Let Us Pray + especially for Peace

 May 4, 2021
Let Us Pray +  for Peace
 
A Litany for the Restoration of Peace in the Holy Land, Part 1

God of peace, we pray for the people of Palestine and Israel
in these perilous and dangerous times.
For all who fear for the safety of their loved ones and themselves, we pray that the assurance of unfailing love,
even in the midst of danger, settles upon them.
Shelter them from despair and protect them from harm.
For all who are wounded, we pray they find healing.
For all who have died, we pray they find rest.
For all who grieve, we pray they find comfort.
For leaders on all sides, we pray for a renewed will to lay down arms, for the strength to put the grievances and wrongs suffered by their people to rest, and for the conviction to embrace a path of reconciliation and peace that preserves the rights and dignity of all of your children.
 
– American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

www.afedj.org
 
Dear Hearts,
      Bishop Laura Ahrens shared this Litany with fellow participants in the Episcopal Church in CT's 2019 Holy Land Pilgrimage.  I'm returning the favor by passing it along to you.
     The heart breaks to see and read about violence in the holy sites and neighborhoods where we walked about so freely as pilgrims: The desecration of people and places moves one to prayer and to action.  Fortunately, we have a partner organized for both in the Connecticut-based American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.  AFEDJ offers support of information, prayers and funds for the hospitals, schools and training programs of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.  Learn more at their website:  www.afedj.com
    
Let us also pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers:
All who are ill, including
Craig L, Carol U, Maureen S, Eugenia, Ann S, Elizabeth,
Jim R, Kevin and Danielle;  
and for all who are contending with Covid-19 disease;
for medical caregivers ministering of God's healing gifts;
and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic.
May they all know the healing power of
Christ's presence and love.
 
Prayers of thanksgiving for all those who weeded and mulched
this weekend, including Alicia Bacon, Beth Brause,
Jon Brunetti, Bet Cummiskey, Katherine Frydenborg, Mardee Moore, Diana Stoval,
and for our sexton's friend Justin who volunteered to finish up.
Thank you for tasks that delight us,
and involve us in the witness of your church.

And prayers for the repose Alphonse Ferraro, 
and all who have died,
including the over 586,000 of our fellow citizens
claimed by the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.

Please also continue to pray for Amy B, Virginia, Sonny P, Alex M. Maryanne M,  Diane L, Jason, Peter, Dale, Buster, Jimmy C, Patrick and family, Felipe, Richard D, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S,  Michael M,  Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H,  Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Michael S, Joanne N-R,  Madeline H, and Kelly G,
Also: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, and Olivia;
Please also remember:  St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti)
To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share.  Names will move to the longer term list upon request.  

Our discussions of  Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's latest book, continues Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Bishop Curry writes of love in action, just as surely as did the writer of the Letter of John that we've read on Sundays.  In the chapter 10, Bishop Curry is amazingly candid about how he came to a new understanding for the Care of Creation as part of God's work of reconciliation.

Wednesday's Order for Evening will offer readings, hymns and prayers for this Ascension-tide fortnight and for peace. Thelivestream of the service will start just before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford.
 
Thursday Bible Study continues May 20 at 9:30a.m. as we follow the Israelites journey in the wilderness.  Join the conversation via this Eastertide Zoom code.  There are no prerequisites or homework! 

The Day of Pentecost:  Our youngsters have already recorded their telling of the  Pentecost story for this Sunday, May 23.  In solidarity with them, this Sunday's 10a.m. service, with sung music, will continue to be livestreamed viafacebook.com/cecguilford .
     Looks like there's lovely weather in store for our 1p.m. service of in-person Prayers in the Garden again this Sunday..
     Please remember, the church is accessible via the driveway door between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily for quiet time, likely alone.
 
A Litany for the Restoration of Peace the Holy Land, Part 2

God of mercy, help us to remember there is no border that can separate us from your great love and protection,
no stone that can sound the well of your deep mercy.
God of justice, we pray with hopeful hearts that your beloved children of the Holy Land will be spared
a future of sustained violence and unrest and
that a recognition of the humanity of all people will prevail.
We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
 
– American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

www.afedj.org
 
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector