Prayers for a troubled time
Prayer from the Anglican Cathedral of Jerusalem, based on a prayer by a Palestinian Christian.
Stop the Killing - Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on 10,000+ dead in Gaza
You may know me as the pastor who is always talking about love, and I am. But today I am mindful that the urgency of love—true, sacrificial love that respects all of humanity—is not just a good feeling, and it is not easy.
We are called to a love that demands much from us. We are called to a love that tells the truth.
Today I raise my voice
You may know me as the pastor who is always talking about love, and I am. But today I am mindful that the urgency of love—true, sacrificial love that respects all of humanity—is not just a good feeling, and it is not easy.
We are called to a love that demands much from us. We are called to a love that tells the truth.
Today I raise my voice for love because more than 10,000 people have died in Gaza, including more than 4,000 children.
The violence is horrific, and the geopolitics are complex, but my call to love is simple: Stop the killing. Stop all of it. Stop it today.
We will not be silent while an entire population is denied food, water, electricity, and fuel needed to run hospitals. We cannot stand by while thousands of civilians die. Our partners in the region tell us they live in terror—that they feel they have died even while alive. They feel that the international community is tacitly sanctioning the killing of civilians and the bombing of schools, hospitals, and refugee camps.
Staying quiet in this moment would be a stain upon our souls and would deepen our complicity.
U.S. leadership must tell Israel to stop bombing civilian areas and allow access for full humanitarian aid to flow freely into Gaza.
Every human child of God—Palestinian and Israeli—deserves safety and security. We need to stop the killing. Today.
Vengeance will not bring back the dead. Retaliation will not repair the harms and the hurt. We are called to love, even and especially when it seems impossible.
We must stop the next 10,000 from being killed. As Episcopalians, we must call upon our leaders—President Biden, members of Congress, and others—to be unequivocal that we need to stop the killing. Today. This is clearly what love demands of us.
November 7, 2023. Office of Public Affairs
A Prayer for the People of the Holy Land offered by the Archbishop of Canterbury
God of compassion and justice,
We cry out to you for all who suffer in the Holy Land today.
For your precious children, Israelis and Palestinians, Traumatized and in fear for their lives; Lord, Have mercy.
For the families of the bereaved, For those who have seen images they will never forget,
For those anxiously waiting for news, despai
God of compassion and justice,
We cry out to you for all who suffer in the Holy Land today.
For your precious children, Israelis and Palestinians, Traumatized and in fear for their lives; Lord, Have mercy.
For the families of the bereaved, For those who have seen images they will never forget,
For those anxiously waiting for news, despairing with each passing day; Lord, Have mercy.
For young men and women, heading into combat, bearing the burden of what others have done and what they will be asked to do;
Lord, have mercy.
For civilians in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, that they would be protected, and that every life would count and be cherished and remembered;
Lord, have mercy.
For the wounded, and those facing a lifetime of scars, for those desperately seeking medical treatment where there is none;
Lord, have mercy.
For medical and emergency personnel, risking their own lives To save those of others; Lord, have mercy.
For those who cannot see anything but rage and violence,
that you would surprise them with mercy, and turn their hearts towards kindness for their fellow human beings; Lord, have mercy.
For people of peace, whose imagination is large enough to conceive of a different way, that they may speak, and act and be heard;
Lord, have mercy.
Mighty and caring God, you promised that one day, swords will be beaten into ploughshares, meet us in our distress, and bring peace upon this troubled land.
Amen
Rabbi Sheila Weinberg, Jewish Community of Amherst, Amherst, MA.
A Prayer from Archbishop Hosam Naoum - Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
A Prayer from Archbishop Hosam Naoum - Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to vio
O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
A LITANY FOR THE RESTORATION OF PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND
A Prayer from Archbishop Hosam Naoum - Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
God of peace, we pray for the people of Palestine and Israel in these perilous and dangerous times.
For all who are fearful for the safety of their loved ones and themselves, we pray that the assurance of unfailing love, even in the midst of danger, settles upon them. Shelter them from despair and protect them from harm.
For all who are w
God of peace, we pray for the people of Palestine and Israel in these perilous and dangerous times.
