Dearest God, inspire the leaders of your church to so inspire us with their faith that they will be recognized as part of the great cloud of witnesses and help us to interpret the present time.

Rescue us, O Lord

Dearest God, inspire the leaders of these United States to rescue the weak and the poor, deliver them from the power of the wicked.

Rescue us, O Lord

Dearest God, help us all to interpret not only the appearance of earth and sky but also to interpret the present time so we may bring peace on earth and be good stewards of your creation.

Rescue us, O Lord

Dearest God, we give thanks to Emmanuel’s Music Committee for bringing joy to us and visitors alike through this summer’s brown bag concerts.

Rescue us, O Lord

Dearest God, save the weak and the orphan, defend the humble and needy, comfort those who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially those we now name:

Rescue us, O Lord

Dearest God, welcome those who have died and comfort those who mourn. May we be inspired by Maximilian Kolbe who was killed by the Nazis at Auschwitz on this date in 1941 after taking the place of another inmate who survived to see Kolbe canonized by John Paul II in 1982. Greater love hath no man than this; that he lay down his life for his friends.

Rescue us, O Lord

Presider: Dearest God, listen to the prayers of your servants, help us to accept your will, strengthen our faith so we may be your servants on this earth to rescue the weak through Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Amen.