Time for words of blessed reassurance from Desmond Tutu! No doubt about it #Ubuntu

Good Evening Dear Ones!

Happy Second Sunday of Easter! If you follow the lectionary for any length of time you'll know that it is the Sunday when Thomas a.k.a. the Twin and Jesus come into contact with each other for the first time since... You know what I mean. This time Jesus throws social and physical distancing requirements out the window. Jesus knows what each one of us needs. Not wants but, needs. Thomas needed reassurance that Jesus wasn't some kind of mirage. In these days of Covid-19, Sheltering in Place, and everything else we are coming to terms with the  need  for reassurance that we aren't alone, and in this together. Have no doubt, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are with us and know what our individual needs are 24/7/365. So tonight we pray and come together in our safe house and create a place of sanctuary and sacred space. These spaces are filled with love,joy,hope, peace, and lots of breathing room for the inhalation of the Holy Spirit. So let us begin. It's a time of Ubuntu!


"We are made for goodness. We are made for love. We are made for friendliness. We are made for togetherness. We are made for all of the beautiful things that you and I know. We are made to tell the world that there are no outsiders. All are welcome: black, white, red, yellow, rich, poor, educated, not educated, male, female, gay, straight, all, all, all. We all belong to this family, this human family, God's family." ~ Desmond Tutu

"Even if humans feel lots of fear, remember God will take care of you. This is a collective message because fear is contagious... This is a message of reassurance." ~ Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria


"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." ~ Desmond Tutu

"When we serve the poor and the sick we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus." ~ Rose of Lima

"One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality - Ubuntu - you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity." ~ Desmond Tutu

"Don't be afraid..." We need this reassurance. Even for those of us who believe implicitly in angels, to be confronted by one is an awesome thing."" ~ Madeleine L'Engle

"Our maturity will be judged by how well we are able to agree to disagree and yet continue to love one another, to care for one another, and cherish one another and seek the greater good of the other." ~ Desmond Tutu

"The 'peace' the gospel brings is never the absence of conflict, but an ineffable divine reassurance within the heart of conflict; a peace that surpasses understanding." ~ Walter Wink

"As much as the world has an instinct for evil and is a breeding ground for genocide, holocaust, slavery, racism, war, oppression, and injustice, the world has an even greateer instinct for goodness, rebirth, mercy, beauty, truth, freedom and love." ~ Desmond Tutu

"One cannot watch chimpanzee infants for long without realizing that they have the same emotional need for affection and reassurance as human children." ~ Jane Goodall

"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together." ~ Desmond Tutu


"Frequently people think compassion and love are merely sentimental. No! They are very demanding. If you are going to be compassionate, be prepared for action." ~ Desmond Tutu

"A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed." ~ Desmond Tutu

"We must act now and wake up to our moral obligations. The poor and vulnerable are members of God's family and are the most severely affected by droughts, high temperatures, the flooding of coastal cities, and more severe and unpredictable weather events resulting from climate change. We, who should have been responsible stewards preserving our vulnerable, fragile planet home, have been wantonly wasteful through our reckless consumerism, devouring irreplaceable natural resources." ~ Desmond Tutu

"When people were hungry, Jesus didn't say, "Now is that political or social?" He said, "I feed you." Because the good news to a hungry person is bread." ~ Desmond Tutu

We are all connected. What unites us is our common humanity. I don't want to oversimplify things - but the suffering of a mother who has lost her child is not dependent on her nationality, ethnicity or religion. White, black, rich, poor, Christian, Muslim or Jew - pain is pain - joy is joy.
Desmond Tutu

God places us in the world as his fellow workers-agents of transfiguration. We work with God so that injustice is transfigured into justice, so there will be more compassion and caring, that there will be more laughter and joy, that there will be more togetherness in God's world.
Desmond Tutu

There is no peace in Southern Africa. There is no peace because there is no justice. There can be no real peace and security until there be first justice enjoyed by all the inhabitants of that beautiful land. The Bible knows nothing about peace without justice, for that would be crying "peace, peace, where there is no peace". God's Shalom, peace, involves inevitably righteousness, justice, wholeness, fullness of life, participation in decision-making, goodness, laughter, joy, compassion, sharing and reconciliation.
Desmond Tutu


Come let us worship!

Joseph Barth: A Grace

We give thanks for Being;
We give thanks for being here;
We give thanks for being here together.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia. 1 Corinthians 5:7, 8

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Come and eat’; and he took bread, and gave it to them. Alleluia. John 21:12, 13

The disciples knew the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Alleluia. Luke 24:35 (adapted)

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

All you who have been baptised have been clothed with Christ. Alleluia. Galatians 3:27

Set your minds on things that are above, and not on things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Alleluia. Colossians 3:2, 3

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.

THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES

Lest we forget the great traditions of freedom and faith which are the heritage of humanity; lest we forget the pioneers, the statesmen, the bridge builders, the artists; and lest we forget You, the God of our fore bears who is our God also:

We light this candle of remembrance.

For the hope of a better world, in which righteousness and peace shall prevail among the people of the earth, and to create which is the task of the generations in which we stand, as well as for the courage and faith we shall need if we are to carry on this unfinished work:

We light this candle of consecration.

May the flame upon the altar of free faith shine in our hearts al ways, reminding us of the dark places to which we may carry light and strengthening us in every moment of doubt and discouragement with unwavering faith in You whom we serve and whose we are.

Christ is risen. Alleluia.
 And has appeared to the disciples. Alleluia.

Holy God,as we pray and light more candles let us pray that we may truly and fully become the loving Family of God. God we know that it is time. We know that this journey into family hood won't be easy but we must take time to lay down our, rage, fear, anger, suspicion, hatred, bigotry, terror, and all that seeks to divide us. Give us we pray courage to learn to love one another as Jesus first loved us. Help us we pray to realize that we are one family and that whatever our race, color, creed, gender, and sexual orientation may be we are made in your image and likeness O, God. Tonight we pray for safety in our cities, towns, counties, states, and nations. We pray for all of our family members nearby and far away who have been affected by violence, abuse, bullying, and degradation this day. We pray for their safety and that you'll wrap your loving and holy arms of protection around them. We pray for the least of these who lack clean water, safe and permanent shelter, nourishing food, and warm clothing. Help us to walk the walk and talk the talk and spread your Gospel of Love to this fragile and broken world. Let us be CALM (Compassionate, Accepting, Loving, and Merciful) people this night and forever more. Amen.

or this

Let us light our candles and be at prayer. Let us pray this night for all of our family members who are living in  times of doubt and uncertainty. Let us pray for peace in this fragile and broken world. Let us pray for our family members who are caregivers that they may find respite and give themselves permission to rest, relax, and renew. We give thanks for the doubters who give us an example of how important it is to ask questions that will make our faith and beliefs stronger and more sure. We give thanks for our family members who have a strong faith in God and don't need proof beyond a reasonable doubt. We pray and give thanks for all of God's children, our brothers and sisters around the world who teach us many things and that diversity is  holy and good thing. We pray that we may be united in our diversity and be the human family of  God by being CALM ( Compassionate, accepting, Loving, and Merciful). 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

 A Smudging Prayer (Metis Aboriginal Ministries)
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. 

Christ our Passover     Pascha nostrum
1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Alleluia.
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; *
    therefore let us keep the feast,
Not with old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, *
    but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.
Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; *
    death no longer has dominion over him.
The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; *
    but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So also consider yourselves dead to sin, *
    and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.
Christ has been raised from the dead, *
    the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since by a man came death, *
    by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, *
    so in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.



Covid-19 Being faithful and responsible (From ICF-Faith)

A prayer for our troubled times

Gracious God
In these challenging and difficult times,
Where in our shared vulnerability
Our common humanity is revealed,
Help us to seek you and learn from you.
Help us be faithful in our calling
To make your love and justice known.

Almighty God,
As we recognise the true fragility
Of our structures of power and wealth
Help us to learn again
The priorities and values of Your Kingdom
Help us be faithful in our calling
To make your Kingdom known.

Loving God,
In the midst of our own needs and fears
May we not neglect the needs of others.
As we build new bonds, shaped by isolation
Teach us again your call to love our neighbour
Help us be faithful in our calling
To make your compassion known.

Emmanuel God,
As lives lost and human suffering,
Are reduced to models and statistics
May we not forget the true cost
That is borne by those who mourn and fear and suffer
Help us be faithful in our calling
To make your presence known

Eternal God,
Though we walk through the valley of shadow
We will one day emerge
May we then not forget the one whose presence sustained us,
Or the lessons we learned as you walked at our side.
Help us be faithful in our calling
To make your Gospel known

AMEN 

From Industrial Christian Fellowship- This week's prayer focus!

