Second Sunday in Lent

 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Sunday in Lent

 Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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 “You are my refuge and my stronghold, * my God in whom I put my trust.” Psalm 91 

 Rev. Marilyn urged us to understand that the underlying message is clear, refuge is not only a physical place, but also a moral imperative, a tangible expression of God's covenant with God's people. This covenant is characterized by promises of protection and provision, reinforcing that the idea of refuge is both physical and spiritual, and is a divine gift. How comforting is it to know that somewhere there is a refuge for the sinner, for the one who has made the mistake. How comforting is it to know that our God cares enough about each one of God's children to provide for them for each one of according to their need. 

 We were asked to sing. “And He will raise you up on angel’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His Hand.” Additionally we each received an envelope with a Lenten "Prayer Partner” so that we might throughout the week also provide comfort through prayers for others in our parish.

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 And of course we got Pretzels for Lent: The common pretzel was originally designed for use during Lent. Sometime during the Middle Ages, when Lent was accompanied by strict bans on dairy products and meat, people subsisted largely on breads, pastries, soups and vegetables. Bakers in Germany decided to create a food that would even look religious - the pretzel. The crossed arms of a pretzel represent a Christian in prayer. Place the palm of each hand on the opposite shoulder, so that your forearms cross. That's the shape of a pretzel.

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 At the end of today's service a new St Paul's Directory was distributed to all.

Ash Wednesday

 Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Last Sunday after the Epiphany - Alleluia Sunday

 O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia! New beginnings for many of us in the St Paul's family and a celebration of what is to come. Amen.

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Prayers of the People 

Led by the Holy Spirit we pray for the church and the world, saying, Lord in your mercy, Hear our Prayer. 

For the church in all its ways, in every land and in every language, may your Word be known. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For all who seek to follow Jesus Christ, that they may be steadfast in their love and faith and that they may work together for greater unity as Christ's body, Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For peace in all places and in the hearts of all people throughout the earth, Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For our community, especially for those struggling in economic transitions, that we might find strength and hope together, Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For the natural world and its abundance, that we might use that abundance wisely and sustainably. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For all who are suffering, that they might find solace in your presence and wholeness in your love and we pray for those in our congregation. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For the saints in every generation, that they might inspire our lives, and that we might be faithful stewards of their legacy, Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

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After our service we continued the celebration with a Mardi Gras Potluck!

Saint Matthias the Apostle

 Almighty God, who in the place of Judas chose your faithful servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve: Grant that your Church, being delivered from false apostles, may always be guided and governed by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Upcoming Events as of February 23

March 2 - Mardi Gras Potluck after church 

March 5 - Ash Wednesday Service at 5:00 PM

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

 O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing: Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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 Prayers of the People 

Sustaining God, you have promised to turn our hearts from stone to flesh; to give us life through the power of your love and hear our hopes and needs. Answer these prayers lifted to you as we say, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For the people of God everywhere, that they may be beacons of hope whose light shines forth to dispel fear and hate. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For those with authority over our lives, that they might wield their power for the common good and with respect for the dignity of all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For those in our lives who have caused us pain and hurt; lead them to an awareness of their impact and lead us to the path of forgiveness where those hurts have no hold on us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For our local communities - our neighbors, our co-workers, and our classmates, help us to sow the seeds of your presence in our daily interactions. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For our beleaguered earth, the garden where you have placed us; grant us wisdom as we discern how to be worthy stewards of the gift and give us strength and courage to persevere in its preservation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

For all who live in pain, in sickness, in fear or dread; sustain them with your grace that they might bear their suffering and grant us an awareness and a willingness to be their companions and caregivers, especially we pray for those who are on St. Paul's prayer list. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Hold in your care those who have died and welcome us into your eternal arms when our time comes, and let us all rise together in your new age. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Almighty God, who is the Sower of love, mercy, and hope; let us be the seeds of you salvation; growing in love ourselves that through us your hopeful mercy might be known and established everywhere, and hear our prayers, those spoken and those held quietly in our hearts that we might know grace and become the people we were created to be. All this we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany (Snow Storm Zoom Service Once More)

 O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Spiritual Communion Prayer 

 My, Jesus, I know that you are present in the Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (Snow Storm Zoom Service)

 Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

Spiritual Communion Prayer 

 My, Jesus, I know that you are present in the Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

The Presentation of our Lord - Candlemas

God our Father, source of all light, today you revealed to the aged Simeon your light which enlightens the nations. Fill our hearts with the light of faith, that we who hear these candles may walk in the path of goodness, and come to the light that shines for ever, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

O God, you have made this day holy by the presentation of your Son in the Temple, and by the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mercifully grant that we, who delight in her humble readiness to be the birth-giver of the Only-begotten, may rejoice for ever in our adoption as his sisters and brothers; through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.

