Good evening Children of God,
Please see the following press release from the ELCA about tomorrow, June 1st, being a national day of mourning:
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ELCA presiding bishop calls on church to observe national day of mourning
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has called on the church to join with faith communities across the United States in lament and remembrance, and on our elected leaders to observe Monday, June 1, as a day of mourning to honor the more than 100,000 people who have died from COVID-19.
“I encourage all of us in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to join together across faith lines in this time of collective mourning,” Eaton said. “This weekend our Jewish neighbors will remember God’s covenant, our Muslim neighbors will recall the reception of the Quran, and as Christians we will celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit present among us. In the significance of these days in our traditions, our faith communities will collectively lament and remember the more than 100,000 lives that have been lost to COVID-19. We join together in prayer for the healing of this nation, and for the world that God so loves.”
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I also ask you to pray for our country in this moment of brokenness and sorrow resulting from social injustice. Please pray for peace in our time and a greater understanding of and love for the neighbor.
Here are two prayers for your consideration from Evangelical Lutheran Worship pp. 76-77.
A Prayer in Time of Civic Mourning
God our creator, through whose providing care we enjoy all goodness and life, turn our eyes to your mercy in this time of confusion and loss. Comfort this nation as we mourn; shine your light on those whose only companion is darkness; and teach us all so to number our days that we may apply our hearts to your wisdom; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
A Prayer in Time of Conflict, Crisis, Disaster
God, our refuge and strength, you have bound us together in a common life. In all our conflicts, help us to confront one another without hatred and bitterness, to listen for your voice amid competing claims, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer is powerful and effective. Thank you for praying.
Peace,
Pastor Bill