Covid-19 - Praying for the World at Work

People who develop and maintain computers and information technology

All knowing God The things that we can do today would have been called miracles just a century ago. At the press of a button we can manipulate computers on the other side of the world; see images and send messages over thousands of miles, perform intricate tasks and process immeasurable amounts of information. And yet our technology also reveals to us that for all of our advances, we are still fallen beings. For the same resources that open gateways of communication and knowledge, have become the portals through which children are exploited, perversion is fuelled, disorder is mobilised and weapons are guided. And so we pray for those who work in technology, we thank you for them and for all the possibilities that their expertise has provided for us. As the horizons of possibility seem to be every stretched, help us to use wisely the abilities it provides, and may we never forget that there is nothing on this earth to discover that you have not placed there. In a world where technology takes an increasingly central place, may we never lose sight of our need for You. In the name of Christ we pray. AMEN

From The Resistance Prays

We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Jesus, our Great Physician, bring healing to your people all over the world, no matter how old or young, how rich or poor, or what their nationality is. Protect your chaplains and give them great joy in their service. Amen.

Psalm 16

Conserva me, Domine

1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *
I have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord,
my good above all other."
2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *
upon those who are noble among the people.
3 But those who run after other gods *
shall have their troubles multiplied.
4 Their libations of blood I will not offer, *
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; *
it is you who uphold my lot.
6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; *
my heart teaches me, night after night.
8 I have set the Lord always before me; *
because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
my body also shall rest in hope.
10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11 You will show me the path of life; *
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.


Acts 2:14a,22-32

Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, “You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him,

‘I saw the Lord always before me, 
for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;
therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
moreover my flesh will live in hope.
For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, 
or let your Holy One experience corruption.
You have made known to me the ways of life; 
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
“Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,

‘He was not abandoned to Hades, 
nor did his flesh experience corruption.’
This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.”

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.

1 Peter 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith-- being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire-- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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.

John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

We Praise You, O God Te Deum laudamus
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord;
all creation worships you,
the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.


The Lord’s Prayer or the alternative is said. From 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

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.

Collects from the Book of Common Prayer and A New Zealand Prayer Book



Eternal Father,
through the resurrection of your Son,
help us to face the future
with courage and assurance,
knowing that nothing in death or life
can ever separate us from your love.
This we ask through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.



Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Christ, you are risen from the dead.
We are risen with you.
May our life never deny
this eternal life,
this peace and hope and joy.
Praise and glory to the God of life
who is stronger than all kinds of death. Alleluia.

Christ, you are risen with the sun;
you are light in our darkness,
warmth in our cold.
You are peace and hope and joy,
for you went willingly to death.
You turned defeat and failure to victory for all.
You live eternally, and with you live the millions,
living and dead, who trust in you.

May we who in baptism die to sin,
rise again to new life
and find our true place in your living body.
May the new covenant sealed in your blood
through us bring healing and reconciliation
to this wounded world.
Alleluia. You are risen. We are risen with you.
Praise and glory to the living God.

Father,
we have seen with our eyes
and touched with our hands
the bread of life.
Strengthen our faith
that we may grow in love for you and for each other;
through Jesus Christ the risen Lord.



An Order for Communing in a Pandemic
by Anonymous
She took a loaf of bread, 
broke it and gave it,
half to the hungry, the poor, the millions
whose gap-toothed pantries 
are emptying,
dwindling sand racing 
through the widening neck of an hourglass 
and she felt the weight 
of a sacrament pressing 
into her soul
as the body and blood of Christ
spilled out of doors,
into streets,
into homes,
flowing as freely, 
as slick and messy,
as uncontrolled, 
as it did from his own tortured body,
as if God really could be present 
everywhere and in everything.

From Walk With Me On Our Journey-

Risen Lord Be with us this night and give us courage to feel and know your presence in our lives.

Risen Lord we pray for all of our family members who do not know you yet.

Risen Lord may we always love the least of these our family members.

Risen' Lord we pray for all who are ill and in need of healing of our bodies, minds, and spirits.

Risen Lord come into the hearts of those who are seeking do divide and not unite. We pray for peace  and  that hearts may be turned towards God.

Risen Lord guide all those who are transitioning into the Thin Places may they have a pain free and joyful journey into eternal joy.

Risen Lord help us to comfort all who mourn and give them love and compassion.

Risen Lord we pray for all those in ministry that they are getting rest after Holy Week and Easter Day.

Risen Lord we pray for an end to violence, abuse, and terror.

Risen Lord may we always meet you in the fellowship of breaking bread.

Risen Lord we pray for________________

Risen Lord we give  thanks for________________

Risen Lord we pray these our prayers and thanksgivings in your Name. Amen.

