St. James 8 hour Vigil
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE: September 21, 2007
Saint James Cathedral joins with communities of worship throughout the nation and the world in prayer for peace, especially peace in Iraq.
Today we offer up a day-long Vigil for Peace, with times of intercession, petition, scripture and silence every hour.
Each hour begins with music. At ten minutes after the hour, we begin with prayers that hope to focus our understanding of peace and the complexity of the world’s hunger for it.
We will pray for:
governments, leaders and legislatures
people of faith, their communities and leaders
the military and those engaged in and affected by combat
the media and all who form public opinion
all who work and sacrifice for peace
all refugees and victims of torture
children, the helpless and the forgotten
all who have lost their lives in war
This worship booklet contains everything we will need in order to offer these hourly prayers. Prayers for healing will be offered by Cathedral clergy throughout the day. Even if you stay for just a bit of time, you are welcome to take this worship booklet with you.
May this time be full of grace and truth for you.
HOUR ONE: For governments, leaders and legislatures
The Bidding
We place before God’s mercy the governments of the world:
for all who are leaders, legislators and judges,
for all involved in public life,
and for all citizens.
The Invocation
Leader Eternal God, flow through our being and open our lips.
People that our mouths may proclaim your praise.
Leader Let us worship the God of Love.
People Alleluia, alleluia!
Psalm 24
Leader The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, *
the world and all who dwell therein.
People For it is he who founded it upon the seas *
and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep.
Leader "Who can ascend the hill of the Lord? *
and who can stand in his holy place?"
People "Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *
who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,
nor sworn by what is a fraud.
Leader They shall receive a blessing from the Lord *
and a just reward from the God of their salvation."
People Such is the generation of those who seek him, *
of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Leader Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
and the King of glory shall come in.
People "Who is this King of glory?" *
"The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle."
Leader Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors;
and the King of glory shall come in.
People "Who is he, this King of glory?" *
"The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory."
Psalm 46:1, 7-12
The Leader and People pray the following psalm together.
God is our refuge and strength, *
a very present help in trouble.
The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come now and look upon the works of the Lord, *
what awesome things he has done on earth.
It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire.
"Be still, then, and know that I am God; *
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth."
The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading Jeremiah 17:5-10
5Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord. 6They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. 7Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. 9The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse— who can understand it? 10I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
A short period of silence follows the Scripture reading.
The Prayers
Leader As we continue in prayer for all governments, leaders and legislatures, we are called to offer our own prayers and petitions, silently or aloud.
Take all hate from our hearts, O God, and teach us how to take it from the hearts of others. Open our eyes and show us what things make it easy for hatred to flourish and hard for us to conquer it. Then help us to change these things. Amen. (Source: Alan Paton)
God of eternal strength, you have revealed to us the true nature of your authority in the humble service and sacrifice of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ: Transform our willful and worldly understanding of power, that we, being freed for the work of your Kingdom, may worthily serve as His disciples; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and loves for ever and ever. Amen.
Leader and People
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 sins against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Closing Petition
Leader Be present, Spirit of God, within us, made in your image, that this world may be one where all darkness is penetrated by your light, all troubles calmed by your peace, all evil redeemed by your love, all pain transformed by your compassion, and all dying embraced by your abundant Life.
People Amen.
HOUR TWO: For all people of faith, their communities and leaders
The Bidding
We place before God’s presence the lives of all faithful people,
who seek out the life of God in paths the Spirit has prepared;
and we ask the beauty of God to rest upon communities of faith,
their work and service in the world,
and upon all who lead and nurture them.
The Invocation
Leader Eternal God, flow through our being and open our lips.
People that our mouths may proclaim your praise.
Leader Let us worship the God of Love.
People Alleluia, alleluia!
Psalm 19
Men The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
Women One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge to another.
Men Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,
Women Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.
Men The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; *
the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.
Women The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; *
the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Men The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; *
the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes.
Women The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; *
the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Men More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, *
sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.
Women By them also is your servant enlightened, *
and in keeping them there is great reward.
Men Who can tell how often he offends? *
cleanse me from my secret faults.
Women Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
let them not get dominion over me; *
then shall I be whole and sound,
and innocent of a great offense.
All Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, *
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading Isaiah 2:1-4
2The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. 3Many peoples 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. 4He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
A short period of silence follows the Scripture reading.
