MINISTRY WITH PERSONS WITH AIDS

Prayer

Most merciful God, you hold each of us dear to your heart.
Hold Name(s) in your loving arms
and tenderly draw them into your love,
together with all who are living with AIDS and HIV infection.
Assure them that they are not alone,
and give them courage and faith for all that is to come.
Strengthen those who care for them and treat them,
and guide those who do research.
Forgive those who have judged harshly,
and enlighten those who live in prejudice or fear.
Nourish those who have lost sight of you,
and heal the spirits of those who are broken.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who suffered and died,
and then rose from the dead to lead us into new life,
now and for ever. Amen.

Suggested Scripture Readings

Psalm 13 (UMH 746	Trust in the midst of suffering
Psalm 121 (UMH 844)	My help comes from the Lord.
Psalm 130 (UMH 515, 516, 848)	Out of the depths
Romans 8:31 –39	Nothing can separate us from God's love.
Colossians 1:11 –20	May you be strengthened with all power.
1 Peter 2:21 –25	By Christ's wounds you have been healed.
Matthew 5:1 –16	The Beatitudes
Matthew 8:1 –4	The healing of a leper
Mark 2:1 –12	Rise, take your mat, and go.
Luke 10:25 –37	The good Samaritan
Luke 17:11 –19	The healing of the ten lepers