We bring before thee, O Lord the troubles and perils of people and nations, the sighing of prisoners and captives, the sorrows of the bereaved, the necessities of strangers, the helplessness of the weak, the despondency of the weary, the failing powers of the ages.  O Lord, draw near to each; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen         (St Anselm, 1033-1109, Archbishop of Canterbury)