Lord Hear Our Prayer

I remember the Canon to the Ordinary from the Diocese of Georgia saying that when his family would take long road trips, they would recite the Prayers of the People from the Prayer Book. This not only engaged a family in prayer but it also gave a family something to do while they traveled! What a wonderful idea. If you travel this summer, grab a Prayer Book with you. If you don't have one, call me at the church office and I'll make sure you get one. Until then, here's a sampling from the Prayers of the People:

Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.

We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.