Prayer: Grace in Grief

     

God of Compassion,
we center ourselves in silence before you,
   laying our sorrow at your feet.

Walk alongside us in the days to come
   as our companion in grief
as we travel this hard road
   on this unwanted journey.

Help us forgive 
      and be forgiven 
   of all that is left undone,
   of all that cannot now be done,
with grace for our loved ones
   and grace for ourselves.
Let us fasten on what can be done
   with tenderness and gratitude.

Strengthen us to release the imperfections of love
   and the fragility of relationships
      with gentle hands.

Lift the boat of our hearts
   by the sea of our memories of laughter and joy,
      and carry away any bitterness with the tide of compassion.

O Mothering God,
Let us grieve as Jesus grieved 
   and weep as Jesus wept.
Help us cradle our memories,
   as Mary cradled the body of her child.

In assurance and trust, let the gift of your Spirit
   lead us to hold fast to our faith
      in the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body
      and the life everlasting
through Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer.
Amen.

----------------Leslie Barnes Scoopmire

Today is the first anniversary of the death of my younger brother Bill.

Prayer Service for Election Day 2024

 

The Golden Rule, Norman Rockwell, 1961, 

Donated to the United Nations Headquarters from the United States of America

Prayer Service for Election Day

November 5, 2024

8:00 am online

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church,

Ellisville, MO

 

 

Breathe and Center Yourself at the Ringing of the Bell.

Opening Words

Celebrant:   God is Spirit, 

and those who worship must worship in spirit and in truth.          (John 4:24)

People:       We are no longer strangers and sojourners, but citizens together 

with the Saints and members of the household of God.        (Ephesians 2:19)

Celebrant:   Let us pray.

 

Collect for an Election    (in unison)                                              BCP, p. 822

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: 

Guide the people of the United States 

and of this community

in the election of officials and representatives; 

that, by faithful administration and wise laws, 

the rights of all may be protected 

and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The Readings

 

A Reading from the Book of Isaiah.                                          Isaiah 58:6-12

 

Is not this the fast that I choose:
   to loose the bonds of injustice,
   to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
   and to break every yoke? 
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
   and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
   and not to hide yourself from your own kin? 
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
   and your healing shall spring up quickly;
your vindicator shall go before you,
   the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. 
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
   you shall cry for help, and God will say, Here I am. 

If you remove the yoke from among you,
   the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, 
if you offer your food to the hungry
   and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
   and your gloom be like the noonday. 
The Lord will guide you continually,
   and satisfy your needs in parched places,
   and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
   like a spring of water,
   whose waters never fail. 
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
   you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
   the restorer of streets to live in. 

 

Reader:       The Word of the Lord.

People:       Thanks be to God.

 

 

Canticle N   (In Unison)             A Song of God’s Love                           1 John 4:7-11

 

Beloved, let us love one another, 

for love is of God. 

Whoever does not love does not know God, 

for God is Love. 

In this the love of God was revealed among us, 

that God sent God’s only Son into the world, 

so that we might live through Jesus Christ. 

In this is love, not that we loved God but that God loved us 

and sent God’s son that sins might be forgiven. 

Beloved, since God loved us so much, 

we are also to love one another. 

For if we love one another, God abides in us, 

and God's love will be perfected in us. 

 

 

A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew.                         Matthew 20:25-28

Priest:         The Holy Gospel of Our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

 

But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that those who rule the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around.  But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave— just as the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”

 

Reader:         The Word of the Lord.

People:        Thanks be to God.

 

The Prayers

 

A Litany for Sound Government                                         from Forward Movement

 

Intercessor: 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.

People:       Lord, keep this nation under your care.

 

Intercessor: 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.

People:       Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

 

Intercessor: 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.

People:       Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

 

Intercessor: To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

People:       Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

 

Intercessor:  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.

All:             For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

 

Presider:

Almighty God, 

the source of all wisdom,

give grace to all those who will vote in the election,

and bless with your spirit of humility and charity

all who will be elected to public office.

