Loving Lord God of heaven and earth,
We bow our heads and hearts before you, in gratitude and praise, in adoration and petition; we worship you with gladness, for we are yours, you have made us, we are your people and the sheep of your pasture.
We trust in your grace, knowing your steadfast love endures forever, and your faithfulness to all generations.
And we lift up to you concerns that press upon our hearts; those close at hand in our church and family circles, as well as tragedies far away.
Lord hear our prayers . . .
For those caught in war zones – knowing hundreds and thousands and tens of thousands have perished on lands you once walked upon – we pray for a cease fire, and for the refugees suffering this great trauma; for food and medicine, for safety and security, for an understanding and desire to build peace with peaceful means.
Lord hear our prayers . . .
We pray for those in wild fire zones – fearing the loss of house and home, way of life and community. They too are refugees, we pray for their safety and shelter, for resources to address their needs, for hope from day to day, and into the future.
Lord hear our prayers . . .
For those in our circles of family, friends, and church. We thank you for opportunities to rejoice with those rejoicing, knowing each blessing is a gift of grace from your hand, and we lift into your care those with burdens to bear, as well as our households of faith for the week.
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