Creator of All That Is, you who are both personal and impersonal, within and without, everywhere visible yet invisible—we yearn to know you, to create with you a better world, to be more loving, more patient, less self-involved.  So we thank you for your abundant gifts, for so much wonder and beauty. And we want to help set things right where they are falling askew. We want to work with you to actualize a universe of love, where conflict and hatred and abuse have no place. Let Jacob’s example inspire us to willingly serve you, that we may finally know our oneness with you and all that is.

Steady my footsteps in your word; let no iniquity have dominion over me or those I love.

We praise and thank spiritual leaders throughout the world, especially those who are beams of light to us in our daily lives—Fathers Berto and Hugh, our Acting Bishop, Melissa, our Presiding Bishop, Michael and those who work with them.  Help them to stay strong and be inspired, despite disheartening events throughout the world.

Steady their footsteps in your word; let no iniquity have dominion over them or those they love.

My eyes stream tears for those who do not know you, for those who are slighted and dismissed, for those who must live in fear, for those who are disdained because of race, religion, or gender identity. We pray for addicts and for those who think gun violence is a useful way to confront problems. Especially we weep for children, and parents who have lost their way. Bless them all and help them to be assured of the infinite love that is their birthright. 

Steady their footsteps in your word; let no iniquity have dominion over them or those they love.

In distant lands the wars go on; the mistreatment of children and women goes on.   Show us what we can do to bring greater peace and comfort to those in need.

Steady their footsteps in your word; let no iniquity have dominion over them or those they love.

Help those suffering the severe challenges engendered by climate change…may heads of state act together to  restore balance in both the natural and political realms.

Steady our footsteps in your word; let no iniquity have dominion over me or those we love.

Bless the workers, the visitors, and all who offer hospitality. Especially we thank all those participating in the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival for the delight and beauty they will bring to the islands in the weeks ahead.

Steady our footsteps in your word; let no iniquity have dominion over me or those we love.

We pray now for the specific needs of people known to us (pause to mention silently or aloud) and those on our parish prayer list, including … and those for whom no one prays; may they be comforted by your Holy Spirit. 

 May we hold them in our prayers throughout the week. And for those who have died, and those who mourn them [mention any names] we offer prayers of solace and hope.