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 Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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 Prayers of the People 

Most Holy God, cast away the shadows in our lives that we might know the glory of you presence and hear and respond to our prayers that we might more fully live into your dreams for us as we say, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Guide your whole church into the light of your revelation and grant us the will and the commitment to continue the mission of Jesus in our own lives, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Grant the people of this nation the will and commitment to live in peace and to work in unity for the benefit of all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Show us, gathered here today, the glory of your Son and help us discern more clearly your call in our lives that we might work in concert to work towards furthering the reign of Christ. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Kindle in our hearts a sense of urgency and a firm commitment to be better stewards of your creation, that all future generations may know the abundance we have taken for granted. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Be with all who suffer, relieve their distress, and bring healing to whatever needs mending in their bodies, souls, and mind, especially we pray for those on our prayer list. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Welcome the dying into your loving care and deal gently with all who grieve. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

In Christ we have seen your desire for our lives. Guide our feet and our hearts to truly live into His example that your hopes for humanity might be fulfilled. All these we ask through our Lord and intercessor, Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and always. Amen.

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 Thank you, thank you Marguerite for your gift to us all of beautiful candles made from the 2024 Paschal Candle of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Warwick, RI. 

 "... these eyes of mine have seen the Savior whom you prepared for all the world to see...a light to enlighten the nations and the glory of your people, Israel." The Song of Simeon

Third Sunday after the Epiphany - 192nd Annual Meeting

 Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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 Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 O Lord, we give you thanks that you have called us to be your church in this time and place. Bless this congregation and our ministries of care and outreach. Empower us as we seek to serve all people, and offer worship that glorifies you. Enable us to offer your love and care to one another, and to all those whose lives we touch. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle

 O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

 

 Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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 Collect for Martin Luther King, Jr;

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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 Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite hymn “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” was beautifully sung a cappella for us by Marguerite and Pamela. 

Precious Lord, take my hand,

Lead me on, let me stand,

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;

Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on to the light:

Take my hand, pre­cious Lord,

Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,

Precious Lord, lin­ger near,

When my life is al­most gone,

Hear my cry, hear my call,

Hold my hand lest I fall:

Take my hand, pre­cious Lord,

Lead me home.

When the dark­ness ap­pears

And the night draws near,

And the day is past and gone,

At the ri­ver I stand,

Guide my feet, hold my hand:

Take my hand, pre­cious Lord,

Lead me home.

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  Prayers of the People 

 Gathering our hearts and minds, let us offer God the words of our hearts, saying: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

We pray for the church pray for those who serve, those who pray, those who fear to enter its doors. On the Diocesan Cycle we pray for the churches named for St. Paul in North Kingstown, Pawtucket, and our own church in Portsmouth. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

We pray for clergy: for bishops, priests and deacons. For lay worship leaders, lay leaders, lay visitors, servers and all who seek to follow where God leads. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

We pray for all the responders who are helping with the result of the winds and fires in California, who are working for justice and peace throughout the world, and, and we pray, for those who seek to serve this nation in various offices, that all who serve be guided by your Spirit of fairness, justice, and mercy. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

We pray for our communities. Pray for those who work late shifts and long hours, for those who have no possibility of employment; for those who hunger for food: for those who respond to emergencies and those who keep doors open. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

We pray for the needs of all the world's people; for good and strong leaders and for responsive politicians who turn their energies and hearts toward solutions that provide lasting peace, adequate resources, and safety for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: we humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We pray for those who are anxious and depressed: for those who are addicted; those who are weary; for those who are sick and suffering; for those who are waiting for diagnosis and those who are living with a negative diagnosis. We pray for those on our prayer list. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

We pray for the dying; pray for those who wait to meet their savior and for those who mourn the loss of them. Bring all souls into the loving embrace of your angels and into the light of your kingdom. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

We offer all these prayers with confidence in you, Father of all; and you, Son who came among us; and you, Spirit who flows in us, and throughout the world. Amen.

Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle

 Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Sunday after the Epiphany - The Baptism of our Lord

 

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

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Something special today! Rev. Pamela Spence-Bakker read the gospel and was our preacher for the sermon. We all know Pam for her lovely voice during the singing of hymns during our services.  We have been blessed to have her with us often this past year. 

