Good Afternoon Brothers and Sisters.
Happy Wisdom Wednesday and Independence Day in the United States. This year Independence Day fell on Wednesday and that meant going to church as usual but with the lessons for Independence Day and using different Prayers of the People. This year it has been hard for many of us to get our celebratory oomph or mojo up. I know it has been for me. As the hours have gone by and reflecting upon what was said and prayed in today's service I realized freedom isn't loosey goosey it comes with responsibility on all fronts and sides of coins. To be free means we all need to be held accountable for our actions and acknowledge the harm we have caused and listen and hear from those who have experienced harm from our words and deeds. To be free is to be able to live our truths with out fear and be able to be transformed by going deeper into our hearts and minds and acknowledge and tell our stories of being hurt. We must acknowledge that this nation of ours is a nation of hurt people, hurting people. If we do not acknowledge this we will never heal and never be transformed into the truly free nation and Beloved Community God is calling us to be. This is the first Wednesday that we haven't had our Community Healing Circle. I'm beginning to think that we should have had one just to deal with the hurts that we as a nation and a people have experienced. Yesterday we used the lessons from the Common for Forgiveness and Reconciliation as part of our prayer focus for our journey with the EPPN as we continue to pray for Criminal Justice Reform. Today we continue that same prayer focus. So beloved ones let us begin:
Because by the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ you have reconciled all things to yourself, not counting our sins against us and renewing our hearts to forgive as we have been forgiven.
God of compassion, you have reconciled us in Jesus Christ who is our peace: Enable us to live as Jesus lived, breaking down walls of hostility and healing enmity. Give us grace to make peace with those from whom we are divided, that, forgiven and forgiving, we may ever be one in Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns for ever, one holy and undivided Trinity. Amen.
July 3-6: Criminal Justice Reform
Action: Write your representatives for an end to racial and any kind of profiling.
Learn about Restorative Practices and Justice work.
Pray for both victims of crime and those who have committed crimes.
Seek to find ways to engage in ministries to those in prison and those who have been traumatized.
July 7: Peacebuilding
July 8: Domestic Poverty
July 9: Refugee Resettlement
July 10: Immigration
July 11: Environment
We will begin each day with this opening quote from Proverbs 31: 8-9
Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Light of the World Phos hilaron
Light of the world, in grace and beauty,
Mirror of God’s eternal face,
Transparent flame of love’s free duty,
You bring salvation to our race.
Now, as we see the lights of evening,
We raise our voice in hymns of praise;
Worthy are you of endless blessing,
Sun of our night, lamp of our days.
God of love and forgiveness we pray this night and light our candles for criminal justice reform that will seek to be restorative not retributive.
God we pray for all of our family members who are incarcerated and do not have family or friends to visit and advocate for them. Guide us with courage to be their family O God.
God we pray for safety in all correctional facilities that all people who are incarcerated may receive just and proper care and not become victims of violence. Let us raise our voices for those who are afraid to speak out for themselves and others in correctional facilities.
God we pray for those who work in correctional facilities that they may remember that they must respect everyone's dignity without discrimination and hatred.
God we pray for all women in correctional facilities that they may receive proper health and hygiene care and safety. We pray that we may become their voices if they have been abused and silenced.
God we pray for all youth who are in juvenal hall and correctional facilities that they may be educated and given a time when they may be able to lead new lives on the outside and become productive citizens.
God we pray for all who are being paroled that they may be given the necessary life skill set to live productive lives. We remember especially those who have mental health and drug related issues.
God we pray that we have courage to advocate for all who are homeless and have been in jail.
God we pray for new and exciting programs that will mean better criminal justice reform that will not be one size fits all.
God help us to forgive those who have caused us harm and that we may be able to seek out mental health care after crimes that have been committed against us.
God we pray these prayers in the Name of Jesus of Nazareth who was and is the first Criminal Justice Reformer. Amen.
Yesterday's prayers
We pray for all prisoners who have been afforded the necessary legal council and protection.
We pray that the prison systems may be places of rehabilitation and not places of monetary gain. Help us O God, to be advocates for those who are in need of our help who are incarcerated.
We give thanks for Stephen Ministries, P.R.I.S.M. , Kairos Ministries, Restorative Justice Circles, and all groups who minister in jails and correctional facilities.
