Prayers of the People from the Bishop's Address Committee

In response to the 2021 Bishop's Address, the Committee on the Bishop's Address offers the following Prayers of the People.

AlmightyGod, our ever-present help in time of need, we give you thanks for sending us the Rt. Rev. Rayford High as our Assistant Bishop. May he be a faithful coworker and support to Bishop Reed, and may his ministry among us be a source of delight and relief to the congregations of our Diocese. We thank you for the chance for us all to serve alongside our bishops as fellow laborers called to your harvest.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.  

Almighty and gracious God, you take your people into the wilderness that we might learn to rest in what you alone provide. Grant us rest in the fullness of your Word and Sacraments, your Holy Spirit, and your Body the Church, that in this wilderness of COVIDland we may taste and see that you are good.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Uphold us, Father, with your grace and guidance as we face changes, limitations, and disappointments. Bless your people with open eyes and enlightened hearts to recognize the possibilities, new paths and old truths which you have given to help us navigate this unfamiliar territory.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Dear Lord, bless the leadership of this diocese, our diocesan staff, and those who serve through committees and appointments. We applaud their stubborn and faithful determination as they seek new ways to serve the diocese and those in need.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to see your message in our daily lives and through the many tribulations of this past year, so that we may in all matters, seek first the kingdom of God in all times, places and circumstances.

Lord in your Mercy,
Hear our Prayer

Most loving Father, you give us the words of the prophets in order to see exile, returning and restoration as you do. Enable us to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the words of Isaiah that we may have a renewed vision to proclaim "Nevertheless, the kingdom of God has come near" to all.

Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Almighty God, dedicate our endeavors, as we seek to gather young people from across theDiocese to help them to grow in knowledge and love of the Lord, and to discover and put to good use their gifts for ministry.

Lord in your Mercy,
Hear our Prayer  

Holy Father, bless our efforts to deepen our engagement with the people around us through the formation of the Latino Ministries Commission. Help us as we seek to enhance and inform all our ministries through this vision to strengthen the Latino presence in our churches and strengthen our Church’s presence across the wide variety of Latino communities.

Lord in your Mercy,
Hear our Prayer

Precious Lord, we commend to your generous hands, the opening of our camps that so deeply influence the lives of many of our families, offering opportunities for the celebration of God and the formation of Christ-centered community and friendships. Commit them again to offer places of healing for those who may need the beautiful, serene environments for their physical and spiritual restoration.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, bless those on the ground in immigration and refugee ministry as they seek to alleviate suffering in this frustrating and grinding work. Keep us focused on humanitarian relief and serving Christ by helping those in great need.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Dear Lord, help us carry out the work of healing, repair and understanding with the leadership and resources of the Racial Reconciliation Commission. Guide us in the midst of racial tensions and violence so that we may embody God’s kingdom of love and peace.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Carry us forward, Dear Lord, as we renew and restore, as we live the good news that theKingdom of God is near. Make our life together a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair.

Amen

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Chair: Dr.Elizabeth Manning, Holy Spirit, Dripping Springs Members: The Rev. Jan Dantone, Epiphany, Kingsville; Mrs. Stacy Dowdy, Holy Spirit, San Antonio; Ms. Andrea Knight; Resurrection, San Antonio; Dr. Raymond Reynosa, Santa Fe, San Antonio; The Rev. Daniel Strandlund, St. Elizabeth, Buda

• Click here to save a printable version of the 2021 Prayers of the People.