Bulletin Reflection and Prayers - April

05 april

Reflection:

DID YOU KNOW? - Palm Sunday

            The last week of Lent, or Holy Week, begins the final journey towards the Easter celebration. It starts with the Liturgy of the Palms, when we commemorate the celebratory entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The folks at the time were anticipating that the oppressive regime would be overthrown; and gathered palms fronds from the nearby trees to express their jubilation - similar to how in modern days, happy parades include noise-makers and ribbons or pompoms at the sidelines. We all want to be part of the celebration.

            We enter into Holy Week: with prayer and praise, knowing that while this week feels different this year in our shared sense of grief and exile, we are buoyed by the truth of the resurrection, a truth we carry with us every day.

            The date of Palm Sunday is always in flux. This is because Easter is called a moveable feast: the date is not fixed by the calendar (like Christmas, for example), but by the lunar cycle. The Council of Nicaea in 325 gathered to make a number of decisions related to the newly-decriminalised Christian tradition. This included a statement of faith (Nicene Creed), the biblical canon, and the date for Easter. The feast of the resurrection was set to take place on the Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (first day of spring - now known as March 21), While this constant change may seem a tad confusing to us today, it's good to remember that calendars were not consistent in the time of the Council; our modern use of days and months was only established in the 16th century - most early dates were set on the constancy of the moon.

09 april - Maundy Thursday

PRAYERS:

As you taught your disciples to pray; we gather here, a great assembly of distant twos or threes, connected to you through our prayers. With one heart and one voice we raise to you our petitions and praises.

We pray for your church: asking you to strengthen and support our leaders and encourage us all to loving service.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the rulers of the nations; that your will may be lived through their decisions.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our hometowns: that we may develop an economy of grace in our communities.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for our loved ones: especially those we have not seen and cannot embrace.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are sick, and those who offer care: that you will refresh the exhausted and heal the hurt.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are distressed: that your peace will calm unnerved spirits and support the weary.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for victims of violence, oppression, and persecution; and for all perpetrators of evil: that justice may prevail.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for ourselves: that you will help us to live holy and healthy lives.

Lord, hear our prayer.

12 april - EASTER

PRAYERS:

Uncontainable Saviour, fill our hearts with the eternal joy of your resurrection.

Hear us, Risen Christ!

Inspire your church with renewed faith and strength.

Hear us, Risen Christ!

Help us find ways to maintain the clean hearts you create in us all.

Hear us, Risen Christ!

Break the tombs of our earthly fears with your liberating love.

Hear us, Risen Christ!

Support the broken-hearted and strengthen the weary with the grace you lavish on the world.

Hear us, Risen Christ!

That all who lack will find enough; that all who doubt will find faith, that all who have abundance may joyfully share.

Hear us, Risen Christ!

Give your light to the sick; restore the exhausted, empower the carers, comfort those in darkness.

Hear us, Risen Christ!

Bless us all, loving God, as we strive to be a blessing.

Hear us, Risen Christ!

Amen.

19 APRIL Prayers:

We pray for the church: for the leadership modeled by our Archbishop Ron, for the abundant ways technology is enhancing our worship, for the creative ways the whole people of God are reaching out and responding to the needs of our world. That we will continue to be a calming and positive influence in our world, we pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Queen and for all in authority: that leaders of nations and communities may govern in these difficult and unprecedented times with grace, despite heavy criticism; that they may truly serve their people as is best for us all, and that we will treat them with respect and compassion in our hearts and minds and comments. we pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for the world: as COVID-19 increases risk and fear for so many, we pray for those who are victims of violence; for refugees and displaced people; for those without shelter or means; for the shunned; for those who are oppressed and imprisoned, for those without access to food and clean water; for those denied the option of physical distancing.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for those who are safe in quarantine, and for those who respect the uncomfortable yet necessary actions for the benefit of society.

