revealing you to men

      and reconciling men to you;

  that Christians may learn to love one another,

      as you have loved us;

  that your Church may more and more exhibit the unity

      which is your will and your gift.

 

We pray that we and all Christians

    may be what you want us to be;

    and do what you want us to do:

  that we may be content with whatever comes our way,

    and attain peace of mind in self-forgetfulness.

 

We pray for those who suffer for faith and conviction,

    and are tempted to turn back

    because their way is hard:

  help and strengthen them, Lord;

    so that they may hold out to the end,

    and by their loyal witness draw others to you.

 

We pray for our country:

  that none may exploit others,

    and none be neglected or forgotten;

  that we may be quick to reward service

    and to recognize true worth;

  and that all may work for the common life and welfare.

 

We pray for the life of the world:

  that every nation may seek the way that leads to peace;

  that human rights and freedom may everywhere be respected;

  and that the world’s resources may be ungrudgingly shared.

 

We pray for the homes of mankind:

  that husbands and wives may accept lifelong marriage as their ideal.

We pray for broken homes

    and those in danger of breaking,

  that your love may redeem and remake them.

We pray for the homeless,

  that no family may have to face a lifetime without a home.

 

We pray for those who are ill:

    that illness may not break their spirit;

  that through the healing skill you have given

    they may be made well;

  and that those who are permanently handicapped

    may find the way to use and overcome their suffering.

 

Finally, we pray that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Chriist

    may be known and accepted by increasing numbers of men.

Draw to yourself all seekers after truth and goodness:

  may they find the unfathomable riches

     which can be found in you alone

And may all the nations you have made

  come and worship you

  and honor your name.

 

edited by Caryl Micklem, 1925 – 2003, English minister

_______________________

 

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria 

    had peace and was being built up. 

And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, 

    it multiplied.