When I said, at the opening of worship on Sunday, that I wasn’t quite sure how to go about leading the service in light of the United States and Israel having attacked Iran on Saturday, I was being honest. Not even sure where to start, really.
Sometimes we’re left without words. And in some of those situations, it’s fine – maybe even best – to remain silent. That can be an honest prayer posture. In other situations we borrow words. From Scripture. Hymns. Prayers. People we look up to; people we know. (Not sure there is such a thing as plagiarism when borrowed words are directed to God?)
I offer these prayers from the most recent version (2019) of the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer:
For the Peace of the World Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Civil Authorities Almighty God, our heavenly Father, send down on those who hold public office, especially in the governments of our own nation, Israel, Iran and the other countries of the Middle East, the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well‑being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Those Who Inform Public Opinion Almighty God, your truth endures from age to age: Direct in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may speak your truth to make the heart of this people wise, its mind discerning, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Those in the Armed Forces Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Our Enemies O God, the 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 in Jesus Christ; in whose Name we pray. Amen.
May we pray with whatever words we can find, and even if we don’t have words and our prayer, like the Quakers, is stillness waiting on God, may we stay constantly in prayer.
In faith and courage,
Michael
