Oh Holy Creator, Sacred Mystery—we thank you for the beauty of creation, for the hard-working souls who made Market Day a success, for the return to health of so many, and for many other gifts and boons, a few of which we mention here (pause )……We ask continued blessings for our beloved priests, Berto and Hugh, and for our Bishop Greg as he contemplates the next stage of his journey, and on spiritual leaders everywhere, that all may hear and heed the great wisdom you have given us through your son, Jesus Christ.

My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and my heart shall meditate on understanding.

We pray for political leaders and their advisors. May they be strong and inspirational as they contend with the complex issues that face the world today. May they take decisions and act for the highest good.

My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and my heart shall meditate on understanding.

We pray for the natural world, in gratitude for the beauty of the heavens and our own small planet.   May rain fall to quell the raging fires and may the sun shine gently on the growing fields. And most especially please help us humans to walk more gently and kindly on this troubled Earth. 

My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and my heart shall meditate on understanding.

May we all respond with simplicity and humility to the pressing needs of our time: Giving what we can, wasting not, loving more. Let us be open-hearted to all people, regardless of race, creed, gender identity, or social status.  

My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and my heart shall meditate on understanding.

Let us join in heartfelt prayer for those suffering from the dislocations and injuries of war, loss, homelessness, mental disturbance, physical disabilities, ill health and other uncertainties.  We ask your healing blessings for those on our Parish Prayer List …  And now take a moment to add your prayer for the special concerns not mentioned here (pause).  

My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and my heart shall meditate on understanding.

We pray now for the dying, for the recently departed and their loved ones. 

May all be comforted by healing blessings and knowledge of the deep love that impels all of creation. AMEN.