The Prayers
Leader As we continue in prayer for all people of faith, their communities and leaders, we are called to offer our own prayers and petitions, silently or aloud.
God of everlasting compassion, we turn to you when many burdens bear upon us, knowing that your loving-kindness is beyond all earthly price: Keep us grateful, we pray, for this gift of mercy, that its richness in our lives may overflow to our neighbors, and that its true glory be known in the loving of our enemies; this we pray in unity with your Son, Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
By your grace, O God, may we know of your love for us: Not as we would imagine, when we are proud, perfect, and powerful; but rather, as we might accept, for you are patient and enduring with us, revealing in our brokenness the hope you have for all Creation; through Jesus the Christ, who with you and your life-giving Spirit, lives and loves for ever and ever. Amen.
Leader and People
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 sins against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Closing Petition
Leader Be present, Spirit of God, within us, made in your image, that this world may be one where all darkness is penetrated by your light, all troubles calmed by your peace, all evil redeemed by your love, all pain transformed by your compassion, and all dying embraced by your abundant Life.
People Amen.
HOUR THREE: For the military and those engaged in and affected by combat
The Bidding
We ask God’s peace to rest upon all who engage in combat;
for all who lead in military conflict;
for all who prepare for and propagate war;
and for families and communities wracked by violence.
The Invocation
Leader Eternal God, flow through our being and open our lips.
People that our mouths may proclaim your praise.
Leader Let us worship the God of Love.
People Alleluia, alleluia!
Psalm 33:12-22
Leader Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord! *
happy the people he has chosen to be his own!
People The Lord looks down from heaven, *
and beholds all the people in the world.
Leader From where he sits enthroned he turns his gaze *
on all who dwell on the earth.
People He fashions all the hearts of them *
and understands all their works.
Leader There is no king that can be saved by a mighty army; *
a strong man is not delivered by his great strength.
People The horse is a vain hope for deliverance; *
for all its strength it cannot save.
Leader Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him, *
on those who wait upon his love,
People To pluck their lives from death, *
and to feed them in time of famine.
Leader Our soul waits for the Lord; *
he is our help and our shield.
People Indeed, our heart rejoices in him, *
for in his holy Name we put our trust.
Let your loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, *
as we have put our trust in you.
Psalm 130
The Leader and People pray the following psalm together.
Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice; *
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, *
O Lord, who could stand?
For there is forgiveness with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.
I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord,
more than watchmen for the morning, *
more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, wait for the Lord, *
for with the Lord there is mercy;
With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading Genesis 4:1-16
4Now the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have produced a man with the help of the Lord.” 2Next she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground.
3In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? 7If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
8Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him.
9Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” 10And the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen; your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! 11And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12When you till the ground, it will no longer yield to you its strength; you will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” 13Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear! 14Today you have driven me away from the soil, and I shall be hidden from your face; I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and anyone who meets me may kill me.” 15Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! Whoever kills Cain will suffer a sevenfold vengeance.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, so that no one who came upon him would kill him. 16Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
A short period of silence follows the Scripture reading.
The Prayers
Leader As we continue in prayer for all military forces, for all engaged in combat, and those close to them, we are called to offer our own prayers and petitions, silently or aloud.
O Lord Jesus Christ, whose perfect love met death by violence and was not extinguished; so enter the hearts and minds of those affected by violence that frailty may give way to your strength, loss to gain, bitterness to your total and victorious love. Amen. (Source: Susan Williams)
God of eternal reconciliation, we bring before you our lives and dreams and fears, and turn to you for the restoration of our fallen world: Grant us grace, we pray, to set aside all conflict, and to release all desire for glory, that our hearts may know you and claim you as the only author of peace and concord; through your Child of peace, Jesus the Christ, who with your vigilant Spirit, lives and loves for ever and ever. Amen.
Leader and People
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 sins against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Closing Petition
Leader Be present, Spirit of God, within us, made in your image, that this world may be one where all darkness is penetrated by your light, all troubles calmed by your peace, all evil redeemed by your love, all pain transformed by your compassion, and all dying embraced by your abundant Life.
People Amen.