Make your kingdom of love visible among us,

and make all things subject to your just and gentle rule,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for an Election

Written by The Rev. Shannon Kelly, Director Department of Faith Formation, The Episcopal Church

 

Celebrant:

Loving God, Creator of this world, who is our source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Help us to see how our faith informs our principles and actions.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: We give thanks for the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits, realizing that our vote matters and that it is an act of faith.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: Guide us through this election as a nation, state, and community as we vote for people to do work on our behalf and on the behalf of our communities. Help us to vote for people and ballot initiatives that will better our community and our world so it may reflect the values Christ taught us.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: Help us create communities that will build your kingdom here on earth – communities that will protect the poor, stand up for the vulnerable, advocate for those who are not seen and heard, and listen to everyone’s voice.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do – to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you through creation.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: Help us act out of love, mercy and justice rather than out of arrogance or fear.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: Lord, continue to guide us as we work for the welfare of this world. We pray for places that are torn by violence, that they may know peace.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: We pray for communities who are struggling with inequality, unrest, and fear. May we all work toward reconciliation with one another and with God.

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: Help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another as we seek the betterment of our community and world. 

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

A Time of Silent Reflection and Intercession from Your Heart is Observed.

 

Confession

Priest:   Let us reflect, and confess our sins against God and our neighbor

 

All:

Almighty God, Source of all that is, Giver of every good gift: 

You create all people in your image 

and call us to love one another as you love us. 

We confess that we have failed to honor you 

in the great diversity of the human family. 

We have desired to live in freedom, 

while building walls between ourselves and others. 

We have longed to be known and accepted for who we are, 

while making judgements of others based on the color of skin, 

or the shape of features, 

or the varieties of human experience. 

We have tried to love our neighbors individually 

while yet benefitting from systems 

that hold those same neighbors in oppression. 

 

Forgive us, Holy God.

Give us eyes to see you as you are revealed in all people.

Strengthen us for the work of reconciliation rooted in love.

Restore us in your image, to be beloved community,

united in our diversity, 

even as you are one with Christ and the Spirit,

Holy and undivided Trinity,

now and forever. Amen.

 

The Priest then offers absolution and assurance of God’s grace and love:

May Almighty God have mercy on us,

grant us courage and conviction,

and strengthen us to love others who are unlike us.

May God, the holy and undivided Trinity,

make us compassionate in our actions

and courageous in our works,

that we may see Christ's Beloved Community in our own day. Amen.

Collect for Social Justice                                                           BCP p. 823

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit 

may so move every human heart 

and especially the hearts of the people of this land, 

that barriers which divide us may crumble, 

suspicions disappear, 

and hatreds cease; 

that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Collect for Our Country (read responsorially)                          Diocese of Missouri

O God, where hearts are fearful and constricted, 

grant courage and hope. 

Where anxiety is infectious and widening, 

grant peace and reassurance. 

Where impossibilities close every door and window, 

grant imagination and resistance. 

Where distrust twists our thinking, 

grant healing and illumination. 

Where spirits are daunted and weakened, 

grant soaring wings and strengthened dreams; 

in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

The Blessing 

Live without fear: 

your creator has made you holy,

has always protected you,

and loves you as a mother.

 

Go out into the world in peace;

have courage;

hold on to what is good;

return no one evil for evil;

strengthen the faint hearted;

support the weak, and help the suffering;

honor all people;

love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Go in peace to follow the good road,

and may the blessing of God Almighty be with you always:

In the name of the Creator, and the Redeemer, and the Life Giving Spirit.

Amen.

 

 

Dismissal

Celebrant:   Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.

People:       Thanks be to God.

Broadcast On Facebook Live on November 5, 2024 at 8:00 am

Prayer 4292

On this crisp morning,
let my heart sing a song of gratitude,
that I may like with eyes of wonder
upon this world of delicate beauty
your fingers have woven, O my God.

Let me sing out
the praise of your encompassing lovingkindness
sustaining all that is
in each moment.

