We pray for all places of worship and all who worship you dear God, may they be free to worship without fear to carry out your mission.  Help us to prepare the way.

We pray for these United States, for Barack, our President and Jay, our Governor, may they be faithful leaders.  Help us to prepare the way.

We pray for this precious earth, our only home, may we be a careful refiner and purifier rather than a senseless burner and exploiter. Help us to prepare the way.

We pray for our beloved Orcas Island, may our love overflow to nurture our community. Help us to prepare the way.

We pray for all who suffer in body, mind, spirit or addiction, especially those on our prayer list: …. may your tender compassion give them comfort. Help us to prepare the way.

We pray for the departed and those that mourn, may all see the salvation of God. May we be inspired by the 4^th century Bishop of Myra, St. Nicholas, to also be a protector of those whose lives and innocence are threated today by violence, poverty, and exploitation.  Help us to prepare the way.

Presider: Listen to the prayers of your people, dear God, we do not want to cry out in the wilderness but truly prepare the way so that your love may overflow to greet Jesus Christ our Redeemer who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.