NIGHT PRAYER: Sunday 7/3

On Sundays, Night Prayer will focus on an element from the day's celebration of Mass. Tonight, on the weekend of the 4th of July, we reflect on some words from today's first reading, from Isaiah, where the prophet encourages a weary nation (Israel) with the promise, the pledge of God's abiding and faithful love for his people:     

 

Rejoice with Jerusalem 

    and be glad because of her, all you who love her;

Rejoice with her in her joy,

    all you who mourn over her

So that you may nurse and be satisfied

    from her consoling breast;

That you may drink with delight

    at her abundant breasts!

For thus says the LORD:

    I will spread prosperity over her like a river,

    like an overflowing torrent,

    the wealth of nations.

You shall nurse, carried in her arms,

    cradled upon her knees;

As a mother comforts her child,

    so I will comfort you; 

    in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.

 

Tomorrow's our nation's birthday, Lord:

    our celebration of independence 

        from the powers who oppressed us,

    declared by the claim of the right to life,

        to liberty and the pursuit of happiness,

    relying on you, our Supreme Judge,

        for the rectitude of our intentions

 

but this year, Lord, the 4th is overshadowed

    by strident and angry discord 

        in our conversations and deliberations,

    by persistent prejudice dissolving our unity

        and shredding the fabric of mutual trust,

    by the ways we default to our own folly,

        independent of the wisdom you freely offer

 

so this year, Lord, we pray

    give us reason to hope and cause to rejoice,

    spread prosperity like a river, an overflowing torrent 

    washing away the sins we grieve,

    the ways we've betrayed the right to life,

        to liberty and the pursuit of happiness...

   

carry us in your arms 'til we learn again, Lord,

    and earn the right to be called a godly nation,

    worthy of the gifts with which we're endowed

    by you, our God and Creator...

As you in ancient times, Lord, 

    restored your people and their holy city,

restore us now, a nation, a city on a hill,

    living, ensuring and promising

        life, liberty and justice for all...

 

Protect us, Lord while we're awake

and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen. 

 

Pray for America by Old Crow Medicine show

 

If a video doesn't appear below, click here!

 

 

When sorrows are befallen
And shadows darken her door
When the fever spreads and a silent scourge
Outshines her golden shores
When a cry for comfort reaches forth
Like you've never heard before
Pray for America
Our promised land

 

America, to thee
May God's hand outreach
Lord, have mercy on America

 

When the tears just keep falling
And the glory light's gone dim
And the barren ground is full of holes
We hasten to fill in
When the firmest faith is shaken fast
By a fear that's creeping in
Pray for America
Our promised land

 

America, to thee
May God's hand outreach
Lord, have mercy on America

 

Where the peaceful hour is broken
By the pounding tumult quake
And all is torn asunder
What we thought could never break
Well, all your saints come marching
Through hell for heaven's sake
Pray for America
Our promised land

 

America, to thee
May God's hand outreach
Lord, have mercy on America

Oh, pray for America
God, set Your grace on thee

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