Lector:   Precious Lord, we pray for the restored dignity of human nature, so that once again, young women shall rejoice in the dance, and the young men and old shall be merry.

Lord, with the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we pray for peace in 2020.

Precious Lord, happy are the people whose strength is in you! Whose hearts are set on the pilgrim’s way. In this season of epiphany, we sing praises to your creation, and love for our brothers and sisters around the world.

Lord, with the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we pray for peace in 2020.

Precious Lord, grant the leaders of our great nation a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that all citizens, regardless of color, creed, age, ability, or orientation, might know the hope to which you have called us.

Lord, with the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we pray for peace in 2020.

Precious Lord, be especially this season with immigrants, who like Joseph and and Mary and the infant Jesus, fled their home in search of safety. Let us to open our hearts and nation to their great need.

Lord, with the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we pray for peace in 2020.

Precious Lord, in Jeremiah, you promise that our lives shall be like a watered garden. Help us to protect this garden, our beloved Earth, from the ravages of human consumption and waste, so that its waters and forests and seas and skies might sing, forever, praises to you.

Lord, with the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we pray for peace in 2020.

Precious Lord, you promise, too, to turn our mourning into joy, and our sorrows into gladness. Comfort those, especially, who suffer sadness, confusion, illness and injury. Who are without hope. Who grieve loved ones now lost to them. Who look to the east for the promise of the morning sun. Help us to put our trust in you. Be with those we now name, silently and aloud (pause), including those on our parish prayer list: 

Lord, with the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we pray for peace in 2020.

Presider:Precious Lord, we find gladness in the hope to which you have called us. Choose us, in Christ, to be ambassadors of peace in the world.

Amen.