Jesus we thank you and others for being good role models of  being prayer pilgrims , prayer walking, justice, love, mercy, and inclusion. We give thanks for your dying on the cross to save us once and for all and that we no longer need to fear or be ashamed. All these our prayers and thanksgivings we lift up to you in your most Holy Name. Amen. 

Or these:

Jesus banish our doubts so that we may believe and know that you not only rose from the dead but entered into our forgiven hearts with love. May our hearts and heart homes be ever widened to include the ability to love more and more fully.

Jesus take away our fears that bind us so that we may be ever drawn more closely to you.

Jesus, give us the strength and courage to speak for the voiceless and invisible.

Jesus, we pray for all who are ill and in need of healing. We pray especially for_____

Jesus, we pray for those who are facing many struggles this week that they may find peace, joy, hope,love, and a spirit of calm. 

Jesus, we pray for our family members who are in need of prayer  especially for ____________

Jesus, keep our hearts open to new possibilities and new lives and new loves.

Jesus, banish all those who have hardness of heart and who do not know how to love family members who differ from themselves.

Jesus help us when we need to be focused and not distracted this week. Give us energy and banish fatigue. 

Jesus we pray for all those who have chronic illnesses of body, mind, and spirit.

Jesus we lift up these our prayers to you in your most holy name. Amen.

For the Diversity of Races and Cultures

O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you
for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and
show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until
our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all
your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Be still and hear the whisper of God in the Wind, in the waves, and in our hearts

Be still and hear the whisper of God in the Wind,in  the waves.

Be still and hear the whisper of God in the Wind.

Be still and hear the whisper of God.

Be still and hear the whisper.

Be still and hear.

Be still.

Be.

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.

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.

Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always
protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow
the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.
(source: from Saint Clare)

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.


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.

Gaelic Prayer: Ancient Blessing

May the blessing of light be on you, light without and light within. May the blessed Sunlight shine on you and warm your heart until it glows, so that a stranger may come and be warmed by it, and also a friend. May the light shine out of the two eyes of you like a candle set in two windows of a house, bidding the wanderer to come in out of the storm.

May the blessing of the Rain be on you-soft, sweet rain. May it fall upon your spirit so that flowers may spring up. And may the Great Rains be on you. May they beat upon your spirit and wash it fair and clean, and leave there many a shining pool where the blue of heaven shines reflected, and sometimes a star.

May the blessing of the Earth be on you-the great and round earth. May you have a kindly greeting for folks you pass as you’re going along the roads. May the earth be soft under you when you lie upon it, tired at the close of the day.

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

Good Night Beloved Community! This weekend let us take time to breathe and just be! I love you and give thanks to God for you this day and always.

Here are our prayer to pray when we feel stressed.

Breathing Exercises with Thich Nhat Hanh

“*Breathing in, I know this is my in-breath.

Breathing out, I know this is my out-breath.*

It's very simple, but very effective. When we bring our attention to our in-breath and our out-breath, we stop thinking of the past; we stop thinking of the future; and we begin to come home to ourselves...Don't think this practice doesn't apply to you. If we don't go home to ourselves, we can't be at our best and serve the world in the best way... Our quality of being is the foundation for the quality of our actions.

*Breathing in, I'm aware of my whole body.

Breathing out, I'm aware of my whole body.*

Breathing mindfully brings us back to our bodies. We have to acknowledge our bodies first because tension and suffering accumulate in the body. Breathing in this way, we create a kind of family reunion between mind and body. The mind becomes an embodied mind.

...We can't do our best if we don't know to release the tension and pain in ourselves. 

*Breathing in, I'm aware of the tension in my body.

Breathing out, I'm aware of the tension in my body.*

When we look at the suffering around us, at poverty, violence, or climate change, we may want to solve these things immediately. We want to do something. But to do something effectively and ethically, we need to be our best selves in order to be able to handle the suffering...

*Breathing in, I am aware of a painful feeling arising.

Breathing out, I release the painful feeling.*

This is a nonviolent and gentle way to help our bodies release tension and pain. It is possible to practice mindful breathing in order to produce a feeling of joy, a feeling of happiness. When we are well-nourished and know how to create joy, then we are strong enough to handle the deep pain within ourselves and the world.”

― Thich Nhat Hanh, Good Citizens: Creating Enlightened Society

The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh: A Litany for Peace

As we are together praying for Peace, let us be truly with each other.

Silence

Let us pay attention to our breathing.

Silence

Let us be relaxed in our bodies and our minds.

Silence

Let us return to ourselves and become wholly ourselves.