Holy One, Shepherd of Our Souls,
guide us into deeper knowledge of you
and grant us the wisdom to live in love and faithfulness
with purity of heart and intention.

In your abundant compassion,
spread the awning of your mercy
over those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 4039

Crafter of the Earth and Sky,

we offer you our praise,
as we marvel at your handiwork all around us
and dedicate ourselves to your commandments.

On this day, may we
forgive freely,
act for healing where there is injury,
stand with the oppressed,
welcome the refugee,
and care for the desolate and forsaken.
For we know we have drunk deep
from the bowls of your mercy and grace,
not for our own sake,
but so that we may then embody your steadfast lovingkindness
to a waiting, hurting world.

Strengthen us to be your hands in the world,
Beloved Savior, Light of the World,
that we may work for the welfare of all people,
as we ask your blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 4038

Holy One,

the curtains of night have parted,
and the birds are singing the sun into wakefulness.

May the dawn of understanding and charity
break over all creation,
and may all join hands in compassion and kinship.

May our hearts beat in tune with each other
in reverence before our God.

May we drink deep from the well of wisdom,
that we may align our lives with your divine will.
May our hands be skilled in building bridges, not walls;
may our souls embrace you holy commandments
that we may love truth and walk with integrity/
May we dedicate our lives
for the sake of the reconciliation of the world
with your holy purpose, O God.

Led by the Spirit,
may we pace our hand in your, Lord Christ,
trusting in your abundant grace,
and asking your blessing upon those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 4035: Inspired by Psalm 42:1-2, 8

(Inspired by Psalm 42:1-2, 8)

As the deer longs for the water brooks,
and searches for her food within the woods,
so too we hunger and thirst for you, O God our Sustainer.

Your life-giving word
nourishes our souls:
sweeter than honey on the tongue
are your steadfast lovingkindness and mercy,
O Shepherd of Our Souls.

Trusting in your faithfulness and care,
may we release all the hurts and weights
that draw us from you and each other,
and lift up a prayer always to the God of Our Life.

Shine the light of your countenance
upon all whose spirits or strength is faltering, O Holy One,
and give your angels charge
over those for whom we pray.

Amen.

(Image: A herd of New Zealand deer on a farm on the South Island, December, 2023)

Prayer 4031

Holy One, the morning sun
burnishes all it touches,
and we rise to give you praise.
Glorious Savior, you are the bread of life,
and you nourish us with wisdom and grace
so that we may support your work of redemption:
we hunger and thirst for you alone.
Heal us of all our iniquities, we pray,
that we may be worthy bearers of your love's banner
and dedicate ourselves to living lives of integrity and justice,
inviting all into your Beloved Community.
Spirit of the Living God,
direct our paths this day,
and give your angels charge
over all who stand in need of prayer,
especially these beloveds for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 4029: Inspired by Psalms 138-139 in the Daily Office

O God,
you are our safe harbor; our shelter and our keeper:

   we lay open our hearts before your throne.

Before I yet breathed
you knew me and had me
   within the bowl of your mercy:
in you, O God, do I trust,
for you are ever with me
in rejoicing or in travail--
   in trouble or tempest you remain steadfast.

In sundering sea or thundering wave,
   you steady me and strengthen me by your grace.

With the eyes of our hearts
may we see your imprint in the world around us,
O Redeemer and Lover of Our Souls,
that we may tell out your goodness in the world
   in all we do or say.

Cast the mantle of your presence, Lord Christ,
over all those who call upon you for help,
especially those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 4028: Inspired by John 6:1-15

Blessed Savior,
who in the feeding of the five thousand
showed how even a little is more than enough,

place your hand over us and bless us
who have a little faith but a great hunger
to imitate your fidelity and generosity;

who have a little understanding but a great need
to walk in your integrity and wisdom;

who have a little strength but a great desire
to emulate your loving dedication to freeing all
from oppression, denigration, and injustice.

