Prayer 537

Diocese of Missouri youth and their Youth Missioner at Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia during the urban pilgrimage on Friday during the 2014 Episcopal Youth Event. Photo courtesy of Elle Dowd.

(inspired by Psalm 20)
We lift our praises to our Lord and King, whose mercy and steadfastness endures forever. May the angels of the Holy One guard us night and day, that we may walk in the way of faithfulness. May God enfold us in a mother's love, and sanctify us before her altar as we bear our message of joy to the world. May we be borne on a Spirit of Holiness to bear witness to your saving grace. Loving One, help us to walk the pilgrim path each day of our lives. Help us to build Your kingdom in justice and in truth, united by the face of Christ we see in all creation. Place your hand of blessing over all who seek You or a deeper knowledge of You. Rejoicing in your ever-present help, we ask that You shine the light of your countenance on those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 536- A prayer of praise

The youth from the Diocese of Missouri process their banner into the Opening Eucharist at the 2014 Episcopal Youth Event. Photo courtesy of Elle Dowd, Diocesan Youth Missioner.

O Lord, we come before you in awe and wonder, rejoicing in our blessings. All that is testifies to your power and glory, Your Love that was, and is, and ever shall be. Your continuing creation is an ode of joy as You call us to You and care for us. We lift our hearts before You, upheld by grace and buoyed by the embrace of your Spirit: hear our prayers. Open our hearts to the peace and truth of Christ, that we may walk in wisdom and holiness before You. Extend the awning of your blessing especially over those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 535- For those at the Episcopal Youth Event

The Presiding Bishop addresses the congregation at the opening Eucharist of the Episcopal Youth Event in Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Katie Scoopmire, who was privileged to attend as one of the representatives from the Diocese of Missouri.

O Merciful One, we long to know You more deeply, united in praise and faithfulness as your disciples. Bring us together into a fellowship of love and service, extolling the abundant mercies of our God. O Redeemer, open our hearts to receive your Word, and open our lips to sing your praises. Guide and guard our future leaders of your Church as they join together in joyful brotherhood and sisterhood. 

Protect and strengthen all those who work to create a world of justice and compassion in the name of God. May we seek to do all things in the Spirit of Christ, who embraces us with steadfast love. Extend the shade of your right hand, O Creator, over all who seek You.

Amen.

Prayer 534- for those who are traveling to the Episcopal Youth Event in Philadelphia

The Diocese of Missouri Contingent at Lambert airport on their way to the 2014 Episcopal Youth Event!

(for those who are traveling to the Episcopal Youth Event in Philadelphia)
Loving God, we thank you for leading us to the beauty of this new day. 

Guide us, O Shepherd of Our Souls, to walk in the way of wisdom and love. Remind us that the path to peace requires us to embody gentleness and justice. Remind us that the path to justice calls us to embody mercy and compassion. Remind us that the path to compassion requires us to embody reconciliation and generosity. 

Set us aflame with a passion to serve You and build your Kingdom on Earth. Bring us together as a holy people, consecrated by our love for You and each other. 

Trusting in your steadfast faithfulness, we ask you send your Spirit of Love and healing over those we now name.

Amen. 

And they're off to Philadelphia!