I wrote this as part of an assignment for a class. By the time I finished it, it was more than homework. It was a meaningful act of worship and prayer during a distant and difficult season. I hope it might be the same for you.
OPENING
O God, make speed to save us.
O LORD, MAKE HASTE TO HELP US.
PRAYER
O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels and all just works do proceed:
Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior.
AMEN.
PSALM 25
Who, then, are those who fear the Lord?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
The Lord confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
My eyes are ever on the Lord,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
See how numerous are my enemies
and how fiercely they hate me!
Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, Lord, is in you.
Deliver Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!
READING FROM SCRIPTURE
Acts 3:1-16 followed by silent listening
The Word of the Lord! THANKS BE TO GOD.
PRAYERS FOR THE WORLD, THE CHURCH, OUR COMMUNITIES, OURSELVES
Lord, in your mercy. HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For hope and peace in the world during troubled times, that your presence is known, that your voice is heard, and that your healing hand reaches to every corner and into every life that belongs to you, gracious Lord.
In your mercy. HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For the holy church of God, that today and in those to come would not fail to serve those in need. And that it may be filled with truth and love and be found without fault at the day of your coming.
Lord, in your mercy. HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For those who lead us. For the communities that enjoin us. For our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family. For those who fear and despair. For those who suffer in body or in spirit. For those who grieve.
Lord, in your mercy. HEAR OUR PRAYER.
(PRAY for those who come to mind.)
Lord, in your mercy. HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For ourselves; for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the grace of the Holy Spirit to amend our lives.
Lord, in your mercy. HEAR OUR PRAYER.
In the communion of the Holy Spirit and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
BENEDICTION
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
2 Comments
What a gracious and helpful meditation. It resounded in my heart. Thank you and God’s choice presence enfold you.
Great meaning to these words, not just today, but always; not just to others, but to you.