Oh Glorious One from whom all things come:
The summer is nearly over, school bells and church bells invite us to gather, carefully, for we understand that the test to our health, our patience, and our community spirit is not yet over. We thank you for the health in our community, our congregation, and we thank you for all who are doing their best to keep everyone well in body, mind, and spirit.
Dear God, let us be mindful that you are with us in our strength and in our weakness.
We pray especially now for our priests, Berto and Hugh, and those whom they love. They are with us in spirit as they travel. We wish them a safe return. We also thank all who are standing in for them, offering prayers today, especially Betsy and Luann, and we thank all those others who serve our parish and the surrounding community with love and attention, as your son, Jesus Christ, has taught. We pray for and thank spiritual leaders everywhere for their guidance and steadfastness, helping those in need and inspiring many.
Dear God, let us be mindful that you are with us in our strength and in our weakness.
We pray for our governments, both state and national, and for heads of state everywhere. We pray that leaders may discern and implement the best way forward, serving those in need, and developing strong approaches to better stewardship of the planet while working together in harmony.
Dear God, let us be mindful that you are with us in our strength and in our weakness.
We pray for all those in need: for the homeless, the lonely, the lost, the victims of natural and manmade disasters—and we send special prayers for those souls affected by earthquakes in Haiti, for all who strive to find an equitable way to live, for those people who wish to force others into their way of belief and for the victims of such people. We pray for those who have lost their homes in recent fires. We pray for nature herself and promise to do everything we can to restore the air, the water, and the earth to balance and wholeness so that all may live according to your plan.
Dear God, let us be mindful that you are with us in our strength and in our weakness.
Help us to follow your example: to bring loving kindness, generosity, and simplicity into the lives of all we know. Let us mention now those on our Parish Prayer List.(Please pray slowly): … and for those for whom no one prays.
Dear God, let us be mindful that you are with us in our strength and in our weakness.
And let us sound the bell in our heart for all those who have died during this pandemic time, and send prayers and comfort to families and friends who grieve their loss. (Pause). And let us now join in prayerful intention to support any other special concerns we may have. (These may be stated silently or aloud). Please hear and answer these prayers, dear Beloved God.