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This worship resource comes from Esther Epp-Thiessen, MCC Canada's Peace
Ministries coordinator.
In the wake of the events of this past week in the United States, Mennonite
Central Committee Canada calls on congregations in Canada to offer special prayers
for peace when they gather for worship on Sunday, September 16, 2001. You may
light a candle and pause for several seconds at the end of each portion of each
prayer.
Scriptures:
Psalm 46
Matthew 5:1-11
John 14: 27
Romans 12:15, 18
Prayer #1
God of Love and of Life,
Our hearts are heavy with the events of this past week. For most of us, the
death and destruction that we have witnessed is much closer than we have ever
known before. We remember our American sisters and brothers in their time of suffering.
We name those things that lie on our hearts.
We grieve:
- for individuals killed or wounded in the attacks
- for people who have lost family members, friends, co-workers, neighbours
- for those whose loved ones are as yet unaccounted for
- for those who will live with ongoing emotional trauma
- for emergency workers and all others whose energies will have been taxed to
the extreme
All: In your mercy, hear our prayers.
We are angered:
- by those who planned and carried out these devastating attacks
- by those who hold such low regard for the human life that you have created
All: In your mercy, hear our prayers.
We are fearful:
- that there may be further violence and counter-violence
- that whole groups of people may be scapegoated for the actions of a few
- that suddenly the world seems a much less safe place
All: In your mercy, hear our prayers.
We remember:
- that for many people around the world, terror and violence are daily fare
- that all people are your children and our brothers and sisters
- that you call us to special concern for the poor, the oppressed, the exploited
- that you call us to love even our enemies
All: In your mercy, hear our prayers.
We pray:
- that U.S. leaders may exercise restraint and caution in any response
- that all groups who resort to violent means may turn from their ways
- that we ourselves may witness more faithfully and boldly to your way of peace,
both near and far
All: In your mercy, hear our prayers.
We affirm:
- our trust in you, the God of Love, and Jesus, the Prince of Peace
- our commitment to Your way of peace and nonviolence
All: We pray this in the name of your son, Jesus. Amen.
Prayer #2
God, our refuge and strength,
We call upon you at this time of great tragedy and suffering.
We lift up to you our American sisters and brothers in their time of grief.
We pray for those whose loved ones have died or are missing –
that they may be comforted in their mourning.
We pray for those who plan and carry out such acts of violence –
that they may repent and turn from their ways.
We pray for government leaders -
that they may exercise caution and restraint in responding to acts of terror.
We pray for brothers and sisters around the world who may fear retaliation
–
that they might be safe and secure.
We pray for ourselves –
that we may more boldly and faithfully proclaim your peace, justice and reconcilation
to the world.
In the name of your son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
Amen.
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