HOUR FOUR: For the media and all who form public opinion
The Bidding
We ask the wisdom of God to fill the hearts of all who work for the world’s media;
for those who influence public opinion;
for those who seek to tell the story of our struggle for peace and our lust for war;
and for us all, who have the power to communicate across our communities and across the world.
The Invocation
Leader Eternal God, flow through our being and open our lips.
People that our mouths may proclaim your praise.
Leader Let us worship the God of Love.
People Alleluia, alleluia!
Psalm 62
The Leader and People pray the following psalms together.
For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.
How long will you assail me to crush me,
all of you together, *
as if you were a leaning fence, a toppling wall?
They seek only to bring me down from my place of honor; *
lies are their chief delight.
They bless with their lips, *
but in their hearts they curse.
For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
truly, my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
In God is my safety and my honor; *
God is my strong rock and my refuge.
Put your trust in him always, O people, *
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *
even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *
all of them together.
Put no trust in extortion;
in robbery take no empty pride; *
though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *
that power belongs to God.
Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *
for you repay everyone according to his deeds.
Psalm 120
When I was in trouble, I called to the Lord; *
I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips *
and from the deceitful tongue.
What shall be done to you, and what more besides, *
O you deceitful tongue?
The sharpened arrows of a warrior, *
along with hot glowing coals.
How hateful it is that I must lodge in Meshech *
and dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I had to live *
among the enemies of peace.
I am on the side of peace, *
but when I speak of it, they are for war.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading Proverbs 17:4-5, 7, 9, 12-15
4An evildoer listens to wicked lips;
and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.
5Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
7Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;
still less is false speech to a ruler.
9One who forgives an affront fosters friendship,
but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.
12Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs
than to confront a fool immersed in folly.
13Evil will not depart from the house
of one who returns evil for good.
The beginning of strife is like letting out water;
so stop before the quarrel breaks out.
One who justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous
are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
A short period of silence follows the Scripture reading.
The Prayers
Leader As we continue in prayer for those who work in the media, and for all who form public opinion, we are called to offer our own prayers and petitions, silently or aloud.
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.
(The Book of Common Prayer, p. 827)
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 832)
Leader and People
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 sins against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Closing Petition
Leader Be present, Spirit of God, within us, made in your image, that this world may be one where all darkness is penetrated by your light, all troubles calmed by your peace, all evil redeemed by your love, all pain transformed by your compassion, and all dying embraced by your abundant Life.
People Amen.
HOUR FIVE: For all who work and sacrifice for peace
The Bidding
We ask for God’s strength to rest upon all who work and sacrifice for peace;
for those who struggle to be faithful in a broken and violent world; for all who feel hopeless yet desire to help;
and for all who feel helpless yet desire to hope.
The Invocation
Leader Eternal God, flow through our being and open our lips.
People that our mouths may proclaim your praise.
Leader Let us worship the God of Love.
People Alleluia, alleluia!
Psalm 77: 1-14
The psalm is prayed by the gathered People, with one half taking the part of ‘A’ and the other half taking the part of ‘B’.
A I will cry aloud to God; *
I will cry aloud, and he will hear me.
B In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; *
my hands were stretched out by night and did not tire;
I refused to be comforted.
A I think of God, I am restless, *
I ponder, and my spirit faints.
B You will not let my eyelids close; *
I am troubled and I cannot speak.
A I consider the days of old; *
I remember the years long past;
B I commune with my heart in the night; *
I ponder and search my mind.
A Will the Lord cast me off for ever? *
will he no more show his favor?
B Has his loving-kindness come to an end for ever? *
has his promise failed for evermore?
A Has God forgotten to be gracious? *
has he, in his anger, withheld his compassion?
B And I said, "My grief is this: *
the right hand of the Most High has lost its power."
A I will remember the works of the Lord, *
and call to mind your wonders of old time.
B I will meditate on all your acts *
and ponder your mighty deeds.
All Your way, O God, is holy; *
who is so great a god as our God?
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading Matthew 5:1-12
5When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
A short period of silence follows the Scripture reading.
The Prayers
Leader As we continue in prayer for all people throughout the world who work for peace, we are called to offer our own prayers and petitions, silently or aloud.
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.
