Vespers - 28 October 2018


(The Deluded): O LORD, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry; who sets the prisoners free; who opens the eyes of the blind; who lifts up those who are bowed down; who loves the righteous; who watches over the sojourners; who upholds the widow and the fatherless; but the way of the wicked you bring to ruin (Psalm 146.6-9): we pray for those who are deluded by others or self-deluded, and in their delusion are ravaging their families, breaking faith with their friends, vandalizing trust and love…open their blind eyes to see themselves for who they are and what they are doing that they may no longer fault others for their own failures, turn, confess their sins, and find you forgiving them and cleansing them of all unrighteousness. O Lord, hear our prayer. 

(The Heartbroken): We pray for those, who like Job, find themselves with broken hearts, crying out “why?!” and surrounded by those who will not or cannot understand. We pray for those who find their hearts broken because loved ones have betrayed them or violated their trust. We pray for those whose hearts are broken because of grief and loss...LORD, who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147.3), break through their dark clouds with the light of your face lifted upon them. Bring your favor to rest upon them, and aid them toward wholeness, and to rejoice in you and all of your goodness.  O Lord, hear our prayer. 

 (How to Aid): Mighty God, we often pray for you to do amazing things in peoples’ lives, and we know that is right and good, because you are the giver of all good things, you are the restorer of fortunes and fitness. Yet we also know that you have called us to often be instruments in your redeeming, rescuing hands. Help us to see clearly how we should engage the gifts and abilities you have enriched us with to aid others. We need thoughtful wisdom, we need discernment, and we need sensitivity. O God, help us, use us, lead us! O Lord, hear our prayer. 

(Others): Finally, Lord God, we pray for these with concern and longing,… answer our prayers, and show them and us your consideration and kindness. O Lord, hear our prayer.

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