September 20

Lord, remember all for good. Have mercy on all, O God. Remember all who are in any affliction, trouble, or agony, who stand in need of your mercy and help, all who are in need or distress, all who love or hate us.

You, Lord, are the Helper of the helpless, the Hope of the hopeless, the Savior of all who are tossed with tempests, the Harbor of those who sail. Be All to all. May the kindness of the Lord our God rest upon us. Establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands. Lord, stay within me to strengthen me, beside me to keep me, above me to protect me, beneath me to uphold me, before me to direct me, behind me to keep me from straying, round about me to defend me. Blessed are you, Lord our Father, forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Lancelot Andrewes (1555–1626), revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

Prayers Ancient Made Modern (annotated) is available in print and on Amazon Kindle through Amazon.com.

Based on Prayers Ancient and Modern originally selected and arranged by Mary Wilder Tileston, 1897. Now in public domain.

This edition, Prayers Ancient Made Modern, revised by Paul C. Stratman, copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.

Reprinted from Prayers Ancient Made Modern, copyright © 2024 Paul C. Stratman.

After a Fire

Gracious Father,
you give your angels charge over your children
to keep them in all their ways
and protect them from danger.
Give healing and recovery
to those who were injured
or suffered losses in yesterday’s fire.
Comfort those who mourn.
Keep us and our homes from all danger.
Continue to protect and support
the fire and rescue workers
who help and protect us.
You alone, O Lord, give all deliverance and protection.

Source: Paul C. Stratman, April 8, 2018

The fire was in an apartment building only a few blocks from our church.

http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/local/firefighters-working-to-account-for-all-residents-in-beaver-dam/article_4369fcdc-d610-5f1b-acc2-7f06cb5dc75b.html