St. Paul’s Cycle of Prayer – Saturday – for the Green Team and for all Creation, for our ministries to Seniors, and for all on our Parish prayer list.

From Evening Prayer we hear the opening of the Phos Hilaron:

O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,

And the Psalm appointed is the beautiful Psalm 104 which celebrates all of creation. As you enjoy some 4th of July fireworks, remember these words which speak of the beauty of what God has made:

Bless the LORD, O my soul;*

O LORD my God, how excellent is your greatness!

you are clothed with majesty and splendor.

² You wrap yourself with light as with a cloak*

and spread out the heavens like a curtain.

³ You lay the beams of your chambers in the waters above;*

you make the clouds your chariot;

you ride on the wings of the wind.

⁴ You make the winds your messengers*

and flames of fire your servants.

Prayers today for our country, our leaders, for peace and unity.

The Collect for Independence Day from the Book of Common Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.