Geranium Farm Home     Who's Who on the Farm     The Almost Daily eMo     Subscriptions     Coming Events     Links
Hodgepodge     More or Less Church     Ways of the World     Father Matthew     A Few Good Writers     Bookstore
Light a Prayer Candle     Message Board     Donations     Gifts For Life     Pennies From Heaven     Live Chat

Ways of the World

Carol Stone, business economist & active Episcopalian, brings you "Ways of the World". Exploring business & consumers & stewardship, we'll discuss everyday issues: kids & finances, gas prices, & some larger issues: what if foreigners start dumping our debt? And so on. We can provide answers & seek out sources for others. We'll talk about current events & perhaps get different perspectives from what the media says. Write to Carol. Let her know what's important to you: carol@geraniumfarm.org

Sunday, January 09, 2011

Prayers over the Shootings in Arizona

For the beginning of a new year, we have an article in process on innovation and new technology. But we put that aside briefly to reflect on the sad events January 8 in Tucson, Arizona. Rather than commentary, we offer prayer – prayer for the country, for those in public service, for those injured, especially Representative Giffords, and a prayer of mourning for those killed. The last one includes, notably, a petition for the redemption of the murderer; in the weeks that followed 9/11, I was present when a priest at Trinity Wall Street prayed for the perpetrators of that attack, and her deep feeling for them helped me see a rationale for "praying for your enemies". Join us in offering these prayers, perhaps Monday, January 10, at 11:00AM, when President Obama has recommended a national moment of silence over this entire affair:

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 Book of Common Prayer, page 258

For Social Service
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, … the needy and the ordinary people of our communities; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Adapted from The Book of Common Prayer, page 260

For People Critically Ill, or Facing Great Uncertainty
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
And soothes the frantic heart;
Bring hope and courage to Representative Giffords, her family and the others wounded
as they wait in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
A New Zealand Prayer Book, page 747

Prayer for Those Who Die at the Hands of Another
Hear our prayers, O God,
for those who die
at the hands of another.
Bless the departed;
grant them life with you,
Bless the murderer;
grant him a new life,
the opportunity to be redeemed,
a second chance.
Bless those who mourn;
grant them peace;
for Jesus Christ's sake we pray.
Amen.
Prayers of Our Hearts in Word and Action. By Vienna Cobb Anderson. The Crossroads Publishing Company, 1991, page 84.

Labels: , ,

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you, Carol. I felt as if I were praying with you.

God bless our people, all of them.

Nancy

1/09/2011 11:54 PM  
Blogger Joanna Depue said...

Carol - Here's the one line prayer I posted to FB yesterday: Divine Love, enfold those who mourn ... we are many, and human understanding fails us.

1/10/2011 2:30 AM  
Blogger Kathy B. said...

Thank you for the prayers...they are a comfort...but I must admit I did stumble a bit over the words for the young man who did the shooting...may God have mercy on us all...
Kathy B.

1/10/2011 7:30 AM  
Blogger Carol S. said...

Kathy B:
I know how you feel on that one. I thought to myself, "can I actually type that sentiment?" I'm hardly soft on criminals, but we need to hope for help for that poor man, and also for others like him who might be dissuaded from any similar deed. Maybe a good thing to come from this will be a cooling of the vitriol that might have fed Loughner's obsession. Does this help? Anyone else on this issue? -- Carol S.

1/10/2011 7:47 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home



Copyright © 2003-Present Geranium Farm - All rights reserved.
Reproduction of any materials on this web site for any purpose
other than personal use without written consent is prohibited.