And the prayers

Apropos yesterday’s post, two prayers from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer also have recently shaped my prayers for the Church in troubled spots.

From the collect assigned to “Proper 13” (Sunday, August 3), note the highlighted portion especially:

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

And the prayer that ends morning devotions:

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sadly, it took me a couple of days into last week, praying the first collect, before I made the connection to praying it on behalf of the persecuted church. I find I can no longer pray the daily morning prayer routinely. I will not take for granted that I have been brought safely to any new day; and I pray that the church in Iraq will also be safe, and preserved, and overcome.