Bishop Hughes prays for our country
As our nation's capital experiences violent protests and the breach of the US Capitol building, Bishop Hughes urges us to pray for our country, and offers the following prayers from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.
Page 815, For the Human Family:
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Page 815, For Peace:
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Page 258, For the Nation:
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Service of Prayer for the Nation
Bishop Hughes invites you to join in prayer for our nation, particularly on these three nights leading through the Inauguration in Washington, DC - January 18, 19 and 20. Light a candle, wherever you are, and spend part of your evening with our diocesan community at prayer.
These services will be on Zoom and have been provided by the Commission on Liturgy and Music, using an adaptation of Compline, a traditional service to end the day.
The Zoom link will be sent in the What's happening this week e-newsletter on Monday, Jan. 18. To subscribe to diocesan e-newsletters, please visit dioceseofnewark.org/subscribe.