Father God, We come before you, acknowledging that you created our world and everything in it. There is much we do not understand about this world or the people who inhabit it; yet we know that you love every person, of every race and every creed, and that you have called us to do the same. We lift up those who have lost family, friends, homes, and businesses in Hurricane Florence, and Typhoon Mangkhut in the Philippines. We pray that you give them hope, and shower your love on them, using the hands and feet of those many people who are providing help to strangers in need. We pray for people throughout the world who face war, hunger, and horrors we cannot imagine. We pray for the leaders of our nation and of our community. As they make important decisions, give them wisdom tempered with compassion. There is so much division in our country. Teach us to consider viewpoints that are different from our own, and to think before we speak, so that we might bring your healing grace to our conversations. Thank you for Sadie Jean Hamilton, new daughter born to Kristin and Alex Hamilton. Bless this growing family in their new adventure. We ask that you comfort all those who are sick, grieving, lonely, or facing difficulties that you alone know and understand. We pray for our church, that it may be a place where we welcome all, care for members and strangers alike, and glorify you in our worship and in our daily lives. Help us, Lord, to be your light and your love in this world. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen