Believing we have an ever-present companion in God, who laughs with us in joy and weeps with us in pain, let us share our prayers with God. 

We pray for the earth, for the oceans and farmlands, for the rainforests and tundras, for the crops that feed, clothe, heal and house us. We rejoice in the summer months when we may enjoy and explore your creation. At the same time, Lord, we grieve the devastation of the planet, both the destruction caused by natural disasters and by our own pollution. Send your healing touch upon the Earth. 

We pray for all people, of all ages, races, genders, religions, and walks of life. We rejoice in the diversity that brings beauty to our communities, and grieve the prejudice that destroys them. We ask that you break down every dividing wall and make us into one people, loving and beloved. 

We pray for the Church throughout the world. Strengthen her in service, witness, and love. Give her energy and vision for the future you are guiding her into. Heal her divisions and save her from isolating fear. Grow her into your holy body. 

We pray for our nation, our state, and our city. We are grateful for the privileges we have in this country—for the freedom to vote and worship, for access to education and medical care. We pray for those around the world who live under persecution from their governments, who suffer from limited resources and blatant corruption. Give us eyes to see beyond mere statistics to our real human sisters and brothers who need our compassion. 

We pray for all who are sick today, whose bodies are worn and weary. We pray especially for those suffering illnesses the world would often rather not acknowledge—for those whose illnesses bring stigma and shame from their community rather than support and healing. Bless the sick with peace and courage and those who take care of them with energy, wisdom, and compassion. 

We pray for ourselves and our ministries. We rejoice that you have enabled us to follow your call to love and serve. We ask that you keep our eyes open to the needs and gifts of our neighbors, that we may work in companionship for the coming of your kingdom. We add special prayers for all our members who are away from home today. Bring them joy in their travels and return them to us in safety.

We bring to you the other prayers of our hearts…

[prayers of the congregation may be spoken here]

And now let us join with Christians throughout time and space as we pray the prayer Jesus taught us, saying,Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.