, Good Shepherd Catholic School, Children’s House Montessori School, and Port Perry High School–which all so value the importance of quality education to a society. I pray for the students, teachers, and support staff in these schools. Whether they be in the classroom or learning remotely, may children and youth still know the joy of growing in mind as well as in body. Bless all of our children and youth in these difficult times. May we listen to their struggles, learn from their insights, celebrate their gifts, and support them now and into the future. Amen.
Hospital, Health Centre
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?
1 Corinthians 6:19a
God of healing: I thank you for the excellent medical facilities in our community–the Port Perry Hospital and the North Durham Health Centre. I pray for the doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators, and maintenance workers, that they may continue to provide high-quality health care in stressful circumstances. Bless them with good health and strength. I pray for those who are hospitalized today. May they know your strong and peaceful presence, and may you bless their bodies, spirits, and minds with healing and wholeness. Amen.
Port Perry Villa
… remember, I am with you always, … Matthew 28:20b, Jesus’ great commission
Dear God: I thank you for the Port Perry Villa. I pray for the residents here, who must be feeling the loneliness of not being able to have regular visits with family and friends and to gather together as a community. May they know that they are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we are all looking forward to the day when we will be able to hold hands and share a hug once again. Amen.
Port Perry Place (Community Nursing Home)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23
Ever-present God: I thank you for Port Perry Place, and for all care facilities like it. Having a nearby home for those who need day-to-day extra care is a blessing. I pray for the residents and staff here, who must be feeling vulnerable and fearful during this second wave of the pandemic, and especially for those residents and staff who are now ill with covid-19, that they may very soon recover. I pray for the staff of Port Perry Place in their ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe, and who are doing everything they can to care for the ill. And I pray for the families of residents, who are feeling anxious and helpless at this time. Amen.
Local Organizations
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Giving God, I pray for all the caring organizations in town and all of Scugog that are working so hard to make a difference. I pray for Big Brothers, Big Sisters Durham, Community Care Durham, North House, Operation Scugog, Community Living, Youth Shelters like Joanne’s House and Women’s Shelters like Denise House. All have worked so hard to continue to deliver their services and be compassionate during this pandemic. Multiply their efforts that so the vulnerable might be cared for and so that we all might be made aware of the needs in our community and beyond. Amen.
West Shore Village
… remember, I am with you always, … Matthew 28:20b, Jesus’ great commission
Dear God: I thank you for the West Shore Village. I pray for the residents here, who must be feeling the loneliness of not being able to have regular visits with family and friends and to gather together as a community. May they know that they are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we are all looking forward to the day when we will be able to hold hands and share a hug once again. Amen.
Town Hall 1873
Praise [the Lord] with tambourine and dance; praise [the Lord] with strings and pipe!
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Psalm 150:4, 6a
Joyful God: music, theatre, and dance are missing from this building right now. We give you thanks for past productions, and for old friendships renewed and new friends made. We give you thanks for all the times that the productions in this place made us laugh or cry or sing. We pray for all arts organizations that are struggling to keep going during this pandemic. Bless them with ongoing creativity, as we bless them with ongoing love and support. Amen.
Reflection Park
… my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. John 14:27
God of justice and of love: this is where your people have gathered for climate walks and Good Friday gatherings. This is where youth gather to spend time with a friend or to eat their lunch. This is where people come to simply reflect. Bless this space with your peace. May it continue to be a place of healing, inspiration, and grace for years to come. Amen.
A Local Grocery Store
Also take with you every kind of food that is eaten, and store it up; and it shall serve as food for you and for them.
Genesis 6:21, God to Noah
Dear God who fills us up with good things: I thank you for the grocery stores in our community, and all those workers–in food processing plants and warehouses, truckers and cashiers–who are essential to our accessing the food and supplies that we need even while all else is in lockdown. And I pray that those essential workers will remain safe and well, even as they put themselves at risk for the benefit of others. Amen.
Churches
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27
God of blessing: I thank you for the churches in our community. May they serve as a sign of your steadfast presence in our midst. May they keep us all spiritually grounded at a time when we might otherwise feel adrift. May they be beacons of light in our community, showing care and compassion for one another, for our community, and for our world. And may the worship that they offer in these times serve to uplift and to renew. Amen.
And may the peace of God be your peace; may the love of God be the love you know
may the joy of God be the joy you show; and may the world that God would see be found in you. Amen.
