Gracious and loving God, heavenly Father,

You fashioned for your people a home on earth amidst the beauty of creation.  You always provide for the earth, for the land and creatures, and for the needs of your children.

We come to you now seeking your perfect plan for St. Matthew’s.  We pray that you will guide us as we strive to strengthen our faith community: better to know you, to love you and through serving you to share the healing power and presence of Christ’s love. 

Even as your people trusted you to bring them to the promised land, we look to you to lead us in all things.   We trust you to bring the plan and the means to help us accomplish your work.  

We thank you for the abundant blessings you have already brought to this parish, and pray that we may continue to serve you in faithfulness and love.

Through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

AMEN.

At their October 24, 2006 meeting the Vestry approved the use of this prayer indefinitely: as a conclusion for the Prayers of the People on Sundays, as a part of the daily Evening Prayer, on the website, and --we hope-- as a daily prayer for many of our parishioners.