As Christians, we acknowledge that we are disciples growing in our faith. We have a faith that seeks understanding, and so Emmanuel offers different opportunities for learning and growth beyond our Sunday services. From Bible studies to movie nights to spiritual practices, we seek to grow in our faith. So that we may be the hands and feet of Christ to the world that we meet.
Call to Prayer
(from This Far by Faith)
Please stand for the call to prayer.
Seek the Lord while he may be found.
Call upon God while he is near.
Wicked, forsake your ways!
Unrighteous, forsake your thoughts!
Come back to God.
Return to the Lord!
Come back to God.
Return to the Lord!
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Gracious Lord, by day and night we pour out our prayer to you. We are crying out for justice, yearning for what is right, longing for your peace. Come quickly to help us, O God; save all those who call upon your name.
Opening Prayer For Peace And Forgiveness (from the Contemporary Way of the Cross)
Joining with people of faith throughout the world, let us pray,
Loving God of all the earth, we pray for those who perpetrate injustices in the Holy Land, regardless of their motives; we pray that you will change their hearts and fill them with the spirit of mercy. Teach us all the pathways of peace and forgiveness. Spirit of comfort whose glory covers the face of our earth, comfort the oppressed, give shelter to those who have lost their homes, and let your peace dwell in every heart. With thankful hearts we pray in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Reading
Please be seated for the reading
Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah
and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom!
Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?
says the Lord;
I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.
When you come to appear before me, who asked this from your hand? Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation—
I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity.
Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates;
they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them.
When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers, I will not listen;
your hands are full of blood.
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your
doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek
justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.
Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow;
though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;
but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword;
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Litany for Peace in the Holy Land
Please remain seated or kneel as we pray the Litany for Peace in the Holy Land adapted from St. George's Cathedral, in Jerusalem.
Let us pray.
O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Grant us your peace
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the birth in Bethlehem of the Word made flesh, your Son, Jesus Christ; who dwelt among us full of grace and truth.
For your love and your goodness
We give you thanks, O God
We thank you for his life; his death in Jerusalem as he carried our sins and suffering, and for his glorious Resurrection in which he gave us new life with him.
For your love and your goodness
We give you thanks, O God
We thank you for entrusting to us the ministry of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace making for the healing of your creation.
For your love and your goodness
We give you thanks, O God
We pray for all victims of bloodshed, violence, and persecution. We especially pray for all in danger and those fleeing persecution in the Holy Land, and throughout the Middle East. Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry come unto you
We pray for all who grieve for those they have loved and lost as a result of violence, particularly those grieving in Palestine, Gaza, and Israel.
Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry come unto you
We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide all leaders, especially on those who lead the peoples in the Land of the Holy One, the United Nations and upon all in authority, so your people may seek ways of peace and justice.
Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry come unto you
Heavenly Father, we praise and glorify you. You are our only refuge in a troubled world. Lord, hear our prayer
And let our cry come unto you
As we enter in to prolonged silent prayer those who wish to come forward to light a candle as sign of our prayer for peace may do so. So let us now pray in silence for peace in the Holy Land.
Fifteen minutes of silent prayer for peace is kept.
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to us and the people of all the nations a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that all of your people may use their liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Jesus said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Trusting in God’s mercy let us remain in silent prayer as we await the assurance of Christ presence in Word and Sacrament.
Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Holy Land
On August 10th, we held a prayer vigil for peace in the Holy Land. While this was a response to a current crisis in the Holy Land, prayers for peace are always needed, for where there are people, there will be wars and rumors of wars. Please click this link for the vigil, which you can use at any time to pray for peace.