Lead us out of this conflict

November 13, 2020November 16, 2020 / Eric Mathews / Leave a comment

O God, who has ordained that all men should live

and work together as brethren,

remove, we humbly beg you, the spirit of strife

and commitment to bitterness,

from those who are now quarreling,

so that seeking only what is just and equal

they may go forward in brotherly unity and accord.

Lead us out of the night of this conflict and into the day of justice.

Give us grace to be instruments

of the kingdom of love and justice in human affairs,

and patience in dealing with all the sins and selfishness of men,

and humility in recognizing our own,

that we may judge wisely between brothers,

between nations and peoples,

and by composing and reducing their differences,

build ourselves up into a true community of peoples and nations.

Reinhold Niebuhr, 1892-1971, American theologian and professor

The HarperCollins Book of Prayers freely modified

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Psalm 9:7-10

The Lord reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
He rules the world in righteousness
and judges the peoples with equity.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

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unite us by your peace

November 3, 2020November 2, 2020 / Eric Mathews / Leave a comment

O God of peace, unite our hearts by your bond of peace,

that we may live with one another in gentleness and humility,

in peace and unity.

O God of patience, give us patience in times of trial

and steadfastness to endure to the end.

O Spirit of prayer, awaken our hearts,

that we may lift up holy hands to God

and cry unto him in all our distresses.

Be our defence and shade in time of need, our help in trial,

our consolation when all things are against us.

Come, eternal light, salvation and comfort,

be our light in darkness, salvation in life, comfort in death,

and lead us in the straight way to everlasting life,

that we may praise you forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Bernard Albrecht, 1569-1636

The Westminster Collection of Christian Prayers, slightly modified

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Ephesians 4:1-3

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

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unite me with Yourself

October 29, 2020October 28, 2020 / Eric Mathews / Leave a comment

If only I possessed grace, good Jesus, to be utterly at one with you!

Amidst all the variety of worldly things around me, Lord,

the only thing I crave is unity with you.

You are all my soul needs.

Unite, dear friend of my heart, this unique little soul of mine

to your perfect goodness.

You are all mine; when shall I be yours?

Lord Jesus. my beloved, be the magnet of my heart;

clasp, press, unite me forever to your sacred heart.

You have made me for yourself;

make me one with you.

Absorb this tiny drop of life

into the ocean of goodness from whence it came.

Francis of Sales, 1567 – 1622, Counter-Reformation Bishop of Geneva

The Complete Book of Christian Prayer

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1 Corinthians 6:17

But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.

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Prayer for Election Time

October 27, 2020October 26, 2020 / Eric Mathews / 2 Comments

Heavenly Father
source of all truth and wisdom,

who knows and loves the whole creation,
watch over our nation at election time:
that truth may prevail over distortion,
wisdom triumph over recklessness
and the concerns of every person be heard.

Lord Jesus,
who chose the way of the cross in the Garden of Gethsemane,
help us to turn our backs on self interest
and to support policies that sustain the poor,

the vulnerable and the frightened people of this world.

Holy Spirit,
who brought understanding

among myriad peoples and languages at Pentecost,
give to all your people a passion for peace
and inspire us to work for unity and cooperation throughout the world

and in our political life together.

Lord, we give thanks for the privileges and responsibilities

of living in a democratic society.

Give us wisdom to play our part at election time,

that through the exercise of each vote,

your Kingdom may come closer.

Protect us from the sins of despair and cynicism,

guard us against the idols of false utopias

and strengthen us to make politics a noble calling

that serves the common good of all.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

Unboxed Worship, Box Hill Baptist Church, Australia

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1 Timothy 1:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

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