God of mercy, impart to us your church, we pray, the understanding of Christ’s passion you desire for us. Bless our presiding bishop, Sean; our bishop, Phil; and our vicar, Joseph. We pray for the Church of England; and for the faith communities of St. Paul’s and La Iglesia Episcopal de la Resurrección in Mount Vernon.
God of power, we ask you to bestow guidance to our national leaders in this time of uncertainty. Keep before their eyes the well-being of the people they are sworn to serve. Strengthen our faith and turn our attention the work you set out for us.
God of love, you teach us to live in community. Increase our affection for one another, and our concern for our near neighbors.
God of mercy, we ask you to watch over those who are losing their human rights on account of changing immigration policies in our nation. Walk beside them, we pray, in their terror and suffering. May we voice our concern for them to all who will listen.
God of compassion, hold in your heart those in need of your tender care. Bless those who struggle with addiction and recovery, especially those who meet in our building. We pray for those who have commended themselves to our prayers: Olivia; Monica; Ralph; Maria; Jen; Holly & Nate; Bill; Jeff; Alex; Vicky; Kathy; Emilio; Ian; Barbara; Christine; Sue; Denice; Jim; Richard; Suzanne; Karen; Nancy; Sandy; Emily; Helen; Verne; Tim; and those we now name, either silently or aloud.
God of eternity, have mercy upon those who have died. We ask you to welcome your servants into your glorious kingdom and the company of your saints. We remember especially the newborn Rune River; and those we now name, either silently or aloud.
God of joy, we ask you to bless those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, including Andrea; Joan; Donna; Ken; Dillon; Emily; and those we now name, either silently or aloud.
God of redemption, may we keep holy the feasts we observe this week, remembering the depths of despair suffered by Jesus’ followers with graceful solemnity, and look forward with joy to the glory of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
Amen.