We pray especially this night for all who are in detention by I.C.E. We remember all families who are forced to live in cages and have not been afforded legal council, due process, and humane treatment.
We pray for all political prisoners who have have been afforded dignity and human rights.
We pray for all who work in the prison and correctional system that they may be fair, impartial, and be guided by civil, human, and Constitutional rights. We pray and remember the Miranda rights as a reminder:
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you by the court. With these rights in mind, are you still willing to talk with me about the charges against you?
We pray for all who are on death row that they may live out their lives in confinement and that there may be an end to the death penalty.
We pray for an end to all forms of profiling that justice may be served fairly without bias and gun violence.
God we pray these words of St. Francis.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is
in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen.
"Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love?' These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will be many fruits, here in this world and the life to come." - Henri Nouwen
Let us pray the Smudging Prayer
Creator,
our Father in heaven,
we come to you as your children.
We confess that we are weak and broken images of you.
We pray for the forgiveness and healing you give in Jesus Christ. May his Spirit clean our spirits, minds, hearts, and bodies.
We pray that your Holy Spirit will help us to worship in spirit and truth.
We pray in the name of Jesus, so that his Spirit will carry our prayers to you. Amen.
IN LAK’ECH
Tú eres mi otro yo.
You are my other me.
Si te hago daño a ti,
If I do harm to you,
Me hago daño a mi mismo.
I do harm to myself.
Si te amo y respeto,
If I love and respect you,
Me amo y respeto yo.
I love and respect myself.
Luis Valdez
Ecclesiasticus 10:1-8,12-18
10A wise magistrate educates his people,
and the rule of an intelligent person is well ordered.
2 As the people’s judge is, so are his officials;
as the ruler of the city is, so are all its inhabitants.
3 An undisciplined king ruins his people,
but a city becomes fit to live in through the understanding of its rulers.
4 The government of the earth is in the hand of the Lord,
and over it he will raise up the right leader for the time.
5 Human success is in the hand of the Lord,
and it is he who confers honour upon the lawgiver.*
6 Do not get angry with your neighbour for every injury,
and do not resort to acts of insolence.
7 Arrogance is hateful to the Lord and to mortals,
and injustice is outrageous to both.
8 Sovereignty passes from nation to nation
on account of injustice and insolence and wealth.*
12 The beginning of human pride is to forsake the Lord;
the heart has withdrawn from its Maker.
13 For the beginning of pride is sin,
and the one who clings to it pours out abominations.
Therefore the Lord brings upon them unheard-of calamities,
and destroys them completely.
14 The Lord overthrows the thrones of rulers,
and enthrones the lowly in their place.
15 The Lord plucks up the roots of the nations,*
and plants the humble in their place.
16 The Lord lays waste the lands of the nations,
and destroys them to the foundations of the earth.
17 He removes some of them and destroys them,
and erases the memory of them from the earth.
18 Pride was not created for human beings,
or violent anger for those born of women.
The Song of Hannah
1 Samuel 2:1-8
My heart exults in you, O God; *
my triumph song is lifted in you.
My mouth derides my enemies, *
for I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like you, *
nor any rock to be compared to you, our God.
Do not heap up prideful words or speak in arrogance; *
Only God is knowing and weighs all actions.
The bows of the mighty are broken, *
but the weak are clothed in strength.
Those once full now labor for bread, *
those who hungered now are well fed.
The childless woman has borne sevenfold, *
while the mother of many is forlorn.
God destroys and brings to life, casts down and raises up; *
gives wealth or takes it away, humbles and dignifies.
God raises the poor from the dust; *
and lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with the rulers *
and inherit a place of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are God’s *
on which the whole earth is founded
James 5:7-10
7 Be patient, therefore, beloved,* until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.* 9Beloved,* do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10As an example of suffering and patience, beloved,* take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
A Song of Hosea
Hosea 6:1-3
Come, let us return to our God, *
who has torn us and will heal us.
God has struck us and will bind up our wounds, *
after two days revive us,
On the third day restore us, *
that in God’s presence we may live.
Let us humble ourselves, let us strive to know the Lord, *
whose justice dawns like morning light,
its dawning as sure as the sunrise.
