We are a people of hope.

Throughout the world of hurt in rural America, through changing prices, through increased consolidation of agriculture, through the joys and sorrows of family life, through the trials and gifts of rural church, our first, last and always response is prayer. Please join us in the following prayer petitions:

For those affected by the drought, please send much needed rain, we pray to the Lord.

For the opportunity to live and work in rural America, in thanksgiving, we pray to the Lord.

For rural youth on summer vacation, please grant them wisdom and safety in all their actions, we pray to the Lord.

For all who work the land and produce our food, in thanksgiving, we pray to the Lord.

For all locally-owned rural businesses facing uncertain futures, grant them strength and courage to forebear, we pray to the Lord.

For all who serve rural churches, in thanksgiving, and for many others that they might listen to the Holy Spirit calling them to serve in rural life, we pray to the Lord.

For the many gifts of creation - differing soils, climates, trees, foliage, flowers, crops and people, in thanksgiving, we pray to the Lord.

For all who face an uncertain future, all who suffer from mental or physical health problems, and all who experience financial problems, that they may feel your strong arms around them, we pray to the Lord.

We don’t have much optimism, dear God, but we do have hope. Help us to be a hopeful people, we pray to the Lord.

United in prayer, we can, through the work of the Holy Spirit, accomplish many things.

Amen.