Let’s bend the rules this month. Let’s not wait until the first Sunday, as is our tradition, to lift our next sunset prayer.

Let’s step into Pride month, celebrated June 1 through June 30, with prayer. In the process, we can cover the events June 2-4 in which our church family will be involved.

On June 1, from wherever you are, with whomever wants to join you, as the sun sets around 8:45 pm, let’s pray for all of our LGBTQIA2S+ siblings in our church family, in our communities, and across the planet.

Lord, bless them with love and hope and peace, with freedom and justice and opportunity, with acceptance and encouragement and faith. Let them feel your loving presence. Let them see your Spirit moving in their lives.

Let’s pray for their families and friends. Lord, help us see every opportunity to reflect your love and light for them.

Let’s pray for our governments, communities, schools, and employers. Lord, let us, in every environment, embrace every person as a member of your family, as a reflection of your imagination, as a work of your creation.

Let’s pray for our church and for all churches. Lord, as we remember your commandment, help us to love one another just as you have loved us.

Let’s pray for those from Sewickley UMC who will be participating in Pittsburgh Pride 2023 by hosting a booth at the festival on June 2 and June 3, and marching in the parade on June 3. Lord, use us to share your love and your hope and your peace in every encounter.

Let’s pray for Pastor Hannah as she prepares and leads us through Pride month. Lord, please continue to share your Light with her. Protect her and guide her.

Let’s pray for Hannah, our music ministry, worship leaders, and everyone planning and participating in our contemporary and traditional services on June 4, our special Pride service on June 4, and all our services and communication throughout the month.

Lord, help all of us at SUMC to live into the words we’ve posted on our website and professed for several years: “…we celebrate human diversity and all persons as children of God. Our church adamantly and enthusiastically welcomes persons of all ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities (the entire LGBTQ community), family configuration, economic conditions, marital status, and mental or physical abilities to attend, join, and participate fully in the life of our congregation.”

Let us, as we look forward, pause and lift a prayer of thanksgiving for the pastors and church leaders who have encouraged us to “celebrate human diversity” and be adamant and enthusiastic in our love. And let us give thanks to our LGBTQIA2S+ siblings and others who have joined us, shared with us, been patient with us, and continue trusting in our promises.

Let’s not delay this prayer. Let’s pray today.