At the beginning of every Vestry meeting we open with prayer and our norms. This month we began a new prayer practice, and it’s one I’d like to invite our whole parish family into. Each month three Vestry members are volunteering to choose one of the prayers from the Prayers & Thanksgivings section at the back of the Book of Common Prayer. After opening with a simple chant (the words of which are an important reminder: all we need is here), the prayers are read aloud.
I was very moved by the prayers chosen, and by folks’ comments that they had marked several which caught their attention, before choosing in the moment, with the Spirit’s leading, which one to offer. I posted the prayers to our Facebook page after the meeting, and will make this a practice going forward as a way of inviting us as a community to lift up prayer together.
For Joy in God’s Creation
O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
For the Victims of Addiction
O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+