As a people set aside for love and service, we unite with one another to pray* for today's needs in the Church and the world.
For the needs of our community, we pray:
- For those who have been victims of abuse, violence, and degradation;
- For those who have suffered great tragedy or loss, especially for those who have seen their children killed or injured;
- For those who have lost loved ones to death;
- For those who have suffered the bonds of addiction, or whose family members have disrupted the love of family through their inability to break free from addiction;
- For those who have been unemployed, hungry, or homeless;
- For those who have experienced divorce, separation, or heartbreak;
For these and more, we set our hearts and offer our hands in compassionate action,
giving thanks for the blessings of this day.
For the world, we pray:
- For those who have died in continuing violence in Iraq;
- For families who have lost children to accident, disease, or violence;
- For those who would harm children, that they may amend their lives, and especially in sorrow and concern for those members of clergy who would abuse their positions for their own gratification;
- For the people of Darfur and those of the Indian Ocean rim, that their suffering may not be forgotten;
- For the people of the Gaza Strip, both Israeli and Palestinian, that peace may at long last flourish in this ravaged land;
For these and more, we set our hearts and offer our hands in compassionate action,
giving thanks for the blessings of this day.
For all those in need, we pray:
- For the safety of our nation;
- For our President, that he might govern with justice, mercy, compassion, and an eye to peace, and that he might repent of bringing into government those who would legitimize torture;
- For victims of rape and sexual abuse or trafficking;
- For all loving families, gay and straight, that they may find acceptance;
- For those who feel pushed to the margins of society for their beliefs;
For these and more, we set our hearts and offer our hands in compassionate action,
giving thanks for the blessings of this day.