Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Collect for Martin Luther King, Jr;
Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite hymn “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” was beautifully sung a cappella for us by Marguerite and Pamela.
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near,
When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall:
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand:
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
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Prayers of the People
Gathering our hearts and minds, let us offer God the words of our hearts, saying: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the church pray for those who serve, those who pray, those who fear to enter its doors.
On the Diocesan Cycle we pray for the churches named for St. Paul in North Kingstown, Pawtucket, and our own church in Portsmouth. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for clergy: for bishops, priests and deacons. For lay worship leaders, lay leaders, lay visitors, servers and all who seek to follow where God leads.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all the responders who are helping with the result of the winds and fires in California, who are working for justice and peace throughout the world, and, and we pray, for those who seek to serve this nation in various offices, that all who serve be guided by your Spirit of fairness, justice, and mercy.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our communities. Pray for those who work late shifts and long hours, for those who have no possibility of employment; for those who hunger for food: for those who respond to emergencies and those who keep doors open.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the needs of all the world's people; for good and strong leaders and for responsive politicians who turn their energies and hearts toward solutions that provide lasting peace, adequate resources, and safety for all people.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: we humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We pray for those who are anxious and depressed: for those who are addicted; those who are weary; for those who are sick and suffering; for those who are waiting for diagnosis and those who are living with a negative diagnosis. We pray for those on our prayer list. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the dying; pray for those who wait to meet their savior and for those who mourn the loss of them. Bring all souls into the loving embrace of your angels and into the light of your kingdom.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We offer all these prayers with confidence in you, Father of all; and you, Son who came among us; and you, Spirit who flows in us, and throughout the world.
Amen.