Thank you, Lord, for the ways in which you help us to each notice different aspects of what you are doing in the world around us. You give each of us eyes to see different facets of you; different ways in which you want to grow your kingdom; and different ways in which you want us to participate in working the ground.
Even though there are patchworks of new grass that are not fully developed and even though weeds breaking through, we realize that the ground does not yet look like the future to come. Help us to pray with faith to envision the future that you want to bring about in this community that is not yet fully developed. May your kingdom come, Lord, here as in heaven!
Even though the landscape seems to be marred by all kinds of utilities, we know that they serve a purpose, and they allow us to see what we need to know about things we need that are present although hidden from view. Help us to have eyes to see what you are doing, Lord, and to pray for your kingdom purposes to be accomplished in the people who will live in this place. Give us compassion and courage to come alongside those who are hurting and broken, that they would receive your restoration and healing and be able to stand and to move forward in their lives. We offer ourselves to you in the imperfection of our own lives, as wounded healers in your service, Lord.
We need and ask for your perspective, God, to see people as you see them, and to see circumstances and situations with your eyes. We know that we see only dimly here on earth. We acknowledge that we only know in part. Please fill us with faith, hope, and love, and open us up to receive your expansive and inclusive perspective for all.
Thank you that you, God, are our savior. You secure us a place in and with you forever. We pray that each one who will move here would choose to build their lives on the firm foundation of you. We pray that each one would come to know you Lord, and that they would be saved from needless heartaches and hard times.
We ask you, Lord, for protection for all who are working on this site and that the number of injuries and accidents would remain at zero. Please remind each worker of their responsibilities and rights, and cover this place you’re your peace and protection.
Thank you, Lord, for evidence that your beautiful creation is being treated with care here, especially in protecting waterways by keeping chemicals and pollution away and through the retention pond.
Even as people in this area live at such a fast pace, may this place be a community where each one can slow down, such that the stuff that weighs them down can drain away and they can figure out who they are. Lord, help us to be a conduit of your love and grace for them. Help us to be available to serve them and to help them to learn how to settle into a life of righteousness, peace, and joy, as you desire for all of your image bearers, all people.
We ask you, Lord, that as people walk through the property and meet each other for the first time, and as people become neighbors and make friends, that you would bring about togetherness. As people go outside and walk around with their babies, children, and pets, we ask you to knit this community together. And as you work through us and the residents to cultivate and nurture community, would you help us to together lean towards the light of your presence, to be steady in a world full of turmoil, and to grow straight in alignment with your heart and purposes in the world. Bring together the diverse community that will surely come from all the nations, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to be a place of flourishing, wholeness, and delight.
Would you help us and all who move into this community to stop and listen to hear birdsongs and to not allow the noise of traffic or life to distract from the enjoyment of your beautiful and life-giving creation. Thank you that you are transforming a precious place that was formerly a nursery in which plants were nurtured from all over the world into a place where people will be nurtured from all over the world. We do ask you to bless people with provision to be able to afford to become a part of this community.
We ask for your blessing as we seek to continue developing relationships in and with this community. We ask for your wisdom and direction in knowing what to do and how to do it, so that we can provide safe places and nurturing spaces in which each person will be able to receive the good news of Jesus Christ as we show and tell as Jesus did.
May Chandler Run become a place where people can get out of the traffic and slow down; receive restoration, refuge, and rest; and experience authentic community. May this become a true home and a place of belonging. Lord God, we offer ourselves as wine and bread for you to serve to those whoever comes. May we become more present with each one as bearers of the presence and fragrance of Christ in this community!
Lord, thank you for helping us to pay attention to what you show us. Help us to together think through and follow you and continue the life of Christ in this place, Chandler Run, as we pray and walk and as we drive past each week. We ask that in every prayer we pray, every detail we notice, every word we speak, that you would bring fruitfulness and flourishing for the greater glory of God!