This is not the way that you are used to receiving the Prayer Service, many of us have limited or no internet; but we thought it important to get the weekly Prayer Service out.
In these days following Hurricane Irma, our church is closed and our people are scattered. Yet our community gathers in prayer for Fr. Christopher and in thanksgiving that we have been spared the worst of a terrible storm.
OPENING HYMN All Are Welcome
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty ever-living God,
who heals us through correction
and saves us by your forgiveness,
grant to those who seek your favor
that we may rejoice at the good weather for which we hope
and always use what in your goodness you bestow
for the glory of your name and for our well-being.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
PSALM 20
May the Lord answer you in time of distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob defend you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary, from Zion be your support!
May he remember all your sacrifices and delight in your burnt offerings! May he grant you your heart’s desire and crown all your plans with success!
So that with joy we can hail your victory and draw up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your petitions.
Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed. He will respond from his holy heavens with great deeds of victory from his right hand.
Some call on chariots, some on horses, but we on the name of the Lord our God.
They will crumple and fall, while we stand upright and firm.
SIRACH 6:14-17
Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter;
whoever finds one finds a treasure.
Faithful friends are beyond price,
no amount can balance their worth.
Faithful friends are life-saving medicine;
those who fear God will find them.
Those who fear the Lord enjoy stable friendship,
for as they are, so will their neighbors be.
PSALM 86
You are my God; be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God;
be gracious to me, Lord;
to you I call all the day.
You are my God; be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant;
to you, Lord, I lift up my soul.
Lord, you are good and forgiving,
most merciful to all who call on you.
You are my God; be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day.
LORD, hear my prayer;
listen to my cry for help.
On the day of my distress I call to you,
for you will answer me.
You are my God; be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day.
None among the gods can equal you, O Lord;
nor can their deeds compare to yours.
Teach me, LORD, your way
that I may walk in your truth,
single-hearted and revering your name.
You are my God; be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day.
I will praise you with all my heart,
glorify your name forever, Lord my God.
Your mercy to me is great;
you have rescued me from the depths of Sheol.
You are my God; be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day.
O God, the arrogant have risen against me;
a ruthless band has sought my life;
to you they pay no heed.
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in mercy and truth.
You are my God; be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day.
Turn to me, be gracious to me;
give your strength to your servant;
save the son of your handmaid.
Give me a sign of your favor:
make my enemies see, to their confusion,
that you, LORD, help and comfort me.
You are my God; be gracious to me, Lord; to you I call all the day.
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
We ask God to look after those in need as we come before Him offering our prayers and petitions.
- For the Church, that we may be resolute in reaching out to those who suffer from the ravages of war, famine, and natural disasters. We pray to the Lord.
- That world leaders may know their obligation to serve God and promote peace in planning for the well-being of the people of their nations. We pray to the Lord.
- That all whose lives have been disrupted by Hurricane Irma may experience restoration as they overcome this disaster. We pray to the Lord.
- In thanksgiving for first responders and all who have made sacrifices and taken risks to assist those whose well-being was threatened by Irma. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may receive the grace to reject the hateful traits of wrath and anger and may experience the healing that accompanies forgiveness of the injustices of our neighbors. We pray to the Lord.
- That all who teach the word of God to our children may be blessed as faithful witnesses to the Gospel on this Catechetical Sunday. We pray to the Lord.
- That Fr. Christopher may be consoled in knowledge that his work in facilitating the recovery of our parish from Hurricane Charley has built a community that will withstand all storms whether of human or natural origin. We pray to the Lord.
- For those whose illnesses have made dealing with Hurricane Irma particularly difficult, for all the sick, and for those who provide compassionate care to all who suffer. We pray to the Lord.
- For the deceased who loved St. Isabel Church and Sanibel Island in this life and who interceded on our behalf for protection during this storm, and for all our deceased family and friends. We pray to the Lord.
- For our own intentions that we recall in silence…….. We pray to the Lord.
O God, may we be people of faith and forgiveness as we come together this day to offer our prayers of petition and celebrate the important elements of our lives that survive the daily challenges we face. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PSALM 119:97-114
How I love your law, Lord!*
I study it all day long.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my foes,
as it is forever with me.
I have more insight than all my teachers,
because I ponder your testimonies.
I have more understanding than my elders,
because I keep your precepts.
I keep my steps from every evil path,
that I may observe your word.
From your judgments I do not turn,
for you have instructed me.
How sweet to my tongue is your promise,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through your precepts I gain understanding;
therefore I hate all false ways.
Prayer for Those Wrongly Accused
Jesus who was wrongly accused
of blasphemy and deception,
Grant justice to those
who are wrongfully accused or judged.
Against all the false evidence,
let them be swiftly cleared.
Allow Your Holy Spirit
to convey truth and light
that shines overwhelmingly,
despite defamation
and the false accusations
of others.
Jesus let false charges be put aside,
so that good people can live in peace and freedom.
Grant healing to those whose lives, health, and finances
have been damage by false witness.
CLOSING HYMN
How Can I Keep from Singing
parishionersforjustice.com 