Lector: Dearest Jesus, we have worshipped the many golden calves of the material world, causing inequality, war, and destruction of the planet. With the faith and love of which you are the everlasting source, help us to live peacefully and compassionately with each other and your creation.
Holy spirit, in all things direct our hearts.
Dearest Jesus, we, your church, are the human face of your love for the world. Create in us clean hearts for your work of peace and justice. Help us to lead with loving kindness rather than judgment, as we care for one another and our home, the earth.
Holy spirit, in all things direct our hearts.
Dearest Jesus, direct the leaders and citizens of this great country, the United States, to place the highest value on human and environmental well being, that each one of us might pursue happiness without degrading one another or our precious earth.
Holy spirit, in all things direct our hearts.
Dearest Jesus, every person in the world deserves a safe home, nutritious food, a quality
education, meaningful work, good health, justice, and a future without fear. Help us to place the highest importance on the well-being of our neighbors as we seek the same for ourselves.
Holy spirit, in all things direct our hearts.
Dearest Jesus, wash from us our wickedness in our treatment of the seas, skies, and blessed earth of our planet. Wash from us the heartlessness with which we treat our brother and sister animals. Inspire us to care for the earth and its inhabitants with loving kindness. Be especially with the Orca whales as they search for food and serenity in the Salish Sea.
Holy spirit, in all things direct our hearts.
Dearest Jesus, with the faith and love that is your creation in us, help us tend to those who suffer depression, fear, anxiety, anger, injury, and illness. Be with those who grieve the loss of loved ones. Welcome the departed to your eternal home. Be especially with those we now name, silently and aloud (pause), including those on our parish prayer list:
Holy spirit, in all things direct our hearts.
Presider: Dearest Lord, you displayed the utmost patience as the apostle Paul struggled to gain wisdom and love. Guide us, like Paul, to maturity in Christ. Amen.