Collects and Prayers - October 4, 2009

Greeting
Leader: God has given us an abundance of water.
People: We will baptize others in his name.
Leader: God has granted us many riches.
People: We will use this bounty to share the good news.
Leader: God has created a covenant with his people.
People: We will follow and worship the Lord.

Collect
Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to render to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you, not with our lips only, but with our whole lives, turning the duties, the sorrows, and the joys of all our days into a living sacrifice to you; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayers of the People
We pray for those who work with their minds: political leaders, judges, scientists, and all who are entrusted to make world-changing decisions. We ask that you grant them the wisdom to render their decisions with justice, compassion, and mercy.
Lord, in your generosity, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who work with their hearts: teachers, doctors, policemen, firemen, and all who care for those who cannot care for themselves. We ask that you grant them purity of intention, a giving spirit, and a willingness to serve.
Lord, in your generosity, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who work with their hands: carpenters, farmers, artists of all kinds, and all who use your bounty to create. We ask that you grant them fortitude, good health, and a tireless spirit.
Lord, in your generosity, hear our prayer.

We pray for children everywhere, born and unborn, the most valuable of your gifts to us. We ask that you grant all parents, especially those in the All Saints' community, the humility to look to you as a model of parenthood and unconditional love.
Lord, in your generosity, hear our prayer.

We pray for the congregation and leaders of All Saints' as we discern how to use our resources for good. We ask that you grant us a generous spirit.
Lord, in your generosity, hear our prayer.

We pray for those in the New Member class as they discern their spiritual gifts. We ask that you grant them open hearts and minds so that they may know your will and heed your call.
Lord, in your generosity, hear our prayer.

We now offer our own prayers, either silently or aloud, for all the things that God has done for us and through us at All Saints'.
Lord, in your generosity, hear our prayer.

We ask these things through Christ our Lord, the giver of all good things, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, Amen.