Lector: Precious Lord, like Jesus, we weep for the suffering of the world.  We weep for those who suffer war and famine, whose families and communities are torn apart by violence and want. We work and pray for their safety.

I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him.

Precious Lord, like Jesus, we weep for the suffering of the world. We weep for those in our nation who suffer uncertainty regarding employment, safety, shelter, and basic needs of healthy food, clean water, and adequate health care. We work and pray for their welfare.

I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him.

Precious Lord, like Jesus, we weep for the suffering of the world. We weep for those here on Orcas Island who cannot find affordable housing or living-wage jobs; who struggle to provide healthy food, clean water, and health care for their families. We work and pray for their welfare.

I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him.

Precious Lord, like Jesus, we weep for the suffering of the world. We weep for Mother Earth, whose air, earth and waters we have polluted in pursuit of material well being. We work and pray for her welfare and that of her beautiful, myriad species.

I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him.

Presider: Dear Lord, we thank you for having heard us; we know that you always hear us. Amen.