(The Book of Common Prayer, p. 260)
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. (BCP, p. 823)
Leader and People
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 sins against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Closing Petition
Leader Be present, Spirit of God, within us, made in your image, that this world may be one where all darkness is penetrated by your light, all troubles calmed by your peace, all evil redeemed by your love, all pain transformed by your compassion, and all dying embraced by your abundant Life.
People Amen.
HOUR SIX: For all refugees and victims of torture
The Bidding
We ask for the light of God to be poured out upon all refugees,
and for those yet left to live in terror;
for all victims of torture, degradation and violation;
for all who inflict torture
and for those who authorize them to do so.
The Invocation
Leader Eternal God, flow through our being and open our lips.
People that our mouths may proclaim your praise.
Leader Let us worship the God of Love.
People Alleluia, alleluia!
Psalm 88
The Leader and People pray the following psalm together.
O Lord, my God, my Savior, *
by day and night I cry to you.
Let my prayer enter into your presence; *
incline your ear to my lamentation.
For I am full of trouble; *
my life is at the brink of the grave.
I am counted among those who go down to the Pit; *
I have become like one who has no strength;
Lost among the dead, *
like the slain who lie in the grave,
Whom you remember no more, *
for they are cut off from your hand.
You have laid me in the depths of the Pit, *
in dark places, and in the abyss.
Your anger weighs upon me heavily, *
and all your great waves overwhelm me.
You have put my friends far from me;
you have made me to be abhorred by them; *
I am in prison and cannot get free.
My sight has failed me because of trouble; *
Lord, I have called upon you daily;
I have stretched out my hands to you.
Do you work wonders for the dead? *
will those who have died stand up and give you thanks?
Will your loving-kindness be declared in the grave? *
your faithfulness in the land of destruction?
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24, 31-37
3I am one who has seen affliction under the rod of God’s wrath; 2he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; 3against me alone he turns his hand, again and again, all day long. 4He has made my flesh and my skin waste away, and broken my bones; 5he has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation; 6he has made me sit in darkness like the dead of long ago. 7He has walled me about so that I cannot escape; he has put heavy chains on me; 8though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer; 9he has blocked my ways with hewn stones, he has made my paths crooked. 19The thought of my affliction and my homelessness is wormwood and gall! 20My soul continually thinks of it and is bowed down within me.
21But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” 31For the Lord will not reject forever. 32Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; 33for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone. 34When all the prisoners of the land are crushed under foot, 35when human rights are perverted in the presence of the Most High, 36when one’s case is subverted—does the Lord not see it?
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
A short period of silence follows the Scripture reading.
The Prayers
Leader As we continue in prayer for all refugees and victims of torture, we are called to offer our own prayers and petitions, silently or aloud.
Lord God, we pray for all the bombed out, burned out, driven out, relocated, wondering , wandering, unwilling pilgrims in this world. Forgive us for our part in uprooting them. Restore their lives, make us partners with in the rebuilding of their lives. We pray in the name of the Son of Man, who had no place to lay His head. Amen.
(Source: Arnold Kenseth and Richard Unsworth, Prayers for Worship Leaders)
In your mercy, Almighty God, teach us of the majesty of Christ: crowned with thorns; mantled with flesh;
authority lived in servanthood; throned on a Cross of wood; that when we hail him as Master and Lord,
the illusions of power and death may fade, and His triumph be our resurrection. Amen.
Leader and People
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 sins against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Closing Petition
Leader Be present, Spirit of God, within us, made in your image, that this world may be one where all darkness is penetrated by your light, all troubles calmed by your peace, all evil redeemed by your love, all pain transformed by your compassion, and all dying embraced by your abundant Life.
People Amen.
HOUR SEVEN: For children, the helpless and the forgotten
The Bidding
We ask that God’s love embrace all children affected by war and violence;
for innocent victims who have no recourse
to aid or care or compassion;
and for those who simply disappear,
the unknown, unnoticed and expendable.
The Invocation
Leader Eternal God, flow through our being and open our lips.
People that our mouths may proclaim your praise.
Leader Let us worship the God of Love.
People Alleluia, alleluia!
Psalm 8
The Leader and People pray the following psalm together.
O Lord our Governor, *
how exalted is your Name in all the world!
Out of the mouths of infants and children *
your majesty is praised above the heavens.
You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, *
to quell the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, *
the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
What are we that you should be mindful of us? *
mere mortals that you should seek us out?
