let us pray* for the creation:
O God the Creator,
You have created us in your image for your loving purpose.
O Christ, our Savior,
You were present at the Creation.
O Holy Spirit,
You make all things sacred.
Holy Trinity, One God,
In You we live and move and have our being.
We give you thanks for this planet earth, your ongoing gift.
May we see your generous hand all around us.
As we remember that the Risen Jesus appeared to his disciples wounded,
Forgive us for wounding each other.
Forgive us for wounding this Earth.
O God, we have discovered how we are all bound together:
Bound to you, O God, and bound to this Earth.
We give you thanks for the new awareness that we are also bound to each other,
Bound to those who have come before us,
Bound to all who are alive now,
Bound to those who come after us.
We ask your blessing upon our Church:
May it be a sign of your abundant and restoring love for the world.
We pray especially for Ted Kennedy, and all who suffer from the scourge of cancer.
We pray for our nation and those who lead us,
That we may seek peace with all Creation, do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.
Guard us against the malice and arrogance that threaten to destroy us.
Keep us ever mindful of the needs of others.
Give us ever grateful hearts for the gifts we receive: for all vegetable life --
For the forests and fields, meadows and pastures that offer beauty, air, and the abundant fruits of the earth.
For all animal life --
For animals that provide milk and eggs for food, wool and down for warmth.
For those whose given flesh and life sustain our own,
For those who give us companionship and love beyond our deserving.
May we always remember and thank you, O God,
For all life is precious in your sight.
May the rivers, seas, skies, and lands flourish and bless you, O God,
For even the trees ring out your praise.
O God, the heavens are yours.
The earth also is yours; the world and its fullness.
Give us grace to praise you by caring wisely for your Creation.
Blessed are the people who walk in the light of your presence.
And we remember before you, O Savior, all who have died, especially those taken by the forces of nature in Burma and China.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,
Yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.