Oh Sacred Creator, Holy Wisdom-Our yearning souls reach out to you. The mystery of existence, the rise and fall of nations, and the darkness of the suffering world are almost too much to bear.  Tomorrow we celebrate the independence of this country from restrictive colonial powers.   Please help us to treat others with the respect and fairness for which we fought on that day long ago.

Congregation:  All the earth bows before you, sings to you, sings out your holy names.

We pray in deepest gratitude for spiritual leaders everywhere.  Especially do we pray for our beloved priests, Berto and Hugh, our Bishop, Greg, and our Presiding Bishop, Michael. We pray for the success of all those attempting to benefit this troubled planet.

 All the earth bows before you, sings to you, sings out your holy names.

The leaders of governments and nations continue to face great difficulties.  Too numerous to name here, we humbly ask that they act with clarity and wisdom, and safely implement policies that benefit all.  Especially bless and protect those who are cast adrift due to ongoing warfare and natural disasters.

All the earth bows before you, sings to you, sings out your holy names.

Here in our island community, we have much to be grateful for.  We mention the Food Bank, the Family Resource Center, the Island Primary Care clinic, and all those valiant souls who help those in need.  We are also thankful to all who are working to sustain and curate the cultural expression and need of our community:  among them, the Library, the Orcas Center, and the Historical Museum, and those involved in the summer activities on the Village Green. We pray for the health and well being of shopkeepers, restaurant workers, farmers, builders, craftspeople, ferry-workers, law-enforcement officers, EMTs and firefighters, caregivers, cleaners and gardeners, and all who serve our community. We pray for the safety of our many visitors.

All the earth bows before you, sings to you, sings out your holy names.

And of great importance to these petitions  are the concerns of those on our Parish Prayer List. Together we pray for …

We now mention other special intentions (pause, offer them silently or aloud).  We also ask comfort for those who are frightened, those who are alone, and those who grieve recent deaths and losses [ESPECIALLY….]  May all benefit from the certain knowledge of your infinite love, including those for whom no one prays.

All the earth bows before you, sings to you, sings out your holy names.

You who hold our souls in life, help us to find better ways to assist the women and children who struggle to maintain a decent quality of life. Let us brighten the world with acts of social justice and preservation of the earth’s resources. Guide and protect those who navigate troubled waters, knowing that your love is boundless and eternal.

Amen.