Prayers of the People

O Lord, our God!  Creator and Father of the human race!  Who hast commanded that prayer and supplication be made for all mankind, we offer unto thee our intercessions, for the peace of the world, and for the happiness and salvation of all men.

Deliver, we beseech thee, O Lord, from spiritual blindness, all the nations that still sit in darkness.  Grant, O Almighty God and merciful father, that all our fellow-men may be gathered unto the name of our Lord; to the end that all nations may know and adore thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

O Lord, who art the source of all lawful power, and the fountain of all true wisdom in the counsels of men, we pray to thee for all who are in authority throughout the world.  Vouchsafe, then, O most mighty God, a knowledge of thyself to such as know thee not, and give thy grace unto all, that, ruling in thy fear, they may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thee.

We offer unto thee our prayers for the necessities of the Holy Church Universal.  Protect, enlarge, and sanctify it more and more.  Deliver all churches which suffer persecution.  Take away, we beseech thee, the errors and dissensions which disturb thy people, and unite them all in the bonds of truth, of godliness, and of peace.

We pray thee O Lord, for all the pastors of thy Church.  Sanctify them, and increase in them the knowledge and gifts needful for the advancement of thy kingdom, and the salvation of the souls committed to them.

O God of mercy, have pity on those who are suffering by war, pestilence, or any other scourge, and on all who are in affliction.  Comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, and give them a happy issue out of all their trials and afflictions.

Favorably regard, O Lord, our country and its inhabitants.  Grant, at all times, whatever may be necessary for our subsistence, and give us grace not to abuse thy blessings, but to use them with soberness, charity, and thankfulness.

Save us, O merciful God, from all the dangers and calamities to which we may be exposed.  Deliver us from our sins: preserve us from every evil thought, from impiety, and hypocrisy, and from all that is contrary to thy holy will.  Direct us always by thy grace, and further us continually by thy Spirit.  Wean our affections from this world of vanity, and, through thy grace, may our hearts be always lifted up towards heaven.

Favorably hear us, O God!  Graciously hear all who have at this time offered up their prayers unto thee.  Reject not the supplications of thy servants; but grant us the blessings we have asked of thee, and all others which are necessary for us, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in whose name we offer up our prayers.  Amen

--adapted from the Liturgy of the French Protestant (Huguenot) Church of Charleston, S.C. (1713)

Dr. William W. Burns, Elder