Help us to recognise our privilege at this time, we pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for ourselves: for those in our communities who are struggling with isolation and loneliness; for those who are paralyzed by fear; for those whose economic realities are uncertain and scary. We pray for wisdom to prevail in our community, for the helpers to continue to empower positivity and assistance for all who need it. We pray for the vulnerable whose challenges have increased. We pray that our future will be one of health and wholeness for ourselves, our families, and our town. We pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those in need: for those with COVID-19 who are more than a statistic; for those whose non-COVID-related illnesses are facing delays in treatments as a result of this pandemic; for those who are carriers of illness without being aware. We pray for those whose minds are trapped in darkness; for all who are overwhelmed by our collective anxiety. We pray for those whose spirits are struggling to find peace and comfort. we pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those working long hours in dangerous exposures: providers of medical and administration needs, delivery people, food service providers, researchers and technicians and essential service providers. Refresh the exhausted, empower the front-line workers, inspire the researchers, inspire the social carers, support those who support us. Help us to be kind and compassionate to those who are supporting society. we pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those whom we love but see no more; that they may rest in peace and rise in glory. We hold up before God those who grieve and mourn, who are at this time unable to gather to celebrate the life of their beloved, and to receive comfort of friends and family. We pray for those who cannot be physically with their loved ones as the time of death draws near. That the peace of Christ will enfold them all; we pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We offer our thanksgivings this day: help us, loving God, to seek out the positives; to focus on our advantages; to know the goodness of this life. Guide and direct our hearts to respond to the joy that comes from you, in ways that will reflect our faith and our commitment as your followers. For blessings known and unknown; for gifts received and anticipated; for all that brings us together in your name: we pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

26 april

PRAYERS:

We come to you today - as every day - in prayer. We raise up the petitions, intercessions, and thanksgivings in our hearts and minds, joining together with you despite our physical distance. We pray:

Lord hear our prayer.

We pray for the church: expressing gratitude for the leadership of our Archbishop Ron and those discerning a call to be bishop; for Archdeacon Ian and Regional Dean Simon; for all who lead in the church.

We ask your strength to continue to be your church, faithful and prayerful. For those whose endurance is supported through prayer, those whose faith is empowered through service; from those whose peace is sourced from the temporary buildings of this earth.

As Easter people, We pray:

Lord hear our prayer.

We pray for the Queen, who celebrated her 94th birthday this week, and continues to lead with grace and dignity. We pray for all in authority, as they govern the municipalities, provinces, and countries to the best of their ability. Strengthen them, dear Lord, through these challenging times, that their actions may be best for all people and times. We pray:

Lord hear our prayer.

We pray for the World: Acknowledging this week's Earth Day and watching a created order that is struggling to recover as humanity continues this pause. For the whole human family as we are invited to develop a new normal in our relations with all creation. For the delicate ecosystems which sustain us, and the gift of springtime blooms that promise us ongoing provision. For all good gifts of the earth we pray:

Lord hear our prayer.

We pray for Community: For our towns and municipalities, as we find new ways to support one another spiritually, emotionally, and through sharing of resources.

We pray for Nova Scotia: a small province of large compassion currently experiencing dismay and grief and anger; that you will comfort us, Lord, as you mourn with us. Help us to see your light in our darkness. We pray:

Lord hear our prayer.

We pray for those in need:

For those burdened with anxiety or paralyzed by fear; for those who are losing their faith, and those who feel their spirits entombed in darkness; for those whose bodies are fighting diseases, pain, and dysfunction; and for those whose earthly circumstances prevent them from the most basic necessities of food, clean water, shelter, and clothing:

And for those whose ministry is to care for these needs, holding up the dignity and well-being of every human being. We pray:

Lord hear our prayer.

We pray for the departed: for those who have died peacefully, for those who have died untimely; for those who have succumbed to COVID-19 related illnesses; for those who have died alone.

That they receive your perfect love as they pass from this life to the next.  May they rest in peace and rise in glory. We pray:

Lord hear our prayer.

We pray for all victims of violence: for those killed last weekend; for those terrorized by the devastation in our province.

For all who are unsafe at home during this time; for those without homes; for those who are victims of gender-based violence.

For refugees, prisoners, the oppressed; for all who are denied (by persons or systems) the full life you imagined for us.

We remain thankful for all who are finding new ways to offer help to the vulnerable.

God of the helpless, we pray:

Lord hear our prayer.

