January 7, 2021
O God of Mercy and Grace, you have ordained that we should order our lives in and through loving relationships nurtured and sustained in friendship, family and community. And you have seen fit to protect and safeguard our common life through governing authorities established by your will. We thank you for those who have offered themselves to serve, and have sacrificed to achieve the common good and honor America ideals and the rule of law.
Lord, we mourn in the face of the assault and violence directed toward those who govern that we witnessed yesterday. We grieve the loss of life and bodily injury suffered by those involved, and by public servants charged with maintaining the peace. We lament the state of animosity and division that separates us from our neighbor. Lord, have mercy upon us and forgive for our transgressions and our failure to love our neighbor.
Inspire those in authority at every level of government to remain faithful to you and your will, keep them mindful that whoever loves as God loves fulfills the whole of the Law.
Help each of us in our daily interactions to be filled with compassion and empathy for those we meet and to incarnate your love through word and action. Make us ministers of reconciliation wherever there is conflict and strife.
Help us to resist and reform injustice in any form that demeans the sacredness of human life. Protect and defend all from the consequences of violence and evil perpetrated in the name of righteous protest. Create within us a longing for true righteousness, mutual caring and blessed community that we see in the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; make this our hearts desire, that all in this land may know peace, fellowship, comfort and prosperity.
Finally, Lord, we intercede for all who work for peace and justice in this land and throughout the world. May they be protected, strengthened, encouraged in their efforts and use them we pray, as agents your love and reconciling work in the world.
In the Blessed Name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen
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