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Prayers of the People

Lord God, in thankfulness and confidence we lift our hopes

and needs to you in prayer as we say: Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Raise up in your church leaders whose lives are centered

in love and whose hearts yearn for justice and peace.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for Sean Rowe, the Presiding Bishop, and for

Nicholas, the Bishop of Rhode Island.

On the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Center

for Reconciliation and all who seek to be reconcilers in the

state, the nation, and the world.

Enter into the hearts of those with authority in our nation

that they might work for the fellowship of all people and

bring about a world where enemies are reconciled and

conflict ceases.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Inspire our congregation, through the in-breaking of the

Spirit into our lives, that our faith may be bolstered and our

commitment to the gospel mission be renewed.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Instill in us awe and thankfulness for the majesty of your

created world that we might be good stewards and develop

sustainable practices so that nature’s abundance might be

available to all future generations.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing to the sick and hurting, especially those who

suffer from the several on-going fires and winds in

California, mend the fractured and broken, grant hope to

the fearful and anxious, and grant to all your peace and the

knowledge of your love for all people.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those on our Parish Prayer List.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to all the departed peace and rest in your eternal

love and, when our time comes, welcome us into the

resurrection along with all your saints.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers and grant our desires as may be best

for us and in ways that show forth your grace and

mercy. All this we ask through our advocate and Lord,

Jesus, who is the Christ and lives with you and the

Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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Our Christmas greeting from Ashley and family in Florida.

 

The Epiphany

 O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Second Sunday after Christmas

 O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Holy Name of our Lord

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

First Sunday after Christmas - Lessons and Carols

A Bidding Prayer (Contemporary)

Dear People of God: In this Christmas Season, let it be our duty and delight to hear once more the message of the Angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger.

Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of God's loving purpose from the time of our rebellion against him until the glorious redemption brought to us by his holy Child Jesus, and let us make this place glad with our carols of praise.

But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world, for peace and justice on earth, for the unity and mission of the Church for which he died, and especially for his Church in our country and in this city.

And because he particularly loves them, let us remember in his name the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed, the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and unloved, the aged and little children, as well as all those who do not know and love the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother, and that whole multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in Jesus, we are one for evermore.

The Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and to the fellowship of the citizens above, may the King of Angels bring us all.

Amen.

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A Service of  📖Lessons and  🎶Carols 

with 🍷🙏🏻 Holy Eucharist.

The Holy Innocents

 We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

 Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light, that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

 We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Christmas Day

 O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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Our Christmas service was held on Christmas Eve. 

See that entry here.

Christmas Eve

 O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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Prayers of the People for Christmas

Brothers and sisters, on this most holy day of our

Lord’s birth, that we may find peace, joy, and

contentment in this holy season, let us pray for

ourselves and all those in need of our prayers, saying:

Lord, in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

For the church of Christ, and especially for Justin, the

Archbishop of Canterbury, our Presiding Bishop Sean,

and the bishop of this diocese, Nicholas, that they may

faithfully proclaim the good news of salvation and care

for the needs of God’s people. We pray to you: Lord,

in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

For peace in our troubled world, that the darkness of

war, disease, violence, poverty, and injustice may be

replaced by the light of peace and love, we pray to

you: Lord, in your mercy.. Hear our prayer.

For all those in need of our prayers: The homeless, the

unemployed, the under-employed, the hungry, the

lonely, the addicted, those who are hospitalized, those

who are imprisoned in body or soul; and for all those

for whom this season is one not of joy but of trial and

sadness, we pray to you, Lord, in your mercy..

Hear our prayer.

For the sick, that their illnesses may be turned to

health and their sorrow into rejoicing, we pray to you,

Lord, in your mercy.. . Hear our prayer.

For those who labor this day on behalf of others:

doctors and nurses, caregivers, police and fire fighters,

store clerks, bus and taxi drivers, train conductors and

pilots and crew, for all whose work prevents them from

sharing this day with those they love, and those who

serve in the armed forces and especially those away

from home, we pray to you: Lord, in your mercy..

Hear our prayer.

With thanksgiving, we remember the lives of those who

have gone before us in the faith, that we, like them,

may remain faithful to the end and live forever in the

light of your eternal glory. We pray to you: Lord, in your

mercy…Hear our prayer.

Celebrant: Almighty God, mercifully hear the prayers

of your people. Give us zeal in our ministries and joy

in our work, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.