For all who are fearful for the safety of their loved ones and themselves, we pray that the assurance of unfailing love, even in the midst of danger, settles upon them. Shelter them from despair and protect them from harm.
For all who are wounded, we pray they find healing.
For all who have died, we pray they find rest.
For all who grieve, we pray they find comfort.
For leaders on all sides, we pray for a renewed will to lay down arms, for the strength to put the grievances and wrongs suffered by their people to rest, and for the conviction to embrace a path of reconciliation and peace that preserves the rights and dignity of all of your children.
God of mercy, help us to remember there is no border that can separate us from your great love and protection, no stone that can sound the well of your deep mercy.
God of justice, we pray with hopeful hearts that your beloved children of the Holy Land will be spared a future of sustained violence and unrest and that a recognition of the humanity of all people will prevail.
We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
– American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
prayers for ukraine
PRAYING PSALM 31 IN SOLIDARITY
Rabbi Yaakov Bleich, the Chief Rabbi for Ukraine, has asked Jews and Christians around the world to pray Psalm 31 in solidarity with those in Ukraine who are under attack. Millions of people are saying this psalm daily, and in Ukraine people are praying it aloud in subway stations, bomb shelters and wherever else they are sheltering. Let’s join them.
The Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN CONNECTICUT
Bishops Ian Douglas and Laura Ahrens recently wrote, “As the horrific and unjust Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, so do the inevitable repercussions of war. Over 400 civilian deaths have been reported in Ukraine. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, more than 2 million people have fled Ukraine in the days since the invasion began. This is not the way of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We write to you today asking you to continue to join us in prayers for an urgent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian forces in Ukraine. Pray earnestly that this unwarranted act of aggression by Vladimir Putin will come to an end and that the people of Ukraine will be freed from death and destruction.” Read the entire statement and more
Prayer from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
“There are people and children of God whose lives and freedom are threatened, and so we pray and are mindful of what St. Paul said in Romans: ‘The Spirit helps us in our weakness, because we don’t know how to pray as we ought—and sometimes the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.’ We pray for peace, but maybe we don’t have the words. We pray for a just peace, but maybe we don’t have the words. We pray that the lives of innocents, and the lives of any human child of God, will be spared. We pray that our leaders will find a diplomatic way—a nonviolent solution. But we don’t know how to pray as we ought, and so the Spirit must intercede for us at this time.”
Prayer from Archbishop Justin Welby / Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
"God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.”
Prayers
PRAYER FOR PRIDE MONTH FROM THE ECCT
Prayer for the ECCT Bishop Search & Transition Committee
Prayer for the ECCT Bishop Search & Transition Committee
Prayer for Pride Month
by the Rev. Helena L. Martin, St. Paul's, Southington
God, you breathed life into the world and called your creation good. You stretched out the rainbow as a sign of your blessing and protection, especially after times of trial.
God of creation, Hear us.
We pray for ourselves, for all the times we forgot you or our neighbors. Forgive us for the times we have hurt others, through our own deeds or through actions done on our behalf. God of mercy, forgive us.
We pray for everyone who does not yet empathize with those whose sexualities and genders differ from their own. We ask that you open their hearts to your expansive love for all people.
God of love, deliver us.
We pray that you send your blessing upon us. Save us from the tendency to think we can do everything on our own. Direct us to others who can guide, support, and protect us—and help us to do the same for others. God of joy, bless us.
We pray for the strength to pursue your will for the world, even when we have to swim against the current. Help us to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you. God of justice, send us.
Prayer for the ECCT Bishop Search & Transition Committee
Prayer for the ECCT Bishop Search & Transition Committee
Prayer for the ECCT Bishop Search & Transition Committee
ECCT's Bishop Transition Committee has offered a new prayer after the election of our XVI Bishop Diocesan, The Rev. Jeffrey Mello, Bishop-elect of The Episcopal Church in Connecticut.
Join us as we pray.
Gracious God, we thank you and praise you for guiding the people of ECCT in the discernment of our next bishop diocesan culminating in the election of Jeffrey Mello as the XVI Bishop Diocesan. We pray for Bishop-elect Jeff and his family, as they journey in transition to Bishop-Elect Jeff’s new call. We pray also for the people of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brookline as they journey in transition, saying goodbye to Bishop-elect Jeff and as they enter their own discernment process.
