PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, June 30, 2019

We ask for blessings on Clarence, on his last day as our rector, and wish him well as he starts out on a new path tomorrow. May you, our loving God, bless him, our deacon Bruce and our Associate Priest, Hergy. We give thanks for their care of the parish and the people of the Sunshine Coast. Today we are blessed by the presence of Father Matthew Johnson, and give thanks for his work among the people of the Downtown East Side.

God in each one of us:	Hear our prayer

As we celebrate Canada Day, may we take a moment to realise once again how blessed we are to live in a democratic country that values justice and freedom, and where historical wrongs are slowly being righted. We remember that even in this bountiful land there are people struggling to survive, struggling with physical and mental illness, unemployment, homelessness and poverty. Loving God, be with them and all who try to support them, and may we try in whatever way we can to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

God in each one of us: Hear our prayer.

We pray for those we know who are sick or in need of prayers, and for those who care for them. Their names are found on the back page of the bulletin: We pray for Avery, Pam Blair and family, Vik Dusik, all firefighters, and Leslie. May Robbie Blair rest in peace. You may now name anyone dear to you, either silently or aloud. PAUSE

God in each one of us:	Hear our prayer

In the past many weeks without rain, perhaps we have learned to value the clean fresh water that comes out of our taps with no effort on our part. We have thought more about the cost of this precious resource and how different our lives would be without it being so readily available. We pray for all firefighters around the world who put their lives at great risk, especially now that summer is here, and for their families and all who support them.

God in each one of us: Hear our prayer

We give thanks for the young people round the world who are beginning to find their voices to demand the restoration of health for our planet, and ask that their voices will be heard and responded to. We thank you for their energy, determination and courage.

God in each one of us:	Hear our prayer

For everyone born, a place at the table.

AMEN