At our event, Conversations on a Bench, our Director of Chaplains opened and closed us in prayer. It was beautiful. Would you join us in these prayers for Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities as they apply to our ongoing work?

Opening Prayer

LORD,

We gather on this day under the open heavens — the same heavens that cover every man, woman and child in this city.

We pause to remember that while many of us have warm beds and safe homes, there are some who will lay their heads beneath these very skies.

We thank You for the ministry of Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities — for the hands, hearts and prayers that You have joined together to serve this city in Your name.

Thank You, Lord, for stirring our hearts — hearts that refuse to look away, hearts that embrace the truth of Scripture that faith without works is dead. Today, we choose to act on that faith.

We lift before You our CEO, Pam, asking that You grant her wisdom, stamina and Christ-like insight as she serves You through this initiative.

We also pray for the team behind the scenes — Sarah, Bet, Drake and Kelly — for their strength, safety and steadfast hearts as they have handled the many details and logistics that make tonight possible.

We lift up the many leaders who will join Pam on the bench — men and women who have chosen to step away from comfort and crowded calendars to step instead into compassion.

Lord, may this time on the bench be more than a symbol or fulfilled initiative; let it be a sacred moment of identification with those who are too often unseen and unheard. May it produce plans and strategies that advance Your Kingdom and bring hope, help and healing to the least of these.

Lord, as conversations unfold between Pam and our neighbors, partners, donors and city leaders, we ask that You knit hearts together with a common purpose — to bring resources and restoration to Your children.

Let words be seasoned with grace, let ideas be bathed in wisdom and let partnerships be born that will outlast this significant night on the bench.

Bless every story that will be shared here. May they not only stir emotion but inspire transformation — in our policies, in our systems and in our own hearts.

Remind us, Lord, that we are not defined by where we sleep but by the truth that every one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made — made in Your image.

Finally, Lord, we pray that these conversations on the bench become a living testimony — that Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, the Church, the city and the community as a whole may unite as one body to say:

We see you. We love you. And we will not stop until homelessness is replaced with hope and dignity for all.

Be glorified, Lord, in every conversation, every handshake and every silent prayer whispered on this bench tonight.

May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done — here at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, across this city as it is in heaven.

In the mighty and compassionate name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Closing Prayer

LORD,

As we close this special event beneath the same open heavens where we began, we pause to thank You for hearing the prayers, ideas and expressions of gratitude that have risen from this bench over the past twenty-four hours.

Thank You for the spirit of unity and compassion that has filled every conversation, every handshake and every exchange of ideas.

We sense Your presence here — guiding our hearts toward understanding, empathy and purpose.

We thank You for our CEO, Pam, and for the vision, stamina and courage You have placed within her.

As she returns to lead at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, may every idea born on the bench take root in wisdom; may every pathway to best practices lead to greater impact; and may every partnership forged here multiply for Your glory.

Thank You for the team — Sarah, Bet, Kelly and Drake — and for their tireless efforts to make this event one marked by excellence and grace.

Bless those who chose to step out of comfort to sit in compassion — leaders, donors, volunteers and partners. Multiply their efforts, Lord. Let their collaboration become a divine echo across this city, calling others to join the work of restoration and hope as together we seek to interrupt homelessness.

We thank You for the fresh inspiration and divine strategies You’ve released through these conversations on the bench. May they not fade with the conclusion of this event but rise with tomorrow’s light — guiding decisions, shaping programs and transforming lives.

And now, Lord, as we leave this place, may Your blessing rest upon every hand that serves, every heart that gives and every soul that dares to believe that through You we can truly interrupt homelessness for Your glory.

Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done — through us, among us and beyond us.

We pray this in the mighty, matchless name of Jesus the Christ.

Amen.

— Prepared by Sammy Watkins, Director of Chaplains, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities