Bishop Scott Mayer calls the diocese into prayer in the wake of events in Washington, DC.
Read Presiding Bishop Curry’s call to prayer.
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Today, on the Feast of the Epiphany, we are reminded that God is with us. It is a timely reminder in the midst of the disturbing news reports from Washington. As the legally mandated processes for a peaceful transfer of power were playing out, they were abruptly interrupted as the U. S. Capitol was put on lockdown, Vice President Mike Pence was rushed to safety from the Senate floor, and buildings were evacuated as protesters breached police barricades at the Capitol.
As Christians we are called to love God and one another. As Episcopalians we are bound by our Baptismal Covenant to work for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being. As Americans we honor our historic governing documents that echo these sentiments in yearning toward a more perfect Union, one with “Justice, domestic Tranquility, and the Blessings of Liberty” to us and our children.
So I join with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in calling us all to a period of prayer in this time of transition. In these next two weeks, let us hold our nation, our leaders, and all Americans in prayer that we will be daily reminded of the presence of God among us. Let us pray that we will be called to our better selves as we hold close the ideals upon which our country was founded and upon which our democracy rests. And let us pray that this knowledge of God’s presence and the founding ideals of our nation will be the firm ground on which our actions are based.
Let us pray.
- For our Country (p. 820)
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority (p. 820)
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, Vice President, President-Elect, and Vice President-Elect of the United States, the Congress of the United States 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 Sound Government (p. 821)
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.
- In Times of Conflict (p. 824)
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.
- For our Enemies (p. 816)
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them 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.
- For the Human Family (p. 815)
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; 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. Amen.