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The Episcopal Church
of Benzie County
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"Prayer enlarges the heart Mother Teresa For World Unity O God, you love justice and you establish peace on earth. We bring before you the disunity of today’s world: the absurd violence, and the many wars, which are breaking the courage of the peoples of the world; militarism and the armaments race, which are threatening life on the planet; human greed and injustice, which breed hatred and strife. Send your Spirit and renew the face of the earth; teach us to be compassionate toward the whole human family; lead all nations into the path of peace, and give that peace which the world cannot give. Amen. (The Book of Common Worship, p 797) For Peace Almighty God, come to our help and turn the tide hatred, prejudice, intimidation, and fear. May your great love pierce the darkness that has descended on your creation, that it will break the hardness of hearts that are bent on war and terrorism. It is your will that all creation live in peace and harmony; through your divine power help the people of the world seek to do your will and bring about the presence of your kingdom on earth. This we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. (The Rev. Harold Comer) For Peace Eternal God, in your perfect realm no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, and there is no strength but the strength of love. So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as your children; to you be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen. (Book of Common Worship, p 795) O God, our strength, help us not to forget that you love peace. Cleanse the hatred from us and help us to reach out to each other as you reached out to us through your Son, that we might become instruments of your grace in this troubled world. Enkindle in us the light of hope and salvation for the entire world to see, that we might burn brightly during these dark times, to reveal your divine presence. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, live and reign forever. Amen. (source unknown) For our President and the leaders of the World O God, the strength of those who believe in you, give comfort and clarity of vision to George, our President, and the leaders of the world. Open their ears to hear your voice and obey your will, open their hearts that true justice and wisdom may abound, and open their minds that violent resolution of conflict may cease. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Adapted from "Prayer of the Day," elca.org/dcm/worship/911) For our enemies O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies; Lead the terrorist of al-Qaeda, Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il, and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (adapted, source unknown)
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. (BCP, p 824) In time of war O Almighty God, who art a most strong tower to all who put their trust in thee: Be now and evermore our defense; grant us victory, if it be your will; look in pity upon the wounded and the prisoners; cheer the anxious; comfort the bereaved; succor the dying; have mercy upon the fallen; and hasten the time when war shall cease in all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (A Manual For Priests, p 270) For those in the Armed Forces of our Country Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p 823) O Lord God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm to strengthen and protect the men and women of our armed forces. Support them both now and in the day of battle, and in time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (source unknown) Litany for World Peace (Adapted from Presbyterian Church USA, The Worship Book, 1970)With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying, "Good Lord deliver us." Remember, O Lord the people of this world divided into many nations, religions, and tongues. Deliver us from every evil that stands in the way of your saving purpose, and fulfill the promise of peace on earth among those with whom you are well pleased. This we pray in the name of your Son Jesus Christ as we say, "Good Lord deliver us." From the curse of war and the human sin that causes war, Good Lord, deliver us. From pride that turns it’s back on you, and from unbelief that will not bow to you, Good Lord, deliver us. From national vanity that poses as patriotism, and from boasting and blind self-worship that admit not guilt, Good Lord, deliver us. From self-righteousness that will not compromise, and from selfishness that glories in the oppression of others, Good Lord, deliver us. From trusting in the weapons of war, and mistrusting the councils of peace, Good Lord, deliver us. From hearing, believing, and speaking lies about other nations and religions, Good Lord, deliver us. From groundless suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation, Good Lord, deliver us .From words and deeds that encourage discord, prejudice and hatred; from everything that prevents the humanity from fulfilling your promise of peace, Good Lord, deliver us. O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP, p. 395)
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