God’s justice will come to us like a shower, *
like spring rains that water the earth.
Micah 4:1-5
4In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised up above the hills.
Peoples shall stream to it,
2 and many nations shall come and say:
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
3 He shall judge between many peoples,
and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more;
4 but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees,
and no one shall make them afraid;
for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
5 For all the peoples walk,
each in the name of its god,
but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God
for ever and ever.
A Song of Christ’s Goodness
Anselm of Canterbury
Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you; *
you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.
Often you weep over our sins and our pride, *
tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment.
You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds, *
in sickness you nurse us and with pure milk you feed us.
Jesus, by your dying, we are born to new life; *
by your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.
Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness; *
through your gentleness, we find comfort in fear.
Your warmth gives life to the dead, *
your touch makes sinners righteous.
Lord Jesus, in your mercy, heal us; *
in your love and tenderness, remake us.
In your compassion, bring grace and forgiveness, *
for the beauty of heaven, may your love prepare us.
Revelation 21:1-7
21Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
‘See, the home* of God is among mortals.
He will dwell* with them;
they will be his peoples,*
and God himself will be with them;*
4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.’
5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ 6Then he said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. 7Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
A Song of Faith
1 Peter 1:3-4,18-21
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *
by divine mercy we have a new birth into a living hope;
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, *
we have an inheritance that is imperishable in heaven.
The ransom that was paid to free us *
was not paid in silver or gold,
But in the precious blood of Christ, *
the Lamb without spot or stain.
God raised Jesus from the dead and gave him glory *
so that we might have faith and hope in God.
Deuteronomy 10:17-21
17For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, 18who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them with food and clothing. 19You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. 20You shall fear the Lord your God; him alone you shall worship; to him you shall hold fast, and by his name you shall swear. 21He is your praise; he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things that your own eyes have seen.
Hebrews 11:8-16
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised.* 12Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’
13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
A Song of Christ’s Humility
Philippians 2:6-11
Though in the form of God, *
Christ Jesus did not cling to equality with God,
But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, *
and was born in human likeness.
Being found in human form, he humbled himself *
and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Therefore, God has highly exalted him *
and given him the name above every name,
That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, *
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, *
to the glory of God the Father.
Matthew 5:43-48
43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,* what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
A Song of Pilgrimage Priusquam errarem
Ecclesiasticus 51:13-16,20b-22
Before I ventured forth,
even while I was very young, *
I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
In the forecourts of the temple I asked for her, *
and I will seek her to the end.
From first blossom to early fruit, *
she has been the delight of my heart.
My foot has kept firmly to the true path, *
diligently from my youth have I pursued her.
I inclined my ear a little and received her; *
I found for myself much wisdom and became adept in her.
To the one who gives me wisdom will I give glory, *
for I have resolved to live according to her way.
From the beginning I gained courage from her, *
therefore I will not be forsaken.
In my inmost being I have been stirred to seek her, *
therefore have I gained a good possession.
As my reward the Almighty has given me the gift of language,*
and with it will I offer praise to God.
The Song of Mary Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in you, O God my Savior, *
for you have looked with favor on your lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
you, the Almighty, have done great things for me,
and holy is your name.
You have mercy on those who fear you *
from generation to generation.
You have shown strength with your arm *
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones *
and lifting up the lowly.
You have filled the hungry with good things *
and sent the rich away empty.
You have come to the help of your servant Israel, *
for you have remembered your promise of mercy,
The promise made to our forebears, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Additional prayers
A Vigil prayer from two years ago.
God, we come to you and light our lanterns of peace and liberty once again as a reminder that we have much work to do. We pray that every person in this nation may be afforded universal human rights and that these rights may come soon so that we all may be one. [We light our Lanterns in solidarity with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iraq, and the United States who have been affected by terrorist acts these past few weeks. ]We pray for the lives lost and light a lantern of hope and peace in their memory. We light our lanterns of peace and liberty in remembrance of those who continue to struggle on the margins of society. We pray that we may have courage to fight for their rights as human beings and children of God. We light our lanterns in memory of our family members who fought to bring this country into being. We pray for justice for all of our family members who are seeking it. We pray that we may be tolerant of all people who practice different faiths than ours. We pray this night that we may begin to bring everyone into our country as a united not divided people. We light our lanterns of freedom and welcome on the highest spire and tallest building signaling this is your new home and we welcome you here. We light our lanterns of freedom for all refugees and those who come seeking a better place in which to live. We pray for compassionate immigration reform. We pray that we all may be one, all may be free, and all may know peace and freedom equally. Amen.
