“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Eternal God, the source of our hope in all things, we pray together for our country that we love. 

We pray for a safe and orderly transition of power as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are inaugurated as President and Vice-President of the United States.

We pray for all who were traumatized, harmed and hurt in violence of the January 6 insurrection. We pray for the families of those who died. We pray for change of heart in those whose words and actions caused chaos, damage, wounding and death. Intervene, we pray, in the lives of those who persist in threat and violence.

We pray for public servants working for the safety of all. We pray for members of Congress, for those continuing, for those newly elected and for those departing. May our constant prayers sustain those elected to lead. Give them strength for the work ahead as they work to unite and lead our country in this time of great need. We pray earnestly for a spirit of cooperation for the greater good of all.

We continue to pray for healing through Jesus Christ, our Great Physician. As the pandemic continues, we pray for the bereaved, for the ill, for the aged and the young, for the fearful and the courageous, for workers who serve us seen and unseen. We pray for the medical and public health community as vaccinations are offered equitably with urgency. We pray for wisdom in gathering and in guarding the health of all our neighbors.

Through the Holy Spirit, grant to us the mind of Christ as we listen, learn, and lead day by day in this time of great need and of great opportunity. Amen.

-Bishop Ward