Your hand is upon your people, O God,
to guide and protect them through the ages.
Keep in your service
those you have called and anointed,
that the powers of this world may not overwhelm us,
but that, secure in your love,
we may carry out your will
in the face of all adversity. Amen.

God our protector,
you stood by David in the time of trial.
Stand with us through all life's storms,
giving us courage to risk danger
to protect those who are oppressed and poor,
that they may know you as their stronghold and hope. Amen.

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Prayers from the Revised Common Lectionary