Intercessions from Compline at the LGBTQ+ Gathering

God of surprises,

We pray for the long-unacknowledged needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

We pray for those whom we know:

For the faithful who have been scattered.

For the long-suffering who have remained.

For those who have joined us hoping there is room here for them.

We pray for those whom we do not know:

For the invisible, overlooked, or dismissed.

For those driven underground by shame.

For those too hurt to risk again.

We pray for our youth:

For those who are doing their best to figure it out.

For those who know and are afraid.

For those with nowhere to go and no one to trust.

For those who are running out of options and forced to the streets.

We pray for our relationships:

For those who have discovered the joy of being in love.

For the couples who bear the full weight of each other’s burdens.

For those who are alone and longing for a companion.

We pray for those facing difficult things:

A painful conversation.

A frightening diagnosis.

A complicated decision.

We pray for our families:

For those raising children without enough support.

For those longing for children but who cannot find a way.

For parents and grandparents doing their best. And for those who could do better.

We pray for our church:

For those whose call was not affirmed.

For those whose relationships were not blessed.

For those with hardened hearts and made-up minds.

We pray as well for those we have not yet named and invite your petitions either silently or aloud.

God of Israel, you have grafted us in. We thank you that you are a God who makes room. Help us to make room for each other. In our hearts, in our lives, and in our churches. For salvation is only ever in common. Only with everyone do we become the true image of you. Amen.