Dearest Lord, we pray for your saving health among the nations. Help us to seek, above all else, the welfare of all people and the fragile earth upon which all life depends. Be especially with those who suffer violence, fear, and hunger, including our neighbors in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Venezuela.
Open our hearts to love.
Dearest Lord, we pray for your church. Let us be like Lydia, our hearts wide open to your teachings. Help us to find you and love you in all things and above all things.
Open our hearts to love.
Dearest Lord, we pray for our nation. Let your teachings of peace and love and justice be our guiding principles as we ponder the future of our country.
Open our hearts to love.
Dearest Lord, we pray for those left behind and left out of food, shelter, employment, health care, and education. Help us remember that our highest calling is to love and care for our neighbors.
Open our hearts to love.
Dearest Lord, we pray for this earth, sustainer of all life. Help us find joy and purpose in caring for your creation — the seas, the skies, the earth, and all plants and animals who call earth home.
Open our hearts to love.
Dearest Lord, you counsel us not to be troubled, not to be afraid. Be with those dear to us who suffer illness, injury, sadness, sorrow, shame, addiction, confusion, grief and anxiety. Hold them close to your loving heart. Be especially with those we now name, silently and aloud (pause), including those on our parish prayer list:
Open our hearts to love.
Presider: Dearest Lord, who creates and restores all things, open our hearts to love.