Washington National Cathedral has created a form so that web visitors may receive custom prayers based on their interests. The form draws from contemporary political and social themes, answering some of them with texts from the Book of Common Prayer.
The web form includes these choices:
Which issue is most important to you?
- Economy
- War & Peace
- Veterans/Military
Which of these Is most important to you?
- Environment
- Racial Reconciliation
- LGBT Rights
The form challenges visitors to do something that makes a difference when it posts this question:
How do you plan to contribute most to your community in 2017?
- Building bonds between people of different beliefs and cultures
- Becoming involved in social causes
It adds two additional criteria to create custom prayers:
Which of these is your top priority for 2017?
- Family
- Health
- Career
- Finances
What is your religion?
- Christian
- Muslim
- Jewish
- Other
Here is a custom prayer for a Christian who is concerned about war and peace and LGBT rights, will become involved in social causes, and chooses health as a top priority:
O God, our help in ages past,
Guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the Kingdom of God here on Earth.
God of Love, stretch us to encompass more and more of You, as we encounter your holy presence in others. We thank you for the variety of sexual orientation and gender expression among us; grant that our differences may serve to broaden our embrace of You and the diversity of Your creation. Teach us to honor one another as unique expressions of your One Love, and to protect the rights of all, especially those most at risk from hatred, discrimination and prejudice.
We humbly pray that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.
We commend to your goodness all those who are afflicted or distressed in body, mind or soul, that you grant them comfort and relief according to their needs, granting them patience in their suffering.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