We focus on gratitudes: for the beauty of this day; for the love from you that encourages us to give and receive love with those around us; for our families and friends; for the food we eat; for the blessings you continuously shower upon us. May we always turn to you with grateful hearts, and extend that kindness to the world. We pray:

Lord hear our prayer. Amen.

Bulletin Reflections and Prayers - March

01 March

REFLECTION:

DID YOU KNOW? - LENT

            The season of Lent is an ancient tradition, marking the journey towards Easter. In the service of Ash Wednesday, we identify this as a time of penitence, prayer, scriptural devotion, fasting, and almsgiving (or charity). The season lasts 40 days plus Sundays, ending at Maundy Thursday.

            On Ash Wednesday, we gather together in prayer and receive the mark of the cross on our foreheads, made with the ashes of last year's palm fronds. They are blessed, and remind us that  we are called to give something up, as ultimately we will be giving up everything earthly.

            This is the basis of the tradition of "giving something up for Lent" - and this tradition is meant to be a self-denial that will lead to a deepening of the spiritual journey, leading to self-betterment. Some folks take on new practices during Lent, for the same purpose: for example a new prayer discipline or volunteer act. Whether giving up or taking on, a Lenten practice should lead us closer to God.

            May we all be inspired to live a holy Lent!

PRAYERS

To the petition "Lord, in your mercy," please reply with "Hear our Prayer."

As we begin our Lenten journey, O Lord, we pray for your church: that we may be agents of reconciliation and unity in a world that focuses on division and separation.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.

We ask you to bless Primate Linda, Archbishop Ron, Archdeacon Ian; for those on the Episcopal Nominations Committee and those discerning a call to the ministry of Diocesan Bishop.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.

We ask you to inspire us to be bearers of your Gospel; help us to align our lives to your mission, and proclaim your good news to all who would hear it.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.

We pray for peace in the world: for your comfort to surround places in conflict and people in distress; and for your Spirit to soften the hearts of those who oppress and commit violence.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.

We hold before you those in need of body, mind, and spirit; for the victims of our society, and for those who care for them. Especially these days we pray for those with the Corona virus, for those struggling under unjustified stigma, and the researchers and health care workers directly involved.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.

We pray for ourselves; reflecting inward to consider the intentions of our hearts and the impacts of our actions: we pray forgiveness for times when we have offended, and we ask for your grace as we journey in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.

We offer you our thanksgivings for the blessings of this life, whether we recognise them or not; for all good things come from you, and to you we owe a depth of praise.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer. Amen.

MARCH 08

REFLECTION

DID YOU KNOW? International Women's Day

            Since 1910, March 8th is International Women's Day.  In its earliest days, it was to highlight the importance of women and girls in the world of work; as years past (and women's rights increased) it has become a day to respect the role of women and girls in society, and the movement towards gender equality.

            Each March, the United Nation's Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) takes place, with thousands of politicians, non-governmental organisations, and activists from around the world gather in New York to share, learn, advocate, and support one another as we continue in our efforts. (The Anglican Church has a large presence at the UN, and at CSW in particular).

            2020 was to be a year celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. While progress towards equality is being made, there is no country in the world that has achieved. Due to the current situation of Coronavirus outbreaks, this year's CSW has been cancelled.

            While my intention to attend CSW has obviously fallen through, I will still be taking my scheduled time away 7-14 March. I am grateful to Rev. Linda for leading worship this morning. If you have pastoral need, please contact the office or wardens.

PRAYERS

As we ask the Lord to grant us fulfillment and peace, we respond to the petition "Lord, in your mercy" with "Hear our Prayer."

Loving God, we pray for your church: for our leaders Primate Linda and Archbishop Ron; for the members of the Episcopal Search Committee and those discerning a call to be bishop; for all who proclaim your Good News throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy; Hear our prayer.

We hold before you those who are sick: in body, mind, and spirit: those whose names we carry in our hearts, those whose names are known to you alone. For those suffering from the corona viruses, and those impacted by the fear it brings.  We ask your healing comfort to surround all who struggle to know joy and peace this day.

Lord, in your mercy; Hear our prayer.

We pray for the victims of our society: for the weary and depressed, the hungry and homeless, the frightened and lonely: that we may be inspired by your call to strengthen community and embrace all your family.

Lord, in your mercy; Hear our prayer.