Silence

Let us be aware of the Source of Being common to us all and to all that is.

Silence

Evoking the presence of the Great Companion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion—towards ourselves and toward all living beings.

Silence

Let us pray that all living beings realize that they are all nourished from the same Source of Life.

Silence

Let us pray that we ourselves cease to be the cause of needless suffering.

Silence

Let us pray that we may live in a way which will not needlessly deprive other living beings of air, water, food, shelter, or the chance to live in health.

Silence

With reverence for Life and with awareness of the sufferings that are going on around us, let us pray for the establishment of peace in our hearts and on earth.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Peace be still.

Peace be.

Peace.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Peace be still.

Peace be.

Peace.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Peace be still.

Peace be.

Peace.

++++

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that God is Love.

Be still and know that You are Love.

Be sill and know that I Am Love.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Slowly inhale.

Hold.

Slowly exhale

Pause. Count to 10.

Peace, love, and God's blessings!

Sara

Resources

A to Z Quotes

The Resistance Prays.

Prayers of Power

Enriching Our Worship

Book of Common Prayer Online

Metis Aboriginal Ministries

In Lak 'Ech- Luis Valdez

Walk With Me On Our Journey

A New Zealand Prayer Book

Other Resources as Noted

Lectionary Page and Satucket Lectionary

Bonus Prayers In a time of Covid-19 and Earth Day

Jane Goodall: A Prayer for Peace

We pray to the great Spiritual Power in which

we live and move and have our being.

We pray that we may at all times

keep our minds open to new ideas and shun dogma;

that we may grow in our understanding of the nature of all living beings

and our connectedness with the natural world;

that we may become ever more filled with

generosity of spirit and true compassion and love for all life;

that we may strive to heal the hurts that we have inflicted on nature

and control our greed for material things, knowing that

our actions are harming our natural world and the future of our children;

that we may value each and every human being

for who he is, for who she is,

reaching to the spirit that is within,

knowing the power of each individual to change the world.

We pray for social justice,

for the alleviation of the crippling poverty

that condemns millions of people around the world

to lives of misery – hungry, sick, and utterly without hope.

We pray for the children who are starving,

who are condemned to homelessness, slave labor, and prostitution,

and especially for those forced to fight, to kill and torture

even members of their own family.

We pray for the victims of violence and war,

for those wounded in body and for those wounded in mind.

We pray for the multitudes of refugees, forced from their homes to alien places

through war or through the utter destruction of their environment.

We pray for suffering animals everywhere,

for an end to the pain caused by scientific experimentation,

intensive farming, fur farming, shooting, trapping,

training for entertainment, abusive pet owners,

and all other forms of exploitation

such as overloading and overworking pack animals,

bull fighting, badger baiting, dog and cock fighting and so many more.

We pray for an end to cruelty,

whether to humans or other animals,

for an end to bullying, and torture in all its forms.

We pray that we may learn the peace that comes with forgiving

and the strength we gain in loving;

that we may learn to take nothing for granted in this life;

that we may learn to see and understand with our hearts;

that we may learn to rejoice in our being.

We pray for these things with humility;

We pray because of the hope that is within us,

and because of a faith in the ultimate triumph of the human spirit;

We pray because of our love for Creation, and because of our trust in God.

We pray, above all, for peace throughout the world.

Today’s prayer is attributed to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu adapted from an original prayer by Sir Francis Drake.

Disturb us, O Lord

when we are too well-pleased with ourselves 

when our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little, 

because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, O Lord

when with the abundance of things we possess, 

we have lost our thirst for the water of life 

when, having fallen in love with time, 

we have ceased to dream of eternity 

and in our efforts to build a new earth, 

we have allowed our vision of Heaven to grow dim.

Stir us, O Lord

to dare more boldly, to venture into wider seas 

where storms show Thy mastery, 

where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.

In the name of Him who pushed back the horizons of our hopes 

and invited the brave to follow.

Amen

For Health of Body and Soul

May God the Father bless you, God the Son heal you, God the Holy

Spirit give you strength. May God the holy and undivided Trinity

guard your body, save your soul, and bring you safely to his heavenly

country; where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

For People with Diseases for Which There is No Cure

Loving God, your heart overflows with compassion for your whole

creation. Pour out your Spirit on all persons living with illness for

which we have no cure, as well as their families and loved ones.

Help them to know that you claim them as your own, deliver them

from fear and pain, and send your archangel Raphael to minister

to their needs; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen

For those who are dying

Blessed Jesus, in your last agony you commended your spirit to

your Father. We seek your mercy for N., and all who are dying.

