Lector: Precious Lord, your instruction is clear: “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” Teach us to be the voice and hands of your loving kindness in this troubled world. Dear Lord, teach us to love.

Precious Lord, you warn us not to con?de in our own strength. Be with us, your church, as we examine our conscience. Help us to be truthful; equip us to heal ourselves and those we have o?ended. Dear Lord, teach us to love.

Precious Lord, you warn us, “Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the a?icted at the gate.” Let your word inspire the leaders of our United States as they determine a future for this great land. Dear Lord, teach us to love.

Precious Lord, you counsel us, “Mercy triumphs over judgement.” As we look on those who su?er disability, under-employment, homelessness, hunger, sickness and addiction, let us look with compassion, toward solution rather than condemnation. Dear Lord, teach us to love.

Precious Lord, you remind us that a good name is more important than riches. Let our names sing with love for the earth. Help us to honor the sea and sky and earth and all who inhabit it, created in the fullness of your love. Dear Lord, teach us to love.

Precious Lord, time and time again you stop what you are doing and bend your healing heart to those who seek relief from a?iction. Bend again, be with those we now name silently and aloud (pause), especially those on our parish prayer list: … Dear Lord, teach us to love.

Presider: Help us, Lord, to live out your love, to be the hands and hearts of your love for the world. Amen.