Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, for all people according to their needs:

God of promise and might, we bless you for your good news that sustains us through the trials of every-day life. You embrace us when we mourn and set us free from our fears. Empower us to reach out in your name to proclaim this same good news to all your people, for the promise is theirs as well. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Isaiah 61)

God of restoration and wholeness, you know our every fear. You know what brings us grief. Look into our hearts today so that those who are weeping might find joy, those who are divided might be reunited, those who are fearful might find hope. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Psalm 126)

Spirit of God, move within your people in all lands. Grant rulers and leaders of nations consideration of the needs of all the citizens of their lands that they might rule with justice and mercy. He, 20s to listen to YOUR words so that we might also promote equity in our land. Keep us in your grace so that we might be found blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. (1 Thess 5:16-23)

God of light, all-powerful Lord, send us out into this wilderness to announce your good news of wholeness and healing. Be present with all who need your tender care, especially those we name now...

Are there others we should include in our prayers?

Commission us, your servants, to care for them in your name. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. (John 1:6-8, 19-28)

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Comments to Linda at Linda_Kraft@Ecunet.org.)

Linda Kraft, Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Trumbull, CT