May death become for them, as it was for you, a birth to everlasting

life. Receive those whom we commend to you with the

blessed assurance that whether we wake or sleep, we remain with

you, one God, for ever. Amen.

W.E.B. Du Bois: Prayer

In these first beginnings of the new life of the world, renew in us the resolution to persist in the good work we have begun. Give us strength of body and strength of mind and the unfaltering determination to carry out that which we know to be good and right. Forgive all wavering in the past service of Thy cause and make us strong to go for ward in spite of the doubts of our friends and our enemies and in spite of our own distrust in ourselves. Out of the death of winter comes ever and again the resurrection of spring: so out of evil bring good, O God, and out of doubt determination. Amen.

 For the Stewardship of All Creation

O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever

and ever. Amen.

God of creation, we thank you for all that you have made and called good: Grant that we may rightly serve and conserve the earth, and live at peace with all your creatures; through Jesus Christ, the firstborn of all creation, in whom you are reconciling the whole world to yourself. Amen.

Because you inspire us to seek your face in the wonders of your creation, and you reveal your work, so that your people may rejoice in your many gifts.

Space Exploration

Creator of the universe, your dominion extends through the immensity of space: guide and guard those who seek to fathom its mysteries.  Save us from arrogance lest we forget that our achievements are grounded in you, and, by the grace of your Holy Spirit, protect our travels beyond the reaches of earth, that we may glory ever more in the wonder of your creation: through Jesus Christ, your Word, by whom all things came to be, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

From The Resistance Prays

Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will God in heaven give good things to those who ask! – Matthew 7:7-11

We are not alone,

    we live in God’s world.

We believe in God:

    who has created and is creating,

    who has come in Jesus,

       the Word made flesh,

       to reconcile and make new,

    who works in us and others

       by the Spirit.

We trust in God. 

We are called to be the Church:

    to celebrate God’s presence,

    to live with respect in Creation,

    to love and serve others,

    to seek justice and resist evil,

    to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,

       our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death,

    God is with us.

We are not alone.

    Thanks be to God.

-United Church of Canada Creed

A Litany of Healing

Let us name before God those for whom we offer our prayers.

The People audibly name those for whom they are interceding.

God the Father, your will for all people is health and salvation;

We praise you and thank you, O Lord.

God the Son, you came that we might have life, and might have it

more abundantly;

We praise you and thank you, O Lord.

God the Holy Spirit, you make our bodies the temple of

your presence;

We praise you and thank you, O Lord.

Holy Trinity, one God, in you we live and move and have

our being;

We praise you and thank you, O Lord.

Lord, grant your healing grace to all who are sick, injured,

or disabled, that they may be made whole;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

Grant to all who seek your guidance, and to all who are lonely,

anxious, or despondent, a knowledge of your will and an awareness

of your presence;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

Mend broken relationships, and restore those in emotional

distress to soundness of mind and serenity of spirit;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

Bless physicians, nurses, and all others who minister to the suffering,

granting them wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

Grant to the dying peace and a holy death, and uphold by the

grace and consolation of your Holy Spirit those who are bereaved;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

Restore to wholeness whatever is broken by human sin, in our

lives, in our nation, and in the world;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

You are the Lord who does wonders:

You have declared your power among the peoples.

With you, O Lord, is the well of life:

And in your light we see light.

Hear us, O Lord of life:

Heal us, and make us whole.

Let us pray.

A period of silence follows.

Almighty God, giver of life and health: Send your blessing on all

who are sick, and upon those who minister to them, that all

weakness may be vanquished by the triumph of the risen Christ;

who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for a Pandemic by Cameron Bellm

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. 

May we who have no risk factors remember the most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. 

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options. 

May we who have to cancel our trips remember those that have no safe place to go. 

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all. 

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. 

As fear grips our country, let us choose love. 

During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. 

Amen.

From The Arusha Call To Discipleship

Loving God, we thank you for the gift of life in all its diversity and beauty. Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, we praise you that you came to find the lost, to free the oppressed, to heal the sick, and to convert the self-centred. Holy Spirit, we rejoice that you breathe in the life of the world and are poured out into our hearts. As we live in the Spirit, may we also walk in the Spirit. Grant us faith and courage to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus: becoming pilgrims of justice and peace in our time. For the blessing of your people, the sustaining of the earth, and the glory of your name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

A Prayer of Hope During this Pandemic

by Rabbi Naomi Levy

We are frightened, God,

Worried for our loved ones,

Worried for our world.

