Let us pray (in silence) [that we may love God in all things and above all things]
Pause
God, [or Gracious God or Living and gracious God]
you have prepared for those who love you
good things which no eye can see,
and which surpass our understanding;
pour into our hearts such longing for you,
that we,
loving you in all things and above all things,
may obtain your promises,
which exceed all that we can desire;
through Jesus Christ
who is alive with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The above ancient prayer is used by Roman Catholics and Episcopalians/Anglicans on the same day. It has a long, shared history which you can find here: Ordinary 20. The above is my rendering in my Book of Prayers in Common.
My Introduction to the lectionary readings
Further resources (off this site):
TextWeek
Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary
Preaching resources Down Under
image source: The Canaanite Woman asks for healing for her daughter; Bazzi Rahib, Ilyas Basim Khuri 1684
