Prayers of the People, P+14B

God of grace,
hear our prayers. 
For those who are bound by rules
and rituals,
who cannot see beyond the legalism
of their own making,
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who worship 
with their tongues --
who say the words, but do not internalize them,
who go through the motions, but do not feel anything,
who sing the songs and pray the prayers, 
but leave unchanged
and empty, 
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For a world of people who struggle
with anger,
addiction,
and arrogance,
unmoved by your compassion,
unable to love as you love,
Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayers.
Cleanse our hearts, O God.
Remove the pollution from our souls.
Transform us into a people
who glorify your name
with passion 
and 
in truth, 
that all who look upon your children everywhere
call see the love of Christ
​in all we say and do.