May we offer our little to you,
trusting that it will be transformed into enough,
made great by your love and redemption.

Holy One, may we walk the good road of your mercy,
and bring our hearts into alignment by your love and grace.
Grant your comfort and blessing
to those whom we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 4027: For Christian Unity

Creating God,
we rise beneath your spangled heavens,
the filigree of stars and constellations designed in your wisdom,
and we center ourselves in your love.

You weave together all that is
and charge and entrust us with serving and tending
this delicate, bountiful planet;
you knit together all peoples in one common tapestry;
the art of your creation fills us with wonder and awe.
You laid out a path of integrity and reconciliation
in the footprints of the Savior you send
to live among us and draw us closer to You.

All the works of your hand testify to your glory:
may the gravity and force of your Spirit
move over the deeps of our hearts
that we may stirred up to live by your precept of compassion.

May all who commit themselves to the Way of Jesus
live in amity and charity with each other,
and with all who seek to live lives worthy of You.

Gather into the vault of your mercy and compassion
all those who cry out to You, O Most High,
and give your angels charge
over those for whom we pray this day.

Amen.

Prayer 4026: Inspired by the Life of Florence Li Tim-Oi

Almighty God,
we worship and praise you this day,
and seek your will in our lives.
Inspire us by the example of your servant Florence,
who humbly accepted your call to minister
even in the midst of war and oppression,
bringing your sacraments to her people
that their faith and hope be nourished.
Give us the courage to feed the hungry, clothe the naked,
shelter the unhoused, landcare for the ill
as bravely and as selflessly,
even in defiance of tyrants,
and grant the warmth of your comforting embrace
to those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 4025: Inspired by John 5:1-18 in the Daily Office

God of Compassion,

we praise you and bless you,
tuning our hearts to sing your praise and presence
in all that we do or say this day.

Lord Christ, you healed whenever there was a need,
seeing the suffering and acting without hesitation:
may we also fill our hearts to overflowing
with the desire to act in the name of love and restoration
giving of ourselves freely for the healing of the world.

Make us steadfast in our commitment to your gospel,
and faithful to your example of compassion and generosity,
inspired by your faith in us to live lives of grace,
walking in paths of mercy and joyful service.

Grant your benediction over all who call out to you,
O Worker of Wonders,
and place the kiss of your blessing
upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 4024: For Awakening and Compassion

O God Of Justice and Mercy,
we humbly sit before you,
opening our hearts to hear your Word
and walk in your commandments.

Awaken us, O Savior,
where we numb ourselves to the needs of others,
that we may reclaim your empowering Spirit.

Trouble us, O God,
that we may be awakened to speak out
against the silences that breed injustice and oppression,
against the contempts that lay waste to our hearts.

May we trust in you, O Merciful One,
enough to place our hand in yours,
and make our lives living testaments to your grace and truth.

May we employ each breath
in the service of reconciliation and healing,
hearing the voice of Christ in the cry of the forsaken.

May we make our hearts a tabernacle for your presence,
O Spirit of Compassion,
and our lives an oblation of courageous service to You, O God,
as we pray for the special needs of those around us.

Amen.

Prayer 4020: Being Centered in Grace

O God Our Maker, Our Home,
this day unfurls before us:
let us anchor it in praise to You,
ground it in faithfulness and grace,
our vision sparked by gratitude, not grievance,
that we may have a taste of your heavenly banquet.

O God Our Shepherd, Our Guide:
this hour offers itself to us,
redolent with possibility:
let us devote it to manifesting your goodness
by the purity of our actions and words,
holding fast with integrity to your Word,
nourishing the hungry, welcoming the stranger,
and tending the soul-weary around us.

O God Our Shield, Our Promontory:
this moment calls to us:
let use our breath to breathe our prayers to you,
rising with the song of birds,
singing their way home,
that in faithfulness and confidence
we may center ourselves and those we love in you
as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 4019

Almighty God, Source of All Blessing,
we turn to you in faith and trust,
inviting your Spirit into our hearts.

