2020 has definitely provided many reasons to lament. Father Taylor Albright wrote a special prayer for lament, based on Psalm 13, that was prayed on August 23, 2020. Please feel free to join us in this prayer.
Litany of Lament in the Time of Coronavirus Based on Psalm 13 - a psalm of lament Written by Father Taylor Albright Trinity Episcopal Church, Tariffville, Connecticut ©August 23, 2020 All, together: Out of the depths have we called to you, O Lord; Lord, hear our voice; let your ears consider well the voice of our supplication. Lector/Celebrant: Holy and gracious God, Creator of all that is, we humbly bend the knees of our hearts as we make this prayer to you. All: How long, O Lord? Will you forget us forever? How long will you hide your face from us? Lector/Celebrant: Lord, you have demonstrated the extent of your love for this world you have made in sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to come among us, to show us a holy life, and to give himself as an atonement for our sins on the cross. This morning we bring before you the pain and loss the coronavirus has caused. In your great compassion, hear our prayer. All: How long shall we have perplexity in our minds, and grief in our hearts, day after day? How long shall our enemies triumph over us? Lector/Celebrant: We have suffered, Lord, from the lethal effects of this disease. 790,000 people have died throughout the world, 175,000 people in our country, 4,500 people in our state. Mothers, sisters, grandmothers, dads, grandfathers, brothers, friends. Real people who became very sick and could not be saved. We grieve the loss of every life. All: Look upon us and answer us, O Lord our God; give light to our eyes, lest we sleep in death. Lector/Celebrant: Millions have lost jobs and businesses have closed. Many cannot pay their rent or meet their mortgages. And others have struggled to buy the food they need. We have been unable to visit those whom we love while they suffer in hospitals and care facilities. So many are isolated and alone. All: Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” and my foes rejoice that I have fallen. Lector/Celebrant: We grieve the loss of a regular week, at school at work, and at church. We grieve the loss of graduations and weddings, being close to family and friends, vacations and gathering for support at critical moments like burials and wakes. We miss church as we once knew it. We ache to be able to gather to sing and worship, to receive Communion and healing prayer, to shake hands and hug, to enjoy being together as a community. All: We cry out, How long , O Lord, how long? But we put our trust in your mercy; Our own hearts are joyful because of your saving help. Lector/Celebrant: In your great mercy, rise up, O Lord, and heal our world. Comfort and heal those who are sick, strengthen those who are afraid, and help us to reach out to everyone who is alone. Give refreshment and new energy to those who labor day and night in hospitals, labs, nursing homes, and those who provide emergency medical care. Protect all those whose work puts them at risk: in supermarkets, warehouses, gas stations; who work as cleaners and servers, drivers, and those who deliver to our doors. Protect hospital chaplains, counselors, 12 Step supporters, and clinicians. All: We will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt with us richly; We will praise the Name of the Lord Most High. Lector/Celebrant: We know we are not forgotten, and that you are faithful to the promises you have made. We know that, even in our despair, you are with us and working to restore the whole creation to yourself. We trust you, Lord, and we will follow where your Spirit leads. All: Awaken us to your call to serve, even now. Lector/Celebrant: Praise to God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth. All: God’s mercy endures forever. Lector/Celebrant: Praise to God the Son, Redeemer of the world. All: God's mercy endures forever. Lector/Celebrant: O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful, All: Have mercy upon us. Lector/Celebrant: O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God, All: Have mercy upon us. Lector/Celebrant: May the almighty and merciful God accept the prayers of God’s people, and strengthen us to do God’s will. Amen.
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