Lector: Oh holy Creator, we thank you for our congregation, for our priests, Berto and Hugh, for our Bishop Gregory, and the leadership of our greater spiritual community. May their mission of service continue to be ful?lling and progressive according to the highest possible good for all beings. May all keep your covenant in love and faithfulness.

We pray for the nation, for our leadership, especially for Donald, our president, and for all nations and their leaders, that they may move in the direction of fairness and respect for all races, religions, borders, and genders. We ask that we be guided to restore the natural balance in this world that all might have su?cient food and water. May all keep your covenant in love and faithfulness.

We pray for those in our community: those su?ering from loss, from illness, or from need. We pray for parents and guardians of children, children, trusting that spiritual wisdom may guide them in making right choices as they move forward in their lives. We are thankful for all their teachers and pray that they may impart the highest wisdom when they are with our young. Our children are a great gift and we thank you for these special blessings. May all keep your covenant in love and faithfulness.

We ask for special help for those on our parish prayer list: … And any others we wish to name, aloud or silently. (a moment of silence) We pray too for those who have recently died and their loved ones, that they may ?nd solace in God’s grace. May all keep your covenant in love and faithfulness.

Presider: As we set forth on our Lenten journey let us acknowledge the profound gift of love that is represented in Christ’s teachings. Let us ?nd ways to deepen our devotion and to intensify our service to one another and to the beautiful community in which we live. Help us to have loving, peaceful hearts even in the face of trials and challenges. Amen.