prayers of the people

My friend Robert Benson first introduced me to the richness of this prayer and I never tire of it: 

We your servants give You humble thanks, Almighty God, 

for all Your gifts and graces to us this day: 

For the splendor of the whole creation 

and the beauty of this world; 

for the wonder of life 

and the mystery of love; 

for the blessings of family and friends, 

and the loving care that surrounds us on every side. 

And for this day's work, 

for the things that delighted us; 

and for the disappointments and failures that lead us to depend on You truly... 

We thank you O Lord....