rick morley

The Canticle of the Sun is a prayer/ hymn attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. Theologically, it identifies the elements of creation as sisters and brothers to humanity, and calls upon the forces of nature to praise God with us, and us with them. This version of prayers might be most beneficial during a commemoration of St. Francis.

Officiant Most high, all powerful, all good Lord!
All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing.
And, it is to you alone, Most High, that we pray.

Intercessor You are praised, O Lord by our Brother, Sun,
who brings the day; and you give light through him.
May light be shed on your Church,
That your faithful people may bear your likeness.
O God, hear us.

You are praised, O Lord, through our Sister, Moon, and the stars;
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and beautiful.
May the nations of the earth, whom they look down upon each night
Be blessed with your peace.
O God, hear us.

You are praised, O Lord, through our Brothers, Wind and Air,
and clouds and storms, and all the weather;
May you rain down your grace upon our nation, and it’s leaders and people.
O God, hear us.

You are praised, O Lord, through our Sister, Water;
Quench the thirst of the poor, the downtrodden, and those who are ill, or in trouble of any kind (especially…)
O God, hear us.

You are praised, O Lord, through our Brother, Fire,
through whom you brighten the night;
We pray you to brighten your Kingdom, where the souls of the faithful departed rest.
For them, as you, may there be no night.
O God, hear us.

You are praised, O Lord, through our sister, and Mother, Earth,
who feeds us and rules us,
and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs;
Give us the will to care for her, as you created her.
O God, hear us.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you;
through those who endure sickness and trial.
Happy those who endure in peace,
for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
O God, hear us.

Officiant O Lord, we praise and bless you, and we give you thanks,
and with all of creation, we serve you and pray to you with great humility.

The following is a version of the Prayers of the People, based largely on Psalm 19, the psalm appointed for October 2nd, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 22, Year A) On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Gospel lesson for the same day, and
• a reflection on the Epistle lesson for the same day,

Officiant  Let us pray for the church, the world, and for all the intentions of our hearts:

Intercessor Lord Jesus, the heavens declare the glory of God; and we pray that the Church, and all her people and ministers would join the song that always glorifies you.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, the firmament of the earth displays the handiwork of God; we pray for the whole human family across the face of the earth, and for all who live in the midst of disaster, famine, or terror.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, in the deep you have established a pavilion for the sun; as the sun rises this morning on our nation we pray for our leaders, and all the people who live within these borders. Let us be children of the Light.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We also pray, in your name O Lord, for those who are sick (especially…); let them be whole and sound, and assured of your Presence.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray in your name O Lord for those who are poor, those who are hungry, and those who are hurting in any way. Revive their soul, and rejoice their heart.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray O Lord, for those who we love who have died, that under the shadow of your wing, they would endure forever with you.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Officiant   May the words of our mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.

This version of the Prayers of the People has been written with the Christ Hymn from Philippians in mind, and has been re-posted here from the entry from this past Palm Sunday. You may feel free to use and adapt as would be most helpful to you and your community. On this site there is also
• a reflection on the Epistle Lesson for the same day [coming soon], and
• a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day.

Officiant Christ, we pray that you would hear our prayers, and graft in our minds the same mind that is in you, that we might be vessels of your humility and grace.

Intercessor Lord Jesus, you emptied yourself, trading in the form of God for the form of a slave; we pray for the Church, and all her people and ministers. Form us into a Church that empties itself for others, and for you.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you were born in human likeness, and found in human form; we pray for the whole human family, for the nations of the earth, and for all who live in the midst of disaster, famine, or terror.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, even after humbling yourself in your incarnation, you humbled yourself even to the point of death; we pray for our nation, our leaders, and all the people who live within these borders. Bless us with your humility.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus your humility and your love for us was so broad and deep, it cost you your life. We pray for those who we love who have died, and as you were highly exalted, may they rest with you in glory.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In your exaltation, O Lord, you were given the name that is above every name; we pray in your name for those who are poor, those who are hungry, and those who are hurting in any way. Give them your grace.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We also pray, in your name O Lord, for those who are sick (especially…); give them the gift of healing, strength, and life.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Officiant You humbled yourself in the manger, and you humbled yourself on the cross; and to you, O Lord, we bend the knee of our hearts with those above and those below, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.