let us pray* for our communities, for the world, and for all in need.
In peace and for the peace of the world, we pray:
For an immediate halt to the war in Iraq, and a safe and speedy return of US troops. We pray especially for peace and security for the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan, and an end to terror everywhere in the world. May we finally learn a better way to resolve our differences than shedding one another's blood.
For an end to the nuclear programs of North Korea, Iran, and all other nations tempted by madness, and for a cessation of the bullying and ineptitude that pushes them into it.
For Darfur, Congo, Somalia, and all the war-torn nations of Africa. Turn their guns into plowshares, and relieve this misery.
For the good earth, its seas and soil and polar ice caps. May it be protected from oil spills, deforestation and atmospheric warming, overpopulation and misuse. Allow us to recognize our environment for the precious gift it is, and to align our needs and wants with long-term sustainability. May we all reject dominion for partnership, and may we hear in the bird's song and the rushing waters mighty hymns.
In peace and for the peace of all in need we pray:
For those who grieve, especially those who grieve friends and relatives killed in senseless violence. May we live to abandon war and execution, rape, robbery, murder and suicide. For all those who have died before their time, and for those who miss them, we pray.
For the homeless and the hungry, for those who work without return and those who barely eke out an existence, that they may know comfort, rest, and justice in their lifetimes. Grant the rest of us time for amendment of life and a sincere desire to change the system that keeps so many in bondage.
In peace and for the peace of the communities in which we are members, we pray:
For the churches of the world, and all houses of worship, that they may be lights of faith, hope, and love, not hatred, rancor and division. Inspire clergy and lay leaders to work with empathy, compassion and hearts open to all in need, and make all members emblems of the highest qualities of religion. Give to all faithful people generous souls and helping hands.
For atheists, agnostics, secularists and those alienated from their religion, that they may be protected from abuse and prejudice and know that they are true equals to all in society. Allow them to use their talents to the fullest, and bless their restless search for knowledge, that it might bear great fruit for all people.
For our local communities, that we might be productive and contributing members. Grant us the grace to be good neighbors.
For Daily Kos and our several web-communities, that we might all come together in a spirit of tolerance, mutual respect, and productiveness.
For our nation, that it might be led responsibly and with an eye to peace and justice, and for all nations of the world, that their citizens may be free, well-fed, and unafraid of what comes next.
For children, especially those who are hungry, suffer from abuse, mistreatment, and worse. Be with those who are mentally or physically ill, and give them responsible and loving caregivers so that they might grow up to be strong, healthy, well-adjusted and contributing members of society.
For candidates for office, and all leaders inside government and without, that they may discharge their duties ethically and with respect not just for the common good, but for those who have been held at the margins of our society, and that they may be protected from personal attack and even physical harm and they lead their communities.
For the sick, the sorrowing, and the lost. We pray especially for the sisters of St. Joseph's Convent, and all the aged, and for the soul of Celeste K. and comfort for her family at her death this morning.
Bless us all, and make us all one human family to comfort and sustain one another in times of need, and to celebrate and lift up in times of joy. Unify us, and help us to celebrate our diversity. Steer us, at last, to the "greater way," which is that of self-giving love, for one another, and for those whose needs we continue to uncover. Amen.