May the Fourth

Rey takes Luke Skywalker's light sabre from Kylo Ren

May the Fourth

Almighty God, King of Heaven: Grant, we beseech thee, that as we go forth against the forces of darkness, so we may be prevented by the force of thy Holy Spirit and all the heavenly host; that at the last we may enter into the Kingdom of Peace; through Jesus Christ our . . . → Read More: May the Fourth

International Workers’ Day

Pieter Bruegel the Elder The Harvesters

Almighty God, who hast given unto us the Sabbath to be a day of rest, and who hast promised to be a swift witness against them that oppress the hireling in his wages: In thy mercy, grant the labourer to be strong, and let not his hand be weak, and let his work be rewarded. . . . → Read More: International Workers’ Day

Earth Day

John Constable Extensive Landscape with Grey Clouds

For Stewardship of God’s Creation

Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, who hast given unto man dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth: Make us to be diligent . . . → Read More: Earth Day

For the Cessation of Violence

Bouguereau The First Mourning

In observance of the 19th anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School.

Almighty God, Creator of all men, unto whom the blood of Abel crieth from the ground: Deliver us, we beseech thee, from the fear and anger which driveth Cain to rise up and slay his brother. Grant us the courage to forgive, . . . → Read More: For the Cessation of Violence

Yom HaShoah (יום השואה)

Theresienstadt concentration camp archway

For the Victims of Genocide

Almighty God, gracious Father: we remember before thee this day all those who have perished in genocides, especially those who died in the Shoah. Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to sear into our memories the story of their peril, lest we forget their anguish and tribulations. Embolden us with thy Holy . . . → Read More: Yom HaShoah (יום השואה)

First Contact Day

St Sigfrid baptizes the heathen

Almighty Father: Send down, we beseech thee, thy Holy Spirit, the great Dove of the Universe, to inspire us to preach the Gospel both with words and with deeds, both far and near. Let us go forth, both clergy and laity, to seek out new congregations, and to boldly go where no priest has gone . . . → Read More: First Contact Day

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Theresienstadt concentration camp archway

For the Victims of Genocide

The Theresienstadt concentration camp archway. From Wikipedia.

Almighty God, gracious Father: we remember before thee this day all those who have perished in genocides, especially those who died in the Shoah. Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to sear into our memories the story of their peril, lest we . . . → Read More: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Constitution Day

Almighty God, Author of our life and liberty: we give thee thanks for the grace which thou bestowedst upon the framers of the Constitution of the United States, and for the enduring resilience of their handiwork. Guided by thy Spirit, these visionaries crafted a document which hath been a beacon of hope and freedom for . . . → Read More: Constitution Day

Labor Day

The Sower, by Vincent Van Gogh (1853–1890).

O God, who in the beginning didst create the heavens and the earth, and didst appoint unto men their work: Grant to us that whatsoever our hand findeth to do, we may do it with our might; that when thou shalt call thy labourers to give . . . → Read More: Labor Day

Summer Solstice

Appearance of Christ to the People

O Lord Christ, who wast born in the bleak mid-winter, and yet was the Light of the world: shine thy love upon us even as the mid-summer sun shone upon the birth of thy cousin blessed John Baptist; and enkindle faith in our hearts, that we may join him in preparing thy way, even as . . . → Read More: Summer Solstice