Yesterday was the New York City Marathon. That may not mean much to people living outside the metro area, but for New Yorkers that means not only the excitement and hype associated with the world’s largest marathon but also street closures, traffic rerouting, and congestion at places in all five boroughs.It was only appropriate that as the spiritual leader of a religious community in Queens that I would include the Marathon in the concerns of the Prayers of the People in yesterday’s worship. Here is the petition I wrote and included in the prayer.
We pray for all those running in today’s New York City Marathon,
as well as for those who work to make it happen.
We pray for their safety,
that you will keep them free from accident or injury.
As marathoners run today,
may we all run with perseverance the race of life and faith that is set before us,
and at the finish line we may all receive the imperishable wreath of victory,
reserved for those who walk as well as run in your ways.
By accident, the Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for All Saints Day found in the Book of Common Worship also included some language and imagery especially appropriate for the Sunday the Marathon was being run.
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