Lector: Beloved Creator, we come to you with open hearts, yearning to realize your will, eager to do whatever we can to help manifest the wise teachings of your son, Jesus Christ, now and forever.

All: WE exalt you oh Beloved Creator and desire to fulfill your teachings, to listen to your wisdom, and to treat one another as brothers and sisters.  We thank you for our abundant blessings.

Lector: Even in times of turmoil, your presence surrounds us in the beauty of creation, and the kindness of this community.  May we be ever open to the many ways in which we may reflect and enact your commandment that we love one another.

All:  We exalt you, oh Beloved Creator.

Lector: We pray for our country’s leaders, and the leaders of all nations, that they might do all in their power for the betterment of the world and its creatures.

All:  Lord, hear our prayer.

Lector: We pray for families near and far.  May we follow the model of St. Joseph whose loving kindness sustained the Holy Family in difficult times.  We pray especially for the families separated by war and famine and political struggles and bureaucratic entanglements.  We pray for all the families in our community, and for all those in the extended families of those we love.

All:  May all know peace and plenty.

Lector: Guide us in being gracious and generous in our resources, ready to recognize and reach out to those in need, ready to accept all into our hearts regardless of race, religion, abilities, or gender identity.

All: May all know peace and plenty.

Lector: We ask blessings, Creator God, for all those ill and in need of comfort, May all be open to your abundant healing energy, that troubled hearts and anguished bodies may be reconciled by your gracious presence. We ask special blessings for those in our community in particular need of prayer, including

Please feel free to add anyone in special need of prayer at this time. Silence.

Presider:  Holy Creator, ever abiding God, we thank you for all you have done and are doing to bring us closer to you.  As we go forward on our Lenten journey let us celebrate every opportunity to more fully embrace your message of love for all humankind and indeed, all of your ongoing creation.  Let us humbly follow the example of St. Joseph in gracious acceptance of whatever Spirit brings us, in the knowledge that we will one day be united with you in eternity.  Amen.