THOU in Whose hand are the hearts of Thy children, shed abroad Thy peace upon the world. By the might of Thy Holy Spirit quench the pride, and anger, and greediness, which cause man to strive against man, and people against people. Lead all nations in the ways of mutual help and good will, and hasten the time when all the world shall confess Thee for its Savior and King. Amen. WE bring before Thee, O Lord, the troubles and perils of people and nations, the sighing of prisoners and captives, the sorrows of the bereaved, the necessities of strangers, the helplessness of the weak, the despondency of the weary, the failing powers of the aged. O Lord, draw near to each; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.-St. Anselm, 1033-1086. THOU who art the hope of all the ends of And of those who are far off upon the sea, O Thou Preserver of men, who lovest all Thy children: Remember all our race. For all have sinned and come short of the knowledge of God. Have pity, Lord, on all. For Thou willest not the death of a sinner, But that all should turn to Thee and live. O Thou who didst die and rise again To be Lord, both of the dead and the living: O Helper of the helpless, O Refuge for the oppressed, O great Rock casting a shadow in a weary land, O Covert from the storm, O Refuge in the times of trouble: Remember all who are in necessity, All who need Thy succor. O Lord of the Harvest: Send forth laborers made sufficient by Thee Into Thy harvest. O King of Nations unto the ends of the earth: Strengthen all the kingdoms and states of the whole world, As being Thy. ordinance, for so Thou hast created man. Scatter the people that delight in war. Make wars to cease unto the ends of the earth. The Lord bless us and keep us; The Lord make his face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us: The Lord lift up his countenance upon us and give us peace. Amen. Bishop Andrewes, 1555-1626. |