Sunday, May 27, 2007
Offered by Alice M. Trowbridge, Associate Pastor

Everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being, you have made us for yourself, so that our hearts are restless until they rest in you. We thank you that we can come together as a community of the faithful and remember.

On this day of Pentecost, we rejoice in remembering the birth of the church. The fire of your Spirit, which unified a people and awakened a community, may that same fire be ignited and sustained in us this day; may your Holy Spirit renew, cleanse, revitalize us as we seek to further the goals of your kingdom in the world.

We remember as your people gathered from near and far on the day of Pentecost and, though speaking in different languages, understood one another; may we, filled with your Holy Spirit, develop a deeper understanding of each other, beyond all the barriers that threaten to divide.

Bless the leaders of all nations and ours, that decisions be made with your guidance and that we will be brought into closer, peaceful relations with all the nations of the world. And may those who lead be those who do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.

On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember in love and gratitude those who have given their lives for our freedom. May their service renew our commitment to serve you and to stand for the truths you invite us to proclaim. Revive in us an attentiveness to do your will, that our lives might be a testament to your justice and peace.

We remember and pray for all your people for whom this day proves difficult—those who suffer, those who grieve; grant each one strength, courage, and a quiet mind to receive your comfort and to trust in your everlasting promises.

We thank you for your love for all creation and for us, for your Holy Spirit that sustains us and holds us up even when we stumble or grow weary. Bless us, we pray, and make us joyful in our walk of faith, that we may love with your love, and not keep count of what we have given. Grant us the mind of Christ, who did not grasp at greatness but emptied himself to become a servant of your kingdom, for it is in his name that we humbly pray, offering in one voice the words he taught his disciples to say when we’re together,

Our Father . . . 

Litany of Remembrance for Memorial Day

Lord, on this day when we remember those who have sacrificed, those who have fought and died, and all who have suffered the tragedies of war, hear us as we bring our petitions to you.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Let us remember the courage, devotion to duty, and the self-sacrifice of the men and women who have served our armed forces in the past and those who serve today.
Let us remember their loved ones, those who wait at home for the safe return of friends and family.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Let us remember those who have died and those who grieve for them.
Let us remember those who were wounded in the fight, and those who are buried at sea or in some corner of a foreign field.
Let us remember those who were our enemies and have suffered the same fate.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Let us remember that you are a God of forgiveness, a God of justice, a God of righteousness, and a God of peace.
Let us remember that your purposes for us are good, that you gave Jesus Christ to lead us into paths of holiness, that you call us to reconciliation and cooperation with those who are different from us.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Let us remember that we are called to be a people of thoughtfulness, a people of freedom, and a people of peace.
Let us remember that peace involves sacrifice, that abundant life comes from giving of ourselves, that in risking our own security we can open the door to new days of peace with our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Let us remember the Lordship of Christ.
Let us remember God’s purposes in history.
Let us remember that our God is the Lord of all nations, and not ours alone.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

They shall not grow old
as we that are left grow old;
age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning,
we will remember them.
Amen.

Portions of the Litany of Remembrance come from the Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland and the Confession of 1967 of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church