For the Church: that we, like Jesus, may show mercy and compassion to all who are grieving, suffering or powerless in society
For a spirit of hospitality: that we may warmly receive the strangers who come to our communities and welcome the gifts that they can share with us
For the grace of awareness: that God will help us recognize the opportunities and invitations that touch our lives each day as we listen to people, are touched by acts of kindness or learn new things
For greater openness: that we may recognize the ways in which Jesus desires to assist us and accept gifts and blessings from Christ without reservation
For freedom of spirit: that God will show us our assumptions about and prejudices toward others so that we may be free to get to know them and work together with them
For all who are grieving the loss of a loved one: that they may know the care and compassion of fellow believers and experience the abiding presence of God with them
For all who minister to the grieving: that God will renew them and guide them in being instruments of hope and support for all who are experiencing loss
For all who have suffered losses through natural disasters: that God will renew their spirits, give them strength, and help them find the assistance which they need to rebuild their lives
For all who are suffering from famine or drought: that God will relieve their suffering, bring rain and bountiful crops, and open the pathway for supplies which they need
For the sick: that God’s healing love may touch them, strengthen them, and restore them to wholeness
For all who have died: that they may hear the voice of Jesus awakening them to the fullness of life
For all parishes which are in transition, whether changing pastors, merging with another parish or being closed: that God fill parishioners with peace and open hearts to the new possibilities that change offers
For all the vulnerable and powerless people in society: that we may show the compassion and concern of God through our words and deeds
For refugees and all who have fled violence: that God will guide them to places of safety and help them to rebuild their lives
For the members of Congress: that the Spirit will guide their deliberations as they develop policies that will impact of the suffering and powerless of society
For Peace: that God will heal the anger and hatred within the hearts of all who are prone to violence and open new opportunities for reconciliation and cooperation amongst nations, races, and faith communities