In the tradition of intercessory prayers lifted aloud in community, I will name aloud the praises and petitions for which we pray today. As we pray through these joys and concerns, we will all respond together to join our voices to the prayer.

After each petition, I will say: Lord in your mercy,
You are invited to respond with me: Hear our prayer.

Join me now in taking a deep breath, and finding your feet flat on the floor as we turn our hearts to these prayers of God’s people.

For this gathered body of people, Lord, who come here to worship you. We thank you that we have made it here today, for this service. For those seeking your presence, and all those who strive to be your church, 
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For the joys of your presence in springtime, oh Lord. We thank you for new growth on trees, for blooming flowers and even for needed rain.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For all those who anxiously wait, oh Lord, be a balm to them. Whether we wait for new medical results, or treatment to work, or for a job interview to be successful, or an answer to arrive, still the hearts of those who worry this day.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For the ending and beginnings, for your presence in transition and uncertain times. For graduates leaving behind one school community for another, or those launching from college or graduate school out in this world. For those seeking your guidance, we call on your bravery.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For those who live under violence or war, oh Lord, there are so many to name,we know you hold each of your children by name. Protect those in the path of violence, protect all life from human-made hunger and disaster. We especially lift to you conflict in Iran, in Israel and Gaza, in Sudan, and those close to home for us, too.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For the children, in whose eyes we see the hope of futures, bless them in their growing and their imagining. Help us to imagine with even greater love alongside them.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For families facing estrangement or separation. For families separated by border or war. Remind us we are one, created all equally in your image.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For those without shelter or home, we pray for security, for creative and compassionate solutions, for generosity for all those we encounter who are struggling on this day.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For the ways your Son taught us to love, without scarcity and without greed, turn us now toward that loving and that working. And so we pray together the way your Son taught us to pray, saying together:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.