The Episcopal / Anglican tradition has provided a rich resource, accessible to all traditions, in the Book of Common Prayer and Liturgy which is saturated with Scripture and provides excellent resources to guide us in our prayers. The following pastoral prayer, offered during CPC's services on Sunday, July 14, 2013, is an adaptation of several prayers from the Anglican tradition. Enjoy.
Gracious Father, in our creeds we affirm that we believe in one, holy, catholic or universal church. We pray for your church around the world, the people that you call your bride. Fill her, fill us, with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where we are corrupt, purify us; where we are in error, direct us; where in any thing us is amiss, reform us. Where we are right, strengthen us; where we are in want, provide for us; where we are divided, reunite us. We also pray that your kingdom would come, and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. May this also be so, Father. Everything in heaven and earth is your kingdom, Lord. There is not a single square inch in the universe that you do not look at and declare, “Mine!” Demonstrate your ownership over everything, Father. Heal the sick, according to your will. Strengthen the weak. Liberate the oppressed. Minister to those in prison. Feed the hungry. Lift up the poor. Hold and comfort the lonely, and put the lonely in families, in your family, Father. As for those of us who are your family, Father, fill us with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and godliness. Knit us together as your daughters and sons, and as brothers and sisters to one another. Lastly, Father, we remember that we are not only loved by you, and knit to each other…we are also your ambassadors to the world, called by you to follow Christ in His mission of loving people, places, and things to life. This being true, Father, we join millions of your children around the world asking this on our own behalf: Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns forever with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
