You have made us in your image. Open our eyes to see your image in those with whom we worship, work, and live. Increase our desire for you and your ways.

In your mercy, O God, draw each of us closer to your heart.

We lift before you the Body of Christ, our bishops, priests, and deacons, that they may faithfully lead us in our calling to be a light to the world.

In your mercy, O God, draw each of us closer to your heart.

We lift before you the leaders of our nation: the president, the Congress, courts, and local authorities as well as those who govern around the globe. May they always reflect your justice and strive for peace among nations and neighbors.

In your mercy, O God, draw each of us closer to your heart.

We lift before you all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, and those who struggle with themselves or with difficult situations. Infuse them with your healing power and move us to reach out to them with compassion.

In your mercy, O God, draw each of us closer to your heart.

We lift before you those who are dying and those who mourn. Receive the dying into your eternal embrace, accompanied by choirs of angels and greeted by the host of heaven.

In your mercy, O God, draw each of us closer to your heart.

Spirit of Love, we think of our loved ones who are experiencing hardships and illness. May they find peace and healing. We remember those we now name either silently or aloud [pause; mention silently or aloud…] We remember those on our parish prayer list: … as well as those for whom no one prays; may they be comforted by your Holy Spirit. O God, our Life.

In your mercy, O God, draw each of us closer to your heart.

And because we are all connected by our humanity, we hold in our hearts those who are strangers to us and far away yet need the touch of divine Love. 

In your mercy, O God, draw each of us closer to your heart.