Helpless and confused,

We turn to You

Seeking comfort, faith and hope.

Teach us God, to turn our panic into patience,

And our fear into acts of kindness and support.

Our strong must watch out for our weak,

Our young must take care of our old.

Help each one of us to do our part to halt the spread of this virus 

Send strength and courage to the doctors and nurses

In the front lines of this battle,

Fortify them with the full force of their healing powers.

Send wisdom and insight to the scientists

Working day and night across the world to discover healing treatments.

Bless their efforts, God.

Fill our leaders with the wisdom and the courage

To choose wisely and act quickly.

Help us, God, to see that we are one world,

One people

Who will rise above this pandemic together.

Send us health God,

Watch over us,

Grace us with Your love,

Bless us with Your healing light.

Hear us God,

Heal us God,

Amen.

A LITANY AMIDST THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

LITURGY AND HOMILETICS

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL KURTH

God the Father,

Have mercy on us.

God the Son,

Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit,

Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God,

Have mercy on us.

Most merciful God, we come to you in this time of anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19. As the sorrows of our heart and mind increase, we beseech you to save us from all trouble and fear. Cast away all works of darkness. Be our rock, a castle to keep us safe. For the Lord is our stronghold and sure defense, and he will be our Savior.

For all who have died: receive them into the arms of your mercy, grant them eternal peace, and surround those who mourn with your healing grace.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For those directly infected with the virus: help them recover in good health and restore them in body, mind and spirit.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For those at high risk of infection, especially the elderly, those with underlying illnesses, the marginalized, and the poor: keep them healthy and free from all sickness.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For those in quarantine, the shut-in, and the infirmed: help them find peace, keep them in good health, and renew their mind and spirit.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For all hospitals, doctors, nurses, and staff: protect them as they minister to the sick, relieve all stress, and provide the resources and space to meet the needs of all the infirmed.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For first responders: guard them from all harm, and grant them strength and courage as they respond to all calls for help.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For service industry workers and those forced to work as their community shuts down: keep them healthy, bestow the resources to best care for themselves and their families, and assure them in times of financial and medical anxiety.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For those experiencing financial loss and uncertainty of resources: have mercy on them, alleviate any fear, and provide for them daily bread and wage.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For the leaders of this nation and the world: help them make sound and safe decisions to best secure the future of our planet.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For all schools, students, teachers, administrators and school staff: as schools remain open, keep them healthy and in good spirit to learn; as schools close, feed those who will go hungry without guaranteed meals and shelter all students have no place to live.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For all scientists and those working to find a cure: inspire them towards your truth, and help them discover and disseminate a vaccine and cure.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For all media and journalists: protect them from all harm in their reporting, and move them to be a vector of truth and certainty, and never fear or panic.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For all places of worship: embolden them to be beacons of hope and love, and help us to gather however and wherever we can – be it in person or online – to give you praise.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For the leaders of our church: help them minister to their flock; fortify them to be faithful pastors, to persevere in prayer, and to build up the family of God in new and creative ways.

For the young: spare them from harm and fear, and keep them a joyful sign of your love and light.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For all parents: build in them strength and fortitude for the time ahead, and give them the words and witness to be wise counselors and compassionate caregivers.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For calm amidst the storm: as the waves toss our boat and we wonder “do you not care?”, remind us to not be afraid, that with you all things are possible, and that even the wind and sea obey you.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Stir up in us a spirit of compassion and tenacity for the time ahead.

Amen.

Move us to check-in with loved ones at high risk of infection and those in quarantine.

Amen.

Ease our fear and anxiety, that we may share our resources rather than hoard them, and extend a helping hand to those in need.

Amen.

Inspire us to share the Good News of your love and hope.

Amen.

All this we ask through your son Jesus Christ our Lord: healer of the sick, ruler of the tempestuous sea, and Savior of the world.

Amen.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

For Caregivers and Others in Support of the Sick

Lover of souls, we bless your Holy Name for all who are called to

mediate your grace to those who are sick or infirm. Sustain them

by your Holy Spirit, that they may bring your loving-kindness to

those in pain, fear, and confusion; that in bearing one another’s

burdens they may follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

or this

Compassionate God, support and strengthen all those who reach

out in love, concern, and prayer for the sick and distressed. In

their acts of compassion, may they know that they are your

instruments. In their concerns and fears may they know your

peace. In their prayer may they know your steadfast love. May

they not grow weary or faint-hearted, for your mercy’s sake.

Amen.

