Today’s prayer comes from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.
Almighty God, who created us in your own image:
Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression;
and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you , and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Lord, we know what to do for you have told us:
to love you and
to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39);
to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44);
to act justly, to love mercy, to follow with humility the path you set out (Micah 6:8);
to seek wisdom (Proverbs 3:11-24);
to do good and share with others (Hebrews 13:16);
to welcome the stranger and care for the poor (James 1:27, Zechariah 7:9-10);
to grow and bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-26).
But we have become polluted by the world (James 1:27),
aligned with those who divide (Romans 16:17),
entertained and misled by deceit and hypocrisy and slander (1 Peter 2:1),
entranced by the deceitfulness of wealth, and
overwhelmed by the demands of our daily lives (Matthew 13:22, Luke 8:14).
We have wandered from your ways.
Forgive us Lord.
Help us now to put our faith into action, and to build a better world.
Amen
Today’s prayer is an adaptation of Ps. 33:18-22 that appeared in The Book of Family Prayer by Robert Webber (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986.)
Lord, we believe Your eye is upon those who fear You,
Those who have hope in You.
Lord, we wait upon you;
For You are our help and our shield.
Our hearts rejoice in You
Because we have trusted in your holy name.
Lord, let Your mercy be upon us
As we hope on You,
And send upon us
Your Holy Spirit, we pray.
Amen
Come Holy Ghost, Creator blest, and in our heart take up thy rest. Come with your grace and heavenly aid, And fill the hearts which you have made.
Come Holy Ghost, Pentecost Hymn, Rabanus Maurus, 776-856.
On this Pentecost Sunday, Lord, people are dying, cities are burning, and our future is uncertain.
For generations you have put before us both a path to peace and prosperity, and one that leads to destruction and death. (Deuteronomy 30:15, Acts 2: 28).
Too often Lord we choose the wrong way, and then having lost our way, we cry out in despair. (Judges 2-10).
Yet you are ever with us and hear our cry. Your love and forgiveness are everlasting. Let them guide us forward, loosening the grip of hate and fear, inequity and greed, to a better way.
Spirit of Truth, you live in us (John 14:17), guide us to your peace.
Amen
Hosanna! We praise your Holy Name.
Lord, you came to us not as a king but as a servant.
And showed us a way of mercy, of compassion, of healing from sin.
Forgive us for all the times we failed to heed your call.
Especially in these difficult times O Lord, remind us that there is life after death, and that evil can be overcome by good. (Romans 12:20).
Turn us O Lord, and guide us through that we may share your mercy and love, and rebuild our world so that all might thrive.
Amen
[On politics] “Most people just want somebody who can articulate their hatreds . . .” (David Brooks, 2011)
It is easy to fear the other –
And yet you call on us
Help us O Lord, to heed your call as we live our lives together.
Amen.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
Lord, thank you for the love, forgiveness, and mercy shown by the survivors at Emanuel A.M.E. Church and for the witness they have given in the face of hate. Thank you for the politicians who departed from the usual patterns of division and denial to speak up and out in support of their brothers and sisters in faith.
As James Russell Lowell, observed in 1845*,
To us all, to every nation comes the moment to decide,
in the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Let us choose good O Lord.
[N]ew occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth; they must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.
Let us move forward O Lord, guided by your grace. Help us to learn new ways.
Heal our hates O Lord. Help us live in peace with one another (Romans 12:18).
Amen.
* Quotes from poem printed as the hymn, “To Us All, to Every Nation”, v. 1 and 2, Chalice Hymnal #634.
Lord, as we see the hungry and those without health care,
Teach us compassion.
As our economy begins to grow in fits and starts, leaving many behind,
Teach us to share.
As media reports excite rather than educate,
Lead us toward wisdom.
As individual citizens are asked to cut back or give more while flaws in our economic and regulatory systems go uncorrected,
Help us pursue justice.
As we face an uncertain future,
Fill us with hope and help us to follow your word.
Let us hear your voice and learn to listen to each other. Harden not our hearts.
Have mercy on us all O Lord.
Amen.
Prayers For Our Country 