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

Strong God of all lands, raise up wise rulers in all nations. Give courage to those who live in fear. Open the eyes of blind rulers and help them to hear the voices of their citizens crying for justice and mercy. For you have created all people to live in love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Isaiah 35:4-7a)

Mighty Helper, God of Jacob, you are the hope of all people. You have made heaven and earth, ordered justice for the oppressed, fed the hungry and set prisoners free. Be present with all who are captive to addictions, with all who are abused, with all who are unemployed, hungry or homeless. Teach us to share your love with them by sharing all we have. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (Psalm 146)

God of mercy, open our eyes to the daily prejudices we practice. Help us to overcome our fears of people who are different from us. You show no partiality; your salvation is for all people. You have chosen to love all people as heirs of your kingdom. Challenge us to demonstrate our faith through our loving actions. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. (James 2:1-17)

Great Healer, you sent your Son to love all people, to heal the sick and to open our minds to all your possibilities. Send your healing touch on these loved ones who need your special care...

Are there others we should include in our prayers?

You do everything well, making the deaf to hear and bringing speech to silent witnesses. Open our mouths to tell of your love. Lord, in your mercy, her our prayer. (Mark 7:24-37)

Great Redeemer, console all who mourn, especially today as we approach September 11, five years since the devastating loss of life in New York City. Remember the tireless workers who risked all to serve their fellow man. Remember the believers and the non-believers, all your own precious children, who still cry out at the loss of life with all the surprising changes that have now shaped their own lives. Help US to be compassionate at all times, never knowing for sure how such tragedy might have touched others' lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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