Reader: Oh Exalted One, Holy Blessed Creator of all that is. May all beings come to know the strength and patience and faith that keep us steady on the way to knowing and serving you ever more fully.  May we be inspired by St. Benedict of Nursia’s example, whose feast we celebrate this week. Through his example may we learn greater consistency in our devotion, greater attention to our life as a community, and deeper respect for the daily needs of our fellows.

Congregation: Inspire us to go forth as loving examples of Christ’s teachings.

We ask blessings for all who dedicate their lives to your service and the service of your people—our priests Berto and Hugh, our bishop, Gregory, and all those who guide and govern our church. We ask special blessings for religious leaders of every faith, that all might more fully know and live in love and deepest truth.

Inspire us to go forth as loving examples of Christ’s teachings.

We thank you for the good works of all those in service to our congregation, including those who work to improve the situation for immigrants, provide for the needs of the food bank, for our Education for Ministry Class, for the Bible Study class, for the good works of the St. Agnes Guild and all who serve on the vestry, the choir and all the many services, seen and unseen, that are part of our life as a Christian community. We especially thank those who instruct and attend to our children and ask for special guidance as we plan the summer camp.

Help us to be strong in our service to one another, whether in thought or deed.

We fervently pray for leaders throughout the world. We name here:  Donald, our President, Jay our Governor, and leaders everywhere. May they act with respect and compassion for the well being of all people and the planet itself.

Help us to all speak and act for the highest good of all your creation. 

We thank you for your help in recognizing the needs of our community and responding in the best possible way to these needs. Please help us to make reparation for the harm we have done to others, to ourselves, and to the planet and all living things.

We especially ask for prayers for those in our community who are struggling with health or other challenges, particularly (please add as needed)

(At this time add silently or aloud the names of others for whom we wish special prayers. ) May all those recently departed (names) and their families and loved ones rest in the comfort of your divine love. (silence)

(Leader resumes after a few moments:) We are grateful, Beloved Creator, for your loving guidance in our lives, for our supportive and warm-hearted community, for this beautiful place in which we live, for our elders, for our children, our pets, and for all of nature.  We ask for blessings and safe travels for our guests and visitors.

Fill our hearts with your love as we expand in wisdom and learning.  Help us to be open to your guidance as we move through every stage of life. 

Presider:  Oh beloved God, help us to recognize your deepest Truth in the Way of Compassionate Love that you have taught us. Help us to find the strength to accept life’s challenges and to recognize its beauties and gifts with open hearts. We ask that all those who suffer from losses of loved ones, from the outrages of war or natural disasters and other difficulties and challenges find their way to you and be comforted.  Strengthen us all that we not be caught in the nets of uncertainty and material distractions. Help us to move forward in greater knowledge and love of you—the one and only God—in your myriad forms, your countless names, now and forever. We thank you for your endless blessings.  Amen.