Province II offers “A Litany for those affected by the government shutdown,” written by the Rev. Dahn Dean Gandell, rector of Church of the Ascension, Rochester, and president of the province.
Excerpts:
Officiant: In the name of the One Holy and Undivided Trinity
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer.
Officiant: Loving God, You have created us in Your image and redeemed us through Jesus, Your Son. Our lives are interconnected and what happens to some of us affects all of us. 800,000 government workers are not able to do their jobs because of a government shutdown. This affects so many of Your children, Lord, and so we turn to You in our time of need, for You are our Rock and our Stronghold.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer.
Officiant: We especially remember before you today the furloughed employees of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Agriculture, the Commerce Department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Transportation, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Federal Communications Commission, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Park Services.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer.
Officiant: Be with those workers, Lord, and give them strength to meet the days ahead. Be with their families, friends, and communities. Help us to come together to provide for those in need.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer.
Officiant: Give our elected officials wisdom to find a common path that will enable these workers to return to their jobs.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer.
Officiant: Comfort and sustain those whose financial concerns seem overwhelming.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer.
Officiant: For those workers who are continuing to show up, even when a paycheck is not guaranteed, we give You thanks for their labors. Help their work to not be in vain. Keep them safe. Give them constant reminders of Your love and grace.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer.
Officiant: Help those of us who provide support services for these furloughed employees and their families. Give us spirits of generosity, compassion, and abundance.
People: Amen, Lord, Hear our prayer.
