Prayers of the People

God be with you,

And also with you.

Let us pray.

Maker of All Things, Lord of Heaven and Earth, in you we live and move and have our being.  You give life and breath to all things, you paint the wayside flower, you light the evening star.  Make us grateful for all of your good gifts, for your wondrous, fragile, precious Creation.  Guide us and our leaders in business and in government to be careful stewards of that which you have made - the shimmering seas and running rivers, the bright fields and shaded forests, the rich soil and the clear air and every living thing.   Do not let our sinful greed and fearful acquisition blind us to the truth of your glorious rule and your generous providence.  Give us and all those who lead us humble, grateful, and understanding hearts and wisdom’s pure vision.

God in your mercy, 

hear our prayer.

O Spirit all embracing and counselor all wise, O Beauty ever blazing in flower, field and face - we thank you for all things bright and good in this world and for your presence within and among us.  For the loveliness of nature and springtime, for the delight in our days, for our families, friends, and all those whom we love, we thank you, Holy One for all that your love imparts.  Undying flame of compassion, burn in your Church and shape a people whose reverent gratitude is kindled into generous action.  We pray to you today for your Church in the Evanston Deanery, particularly for the people of St. Matthew’s Church in Evanston and Whayne their priest-in-charge.  Crown your people’s ministry and fellowship with thankful joy as we gather in prayer to wait upon your light.

God in your mercy, 

hear our prayer.

O God, you hold our souls in life, you are not far from each and every one of us.  Comfort, strengthen and restore all those in this world who are sick, who suffer, or who are in any kind of trouble, praying particularly today for the people of Ukraine and Russia, for all those affected by the military and economic consequences of war in Iran and for Sally, Sherry, Aidan, Isabelle, Norris, Andre, Donna, James, and Tyler & Anna.

Are there others?  (Silence)

We pray to you also for those who have died, particularly for those killed in armed conflicts around the world.  Lead all the departed into that everlasting kingdom in which no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love.   Grant to all who have died eternal rest and peace in your stream of endless flowing, in your light perpetual, in your world without end.

God in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.                                         The Book of Common Prayer

Amen.