Lector: Merciful God, we give thanks for Michael, our presiding bishop, Greg, our bishop, Berto and Hugh, our priests and all faithful priests of your church, may they share the Spirit of your son who is in their hearts with us so that we may be a light that shines in the darkness. 

Grace and truth come through you Jesus. 

Merciful God, we give thanks for these United States, while praying that we may be united in spirit rather than just in name, pour out your wisdom God on our President Donald and on Congressional members of both parties so they remember to well and faithfully discharge their duties.

Grace and truth come through you Jesus. 

Merciful God, we pray that you will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations so there will be no more war, oppression or famine.

Grace and truth come through you Jesus. 

Merciful God, we give thanks for SAFE San Juans while praying for all victims of sexual abuse; may all members of our community be reminded to respect the dignity of every human being and to treat everyone as we want our parent, spouse, child or grandchild to be treated.

Grace and truth come through you Jesus. 

Merciful God, as we near the end of another year that has seen fires, lava, tsunamis, rain, wind, and snow devastate seemingly every corner of your earth, we give thanks for the beauty of Orcas, may we never take this place for granted and be good stewards of the treasure you have entrusted to us.

Grace and truth come through you Jesus. 

Merciful God, we pray for all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, from addiction, unemployment or homelessness, for those near death and for those that mourn, particularly those we now name either silently or aloud, (pause) and especially for those on our parish prayer list…; may they be comforted by your Holy Spirit.

Grace and truth come through you Jesus. 

Merciful God, we remember the dead, especially your servant Frances Gaudet, who died on this date 84 years ago, grant that we, encouraged by the example of her life, may work for those who are denied the fullness of life by reasons of incarceration and lack of access to education.   

Grace and truth come through you Jesus. 

Presider:  Merciful God, you are always more eager to hear our prayers than we are to pray, help us to accept your will in answer to these our prayers as we celebrate the remembrance of the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.