Lover of mankind,

bless all your people, the flocks of your fold.

Send the peace of heaven into our hearts,

and grant us also peace in this life.

(Prayers for God’s peace to transform our thoughts, relationships, families, and communities)

You lay bare our sins

when we cloak them with empty excuses;

In your compassionate wisdom

you remove all doubt from things uncertain,

and bring forth to light what was hidden.

(Prayers for God to expose sin and injustice on a personal and communal level)

When our evil has been brought home

to our conscience,

its depths exposed and its gravity felt,

Would you cause us to mourn,

and cover us in the dew of your mercy.

(Prayers for the courage to repent and embrace the forgiveness of God)

In your faithfulness,

would you amend our lives,

blot out our iniquities,

Give life to our souls,

and renew our hearts.

(Prayers for our freedom from sin and shame to reflect God’s love to the world)

By the indwelling of your Holy Spirit,

May we forever rejoice in our salvation,

and may we never cease to open our lips to declare your praise;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.