AUGUST 23
We pray for your church, worshiping throughout the world: for communities in isolation, for those gathering in person, for those somewhere in between. Bless all who lead, all who minister, and all who hear your Good News:
Hear us, Good Lord.
We pray for the Queen, the Prime Minister, and all in authority: May your call for justice and peace infuse their hearts and influence their governance.
Hear us, Good Lord.
We pray for this community: for those who live here, as we enjoy relative safety; for those who work here, recognising the precarious reality of employment this summer; for those with family nearby, and those who are separated. Remind us to pour your compassion into our town at every opportunity.
Hear us, Good Lord.
Shine your light on the work of those who strive to protect your creation, that their efforts may respect and benefit all of the glory you have made.
Hear us, Good Lord.
We hold before you those who are in any physical, emotional, and spiritual need: the sick, the hopeless, the oppressed, the imprisoned, the exiled, the heart-broken: Comfort their hearts, and support those who minister to them.
Hear us, Good Lord.
Welcome to your eternal rest those who have died, and bring peace to all who grieve and mourn.
Hear us, Good Lord.
Hear our petitions, dear Lord, and as remind us of all the gifts of this life: of security, of health, of each other, and mostly of you. Hear our thanksgivings easily and joyfully professed as we journey in your company this day.
Hear us, Good Lord.
AUGUST 30
Loving God, we come to you: silently in the church, and aloud at home, that you would hear the prayers of our hearts.
In our many places, Lord, as we gather in your name we are gathered in your house. We ask your blessing on this, your church: for our Primate Linda, our Diocesan Administrators and Episcopal Nominees, for all who lead and serve that your glory may be known. Bless all who worship your name, and share your message of inclusion, love, and peace.
Hear us, Good Lord.
We feel your presence as we journey forward. We thank you for those who lead us: for the Queen, our Prime Minister, our Premier, and all duly elected officials in all nations. Be with them as they strive to do what is right, and touch their hearts and minds with a desire to serve your people well.
Hear us, Good Lord.
We hold up to you, and in our hearts, those who struggle to cope in this life: for those with insufficient material goods, for those whose dignity is denied, for those who are experiencing violence. For all victims of society, whose needs exceed our imagination, we ask for you to help us be helpers.
Hear us, Good Lord.
Loving God, help us to love one another as you have loved us. Open our eyes to see systems of oppression, strengthen us to challenge systemic racism, humble our hearts as we continue to learn how to respect the dignity of all. For all who have experienced racism this week, and all who have practiced it: Lord have mercy.
Hear us, Good Lord.
We pray for our homes; for those who live here and those who visit; for those who are easy to love and for those we struggle to love; for those whose employment is precarious or ending, and for those whose benefits are coming to an end. May we be inspired to advocate for a more just society.
Hear us, Good Lord.
We pray for the sick and the suffering, whose names are in our hearts and minds, and all who have no one else to pray for them. We ask you to comfort the souls of all receiving treatments, all who are in pain, all who are in fear. Bless their caregivers that they may continue to be a blessing.
Hear us, Good Lord.
Send your solace to those who grieve the loss of a loved one. Cover with mercy all who have suffered loss, all who dwell in fear, all who have closed their hearts to your grace and love.
Hear us, Good Lord.
In your compassion, dear Lord, remind us to be grateful. Help us to turn to you each day, celebrating the abundance of our lives. Rejoice with us as we count blessings more often than challenges; and as we embrace the endless opportunity to live in Christian love.
Hear us, Good Lord.
We raise these prayers, assured that you hear the words on our lips and the intentions in our hearts. Grant us our petitions as may be best for us, and help us to seek your knowledge and truth in this world, and trust in your promise of the ever-near Kingdom.
Hear us, Good Lord. Amen.
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