prayers for this time of trouble

Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.
The light no darkness can overcome.

Let your light scatter the darkness,
And illumine your church and the world.

1.  Our Suffering

    Psalm 23:  Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort
me.

    Silent Prayer

    O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be
saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength:  By the might of
your Spirit lift us, we pray you, to your presence, where we may be still
and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Savior.  AMEN.

2.  God's Presence

    Psalm 46:  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though
the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea ... The Lord of hosts is
with us ...

    Silent Prayer

    O God, you made us all in your 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 Savior.  AMEN.

3.  God's Promise

    Romans 8:31-38:  Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Silent Prayer

    Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask, help us to ask
what accords with your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in
our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our
Savior.  AMEN.

4.  Our Hope

    Revelation 21:1-5:  God will wipe every tear from their eyes.  Death
will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more ...I am making
all things new.

    Silent Prayer

    Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep, and give
your angels charge over those who sleep.  Tend the injured, Lord Christ,
give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the
afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake.  AMEN.

5.  Our Peace

    Matthew 5:1-12:  Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
... Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy ... Blessed are
the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

    Silent Prayer

    O God, Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies:  Lead
them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred,
cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand
reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Savior.  AMEN.

A Prayer attributed to St. Francis

    God, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us
sow love; where there is injury, forgiveness; where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is
darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

    Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be
understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.

    For it is in giving that we receive; it is in forgiving that we are
forgiven; and it is in dying that we are reborn to eternal life.  AMEN.