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Whether in a moment of crisis or in the face of systemic injustice, Christian communities are called to respond. Our faith coupled with the way we pray and worship shows us how to serve one another, to act justly, and to walk humbly with God (see Micah 6:8). Prayer Services for Times of Need provides completely prepared liturgies of the Word for faith communities seeking to come together to pray and act in light of a specific incident or in response to a prevalent issue. Each service is found on a supplemental website so that you may print and place in a ritual binder. The services may be used as a model and adapted for particular circumstances unique to your community. They are intended to help your communities heal during trying times and focus with hope on the Lord’s compassionate love.
Written with compassion and care by noted theologians and pastoral liturgists, the included prayer services include:
- Music suggestions
- Recommendations for Scripture readings
- Texts for ordained and lay presiders
- Rubrics and prayers (such as introductions to the services, tropes for the Penitential Act, opening and closing prayers, intercessions)
- Preaching points
- Ideas for ritual adaptations (such as inclusion of a Lucernarium, Penitential Act, Litany of Saints, or sprinkling rite)
- Guidance for liturgical ministers
The included prayer services will help you respond to local, national, and global concerns such as:
- Respect for Life
- Racism
- Acts of Hate
- Gun Violence
- Natural Disasters and Environmental Issues
- Times of War or Military Action
- Poverty and Economic Hardship
- Human Dignity and Human Rights
- Immigration
- Sexual Assault, Domestic Abuse, and Abuse in the Church
- And other needs
In addition to the prayer services found in this book, additional prayer services are availablle for download on a supplemental website.
