Prayers of the People

Let us pray for the needs of the whole world;

For peace and goodwill over all the earth;

For the mission and unity of the Church.

Let us remember tonight the children of our world. May they retain their sense of innocence and wonder; may we adults take seriously our role in protecting them. We pray, O God, for an end to violence against our children.

Let us at this time remember the poor and the helpless, those affected by natural disasters and those affected by disasters by the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, and the loss of hope. Let us remember those who have lost a loved one this year. May they know the peace that only you can give, and may we know how to offer your peace to others.

Let us remember the hungry and the oppressed;

The sick and those in prison; the lonely and the unloved; let us remember our senior citizens and their needs; and the emotionally, mentally and physically challenged. We thank you for those who care for them.

Let us pray for peace in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

In Baghdad and in Lafayette. Let us pray for peace of all nations. Peace between races and religions. Peace between men and women, between husband and wife, sisters and brothers, parents and children, abusers and abused. Peace between those who need forgiveness and those who can give it.

Grant that we might always remember that our prayers draw us closer to you and closer to those for whom we pray. Hear the prayers of your people this night and all nights yet to come. In gratitude for your many gifts, we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.