Province II of the Episcopal Church is offering litany for use in praying for all those affected by the government shutdown. Province II is comprised of the six dioceses of the state of New York, the two dioceses of the state of New Jersey, the Diocese of Haiti, the Diocese of the Virgin Islands, the Diocese of Cuba, and the Convocation of American Churches in Europe.
Download a PDF for printing. Spanish and French translations will be available soon.
Litany
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Loving God, You have created us in Your image and redeemed us through Jesus, Your Son. Our lives are interconnected and what happens to some of us affects all of us. 800,000 government workers are not able to do their jobs because of a government shutdown. This affects so many of Your children, Lord, and so we turn to You in our time of need, for You are our Rock and our Stronghold.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: We especially remember before you today the furloughed employees of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Agriculture, the Commerce Department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Transportation, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Federal Communications Commission, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Park Services.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Be with those workers, Lord, and give them strength to meet the days ahead. Be with their families, friends, and communities. Help us to come together to provide for those in need.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Give our elected officials wisdom to find a common path that will enable these workers to return to their jobs.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Comfort and sustain those whose financial concerns seem overwhelming
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: For those workers who are continuing to show up, even when a paycheck is not guaranteed, we give You thanks for their labors. Help their work to not be in vain. Keep them safe. Give them constant reminders of Your love and grace.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Help those of us who provide support services for these furloughed employees and their families. Give us spirits of generosity, compassion, and abundance.
People: Amen, Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: O Lord, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to Your merciful care, that being guided by Your Providence, we may dwell secure in Your peace. Grant to the President of the United States, Congress of the United States, the Governors across this country, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and do Your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness. Make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in Your faith and fear. 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.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Sources: The Book of Common Prayer, the New York Times