Transcendent Love, that flows through our world, fill us so we can find practical ways to offer it to ourselves and to others.

I will listen to what Love is saying.

Transcendent Love, we hold in our heart the city and people of Spokane who have lost so much in the wildfires.  May neighbors and friends rally together, and may we find way to respond in Love.

I will listen to what Love is saying.

Transcendent Love, we weep for our nation that is so divided. May we move from tears and frustration and remember we are children of Love, not hate.

I will listen to what Love is saying.

Transcendent Love, this blue planet with all its beauty, is our home. We have no other.  May we all work boldly together to care for it so future generations will see its beauty also.  May we encourage rather than fight each other over it.

I will listen to what Love is saying.

Transcendent Love, we are weighed down by the knowledge of the injustices of the world. But many of us merely observe them rather than experience them.  May we be mindful of those who suffer from bigotry, poverty, lack of proper health care, misunderstandings, addiction, insufficient food and may we find ways to help, as we are able.

I will listen to what Love is saying.

Transcendent Love we are so grateful for our Emmanuel community, for the friendships we have here, for the many ways it connects with the island, and for our cherished priests Berto and Hugh, who steadfastly share themselves with us.  We are grateful for Fr. John Ng’Oma from Malawi, who will be visiting us to share the Goats for Widows Project. May his time with us increase the bonds we have with others.

I will listen to what Love is saying.

Transcendent Love, we remember our loved ones who have left us through death, especially Jan Koltun, and we are filled with love for them, even as we grieve. May those who mourn find comfort in your Love and ours. 

I will listen to what Love is saying.

Transcendent Love, we hold in our hearts our friends and family, as well as strangers, who we know are going through difficult times.  We name them now, either silently or aloud…(pause), as well as those on our parish prayer list… Bill & Jane… Heather… Jan… Cheryl… Ian… Dick… Renee… Nick… Sara… David… Pam… Laura and Dart… Skipper… Cynthia & Bruce… Wes & Carol… Diane… Chris… Lynn… Margaret… Maria… Ali… Debbie… Carol… Julia… Jeff… John… Lalo…Morgan…Lynn… Mandy & Lara…Luanne…Christina…Joyce…Sally…And those for whom no one prays, may they experience the touch of Transcendent Love.

I will listen to what Love is saying.

Those who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries are invited to come forward. If you would like your name printed in the bulletin, please let the parish office know.

Presider    Let us pray for those celebrating birthdays this week.

O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servant Hugh Nandih (8/10) and Dick Hansen (8/14) 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.