Sunday Prayer, Proper 10A/Pentecost 4

For all the blessings of this life,
we give thanks to You, Creator God.
For: families, friends, colleagues,
neighbors, and strangers, who nurture
us, that the love of God may grow
within. That Your love, your Word,
like a seed, may grow to produce
in us, good fruit.

May your love, be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For the leaders of various nations
and cities, that they may lead with
strong hearts and gentle hands and
generous spirits, with compassion
and mercy, with wisdom and grace.
May they reflect your will guiding
all their actions and decisions.

May your love, be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who serve in harms way,
those who live in dangerous places,
those who live in areas of war and strife,
those who live in fear, those who worry
about employment, bills, food, and
struggle just to find dignity in life.
May your grace bring peace and safety
to all people, one to another.

May your love, be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who suffer from any illness,
or dis-ease - of mind, body, or spirit.
Restore these, and all those we carry
in our hearts, to fullness of health.
Health as only you, O God, can bring.
May your mercy shower each of us
with healing mercy and love.

May your love, be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

For those who are dying, and
for those who have died. Send
forth your comforting love.
Give solace to those who mourn.
Console those who grieve.
May your grace surround us
like a mantle upon our heads
a shawl upon our shoulders
a hand, to hold our hand.

May your love, be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
Amen.