Prayers of the People

God be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

Christ of Great Compassion, Hope of the World, we bring to you today in our prayers the nations of your earth rent by fearful conflict and afflicted with suffering.  We pray for all those lost in and affected by natural disasters: wildfires in Canada and in Europe, earthquakes in Japan, monsoon in Pakistan.  We pray also for those working to effect a just and lasting peace in Iran and in Ukraine.  Have compassion on those who suffer and give your Holy Spirit unto us and all in positions of authority to heal earth’s wounds and end her bitter strife.

God in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Lord of the dark night and the dawning day alike, we gather as your Church to wrestle with you and with the Scriptures; begging, from that struggle, abundant blessing.  To you our hearts draw near.  Give abundantly the bread of life to those hungry souls who gather in Christian community to worship and to follow you.  We pray to you today, in a particular way, for your Church here in the Diocese of Chicago and the Evanston Deanery, especially for Bishop Paula Clark and the people of Saint Mark’s Church in Evanston and Greg their rector.  We render back to you the love your mercy gives us every day. Take our lives and use them as you will.

God in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, of Sarah, Rebekah, Leah and Rachel, you were ever faithful in ancient days and you are ever faithful still.  You heard their cries and listened to their prayers and you incline your ear to us and hear our words and our wordless pleas.  Show your marvelous loving-kindness to those for whom we pray this day,

Sally, Sherry, Aidan, Isabelle, Norris, Andre, Adele & Rick, Donna, and Leigh.

Are there others? (Silence)

We pray your mercy and rest enfold those who have died, especially those killed in warfare and natural disaster around the world this week.

Are there others? (Silence)

God beyond all seeing and knowing, you accompany all of us as you accompanied Jacob; even when your presence feels difficult, mysterious or absent.  Walk closely beside your people in our daily journeying today and grant us newness of life; evermore showing our wandering hearts your path of light.

God in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.     – Book of Common Prayer

Amen.