Opening Prayer: Holy One, every day we have opportunities to act in love. Some days we love better than others. We tend to remember our non-loving moments more than the memory of acts of love. May the awareness of Your loving presence be our strength today and every day. May we continue to learn to love as you love us. Amen.
A reading from Matthew (25:34-40)
Come you blessed of my Abba God. Inherit the kin-dom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me; naked and you clothed me. I was ill and you comforted me; in prison and you came to visit me. Then these just ones will ask, “When did we see you hungry and feed you, or see you thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or clothe you in your nakedness? When did we see you ill or in imprison and come to visit you? The truth is, every time you did this for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it for me.
Silent Reflection
Intentions
We pray for continued blessings on all peacemakers, on leaders who value peace, and on everyone who promotes nonviolent solutions to conflict. We pray for a speedy end to all violence and warfare around the world.
We pray for the strength of heart and mind to look beyond ourselves and address the needs of our brothers and sisters throughout the world; for the rural and urban poor; for the rebuilding of our communities; and for an end to the cycles of violence that threaten our future.
We pray for all nations, that they may live in unity, peace, and concord; and that all people may know justice and enjoy the freedom of living in peace.
We pray for an end to the growing disparity between the rich and poor; and for the grace and courage to strive for economic justice.
We pray for all immigrants, refugees, and pilgrims from around the world, that they may be welcomed in our midst and be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
We pray for an end to prejudice throughout our country and the world; that we will respect all people as precious children of God; and that racism, sexism, and all other forms of discrimination will be forever banished from our hearts, our society, and our laws.
We pray for all children and families, and particularly for the orphaned, neglected, abused, and those who live in fear of violence or disease; that they may be relieved and protected.
We pray for a reverence of creation; that we use our skills and the will to conserve it; that we will use its bountiful resources in the service of others; and that we will become better stewards of all that has been entrusted to us.
Adapted from the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations
Offer you own intentions in silence
Meditation Song: Go Light Your World
Closing Prayer: Dearest Holy One, we pray for so many things. We ask you for more and more. We are a needy people. And yet you have gently, repeatedly, taught us we are in need of only one thing: to love one another as you love us. May it be so, gently and repeatedly. Amen
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