Gracious God, we give thanks for your Church where we are reminded that surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. We ask that our leaders inspire us to live as children of the light so we may be your humble servants in this temporal world.

You revive my soul and I shall fear no evil.

Gracious God, we give thanks for these United States. We ask that our leaders have the courage of Samuel who did not grieve over Saul but set out in peace to Bethlehem.

You revive my soul and I shall fear no evil.

Gracious God, we give thanks for this fragile earth and all creatures on it. We ask that you protect those in harm’s way in war ravaged regions as well as those that are impacted by natural or manmade disasters.

You revive my soul and I shall fear no evil.

Gracious God, we give thanks for Orcas Island and the surrounding Salish Sea. We ask that you help us not only see the outward appearance but see as you do into the heart so we may truly engage with every islander and visitor and respect their dignity.

You revive my soul and I shall fear no evil.

Gracious God, we give thanks for all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, from addiction, unemployment, mental illness, homelessness or other trouble, particularly those we now name either silently or aloud, (pause) and especially for those on our parish prayer list… those for whom no one prays; may they be comforted by your Holy Spirit.

You revive my soul and I shall fear no evil.

Gracious God, we give thanks for the lives of our ancestors including those that previously called Orcas Island home as well as for those of the recently departed especially the comfort that you provided as they approached death. We ask that you give strength to caregivers, family members that stand watch and those that mourn.

You revive my soul and I shall fear no evil.