God we pray for our country and its leaders that they in the words of the prophet Micah "Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God"
God we pray for our ancestors who brought forth liberty to a fledgling nation.
God we pray for our future leaders that they may educate themselves wisely in the history of this country and its governance.
God we pray for peace in our land that we may learn that all means all and not some and that all of us are equal in the sight of God and in the laws of this land/
God we pray for peace in this fragile and broken world of ours that all our family members may come to know and enjoy the freedoms we have been given.
God we pray for all those concerns that are on our hearts tonight remembering_________________
God we thank you for giving us the gift of free will and all other gifts that you shower upon us every day.
God we pray that we may come to know each other as brothers and sisters better and see you in them.
or this set of prayers
Lord God we lift up all war torn nations that are deprived of civil and human rights:
Let Freedom Ring!
Let Freedom Ring!
Lord We lift up all who labor in the courts of justice in this country that every one will be granted due process and equal protection under the law.
Let Freedom Ring
Let Freedom Ring
Lord we pray that every family member will respect everyone's dignity and personhood.
Let us sow seeds of compassion.
Let us sow seeds of compassion.
Lord we pray that we may continue to give thanks for all that unites us and pray for those differences that separate us and that we may all come to know that we are one family in Christ and humankind.
May we live united as the family of God.
May we live united as the family of God.
We pray for justice, love and mercy as we walk with God on our journey.
We pray for all those who are deprived of liberty, justice, education, and human rights in all parts of the world.
We pray for safe working conditions.
We pray for all laborers in the fields and in all places.
We pray for an end of violence, injustice, indifference, and hate
We pray for equality and acceptance of all God's Children.
We pray for rain to heal the areas affect by drought.
We pray for those in prison and captivity.
We pray for all those who have mental illness.
We pray for peace and to be peacemakers.
We pray especially for the causes and social justice issues that are on our hearts____________________
We give our thoughtful thanks for_______________
We celebrate________________ and especially all those who are new citizens of our country.
We remember Martin Luther King Junior, Fabian, Rosa Parks, the Little Rock Nine, Nelson Mandela, Steven Biko, and all valiant seekers after justice and the rights of the oppressed.
All this we ask in Jesus' name who is the example for us to be beacons of Justice, Hope, Equality, and Peace. Amen.
For whom and what shall we pray.
We pray for for peace and tranquility in this nation and the world.
We pray for all our citizenry who are on the margins of society and who are neglected and oppressed.
We pray for all our troops who are serving at home and abroad for their safety and for their families who miss them.
We pray for all who cannot tolerate loud noises and especially the fireworks. Remembering the veterans and all the animals.
We pray for all who are homeless, hungry, ill-clad and financially indigent.
We pray for conservation of God's Cathedral of life.
We pray for leaders who will take and live out their oaths of office seriously, reverently, humbly, and remember who they are serving.
We pray for all who are keeping our cities safe tonight remembering the Police, Fire, EMTs, and ER personnel. We also pray for mortuary and hospice workers.
We pray for an end to all forms of violence in words and deeds.
We pray that peace may prevail upon earth.
For whom and what shall we pray and give thanks__o______________.
We lift these our prayers in the name of God our Creator, Jesus our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit our Advocate and Guide. Amen.
or these
Let us pray and take time to reflect upon this day and remember all of our forefathers and foremothers who made our country what it is today.
Dear God you created this world so that we might be interdependent upon and with each other, help us to remember that we are called to be family members and we aren't let off the hook by deciding who gets in or who is left out. God you tell us that we must remember the least of these. Help us to do just that in our every day living.
God we pray for peace, justice, and human rights throughout the world that you have made and that all of our family members may live where there is no war,abuse, persecution of any kind, injustice, and inequality.
We pray this day for all who are ill and awaiting news of diagnosis. We remember especially those who are hospitalized and in long term care facilities during holiday weekends.
