Prayers of the People

God be with you,

And also with you.

Let us pray.

Shepherd of Souls, you ever provide for the spiritual needs of your Church.  Guide those who seek to follow you along right pathways for your Name’s sake.  Though at times we find ourselves in the valley of the shadow of death, beset by evil and temptation, despair and doubt; we know that you are ever with us - our comfort and our strength.  We pray to you today for your church here in the Evanston Deanery, particularly for the people of St. Giles’ Church in Northbrook and Court, their Rector.  Refresh and bless all your people, Lord, and make us to dwell in your house forever.

God in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Light of the World, you offer us clear sight when we are blinded by sin and selfishness, fear and narrowness of vision.  Open our eyes and the eyes of those in authority to see all unfruitful works of darkness for what they are and to rather set our eyes upon the horizon of your dawning hope for all your Creation, all your children.  High King of Heaven, we ask you to guard all those civilians in danger in Iran and Lebanon and throughout the Middle East.  Ruler of All, direct our leaders, for your mercy’s sake, in the paths of truth and grace that they shall endeavor to care for and safeguard the vulnerable in these days of war and violence. 

God in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heart of our Hearts, you hate nothing you have made, you bind up the broken, you cherish every soul.  Embrace all who are sick, all who suffer or struggle, who mourn or weep.  We pray to you, in a particular way today for those affected by the storms and tornados last week here in Illinois, and for Sally, Sherry, Aidan, Isabelle, Anne, Victor, Ben, Chuck & family, Heather, Vicki, Donna, James, Lexi, and Christine.

Are there others?

Supply their need, O Christ, heal them, restore them, strengthen and uphold them.

Bright Heaven’s Sun, your presence is the light of the living and the repose of the dead.  Shed your unending day upon all who have died, especially Darold Yost, and all of those killed in the Middle East this past week.  Are there others?

God in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

The Book of Common Prayer

Amen.