We pray for your world; for places of conflict and fear, for communities and peoples seeking reconciliation, for those who are desperate for rights to be upheld; that we may be counted among those who strive for justice and peace.

Lord, in your mercy; Hear our prayer.

On this International Women's Day, we hold before you all the women in our lives; with gratitude for the work they do and the leadership they bring; acknowledging the opportunity to continue our work for equality.

Lord, in your mercy; Hear our prayer.

As we celebrate the blessings of this life, and offer our thanksgivings, we as you to guide us Lord, and enlighten our days, that we may always know you to be our truth, our way, and our hope.

Lord, in your mercy; Hear our prayer. Amen.

15 MAR

REFLECTION

DID YOU KNOW? - The Peace of the Lord be Always With You!

In this season of sniffles and sneezes, and flu and fear of sinister viruses, it's a good time to review to practice of Passing The Peace: an ancient and scriptural practice of embracing to symbolise unity and compassion in the midst of life's divisions.

Within the service, we collective make peace or reconciliation: with ourselves (at confession), with each other (Passing The Peace), and with God (reconciled through Christ in the Eucharist).

However - in a time of germ awareness, and respect for personal space and agency, passing the peace does NOT need to come with physical contact. We can:

flash a peace sign

smile

wave

nod heads

rub elbows (literally)

Please be sensitive to your comfort level and that of the people around you - and in the most Christian of spaces, share the peace of Christ with one another!

PRAYERS

We come together as church, and pray that we may be carry your truth into the world. We pray for our church leaders: for Primate Linda and Archbishop Ron; for members of the Episcopal search committee and those discerning a call to be bishop. For the power to carry your Gospel Truth to the world:

In your name we pray:

Lord, hear and have mercy.

We pray for the leaders of the nations: those who ascend to authority through heritage, violence, and election; those whose primary focus is on themselves, on their country, and on all people; guide and direct those who govern to be led by a spirit of generosity and benevolence, that all your chuldren may flourish.

In your name we pray:

Lord, hear and have mercy.

We pray for ourselves: that through your unceasing care you may help us to open our eyes and ears and hearts to those around us: to support the vulnerable, advocate for the oppressed, reject over-indulgence, withstand temptation, and renew our energies to serve you alone:

In your name we pray:

Lord, hear and have mercy.

We pray for our homes: that they may be havens of comfort and safety; to enjoy with our loved ones times of prayer, meals, and leisure. Help us to extend our sense of home beyond our four walls, to our neighbours on our streets, in our town, and in our wider community.

In your name we pray:

Lord, hear and have mercy.

We pray for those who suffer with ailments of mind, body, or spirit; we hold before you those who offer care in person and in research. Help us to be charitable to the needs of others, help us to be agents of compassion to the vulnerable in our society. Free us from the prejudice and hardened hearts that prevents our own health in you.

In your name we pray:

Lord, hear and have mercy.

We pray for your world, that we often take for granted. Help us to discover new and just ways of protecting and preserving your created masterpiece; that we may be the stewards of your creation as is best for now and generations to come.

In your name we pray:

Lord, hear and have mercy.

We lay before you abundant gratitude; with our petitions and intercessions we also celebrate with prayer our thanksgivings of this life. For food and shelter, for our families and friends, for all we receive and for opportunities to share, we extend our thanks and praise.

In your name we pray:

Lord, hear and have mercy.

March 22  - World Water Day

(NB church building closed due to COVID-19; worship offered online)

REFLECTION:

DID YOU KNOW? - Fred Rogers

Famed children's TV presenter Fred Rogers promoted "a beautiful day in the neighbourhood!" to many generations. With his entry song, his trademark sweaters, and his puppet friends beside him, his was a voice that many of us still turn to when we orient our moral compass.

One of his famous pieces of advice to young children about scary things was this:

"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."

As adults, we get the opportunity to engage in this behaviour - for we ARE the potential helpers that others see and emulate.

This past week, as we are all experiencing fear and anxiety, we are also witnessing the best of ourselves, as we help others. From picking up groceries, to sharing of board games, to unexpected door-drop deliveries of homemade cookies: help is happening. Because we are helpers.