We pray for all pets who are ill and pet owners who are caring for their animal family members.
We pray for all those who are lonely during holiday time that they may find comfort and that we may reach out our arms of love and compassion to them. We remember especially the homeless, the hungry, the unemployed, and all those suffering from mental illness of any kind.
We pray this night for all who are out and about and for their safety and alertness as they drive. We pray also that their vehicles may be free of things that distract then,
We give thanks to you O God for this our country and for the liberties that we enjoy. Help us never to take the gifts of liberty, justice, human and civil rights for granted and that we may continually reminded of these necessary things that make us free. Help us also to fight for the rights of those who have none and be willing to speak truth to power. May we continue to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you O, God.
We pray especially for this day remembering all who have asked us to pray for them. We now name these our family members before you_________________. We pray for the healing of body, mind, and spirit and what ever else may be happening with them.
Gracious God we thank you for our many blessings remembering especially___________________
We ask these our prayers in Jesus, Most Holy Name.
Or these
Thanksgiving For the Nation (BCP)
Almighty God, giver of all good things:
We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land.They restore us, though we often destroy them.
Heal us.
We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They make us rich, though we often exploit them.
Forgive us.
We thank you for the men and women who have made this country strong. They are models for us, though we often fall short of them.
Inspire us.
We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though we have often hidden from its light.
Enlighten us.
We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless again and again.
Renew us.
Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.
God we pray these classic words:The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.A Prayer attributed to St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
May the blessing of the God of Abraham and Sarah, and of Jesus Christ born of our sister Mary, and of the Holy Spirit, who broods over the world as a mother over her children, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
+++++
Have a blessed and safe evening. I love you! May God Bless you and Keep you this night and always.
Love and blessings,
Sara
Resources
Enriching Our Worship
Book of Common Prayer on Line
Metis Aboriginal Ministries
In Lak 'Ech- Luis Valdez
Walk With Me On Our Journey
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Other Resources as Noted
Oremus Bible Browser
Bonus Prayers from yesterday that may be added:
Song to the Lord GodJames K. Baxter
Lord God, you are above and beyond all things,
Your nature is to love,
You put us in the furnace of the world
To learn to love you and love one another.
Your nature is to love,
You put us in the furnace of the world
To learn to love you and love one another.
Father, we sing to you in the furnace
Like the three Jewish children.
The hope and the doom of the love of friends
Is eating up the marrow of our bones.
Like the three Jewish children.
The hope and the doom of the love of friends
Is eating up the marrow of our bones.
Lord Christ, you are the house in whom we live,
The house in which we share the cup of peace,
The house of your body that was broken on the cross,
The house you have built for us beyond the stars.
The house in which we share the cup of peace,
The house of your body that was broken on the cross,
The house you have built for us beyond the stars.
Lord, Holy Spirit, beyond, within, above,
Beneath all things, you give us life.
Blaze in our hearts, you who are Love himself,
Till we shine like the noonday sun.
Beneath all things, you give us life.
Blaze in our hearts, you who are Love himself,
Till we shine like the noonday sun.
Lord God, we are the little children,
The feeble ones of the world.
Carry us for ever in your breast, Lord God,
Give us the power by love to be your holy ones.
The feeble ones of the world.
Carry us for ever in your breast, Lord God,
Give us the power by love to be your holy ones.
Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal:
Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance
and amendment of life according to your will, and give them
hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them
release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice.
Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them
humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming
brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison,
O Lord, we do for you, constrain us to improve their lot. All
this we ask for your mercy's sake. Amen.
For Social Justice (BCP)
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.
Prayer 2 from A New Zealand Prayer Book (From Midday Prayers)
For the hungry and the overfed
May we have enough.
For the mourners and the mockers
May we laugh together.
For the victims and the oppressors
May we share power wisely.
For the peacemakers and the warmongers
May clear truth and stern love lead us to harmony.
For the silenced and the propagandists
May we speak our own words in truth.
For the unemployed and the overworked
May our impress on the earth be kindly and creative.
For the troubled and the sleek
May we live together as wounded healers.
For the homeless and the cosseted
May our homes be simple, warm and welcoming.
