O God,
You have called us to follow
in the way of Your risen Son,
and to care for those who are our companions,
not only with words of comfort,
but with acts of love.
Seeking to be true friends of all,
we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.
We pray for the Church around the world,
for its members and its mission.
We recognize we are all part of one Body,
focused on bringing Your image to bear
in a world that has greatly distorted your image.
Just as Your body is broken and blood is shed,
so break us and pour us out for the sake of the world.
O God,
When You speak there is Light and Life.
When You act there is justice and love.
Grant that Your voice may be in the mouths
of those in authority,
and Your actions may be present
in the works of our government,
so that what we say and what we do as a nation
would be animated by the Holy Spirit.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God, before we call, You answer.
Before we speak, You know our words.
Christ is risen!
Let there be joy in the city,
and peace among all nations.
Let sounds of weeping
and cries of distress
turn to shouts of joy and laughter.
Let infants grow and thrive;
let the old dance like children.
Let every person find a home
and enjoy the fruit of their labor.
Let the wolf and the lamb live in peace;
let no one hurt or destroy another.
O God, show us to the holy mountain You have prepared,
the new heaven and new earth You promised,
so we may be glad and rejoice in Your presence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God, we pray for what seems impossible:
Peace in places where war reigns.
An end to strife over boundaries.
Food for the hungry.
Shelter for the impoverished.
Understanding of differences between peoples.
Jesus, we believe You; all we heard is true.
You break the bread, and we recognize You.
You are the fire that burns within us;
Use us to light the world.
Guide us in the path of discipleship,
so that, as You have blessed us,
we may be a blessing for others,
bringing the promise of the kingdom near
by our words and deeds.
All this we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.