As we journey through the unknown, may be do so together in spirit: in faith, in joy, and in Christ.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Loving God, in the midst of our confusion we seek to find you. On this World Water Day, may we recognise that your gift of water is as ever-present as you are: in the land, in the air, and in the seas. Help us to celebrate this water, which you blessed, as the lifeblood whose arteries nourish every living thing, including ourselves.

When we stagger in spiritual deserts, help us to seek your living water. When we swim in spiritual oceans, help us to celebrate your promise that we will never thirst.

Lord, in your abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.

Teacher, you use water to remind us of community, abundance, and humility. You received the sacrament of baptism; you accepted a hospitable drink from a well; you walked across stormy waves to calm your anxious friends; you washed feet in servant leadership; you created good wine to promote dignity; you assured us of quenching all thirst as the spring of living water.

Help us to learn from your examples that all water is sacred, and has been entrusted to us, as stewards of creation, for our use and care - for this generation and for every generation to come.

Lord, in your abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.

In this community, we live by the sea, and on the sea. We hold before you all whose livelihood is connected to our waters: those in the fishing and seafood industries, especially our lobster fishers currently on the water. We pray for those whose employment is based on tourism, and for those who enjoy the water for recreational and restorative pursuits. We hold up all those who depend on commercial shipping lanes and cargo routes, those who serve in coast guard and in the navy.

We pray for all whose life is on the water:

Lord, in your abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.

As we live in the shadow of fear of COVID-19, we ask for stronger faith to carry us through. We offer thanks for the front-line care givers: the doctors and nurses, medical and support staff, for pharmacists and those staffing essential services; for researchers and technicians; for mental and emotional health providers in a time of collective anxiety; for all those whose ministry is to serve the wider people even at personal risk. We turn to you for healing: in our hearts, our relationships, and our communities.

Lord, in your abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.

We hold before you, especially in this time of pandemic, those who are living in precarious and scarce economic situations. As we are reminded to wash our hands, drink fluids, and eat healthy foods, we call to mind those who struggle to meet the basic needs of clean and affordable water, soap, and food: for indigenous communities with boil-water advisories or no running water; for those whose experience of homelessness or poverty prevents safe access to bathing opportunities or the accumulation of provisions.

As we ask you to calm the hearts and minds of the most vulnerable in our society, we also ask that you give us courage to advocate for systematic changes that would encourage physical and spiritual health through basic needs.

Lord, in your abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.

God of compassion, we ask you to open our hearts to those who are sick in mind, body, or spirit: remembering those who are unable to access medical care due to the current pandemic. We pray for those who have had procedures delayed; for those whose existing conditions put them at increased risk; those whose fear is preventing them from seeking care. We ask for your love to surround all those who are depressed, isolated, and lonely in this time of disconnect. We beg your light to shine in the hearts of those who are acting with cynicism and cruelty.

Lord, in your abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.

God of togetherness, we pray for our community. We give thanks for the actions of those who are seeking the common good; for those who are paying staff despite mandatory closures; for those who are checking on isolated neighbours; for those finding new ways to build community despite social distancing. We ask your continued blessing as we navigate uncertain times, that we may model the best of family and grace. We ask you to quiet our minds and calm our hearts, that we may rest fully in your blessing.

Lord, in your abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we turn to you as the Cornerstone of our faith. You have provided for us leadership at this time in our churches and in our governments; we ask that your blessing would be upon them all: in our church we give thanks for the faithful example of our Primate Linda, our Archbishop Ron, our Archdeacon Ian, and all in leadership. In our governments we ask your blessing upon the Queen, our Prime Minister, Premier, and Mayor, as they seek the best course of action for all of your people. In these times of political and economic stress, help us to pray daily for those in leadership, asking them to use your wisdom in their discernment and decisions.

Lord, in your abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.

God of masterful creation, we hold our thanksgivings to you: for our life, our families, our friends, and our privilege to serve. Pausing for a moment to reflect on the gifts of this day, we offer gratitude for the blessings that we enjoy, those that we take for granted, and those that we are unaware of. We offer our thanksgivings for new opportunities arising before us; new possibilities to care for each other and for your earth. We thank you for the patterns of cleaner air in Northern Italy and China; for the aquatic life returning to Venetian canals; for the tiny temporary pause in our climatic destruction that invites us to reconsider how we connect with your creation.

