Prayer for Those Who Carry and Are Carried

Lord Jesus, you saw the faith of four friends and you spoke forgiveness to the one they carried. We come to you today as a people who are sometimes the carriers and sometimes the carried. Thank you that you receive us either way.

For those among us who are on the mat this morning, weary, doubting, unable to lift themselves, we ask that you would see the faith of the church around them and speak to them the word they most need. Tell them their sins are forgiven. Let them hear it before they hear anything else.

For those who are strong today, give us eyes for the people who have gone missing and hands willing to dig through whatever stands in the way. Keep us from a private faith that never carries anyone.

And Father, we thank you that your Son has authority on earth to forgive sins, and that he has used it on us. Let our worship today be the response of people who have been told to get up and walk. In his name we pray, Amen.