Throughout the world, this Sunday marks the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and so together we pray for the church of Christ, that we may all be one.
Litany of Thanksgiving
Because I love you, O my people, I was born in Bethlehem. They called me Emmanuel, for I am God with you, for ever and ever.
We praise you, O Christ.
I went down in to the Jordan where I was baptized in the water, as a sign of the baptism in the Spirit who would come that all flesh might be made new.
We praise you, O Christ.
I was led by the Spirit into the desert to confront the Tempter, to overcome him and to free you from his chains.
We praise you, O Christ.
I proclaimed the good news of the reign of the Creator God, a reign of justice and mercy, of love and truth, peace and joy. I accomplished the signs of the “new age,” my hands curing the sick, my presence bringing peace.
We praise you, O Christ.
I brought you together, little flock, as a hen gathers her chicks, as the shepherd gathers his sheep. I wanted to take you on my shoulders and lead you into abundant life.
We praise you, O Christ.
I broke bread and offered new wine to forge an alliance with you and to give you life in all its fullness. I prayed to the Father that my joy might be in you.
We praise you, O Christ.
I died on a cross of wood, for the forgiveness of sins and to bring back the scattered children of the Creator God, and on the third day I rose to new life.
We praise you, O Christ.
Listen to me, O my people, in every land, in every place, for I am with you everyday until the end of time, that you may be one with me as I am one with my Father. Listen to my voice, my people, and follow me so that there is but one flock and one Shepherd.
We praise you, O Christ.
A time of silence
God of eternal compassion, as individuals, as community, we ask for the light of your love, that we may become more welcoming and understanding toward others to reduce the suffering in our world in places like Haiti, Burma, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine.
Hear us, God of love.
God of eternal compassion, teach your children that hospitality, welcome, and unity are expressions of your revelation and will for humanity. Even as the people of France continue to react to the killings in Paris, help us to hold in mind and heart our many Muslim sisters and brothers who also grieve at the senselessness of the actions of a few.
Hear us, God of love.
God of eternal compassion, grant us peace- in our lives and in our world. Teach us and guide us to be builders of a tolerant and non-violent world.
Hear us, God of love.
God of eternal compassion, who speaks to us through creation, grant us wisdom to listen to your voice and to be diligent in our care and stewardship of this beloved planet. Even as the Congress of the United States debates about the reality of climate change, scientists in the United Kingdom are cautioning about the threat the changing climate poses to human life.
Hear us, God of love.
God of eternal compassion, keep us ever mindful of those prophets in our day and time who have called us to non-violence and inclusion, to justice for all people. We remember especially legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of the United States, whose birthday was this week. May we follow his example of the selfless giving of his life in the cause of freedom.
Hear us, God of love.
A time of silence
A Blessing
God’s faithfulness endures forever. God forgives, renews, and restores. God’s mercies are new every morning, and as God’s people, we are called to seek the restoration and healing of our world. Go with the good news that God loves you deeply and calls you into new life. Amen
Leave a Reply