Lord, in your abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.

We thank you, Holy One, for hearing the words of our mouths and the stirrings of our hearts. May all we do this day give you greater glory.

Lord, in your abundant mercy, Hear our prayer. Amen.

March 29

REFLECTION:

DID YOU KNOW? - CONSISTENT PRAYER

            There's a bit of an inside joke about Anglicans being people of the book... not the Bible - but the Prayer Book! This comes from a bit of a tradition whereby Anglicans may be able to quote the prayers and liturgies of the Prayer Book better than some of the parts of the Bible. (Interestingly counter to that perception, the Prayer Book is profoundly scriptural.)

            Liturgical churches, however, with a written liturgy, offer the same prayers week after week and day after day. It is comfort to some, and for others it feels flat. For some of us, it can change day to day and hour to hour.

            In times of inconsistency, however, many find solace in the consistency of prayer. The comfortable words have brought comfort for centuries, in times of individual, community, and global fear. Psychologists have advised that in our present state of pandemic, maintaining a routine in our daily lives will assist our resilience to the fear of the unknown.

            Thus, the church has this consistency to offer. And offer we shall. We shall continue to gather daily for prayer: every Monday through Saturday we will have an email sent out on our mailing list and Facebook page, and prayers will be said around noon on the Facebook page. (You do not need to sign up for Facebook to view)

            On Sundays, we will pray together online. Our 8.30 Morning Prayer service will be based on the Book of Common Prayer (1962 version); our 10.30 service from the Book of Alternative Services. Bulletins will include the entirety of the service, and be available via email and our Facebook page.

            I am fully aware that our spiritual journey of the coming weeks and months will feel very different as our community of faith is worshipping in our own homes. We have not yet established a firm liturgical plan for this new reality. 

            In this time of uncertainty, however, we are blessed with the consistency of prayer. May we embrace this familiarity and find the comfort of Christ in the words of our prayers; lifting our hearts and souls and voices to the power and presence of God.

PRAYERS:

Let us respond to the petition "Lord in your mercy" with "Hear our prayer"

Holy God, we come to you as the body of Christ in this in-between time; a Lenten time of penitence and sacrifice; a spring time of new growth; a pandemic time of confusion. We ask you to calm our hearts and minds, that we may feel and embrace your peace deep within us this day. May we be comforted by you, and be a comfort those we love.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for the church: for the guidance of our Primate Linda and Archbishop Ron, and all in authority; for the leadership in all levels that are encouraging us to be the church beyond the walls of the building. As we feel a time of physical distance, help us to carry your inspiring truth of spiritual connection.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for the leaders of the nations, charged to navigate these uncharted waters of pandemic living. Open their hearts to practice compassion for all humanity, in these immediate days and for ages to come. 

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We hold up before you those who experience discomfort or pain, those whose dis-ease affects body; mind; and spirit. Pour your Spirit upon all who offer care; on all who are finding new ways to provide health; on all who are engaging the lonely despite isolation. For those who are exhausted; we beg refreshment. For those who are fearful; we beg peace. For those who are depressed; we beg your Light.

Let us pause to hold before you those whose names we carry in our hearts.

Let us pause to hold before you those whose names are elsewise unspoken.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who have died; that they may enter their eternal rest in the peace of Christ. We ask your consolation upon all who mourn, that they may seek solace from you in this their time of sorrow.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

God of community, we pray for this our home town: giving thanks for those working in essential services; for those labouring for the ease of others; for the helpers who are running errands for neighbours; for all who are seeking ways to do good. We pray for those who are paralyzed by fear; for those whose employment is unexpectedly ended or ending; for those who feel forgotten and alone. We ask your healing balm to soothe us and still our anxieties, that we may find new ways to connect with one another.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

God of grace, it is so easy to forget to thank you: so we pause now to reflect on the goodness of this day. For the fruitful earth which sustains our bodies; for the family and friends who nourish our selves; for the journey with you to uphold our spirits. Help us to offer you thanks for all the gifts and blessings of our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows. May we use our grateful hearts to share your greater glory in the world.

Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Amen.