When the crisis has run its course, I'll be organizing a women's and men's team to bring regular spiritual support into the jail itself. That's been in the works for some weeks, but is obviously impossible at present. Our intention, though, is to sit face to face, to pray spirit to spirit, and to experience the companionship of faith in a ministry of presence. As my Muslim friends say, "Inshallah!"
Opening Petitions:
Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.
Christ, in your mercy, hear my prayer.
Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.
Beatitudes of Jesus:
Blessed are you poor in spirit, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you who mourn, for you will be comforted.
Blessed are you who are meek, for the earth will be yours.
Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for justice, for justice will be yours.
Blessed are you merciful ones, for you will receive mercy upon mercy.
Blessed are you who are pure of heart, for you will perceive God in all things.
Blessed are you who make peace and seek peace everyday, for indeed you are the
children of God.
Turn to God's grace in the flowers of the field.
Seek God's face among the birds of the air.
Be not anxious for fancy clothes or rich foods.
But seek first the path of justice and love.
And let your light shine bright! And let your witness be bold!
For yours is the kingdom of heaven!
Prayer for Spirit:
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
I invite you to hold, in your heart, the women and men who seek prayer, who seek support, you seek connection this morning through this gathering of spirit. You do not know their names: but you can welcome them into your homes, into your hearts and into your prayers. These sisters and brothers bear the anxieties of the present moment in a particularly challenging and isolated way. Let us receive them now as friends, as neighbors and as children of God.
Prayers of the Church:
For the women who are serving time at the jail in Dover: that their hearts might be strengthened by your love, that their hope might be kindled by deep faith, and that they might be healthy and well in every way.
Loving One, Spirit of Life, hear our prayers today.
For the men who are serving time at the jail in Dover: that their hearts might be strengthened by your love, that their hope might be kindled by deep faith, and that they might be healthy and well in every way.
Loving One, Spirit of Life, hear our prayers today.
For the loved ones, spouses, partners and children of those in jail: that they might be comforted by your abiding presence, that they might find courage for the support they offer, and that they might be healthy and well in every way.
Loving One, Spirit of Life, hear our prayers today.
For detainees seeking safety and opportunity as immigrants and refugees: that they might experience your guiding light and wisdom, that they might receive the assistance that all your children deserve. and they might be healthy and well in every way.
Loving One, Spirit of Life, hear our prayers today.
The Petitions and Requests of Friends:
We pause now to listen--with our hearts and faith--for the special concerns offered by women and men at the Strafford County Jail. We are mindful of their presence, thankful for their trust and determined to hold their concerns in a sacred and loving space. Let us pause to listen.
Response in Song:
Swing low, sweet chariot, comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot, comin' for to carry me home
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see,
Comin' for to carry me home?
A band of angels comin' after me,
Comin' for to carry me home.
The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever. Amen.
Blessing:
Dear friends, know this hour, this day, that you are not alone.
In good times and bad, in illness and in health, you are God's child,
and you belong now and always to God.
So may God bless you and keep you,
may God's face shine brightly upon you today,
and may God look upon you with kindness and peace,
now and always.
Amen.
