Litanies

A Litany of Intercession

Let us pray for our sisters and brothers in the human family whose suffering cries out for redress.

For the children who have no advocate to protect them from danger and exploitation

we pray to you, O God of compassion.

For the uprooted, the hunted, the refugees who face closed borders and closed minds

we pray to you, O God of mercy.

For the women and men, the children and the aged, who seek a place where they can live with dignity and security

we pray to you, O gracious God.

For those who are persecuted because of gender, ethnicity, and creed

we pray to you, O God of judgment and of mercy.

For the people of our own country who live in poverty and with the threat of violence

we pray to you, O God of the tender heart.

For those who pay with their lives the price of international debt

we pray to you, O righteous God.

For the persons crippled by land mines

we pray to you, O compassionate God.

For the people displaced by earthquake, fire, and storm

we pray to you, O creator God.

For the women who work to keep families together, to maintain community, and to end violence

we pray to you, O mothering God.

For the persons crippled by addictions

we pray to you, O healing God.

For persons filled with rage, who go through life blaming others for their own unhappiness

we pray to you, O redeeming God.

For those who pass by on the other sidewho in their self-absorption are untouched by the signs of human suffering

we pray to you, O God of judgment and of mercy.

Unison: O God of mercy and compassion, hear these our petitions on behalf of the people whose suffering cries out for our attention. Be a healing and re- deeming presence in their lives and make us instruments of your love as was he in whom we pray, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Litany for the Whole World

Leader: Creator God, we give you thanks for calling us as stewards. Open our eyes to the intricacies of creation. Help us feel the textures of the world. Unstop our ears that we may hear your word. Breathe into us the sweet aromas of life that we may taste the fruits of your promise even now.

People: Even now, O God, even in Africa.

Leader: Africa, where your church grows rapidly; where faith is exuberant; where a bright mosaic of culture shows the world the vibrancy of your love.

People: But where there is also pain, and famine, and thirst; where violent unrest and ethnic strife fill so many lives.

Leader: Help us to stand with those who suffer, to respond when we are called, to give in appropriate ways so that wells will not run dry, creeping deserts may be slowed, and the chains of despair may be re- moved. Help us, that your realm may be realized, even now.

People: Even now, O God, even in Asia.

Leader: Asia, so vast, so deeply rooted in tradi- tion; where your church is small but where religion is great. Gentle Asia,

beautiful Asia, troubled Asia.

People: God of wisdom, teach us respect. Help us learn from those who express their faith in different ways. Deepen our understanding of tradition and serenity, prayer and power. Help us discover new meanings of witness in this ancient land.

Leader: Awaken us to systemic issues that in- crease despair and prolong poverty. Guide us in responsible stewardship, that your reign may extend throughout the world, even now.

People: Even now, O God, even in the Middle East.

Leader: The Middle East, the cradle of the church, the birthplace of our Lord, the land we call holy; where the pain of the cross is so vivid; where the dry earth is watered by the tears of its children.

People: Show us again that we cannot feed the hungry with threats. We cannot quench thirst with religious intolerance. We cannot build for the future on sands of hatred.

Leader: Lift us above strife. Infuse us with mutual respect, that the captives might be freed; that the frightened might be comforted. Move us, Loving God, as you moved the stone from your son's tomb.

People: Even now, O God, even in Europe.

Leader: Europe, with its magnificent Christian heritage; where art, music and architec- ture inspire generations with the majesty of your gospel message.

People: Where dramatic change has brought poverty and violence, displacing whole communities into a desperate present and an uncertain future.

Leader: God of Grace, help us to trust in your eternal promise. Point us toward the pathway of peace. Lift up for us Jesus' prayer that all may be one, even now.

People: Even now, O God, even in Latin America.

Leader: Latin America, where your church struggles valiantly with the weak and the poor. In Latin America, where martyrs are made. In Latin America, so rich in the bounties of creation, so misused by outsiders. In Latin America, where we have made mistakes in your name.

People: Your servants in Latin America have taught us by example. Kindle within our hearts our own integrity of faith. Inspire within us a new sense of your church.

Leader: Make us aware that through such com- mitment your peace and justice will be revealed, not in some distant time and place, but right now, right here.

People: Here, O God, in North America, even here.

Leader: North America, where so much affluence hides so much poverty and disease. North America, the sometimes hollow land, with so much to give. Make us bold in your Spirit, but humble in our work. Help us assume the servant's role as Jesus did. Help us share our blessings as the Samaritan did. Help us put ourselves in others' shoes and sandals, and in the place of those who walk with bare and calloused feet.

Unison: Here, O God, and throughout the Earth, we are confident in your abiding care and pledge ourselves to a deepened commitment in your name. Amen.