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

Juneteenth

Union soldiers accompanying freed slaves

O Lord God of hosts, who with a mighty arm delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt: Let not our hearts be hardened like Pharaoh’s, but incline our hearts to mercy; that we might fight against slavery of body and mind, and oppression of the soul. Help us to welcome the liberated into the fulness of . . . → Read More: Juneteenth

For the Victims of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting

Aime Morot Le bon Samaritain

For the Victims of Hatred

Le bon Samaritain (The Good Samaritan), by Aime Morot (1850–1913). From Wikimedia.

Almighty God, Father of all mankind: we beseech thee to turn the hearts of those who through malice and hatred would seek to injure or oppress the stranger, the sojourner, and the Samaritan in our . . . → Read More: For the Victims of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting

Memorial Day

Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

From A Prayer Book for Soldiers and Sailors (1941)

I. For Justice and Freedom

O God, the King of righteousness: Lead us, we pray thee, in ways of justice and peace; inspire us to break down all tyranny and oppression, to gain for every man his due reward, and from every man his due service, . . . → Read More: Memorial Day

National Sorry Day

Cornelis van Haarlem Bethlehemse kindermoord

For the Victims of Genocide

The Massacre of the Innocents, by Cornelis van Haarlem (1562–1638). From Wikipedia.

Almighty God, gracious Father: we remember before thee this day all those who have perished in genocides, especially those members of Australia’s Aboriginal People. Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to sear into our memories the story . . . → Read More: National Sorry Day

Towel Day

Towel Day

Towel Day, May 25th, commemorates the life and work of Douglas Adams.

O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, whose angels tell us to fear not, nor be dismayed: We beseech thee that we may always know the presence of thy Holy Comforter; that we should not panic in the face of all . . . → Read More: Towel Day

Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Deportation of the Crimean Tatars

The Massacre of the Innocents St Albans Psalter

For the Victims of Genocide

The Massacre of the Innocents St Albans Psalter. Illustration from the St Albans Psalter (12th century). From Wikimedia.

Almighty God, gracious Father: we remember before thee this day all those who have perished in genocides, especially those who died in the Tamil Genocide. Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, . . . → Read More: Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Deportation of the Crimean Tatars

Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day (Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day)

Doré Massacre of the Innocents

For the Victims of Genocide

The Massacre of the Innocents, by Gustave Doré (1832–1883).

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

National Day of Prayer 2020

Almighty God, unto whom our prayers rise as the incense of the evening sacrifice: Inspire us with thy Holy Spirit, that our prayers may be right and good in thy sight, and worthy of thy lovingkindness. Direct our hearts to pray for the well-being of others: for them that are down-trodden, that their suffering may . . . → Read More: National Day of Prayer 2020

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