Lord God, friend of those in need,
your Son has untied our burdens
and healed our spirits.
We lift up the prayers of our hearts
for those still burdened, still seeking healing,
those in need within the church and the world.
We pray for the church in all her expressions.
Continue to refine and re-form her,
Where she is right, strengthen her;
where she is in want, provide for her;
where she is divided, reunite her.
We pray for Bishop Quintin Moore - the presiding bishop of the CEEC.
For our bishop, Bishop Ed Gungor, and for all bishops and other ministers,
and all our brothers and sisters in Christ working for justice, freedom, and peace.
Leader: Lord, in your mercy.
All: Hear our prayer.
O God, let us continue to feel deeply
the tragedies affecting our brothers and sisters
around the world.
Refusing to remain numb and indifferent, we pray...
For the Democratic Republic of the Congo
where they are suffering the second largest ebola outbreak,
and where more than 1,600 people have died.
For those with no place to call home,
immigrants and refugees around the world
who are suffering and living in fear.
May your loving presence be with those who cry out in fear of the future.
For those experiencing intense heat and drought
in places like India, Zimbabwe, and France.
Those suffering from lack of water;
May the water return to nourish, heal, and wash
those who are thirsty and in need of new life.
Leader: Lord, in your mercy.
All: Hear our prayer.
We pray for our friend and missionary Cara Boss
as she prepares to serve some 1,200 patients
in the remote mountain region of Guatemala.
Grant her grace, safety, and endurance this week.
Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations,
in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another
and serve the common good.
We pray for our enemies and those who wish us harm,
and for all whom we have injured or offended.
For all who have died in the communion of your Church, and
those whose faith is known to you alone,
that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place
where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal.
Hear our prayers, O God,
That we may love you with our whole being
And willingly share the concerns of our neighbors.
All this we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.