Eternal Father, throned in suns and stars yet near to
the lowly and the contrite, hear us now as we pray,
not for ourselves, but for our neighbors.

Lord of the whole earth, who hast made all nations
and races of one blood, one in sin and need of pardon,
one in joy and sorrow, bring us now into one obedience
to thy will.  Yea, set our prayers against the pride
of
men, and bring them to pass.  Govern thou our land and
guide our leaders that we may be saved from low
appeal to passion and fear and be dedicated to that
Spirit given through thy Son.

Lord of our common life, whose purpose is to fashion
mankind into one family, cleanse thou our toil and our
pleasures; and walk thou through hospital and school,
through shop and office and store, through field and
all the journeyings of men, that whether we work or 
play, it shall be for a sign to thee.

Lord of the secret soul, who knowest our infirmities
before we ask and our blindness in the asking, we pray
for all needy ones.  Come like dawn upon all sadness,
as
a cool hand upon our fevered sickness, as springs of
water in the desert of despair; and be pleased, we
pray
thee, to hold our loved ones in thy care.

Lord of the Church, who hast chosen the Church as
the body of Christ, grant that the body may not war
against the spirit or be weakly conformed to the
fashion of the transient time.  Give to the Church the
piercing word of truth and a deeper love, yes, the
willingness to lay down life that thy Word may be
known.

God of all good life, before whom angels velil their
faces, forgive the blundering of our prayers.  Wherein
they are ture, help us to answer them, and to trust
thee for answer beyond our best dream; through Jesus
Christ.  Amen.

George A. Buttrick


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