Celebrant:

Brothers and sisters, Moses raised his hands in prayer and his arms grew heavy, yet with the support of Aaron and Hur, Israel prevailed. A widow persisted in her cry for justice and was finally heard. With confidence in the God who neither slumbers nor sleeps, let us lift up our prayers for the Church and for the world.

For the Church: That all who shepherd God’s people – bishops, priests, deacons, and pastoral leaders – may have hands strong enough to hold those who struggle, and the wisdom to seek support when their own arms grow weary.

Reader: Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.

For World Leaders and Justice: That those who hold authority may respond with compassion to the cry of the vulnerable, and that like the persistent widow, all who seek justice may finally be heard and protected.

Reader: Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.

For Professional Carers: That doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, teachers, and all who care for others may recognize their own limits, reach out for support when their arms grow heavy, and find communities that sustain them in their exhausting work.

Reader: Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.

For the Lonely and Abandoned: For all who feel rejected, forgotten, or unheard – may they be filled with the spirit of persistence, refusing to give up even when prayer feels futile, trusting that God hears every cry.

Reader: Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.

For Those Who Have Stopped Praying: For all whose hands have grown too weak to lift in prayer, whose faith has been tested beyond endurance – may they be led to receiving, supporting, caring communities who will hold them until their strength returns.

Reader: Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.

For Those Facing Violence: For all who face unprovoked attacks – victims of violence, persecution, hatred, or war – may they know God as their banner and shield, and may their communities stand beside them as Aaron and Hur stood with Moses.

Reader: Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.

For Our Parish Community: That we may remain sensitive to one another’s needs, recognizing when hands grow heavy and hearts grow weary, and that with trusting hearts we may find the sacred space between working hard and resting in God’s care.

Reader: Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.

For Our Families: That we may keep alive the flame of attentive care and love toward one another, faithfully gazing up toward heaven even in difficulty, and entrusting ourselves and those we love to our heavenly Father who never sleeps.

Reader: Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.

Celebrant:

God of persistence and faithfulness, you heard the widow’s cry and you held Moses’ arms through the support of his community. Hear these prayers we lift to you, and when our hands grow too heavy to hold them any longer, sustain us with your unfailing love. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.