For the vibrant and the dying
May we all die to live.
Settings of the Lord's Prayer as found in A New Zealand Prayer Book
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
or the alternative form.
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence;
Take not Thy holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation;
And renew a right spirit within me.
For the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.(BCP)
In your presence O God, we come together as one family of love. Give us courage to lay down the weaponry of hate and find common ground.
In your presence O God, take all the gunk in our lives that prevent us from truly serving you and the least of these.
In your presence O God, give us courage to discern where you are sending us and help us to respond accordingly with "Here I am send me"!
In your presence O God, make us truly the Beloved Community intent upon serving you and our family members with CALM (Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy)
In your presence O God, help us to stand fast and ready to speak truth to power and seek out ways to be the change you want to see in the world.
In your presence O God, may we feel and know your love for us so that we may serve others.
In your presence O God, we offer these our prayers________________________________
In your presence O God we lift up these our prayers to you in the name of your only begotten Son Jesus. Amen.
We close our vigil with these prayers:
The Woke Prayers of St. Francis
Help us O God to be woke!
Woke as your peacemakers, change makers, heart changers, and love energy bringers!
Woke to the hatred so that we may sow seeds of love.
Woke to the injury so that we may heal the hurt and cease the harm.
Woke to the divisiveness that we may be eager to heal and unite as one neighborhood and family.
Woke to uncertainty that will lead us to be renewed in faith.
Woke to the despair of all our neighbors so that we may sow seeds of radical hope, love, hospitality, and inclusion.
Woke to the knowledge that we are God's beloved children.
Woke to sing the words of Amazing Grace:
1 Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
2 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
3 Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
4 The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
5 Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease:
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.
6 The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
the sun forbear to shine;
but God, who called me here below,
will be forever mine.
-
John Newton
Help us to be woke enough not to think of ourselves being the comforted, help us be the comforters and wounded healers.
Help not to be know it alls and be woke to understand what is plaguing our inner beings, neighbors, neighborhoods, the least of these, our family members.
God wake us up to be Woke to your agape love so that we may love everything that you have made. Wake us to be Woke to Radical Love, Hospitality, and inclusion.
Help us to know that being truly woke means being open to radical and random acts of kindness and giving. Where the giver is given and receives much by acts of giving.
Help us to be woke enough to forgive and then find ourselves being actually forgiven
God Wake us Up to Be Woke to know that death isn't the end but only the beginning of a new birth in your heavenly Kindom. Amen and let it be so!
We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust. We must dissent from a nation that has buried its head in the sand, waiting in vain for the needs of its poor, its elderly, and its sick to disappear and just blow away. We must dissent from a government that has left its young without jobs, education or hope. We must dissent from the poverty of vision and the absence of moral leadership. We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better." - Thurgood Marshall
Loving Jesus: Protect and sustain us with your hand. Open the door of your love that, sealed with your wisdom, we may be free to serve you with joy. Amen. (a prayer of St. Gertrude)
Jesus, you are the way through the wilderness: show us your truth in which we journey, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit be in us the life that draws us to God. Amen. (source: F.B. McNutt, The Prayer Manual [London: Mowbray, 1961], p. 29, adapted)
O God our shield and armor of light, whom we adore with all the angelic host: defend us from evil; watch over any who are in danger this night and give your angels charge over them; and grant that we may always rejoice in your heavenly protection and serve you bravely in the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Holy Wisdom, in your loving kindness you created and restored us when we were lost: inspire us with your truth, that we may love you with our whole minds and run to you with open hearts, through Christ our Savior. Amen. (source: Alcuin of York, Mass of Wisdom)
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen
Louis Daniel Armstrong
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows my sorrow
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory, Hallelujah
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory, Hallelujah
Sometimes I'm up
Sometimes I'm down
Oh, yes, Lord
Sometimes I'm almost to the ground
Oh, yes, Lord
Oh, nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows my sorrow
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory, Hallelujah
Oh, every day to you I pray
Oh, yes Lord
For you to drive my sins away
Oh, yes Lord
Oh, nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
(Glory) glory Hallelujah (hallelujah) (Lord)
Songwriters: Louis Armstrong
The Song of Simeon Nunc Dimittis
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to
generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.
Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
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