Eternal God, you love the righteous. May your Spirit inspire the leaders of your church, especially Michael, Greg, Berto and Hugh, to teach us to care for the stranger and sustain the orphan and widow.

Our hope is in you, Eternal God.

Eternal God, you gave justice to the oppressed, have mercy on these United States. Guide our leaders to make wise decisions on our behalf.

Our hope is in you, Eternal God.

Eternal God, you have linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives. Guide us in the work we do that we may do it for the common good. On this Labor Day weekend, make us mindful that all workers deserve fair wages and benefits, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work.

Our hope is in you, Eternal God.

Eternal God, you made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them. Have mercy on all creatures as some cope with severe storms, and floods, while others cope with heat, fires, and drought.

Our hope is in you, Eternal God.

Eternal God, we give thanks for the safe return of Berto and Hugh from their travels. We welcome them back as our good shepherds, trusting that time away celebrating their mother’s eightieth birthdays was joyous and restorative.

Our hope is in you, Eternal God.

Eternal God, you made the deaf to hear and the mute to speak. Have mercy on all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, from addiction, unemployment mental illness or homelessness, particularly those we now name either silently or aloud, (pause) and especially for those on our parish prayer list… those for whom no one prays; may they be comforted by your Holy Spirit. May their caregivers and health care providers be strengthened by your Spirit.

Our hope is in you, Eternal God.

Eternal God, we pray for those near death and those that have died asking that they be welcomed by angels. We pray for those that mourn, comfort them with a sense of your goodness and give them peace.Our hope is in you, Eternal God.