Heavenly Father we come before you now on this celebration of
love and give thanks for those who experience the unique and exclusive love of
another; those who have known that love for many years and those on its
threshold; those whose love has grown and matured and those whose love still
holds that future promise, and we celebrate such love. We give thanks, too, for
those whose love has flourished despite difficulties or disapproval and has
been strengthened by it.
Lord in your mercy …..
But we think too of those who have never known that love; those
who have been disappointed; those whose hopes have been dashed by bereavement
or abandonment; those who have suffered abuse; those whose love has been
condemned by others and could not survive. We pray for those who, on this day,
as on every other, are broken-hearted.
Lord in your mercy ……
We pray for those who are broken-hearted today because they
have been torn from loved ones because of social pressure, war, political
upheaval or injustice and who live with fear and uncertainty, not knowing the
fate of those they love and who have loved them.
Lord in your mercy ……
We pray for the broken-hearted who have been disappointed in
life through physical or mental illness; those who regret opportunities not
taken or bad choices made; those who hurt because of the treatment of others;
those who are desperate to go back to the way things once were; those who have
been denied happiness and those who live in desolation and feel crushed and empty
because their broken-heartedness has overwhelmed them; those whose love of life
has grown weary.
Lord in your mercy ……
We pray for your forgiveness, Lord, for any part, active or
passive, we have played in the broken-heartedness of others.
Lord in your mercy ……
The Psalms tell us, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ”The book of Revelation tells us
that you “will wipe away every tear from their eyes and that there will be no
more mourning or crying or pain.” We pray that you will renew them and give
them strength in their suffering and confusion and ask that through your love
and forgiveness, they will receive restoration and a new dawn for their hearts
and lives. Help them not to give up on themselves. Bring beauty from brokenness
and give them your peace.
Merciful Father ……
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