Oh Great Mystery: We offer prayers for the continued
good works and inspiration of those whom we see around us and
far away: we think especially of the gracious compassion
modeled by the late Pope Francis, whose actions repeatedly
expressed the heart of the Gospels, and we pray for those charged
with identifying and electing his successor. May they choose a
pope whose reach embraces all people and who will follow Pope
Francis’ example in using his authority for positive change and
social justice.
Oh Risen Christ, hear our prayers!

We are thankful for our priests, Berto and Hugh, our Bishop
Philip, and our Presiding Bishop, Sean, whose guidance steadies us
in times of confusion. May they sustain health of mind, body,
and spirit to the end of their days.
Oh Risen Christ, hear our prayers!
For all who serve the children of our community through
education, social services, cultural and athletic events, and in many
other ways, we are so thankful.. May they continue their good
work tirelessly, loving you through heartfelt outreach to others.
Oh Risen Christ, hear our prayers!
For those who serve the public through governmental and other
institutions, especially our local and state governments: We honor
and thank them for their service, and pray that the highest good
and needs of all will shape their deliberations. May they be blessed
with true wisdom and the understanding that our deep
connections are far more significant than our differences.
Oh Risen Christ, hear our prayers!
We pray for those seeking shelter in our land and in other lands,
who are displaced for many reasons and are in need of comfort,
reassurance, and stability. Please heal the trauma suffered by so
many as they struggle to live and care for one another. Open the
eyes and hearts of all those who wage war, or who seek power
and wealth without regard for the needs of others.
Oh Risen Christ, hear our prayers!
And we pray for this earth—this most beautiful expression of
Divine Love. We pray for her countless species, her water, her air,
her troubled, quarreling people — may a wholesome peace and
harmony renew the surroundings brought by climate change,
pollution, and the chaos of war.
Oh Risen Christ, hear our prayers!

We pray for ourselves—for those within our Orcas community
who struggle to stay on the path of God, for those suffering from
addiction, loneliness, mental and physical illnesses, homelessness,
and all debilitating sorrows—we ask special prayers, including
those on our Parish Prayer, List … And let us take time to
pray for those special concerns known privately to us [long pause]
and those for whom no one else prays.
Hear our prayers, oh Great Mystery, as we celebrate the
resurrection of your son, Jesus.
Holy Mystery: Our heads bow in prayer and our hearts ache for
loved ones we have lost. May we cherish our memories. Let us
take comfort in Isaiah’s assurance that those who have sown with
tears will reap with songs of joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.