Celebrant: Nourished by the Word of God, we place our prayers and petitions before him, who loves us beyond measure.
Deacon/Lector:
That the Church may continue to serve the spiritual and physical needs of the people of God, we pray to the Lord...
That Church leaders may have the courage to stand firm in the teachings of Christ and preach the true freedom that he brings, we pray to the Lord...
That public officials may constantly work to protect the welfare of the weak and the dignity of all people, we pray to the Lord...
That as our nation observes Independence Day, we may give thanks for our freedom and use it in the service of life and of God, we pray to the Lord...
For those who speak up for the sanctity of life, but find ridicule and rejection in return, that they may have the blessings that belong to the prophets, we pray to the Lord...
That those trapped by poverty or poor health may be strengthened by God's saving love and by caring people who help them, we pray to the Lord...
That those who have died may know the peace of the risen Christ, we pray to the Lord...
Celebrant: God our Father, as you answer the prayers we have presented to you today, grant us the strength and courage to answer your call to holiness. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.