May we make our way steadfast and blameless
in walking in your holy Law, O God.
that we may radiate your compassion
into the world around us.

Place the balm of your blessing over all creation,
O Steadfast One,
over all in need of peace or comfort,
over those who seek you
with a wordless, unformed longing
as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 4018-- beginning the 12th year of the Mutual Prayer Circle

inspired by Psalm 26 from this morning's Daily Office

Sheltering God, Companion in Love,
we praise you and raise our hearts in offering:
center us in your mercy and grace, we pray.

May our actions as your children ever honor your holy name.
May we cling fast to your law of love,
making no compromise with the deceitful,
nor align ourselves with the wicked,
the plotters of evil or the givers of bribes.

Instead, may we walk each step
in paths of righteousness and humility,
that we may be worthy to stand before you
with integrity and peace in our hearts,
united by your love and grace.

May we embody wisdom, shalom, and lovingkindness,
making our lives a celebration and testimony
of the beauty of your word and statutes.

Draw all who wander or search
into the warmth of your embrace, O Most High,
and place the shield of your mercy 

over those for whom we pray.

Amen. 

Prayer 4015

Most Holy God,
we turn our eyes to the rising sun,
and our hearts to your commandments.

May we dedicate ourselves to your instruction
to love one another as You love us;
to turn aside from war to be makers of peace;
to seek reconciliation and healing
in our relationships with God and each other.

Strengthen us in compassion and mercy;
give us a delight and awe at your handiwork all around us;
help us to tread gently upon this earth
and as companions in your Way of Love and Justice.

Spread the canopy of your protection, we pray,
over all who turn to you for help, O Most Holy,
especially for those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 4014

Tender Creator,
whose hand has cradled us
through the hours and dreams of the night,
shelter and shepherd us
as we carry your good news into the world this day.

Make us seekers of wisdom,
reflectors of light to those who wander,
companions to those who are isolated.

Make our lives a living prayer of praise and gratitude,
and a testimony to your grace and hope.
Make our hearts a fertile field for your truth
that we may be fruitful in our service
to You and to others, Most Holy God.

Beloved Savior,
the creation is resplendent with your glory,
your abundant love dazzles
from greening trees and children's laughter
and the generous hearts of elders.

Come, Holy Spirit,
endow our spirits with courage and hope,
and place your hand of blessing over those
for whom we now pray.

Amen.

Prayer 3885: For Peace and Compassion

Most Holy God,

we turn our eyes to the rising sun,
and our hearts to your commandments.

May we dedicate ourselves to your instruction
to love one another as You love us;
to turn aside from war to be makers of peace;
to seek reconciliation and healing
in our relationships with God and each other.

Strengthen us in compassion and mercy;
give us a delight and awe at your handiwork all around us;
help us to tread gently upon this earth
and as companions in your Way of Love and Justice.

Spread the canopy of your protection, we pray,
over all who turn to you for help, O Most Holy,
especially for those we now name.

Amen.

Night Blessing: Speaking to the Soul, August 10, 2023

(Night time is beautiful; a bedtime prayer for children)


The moon and stars dance overhead
To let us know it’s time for bed.
Night holds us in a safe embrace,
So we may rest in this soft place.

Thank you, dear God, for this past day
With time to learn and time to play.
Thank you for friends, and family too,
God bless them all, and bless us too!

God, guide our dreams, for your love’s sake,
Bless all with peace until we wake.
Jesus, stay near, with angels bright,
And guard us through this blessed Night.



-- Leslie Scoopmire, written August 4, 2023. This was first published at Episcopal Journal and Cafe's Speaking to the Soul on August 10, 2023. The Episcopal Journal and Cafe ceased publication the following week, so this was my last piece for them.

This was written when I searched for hours and could not find prayers that did not need adaptation because they mentioned death, and/or only imagined children living in a two-parent household, and/or used exclusive masculine terms for God. It is also meant to reassure kids that the night is not frightening.