Saturday, April 17, 2010

Little Litany

William Ramier wrote
at 10:28pm
I found that each of the prayers in the the BAS were missing something; so, I decided to write a litany for my own use, borrowing heavily from the BCP. I think it still needs some touching up. I'll share it with you here:

Little Litany
(In peace let us pray to God saying, “Father, in your mercy, hear our prayer.”)

For Your Holy Catholic Church, fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it. Where it is in error, direct it. Where any thing is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen and confirm it. Where it is divided and rent asunder, make it whole again.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the unity of all Christian people, regard not our sins, but the faith of Your Church. Grant unto it that peace and unity which is agreeable to Your will.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the extension of the Church, grant that all peoples of the world may feel after You and find You. And, hasten, O Lord, the fulfilment of Your Promise to pour out Your Spirit on all flesh.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the conversion of the unbelievers, look we beseech You, upon the faithless (especially... Ns said in silence). Open their hearts that they may see and confess the Lord Jesus to be Your Son and their true Messiah, and, believing, they may have life through His Name. Take away all pride and prejudice in us that may hinder their understanding of the Gospel, and hasten the time when all will be saved.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the increase of the ministry, we beseech You, Almighty God, to call many to the ministry of Your Church. And, to those whom you call give Your grace that they may hear and answer Your voice.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the Queen, we humbly beseech You to use and govern the heart ELIZABGETH Your servant , our Queen and Governor, that in all her thoughts, words, and works, she may ever seek Your honour and glory, and study to preserve Your people committed to her charge, in wealth, peace, and godliness.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the Queen’s Forces, stretch forth, we pray, Your almighty arm to strengthen and protect the Queen’s forces in every peril of sea, and land, and air. Shelter them in the day of battle, and ever keep them safe from all evil. Endue them with loyalty and courage, and grant that in all things they may serve as seeing You who are invisible.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the industries of this land, prosper our brethren who maintain the industries of this land, and give to all who labour pride in their work, a just reward for their labours, and joy both in supplying need and in serving You.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those in Anxiety, regard with Your tender compassion those in anxiety and distress (especially...), bear their sorrows and their cares. Supply all their manifold needs, and help both them and us to put our whole trust and confidence in You.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For travellers; preserve, we beseech You, all who travel by land, water, or air (especially...); surround them with Your loving care. Protect them from every danger, and bring them in safety to their journey’s end.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the sick and suffering: We beseech You to hear our prayers for Your servant N., for whom we implore Your mercy, that by our blessing upon them and upon those who minister to them of Your healing gifts, (s)he may be restored, according to Your gracious will, to health of body and mind, and give thanks to You in Your Holy Church.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

For our many blessings, help us to recognize how truly blessed we are. And, forgive us we beseech You when we do not.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect us from harm and evil, and guide us with Your Holy Spirit to follow your plan for us. Allow us to not resist You working through us, and to see our Lord in others.

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we humbly ask these things in the name of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Even more on judging.

William Ramier wrote
at 8:27pm
I am so sick of being told that I'm not part of the body because I'm an ear and not a mouth. I just want to scream and pull my hair out. I know I have a splinter in my eye; that's exactly why I need Jesus. Whatever happened to judge not lest ye be judged? Our faith should unite us, not drive a wedge between us. We are all united in Christ (Ephesians 4:5); there is only one faith. Jesus said that whoever is not against us is for us; but, apparently if you don't go to the "right" church, you aren't "saved". I'm told that your church doesn't save you, it's your relationship with God; yet, my church "doesn't have the Spirit", and apparently neither do I. Again, how can you judge a fellow servant of the Master? Being a member of a traditional Church, I find it ironic that coming from a Church with "too many rules" I'm told that I have to do certain things (e.g. be drunk in the Spirit) to earn salvation (or at the very least to show that I am saved). There are many gifts of the Spirit. To you would be evangelists, by all means evangelize. Spread the word! But, please, please, do not judge.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Be Still!

William Ramier wrote at 10:36pm
BE STILL AND KNOW I AM GOD.
Taken from the 46th Psalm.