We thank you for everyone who offered themselves to our discernment, especially for nominees Glenna, Kate, Tanya, and Whitney. May you continue to grace them with their gifts as they continue to follow your call.
We pray for Bishop Laura, for her continued grace and steadfastness, as she transitions to partner with Bishop-elect Jeff in leading ECCT. We pray in gratitude for our Bishop Ian, his leadership, guidance, and service, and for his spouse Kristin, asking blessings for their next journey.
All this we pray through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen.
Prayer 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 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.
Open our eyes to recognize your presence and guidance with us always.
Give us grateful hearts for the signs of grace you never fail to send,
For you are God, and we need you. We place our trust in you, our Good Shepherd. Amen.
Adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book
Prayer for Healing Our Nation
I bid your prayers for the all dioceses, bishops and their spouses who are on the front lines of responding to the unrest in our nation. Especially, pray for the Diocese of Washington and Bishop Mariann and Paul Budde. Pray for all those who are trying to speak truth to power with clarity and in peace.
Pray for all those who, by virtue of the color of their skin, are placed in jeopardy and live under constant anxiety and pressure in our unjust society. Pray for law enforcement and for their families. The vast majority are trying to do their best and be helpful under very personally threatening circumstances.
Pray for all our leaders, that they will have the wisdom and courage to lead us into healing. Pray for the Truth and the Light and the Power from on High to shine in us and through us, and to prevail against the storm.
Let us stand in solidarity with one another and work always and in all ways to replace the energy of fear and hate with the power of love. In Christ's Spirit,
I put all my trust in you, O God. All my hope is in your mercy.
Barbara, Chaplain, Priest-in-charge of the Spiritual Covenant Parishes of St. Paul's, Lewiston and St. John's, Youngstown, Director of The Hope Center Chaplain of the Community of Spouses/Partners of the House of Bishops Associate Priest - St. Paul's Cathedral.
Poetry
Poetry Inspired by Scripture by Gordon Scruton
Matthew 25:14-30
God’s gift to us: our
Unique life. Our gift to God:
Way we live our life
Know, live, steward now
God’s/your gifts, calls. Let go fear.
Share Life. Don’t hide Light.
Matthew 25:1-13
Do you refill your
Spirit-oil flask often so
You have enough to
Sustain your Christ-Light
Shining through long draining
times?
Be wise, not foolish.
Human energy
Burns out quickly, needs daily
Spirit renewal.
Pandemic by Lynn Unger
What if you thought of it as the Jews consider the Sabbath— the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel. Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now, on trying to make the world different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those to whom you commit your life.
Center down. And when your body has become still, reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected in ways that are terrifying and beautiful. (You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives are in one another’s hands. (Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands. Reach out your heart. Reach out your words. Reach out all the tendrils of compassion that move, invisibly, where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love— for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, so long as we all shall live.
Used with permission. More of Lynn's poetry and her work at http://www.lynnungar.com
Ode to Trinity in Christmas 2020 by Linda Traue
Ode to Trinity in Christmas 2020 by Linda Traue
Many traditions and gatherings won’t happen this year;
The world’s upside down, because COVID is here
It started last Spring when a pneumonia epidemic
Came out of China and caused a global pandemic
World leaders and scientists were scratching their heads
About what could be done to stop the spread
Borders were closed, travel restricted
As we all endured lockdown still the virus persisted
Businesses foundered, some had to close
Jobs were lost and anxiety rose
Depression and loneliness have become commonplace
As we continue to isolate, and cover our face
Though we all social distance, wash our hands, and wear masks
Why does our church have to close? we all ask
They’re keeping us safe, while the cases are spiking
And we all must stay home much to our disliking
For some, 2020 has been lonely and sad
Yet there’s plenty of things for which to be glad
Our homes, indoor plumbing, sunshine, and laughter
Our fine church and its people, and a wonderful pastor
And though we still want to all be together
Let’s take comfort in knowing this won’t last forever
So, I decorated my house and put up a tree,
And listen to Christmas carols, I do it for me
We must care for ourselves and stay healthy and sane
‘Til we all can go out in the world once again.