You have made us but little lower than the angels; *
you adorn us with glory and honor;
You give us mastery over the works of your hands; *
you put all things under our feet:
All sheep and oxen, *
even the wild beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, *
and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
O Lord our Governor, *
how exalted is you Name in all the world!
Psalm 146
Leader Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord, O my soul! *
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
People Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, *
for there is no help in them.
Leader When they breathe their last, they return to earth, *
and in that day their thoughts perish.
People Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! *
whose hope is in the Lord their God;
Leader Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; *
who keeps his promise for ever;
People Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *
and food to those who hunger.
Leader The Lord sets the prisoners free;
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; *
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
People The Lord loves the righteous;
the Lord cares for the stranger; *
he sustains the orphan and widow,
but frustrates the way of the wicked.
All The Lord shall reign for ever, *
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading Mark 9:30-37
30Jesus and his disciples passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; 31for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” 32But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.
33Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. 35He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” 36Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, 37“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
A short period of silence follows the Scripture reading.
The Prayers
Leader As we continue in prayer for children and all vulnerable victims of war, we are called to offer our own prayers and petitions, silently or aloud.
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this world 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. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 826)
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; unity 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, p. 815)
Leader and People
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 sins against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Closing Petition
Leader Be present, Spirit of God, within us, made in your image, that this world may be one where all darkness is penetrated by your light, all troubles calmed by your peace, all evil redeemed by your love, all pain transformed by your compassion, and all dying embraced by your abundant Life.
People Amen.
HOUR EIGHT: For all who have lost their lives in war
The Bidding
We lift up before God the millions across the world who have lost their lives in war.
We place our trust in the power of God
to reconcile even the most unspeakable horrors
that human beings have dealt against each other.
The Invocation
Leader Eternal God, flow through our being and open our lips.
People that our mouths may proclaim your praise.
Leader Let us worship the God of Love.
People Alleluia, alleluia!
Psalm 13
The Leader and People pray the following psalm together.
How long, O Lord?
will you forget me for ever? *
how long will you hide your face from me?
How long shall I have perplexity in my mind,
and grief in my heart, day after day? *
how long shall my enemy triumph over me?
Look upon me and answer me, O Lord my God; *
give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;
Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him," *
and my foes rejoice that I have fallen.
But I put my trust in your mercy; *
my heart is joyful because of your saving help.
I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt with me richly; *
I will praise the Name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 90
Women Lord, you have been our refuge *
from one generation to another.
Men Before the mountains were brought forth,
or the land and the earth were born, *
from age to age you are God.
Women You turn us back to the dust and say, *
"Go back, O child of earth."
Men For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past *
and like a watch in the night.
Women You sweep us away like a dream; *
we fade away suddenly like the grass.
Men In the morning it is green and flourishes; *
in the evening it is dried up and withered.
Women For we consume away in your displeasure; *
we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.
Men Our iniquities you have set before you, *
and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
Women When you are angry, all our days are gone; *
we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
Men The span of our life is seventy years,
perhaps in strength even eighty; *
yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow,
for they pass away quickly and we are gone.
Women Who regards the power of your wrath? *
who rightly fears your indignation?
Men So teach us to number our days *
that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
Women Return, O Lord; how long will you tarry? *
be gracious to your servants.
Men Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; *
so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
Women Make us glad by the measure of the days that you afflicted us *
and the years in which we suffered adversity.
Men Show your servants your works *
and your splendor to their children.
All May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; *
prosper the work of our hands;
prosper our handiwork.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Scripture Reading Isaiah 65:17-25
Thus says the Lord God: 17I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. 19I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. 20No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. 21They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord— and their descendants as well. 24Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. 25The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
A short period of silence follows the Scripture reading.
The Prayers
Leader As we continue in prayer for all who have died in wars throughout the world, we are called to offer our own prayers and petitions, silently or aloud.
O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(The Book of Common Prayer, p. 828)
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.
(BCP, p. 833)
Leader and People
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 sins against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
The Closing Petition
Leader Be present, Spirit of God, within us, made in your image, that this world may be one where all darkness is penetrated by your light, all troubles calmed by your peace, all evil redeemed by your love, all pain transformed by your compassion, and all dying embraced by your abundant Life.
People Amen.