For Those Who Are Sick and Those Who Minister to Them

Gracious God, source of life and health: Jesus came to our

disordered world to make your people whole. Send your Spirit on

those who are sick and all who minister to them; that when the

sick enter your peace, they may offer thanks to your Great Name;

through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

For Health Care Providers

Give your blessing, gracious God, to those whom you have called

to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and the prevention

of disease and pain. Give them the wisdom of your Holy Spirit,

that through their work the health of our community may be

advanced and your creation glorified; through your Son Jesus

Christ. Amen.

For Doctors and Nurses

Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study

and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of

disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving Spirit,

that by their ministries the health of the community may be

promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ

our Lord.  Amen.

For Emergency Workers

God our strong deliverer: when those charged with the urgent

mediation of your healing power feel overwhelmed by the numbers

of the suffering, uphold them in their fatigue and banish their

despair. Let them see with your eyes, so they may know all their

patients as precious. Give comfort, and renew their energy and

compassion, for the sake of Jesus in whom is our life and our

hope. Amen

In the Evening

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep

this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.

Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying,

soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all

for your love’s sake. Amen.

 For the Sick

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and

relieve your sick servants, and give your power of healing to

those who minister to their needs, that those (or N., or NN.)

for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in

their weakness and have confidence in your loving care;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with

you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 For Social Justice

Almighty God, who created us in your 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.

For Social Justice

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so

move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the

people of this land], that barriers which divide us may

crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our

divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Social Service

Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served

but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give

themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom,

patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the

suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him

who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus

Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For those who suffer for the sake of Conscience

O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he

was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer

for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them

from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them

from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from

despair; and to us your servants, give grace to respect their

witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be

cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus

Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen.

For those who Influence Public Opinion

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many

voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where

many listen and write what many read; that they may do their

part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and

its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Times of Conflict

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us,

in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront

one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work

together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Time of Great Sickness and Mortality.

O MOST mighty and merciful God, in this time of grievous sickness, we flee unto thee for succour. Deliver us, we beseech thee, from our peril; give strength and skill to all those who minister to the sick; prosper the means made use of for their cure; and grant that, perceiving how frail and uncertain our life is, we may apply our hearts unto that heavenly wisdom which leadeth to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (1928 BCP)

FOR PEOPLE CRITICALLY ILL,

OR FACING GREAT UNCERTAINTY

God of the present moment,

God who in Jesus stills the storm

and soothes the frantic heart;

bring hope and courage to all of us

as we

wait  in uncertainty.

Bring hope that you will make us the equal

of whatever lies ahead.

Bring us  courage to endure what cannot be avoided,

for your will is health and wholeness;

you are God, and we need you.

Sidney Mead: For Wisdom

God of all, grant us our due portion of wisdom.

May our minds be set fast on justice; may our hearts be soft with compassion as we daily walk humbly with You, the God of both.

May we be eyes when others cannot see, ears when they cannot hear, hands when their work languishes, and feet when they stumble on the way.

Grant us grace to love our brothers and sisters as they are, for what they can be; and more grace to resist trying to make them over into our image.

Diann Neu: Blessed Be Our Hands

Blessed be the work of our hands.

Blessed be these hands that touch life.

Blessed be these hands that nurture creativity.

Blessed be these hands that hold pain.

Blessed be these hands that embrace with passion.

Blessed be these hands that tend gardens.

Blessed bed these hands that close in anger.

Blessed be these hands that plant new seeds.

Blessed be these hands that harvest ripe fields.

Blessed be these hands that clean, wash, mop, scrub.

Blessed be these hands that become knotty with age.

Blessed be these hands that wrinkle and scar from doing justice.

Blessed are these hands that reach out and are received.

Blessed are these hands that hold the promise of the future.

Blessed be the works of our hands and hearts.

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.

 For the Poor and the Neglected

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you

all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us

to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick,

and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those

who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow

into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for

our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For the Oppressed

Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this

land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as

their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to

eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those

who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law

and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of

us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For Prisons and Correctional Institutions

Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal:

Visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment.

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 Those Who Live Alone

Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head:

Grant that those who live alone may not be lonely in their

solitude, but that, following in his steps, they may find

fulfillment in loving you and their neighbors; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For the Aged

Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing

years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation. Provide for

them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding

helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and, as their

strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance

of your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our

Lord. Amen.

For Quiet Confidence

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and

rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be

our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee,

to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou

art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For Protection

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and

prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the

attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the

changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be

defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer of Self-Dedication

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so

guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our

wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto

thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always

to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord

and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 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.