For all people in their daily life and work; For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

For half my life I have attended Episcopal services. The liturgy usually includes a member of the laity leading the congregation in the Prayers of the People. This sixth form has been, by far, the most common. I have joined in this prayer on nearly -- or perhaps a bit more than -- a thousand Sundays.

We pray for all; not just those with us, or those who pray like us, or those who agree with us.

We pray for what they are doing. Parenting, farming, banking, fighting, and all the infinite diversity of human choices. We honor the everyday choices that taken together have such profound consequence.

We also pray for those who are in particular relationship with us. It is among these -- family, friends, and neighbors -- that we may most often be in conflict. Here emotions run highest and tensions, when they emerge, may be most troublesome.

But we raise all in prayer: our unknown enemy, our most initimate adversary, all our neighbors near and far, recognizing each as our spiritual sibling, each as a unique expression of God.

We pray especially for those who are alone. In working, praying, and laughing together we experience communion with one another. Through one another we may be drawn a bit closer to God. In our struggles with each other we are often prompted to valuable ephiphanies. These sacramental moments are not available to those who are alone.

In praying for those who are alone we are reminded of our opportunity and obligation to reach out.