Oh dear Creator—you spoke long ago in the voices that we needed to hear at that time. You spoke sometimes in anger, sometimes in sweetest song, through stories and sermons. Help us to hear and recognize your voice now. Let the world hear you with open heart and ears! Let us share your rage, your love, your silence, your shelter and your hope. We pray to you, and with you— to the unknown, magnificent mystery, whose nature eludes us. Out of the depths we cry unto you.
Hear us, we cry.
Oh sacred Mystery—hear our resounding thanks for the loving, sustaining guidance of our priests, Berto and Hugh, of our bishops and spiritual leaders of good heart everywhere—we are grateful for all they do to keep so many from falling into the abyss of ignorance. In this congregation our priests remind us that we are One with you, and with one another. Help us all to work in harmony and to reach fearlessly beyond the dark shadows that lurk behind the summer sunshine.
Hear us, we cry.
We thank you for our congregation, our staff, the music that nourishes our souls, the unrelenting energy that makes Market Day a success year after year, the kindness that reaches out again and again to those in need. We also thank you for shoring up our spirits when so many of us age and grow weary and less able to help in the ways we would like. Help us to sustain powerful and steady prayer practices that will uphold that which is good, as our own dreams fade.
Hear us, we cry.
We thank you for leaders who do their best to help those in need, including those suffering from drought, fire and famine. We thank all those working to prevent undeserved banishment, to provide health care and education and food and shelter for those who struggle. Help us to do all we can to support your vision of a loving community where past mistakes are forgiven and put behind us. Let us embrace all people as your son, Jesus Christ, would do, knowing that in your kingdom, no one is turned away because of gender preference, race, or religion.
Hear us, we cry.
Oh Holy ONE, let us not lose sight of the fact that we live on sacred ground, and that this whole earth is imbued with your divine energy. Let us be strong; guide us in supporting fresh and effective ways to nurture and protect our land and all sentient beings who depend upon it for their existence.
Hear us, we cry.
Let us now pray for those on our Parish prayer list: Beth…Lynn…Skipper…Roshni…Julia…Chris & Laura…Lynn…Sara…Sherwood & Laura…Margaret…Angie…Sharon…Louise & Robert…Effie, Stephen & Calder…David…Jan…Brianna…Rick…Tamara…Bill & Jane…Heather…Jan…Timi…Cheryl…
And now let us take special time to mention those concerns known only to us [pause to say silently or aloud] and those for whom no one prays. [pause]
We pray now for those who have recently gone forward into your heavenly kingdom. We especially commend to your loving care Ingrid, Bob, Jan [and any others who have recently departed] and all who love and miss them as they undertake their journey into uncharted territory. In Jesus’ name we do pray, AMEN.
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 Margie Bangs (8/1) and Mary Greenwell (8/1) 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 anniversaries this week. Grant, O God, in your compassion, that Paul & Mary Greenwell (7/27), David & Sarah Moore (7/31), Keith & Denise Beckwith (8/1), and Anthony Terndrup & Tom Eversole (8/1), may grow in forgiveness, loyalty, and love; and come at last to the eternal joys which you have promised through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.