Dear Holy One—the mysteries of ancient times fill our souls. You have worked marvels, and have helped your children to work marvels—for this we thank you, and see you at work through so many good people, particularly our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry. His message shines as a splendid example throughout our troubled world. May the coming feast of St. Michael be one of special benefit and meaning for him.
For this we pray and thank you.

Praises too, for the continued wisdom, inspiration, and reassurance of our parish priests, Berto and Hugh, and for all their good works, seen and unseen. Bless all leaders of faith, everywhere, and keep them well and safe as they lead us through the deserts of confusion and fear that mark our days. May their wellsprings never run dry!
For this we pray and thank you.

Praise to the firefighters who have quelled the raging infernos, some of whom have lost their lives. May their souls rest in peace, and the families of all those lost in recent fire find peace and resolution in this terrible time. We express gratitude for the rain, for clearing and cleansing the scorched air. May our minds and hearts be cleansed as the summer ebbs away. Let us pray also for those who have too much water, through flood and extreme weather —guide those who need assistance to find what they need, spiritually and materially. Restore the crops of the farmers, so that there will be food enough for all.
For this we pray and thank you.

Hear our heartfelt prayers for teachers and students working with new approaches to classroom life. Help all to be patient, attentive, and responsive to what must be taught and learned. Please help those in daily care of children to be alert and selective as to what is best for young minds, and guide all in using technology wisely and for the greater good. For this we pray and thank you. Touch the hardened hearts of some who are in power, and help all to discern the true and deepest teachings of what it means to be a child of Christ.
To you, O Lord ,we lift our souls, O God we put our trust in you.

We also pray for those in our hearts whose need is present.(pause). And all those on our parish prayer list: … and for those whom no one prays.

We pray for the soul of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and for the peace of her family and associates who now must make their way without her direct guidance. May all who have recently lost loved ones, especially the family of Lilla Bell, rest in the knowledge that you, dear God, take no pleasure in the death of anyone, and that, indeed, the soul is deathless. Lead us to a deeper knowledge of your greatness, and a gracious acceptance that bodily death and upheaval can lead to the gateway of true knowledge and infinite wisdom.
To you, O Lord ,we lift our souls, O God we put our trust in you.

Let us pray for those celebrating Birthdays this week: O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants James Donders (9/23) Karen Eberle (9/27), Amanda Reid (10/2), and Kathi Anderson (10/3) as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for those celebrating wedding anniversaries this week: Celebrating God, whose love enfolds the whole of life, who calls us into union with you and with one another, and who in creation blessed the partnership of marriage: on this wedding anniversary, grant to your servants Dennis & Lynn Baker (9/30), and Mike and Sally O’Brien (10/2) and to all who celebrate with them, thankful hearts for all that is past, joyful hearts for this day’s blessings and hopeful hearts for what is still to come. In the name of God the Maker, Son and Spirit, one God in community. Amen.