Prayers of the People, E5B

God of mercy and compassion,
around the world your children are crying out
for healing:
healing from the virus that is claiming lives at every turn,
healing from division that plagues families and friendships
and even nations,
healing from grief and sorrow and unimaginable pain,
healing from anxiety and fear and depression
exacerbated by isolation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

God of sabbath stillness,
around the world your children are crying out
for liberation:
liberation from oppression,
liberation from an enslavement to productivity 
and the pursuit of that which cannot buy happiness,
liberation from hunger
and living on the edge
of homelessness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

God of the Good News,
around the world your children are crying out
for hope:
hope in the midst of despair,
hope in the agony of loneliness,
hope in the devastation of grief,
hope in the fight for justice,
hope in the quest for Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Surround your children everywhere
with your steadfast love, O God.
Touch us with your infinite mercy.
And fill us with a peace that passes all understanding,
guarding our hearts and minds
in Christ Jesus, our Lord.