For the Church: that we may recognize Christ in one another and honor the dignity of each person whom God has called to life

For all leaders of Christian communities: that they may be shepherds like Jesus who gather the lost, bind up the injured and encourage the weak so that all may know fullness of life

For the grace to live in the Spirit of Jesus: that we may be willing to take the first step in helping others without expectation of their response or of a return for ourselves

For compassion: that we may find joy in accompanying others as we all advance toward greater wholeness and life together

For a balanced perspective on life: that we may recognize the real needs in life as they arise while being guided by the ultimate vision of whom we serve in our words and deeds

For the forgotten and marginalized, particularly those who are suffering persecution: that God will shepherd them, free them from harm and heal their wounds

For all who work to relieve the suffering of others, particularly relief workers and parish volunteers: that they may show God’s compassionate care and be strengthened by God’s Spirit each day

For all who develop and set public policy: that they may be mindful of the poor, the homeless, the uninsured, and the mentally ill as they develop policies and budgets for the coming year

For world leaders: that their hearts may comprehend the depth of human suffering that exists and strive more urgently to find peaceful solutions to all conflicts

For all who are recovering from storms, floods or earthquakes: that God will heal their wounds, renew their spirits and speed the assistance that they need

For all who are ill or awaiting surgery: that God will ease their pain, strengthen them and restore them to their loved ones

For all who have experienced violence or abuse: that God will heal their spirits, free them from fear and help them to live life fully

For new appreciation of creation: that we may recognize God’s handiwork in the world around us and strive to preserve it for future generations

For all who are away from home and loved ones, particularly members of the military and relief workers: that God will guide their travels, preserve them from harm and lead them home safely

For peace and safety in our neighborhoods: that God will lead us to new understanding of the gifts and wounds of one another and help us to cooperate in bringing forth a new society