Prayer Reflecting on the Shooting in Las Vegas, October 1

Guard us, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
preserve us from violent men. Psalm 140

O Lord, you know the minds of all,
and your plans are often hidden from us.
But you have given us this promise:
“For those who love God all things work together for good,
for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
We cry out to you,
calm the rage of all who plan evil.
Heal the wounded.
Comfort those who mourn.
Strengthen those who serve.
Draw us closer to you.
Move our hearts to love and mercy,
and our actions to compassion and service.
Remind us all that
“the present form of this world is passing away,” (1 Corinthians 7:31)
and that around your throne,
Good Shepherd,
you will wipe every tear from our eyes. (Revelation 7:17)
Amen.

© 2017 Paul C. Stratman
on A Collection of Prayers

St. Michael and All Angels

The Christian Church remembers God’s servants, the angels, on September 29. The festival is called “St. Michael and All Angels” because Michael is described in Scripture as the mighty prince or general over all the angels. See Daniel 12:1 and Revelation 12:7.

O Lord, King Eternal,
send us your holy angels
to defend us in both soul and body.
Just as you have called us to share with them
the blessedness of the world to come,
may we follow their example
and do your will on earth as it is done in heaven;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Source: Freely modified from Mozarabic Collects, ed. Rev. Chas. R. Hale, New York, 1881, p. 45 #3 (St. Michael and All Angels, September 29)

“send us your holy angels to defend us in both soul and body” is a reference to Psalm 91:11

“you have called us to share with them the blessedness of the world to come” may be a reference to Luke 20:36

“and do your will on earth as it is done in heaven” is a reference to Matthew 6:10

“their example and do your will on earth as it is done in heaven” in the 1888 translation is rendered “the example of their obedience, and delight to do Thy pleasure.” The wording above was chosen to make the allusion to the Lord’s Prayer more obvious.

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St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

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On September 21, the Christian Church remembers St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. He was also known as Levi, son of Alphaeus. He was a tax collector, someone the Jews at the time would have regarded as a thief and a traitor. Matthew’s Gospel is written for Jewish readers, quoting the Old Testament and emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy.

O Lord Jesus Christ,
in your great goodness
you called Matthew the tax collector
to be your apostle and evangelist.
Give us the power to withstand temptation,
turn from all the temptations of the world,
and follow you without delay;
through your mercy, O our God,
you are blessed,
and live and govern all things,
now and forever.
Amen.

Source: Mozarabic, from The New Mozarabic Collects, #94

 

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Pentecost 15

O almighty God, our heavenly Father,
renew in us the gifts of your mercy,
increase our faith, strengthen our hope,
enlighten our understanding,
enlarge our charity,
and make us ever ready to serve you,
both in body and soul;
through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
Amen.

Source: Mozarabic Collect for Trinity 14, The New Mozarabic Collects, #66

 

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The Gates of Hell Will Not Prevail

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O God,
you promised
that you would be with your Church
to the end of the age,
and that the gates of hell
will never prevail
against the apostolic confession.
Make your strength perfect in our weakness,
and keep your divine promise
and be present with your weakest members.
Give each of us what we ask,
as it pleases you,
guard us from the attacks of all our enemies,
and assure us with your presence.

Source: Leonine Sacramentary, Bright’s Ancient Collects, p. 97.2,  The New Ancient Collects, #322.

 

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Prayer for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

O God,
you are the well of life,
and in your light we shall see light.
When we thirst, give us living water
and enlighten our darkened minds with heavenly light;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Amen. [64]

Source: Mozarabic Rite, from The New Mozarabic Collects, [64] (Trinity 12)

 

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A Wedding Table Prayer

The Wedding of Cana by James Tissot

O dearest Lord Jesus Christ,
you joined a happy couple
at the feast at the wedding of Cana,
and by simply saying, “Fill the jars with water,”
you blessed them with the very best wine.
You revealed your glory,
and your disciples put their faith in you.
Because of your promise
about where two or three gather in your name,
we know you have also joined us today
for the wedding of Renata and Eric.
We pray, in your grace and mercy,
bless them also with your very best.
Reveal your glory to them in Word, Sacrament,
and in the many blessings you give them all their lives.
Always bring them closer to you,
and closer to one another
in the bonds of your love.
Your heavenly Father
is the giver of every good and perfect gift,
and in your name we give him thanks
for the food we are about to receive;
for you live and reign
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God,
now and forever.
Amen.

Source: Specially composed prayer for the wedding reception of Renata C. Stratman and Eric Cook, September 2, 2017. © 2017 Paul C. Stratman.

A Benediction

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May our Lord + Jesus Christ
be near you to defend you,
within you to refresh you,
around you to preserve you,
before you to guide you,
behind you to justify you,
above you to bless you;
and the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Source: 10th Century manuscript, from The New Ancient Collects, #575, (Bright’s Ancient Collects, p. 193.3)

In Bright’s Ancient Collects, this was printed as a prayer with this ending:

…above you to bless you;
who lives and reigns
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.

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