Dearest Lord, who is both sun and shield, protect the peoples of the world against all present darkness, against rulers and authorities who prey on innocence and raise up evil.

Happy are they who put their trust in you.

Dearest Lord, who is both sun and shield, how dear to us is your dwelling in the church. Guide us in the pilgrims’ way. Send us strength and wisdom to do good in the world.

Happy are they who put their trust in you.

Dearest Lord, who is both sun and shield, guide the leaders of our great nation as we approach a presidential election. We know from the example of Christ Jesus that great leadership begins in humility, on the knees of those who bend to wash the careworn feet of their brothers and sisters.

Happy are they who put their trust in you.

Dearest Lord, who is both sun and shield, help us to examine the inequalities in our social order, which punishes people of color and poverty beyond fairness. Help us to be advocates for the weak, the poor, the disabled, the hungry and homeless.

Happy are they who put their trust in you.

Dearest Lord, who is both sun and shield, thank you for the beauty of nature. Our home is your creation. Help us to protect it as we would our own houses, ensuring clean air and water, shelter and sustenance for every living creature.

Happy are they who put their trust in you.

Dearest Lord, who is both sun and shield, we pray in the spirit for the healing for those who su?er sadness, sickness, and strife, especially those on our prayer list: Be with them in their hour of need.

Happy are they who put their trust in you.

Presider: Dearest Lord, regard your servants’ prayers and pleas. Happy are those whose strength is in you. Amen.