Prayers of Intercession: Sunday, August 17

Let us pray for the church, the creation, and the whole people of God, for God is near.

A brief silence.

Raise up faithful leaders for your church around the world. Inspire global missionaries with a spirit of accompaniment, as they walk alongside our partners in the gospel

in solidarity, interdependence, and mutuality. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Safeguard rivers and lakes from pollution. Sustain the work of conservationists, policy makers, and advocacy groups seeking to protect fresh water sources. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Bridge divisions across partisan lines. Strengthen cooperative efforts among lawmakers who enact policies that protect our neighbors who are most vulnerable. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Embrace all who suffer in isolation: for those who are incarcerated or detained, those who are fleeing from unsafe environments, and those who are sick or homebound (especially: Marc Mahood, Larry Smith, Caleb Schmitz, Dick

Frush, Phil Smith, Kyle Fiddler, Bonnie Thompson, Sue Bathen, Eric Prestemon, Sam and Baker Phillips, Cindi Hartman and Family, and Joyce Craft and family). Reassure them of your care in all times and places. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Guide the leaders of this congregation. In these late summer weeks, inspire their planning for a new program year ahead. Kindle in us a spirit of collaboration and support for their work. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered. With thanksgiving, we remember the cloud of witnesses who surround us. By the example of their faith, enable us

to run with perseverance the race set before us, until that day when we join their unending praise. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Confident in God’s presence and promise, we entrust our prayers to the one who always receives them; through Jesus Christ, our wisdom and companion.

Amen.