Vespers - 4 October 2020

 

For husbands and wives, we pray. May the husbands recall and focus on living with their wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with them of the grace of life, and that their prayers may not be hindered (1 Peter 3:7). Also, that the wives would be subject to their husbands (and may we men be worth it!) with respect and pure conduct, clothed with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:1-6). Reclaim those marriages where the fault lines are beginning to form under the various loads and strains (…). O Lord, hear our prayer. 

For heath and recovery, we pray. Almighty God, who judges the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity, look upon your servants (Mr. Trump, his wife, and others…). Lift up their hearts, sustain their healing, give rest and refreshment to them body and soul, and grant them a speedy recovery. And during this time, as they feel the aches and discomfort, may they reflect more on you, your mercy and grace, than on their own ailment. Draw them close to you, that they may show themselves joyful unto the Lord, singing, rejoicing and giving thanks. O Lord, hear our prayer. 

For the joy of receiving each day as a gift, we pray. It is too easy to think that our own technical skill or goodness or diet or wealth or whatever, has earned us this day and this life. Yet, it is in you that we live and move and have our being, and you who gives to all life and breath and being (Acts 17:24-28). Instead of taking it all for granted, may we receive it grateful and gladhearted. O Lord, hear our prayer. 

For this upcoming election, and the campaigning going on, we pray. Bless us with discerning hearts, discriminating ears, astute minds, and sharp reasoning, that we may filter out the slander, name calling, misinformation, and braggadocio, and vote as rightly as we, frail, finite, and fickle humans can. And may we be gracious to all who we disagree with and who disagree with us. O Lord, hear our prayer.