World Crisis

We do seem to be living in a time of foreboding world crisis; a time where the world appears to be about to blow apart.  What can we do?  Should we talk about it, speculate about it, or squabble about what may be coming?  No! we need to pray.  What I am offering here has as its source a series of petitions that was circulated by the Orthodox Church in America after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in the year 2000.  I have stored them electronically and have revised them for personal use and to better fit the changing world situations.  The last petition is from another source.  Perhaps some of my readers might want to incorporate these in their personal prayer time; if so a making the sign of the Cross with a bow would be appropriate after each.  So here they are:  

O Lord our God in this time of world crisis by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit do Thou grant peace and steadfastness of soul to our hierarchs, and every order of clergy; thus enabling them to minister to Thy flock upholding us in the true faith and constant in worship so that in the face of evils to come we may not lose our hope in Thee but see Thy providential care for us and all mankind 

O Lord Almighty do Thou bless those who serve in the government and homeland defense, for all civil authorities and for our armed forces to protect and defend our land.  Grant unto them wisdom and strength and guide them in the days to come that they may be granted courage and discernment to contend against all evil and violence and that in the pursuit of justice may they be found worthy of a blessing.

O Lord our God do Thou be present with those who work and carry on the industry and commerce of all nations.  Preserve them in safety, and keep them mindful of the dignity of their labor and the needs of others.

O Lord our God do Thou give rest to those who have lost their lives through war, terrorist attack or civil strife.  And grant that those who have suffered injury or bitter sorrow and tragic loss and for those who are anxious, confused and fearful may all find healing, consolation and courage and hope in Thee, O Christ.

O Lord our God do Thou look with mercy upon those suffering the consequence of war, those in battle, those who have lost their lives, the wounded, those fleeing from danger, the homeless and the hungry, the orphaned and the widowed.  Bless those who work to bring them relief; and inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts.

O Lord God do Thou bless those who minister to the sick, the suffering and the bereaved with the power of healing and guide the work of their hands, confirm them in the ways of righteousness, and deliver them from every danger and despair.

O Lord our God, do Thou grant that all the faithful may be united in love and obedience to our Orthodox Faith, may we be seen as witnesses, messengers and servants of divine truth, love, and righteousness before the world and that we bearing the name of Christ may be found His worthy and honorable servants in all times of trial and temptation.

O Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Who in the beginning in the Old Covenant didst reveal our divine nobility when Thou hast said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness”.  O Almighty Lord, we have distorted this image to the uttermost and have not gone after Thy likeness but rather we follow the inclinations of our human nature in its fallen state.  We multiply sin and wickedness in every generation and Thine impending wrath lieth upon us.  Yet do Thou the same Lord Who hast fashioned us, turn our hearts unto Thee, restore us to our former state, inspire us to run after Thy likeness to the uttermost bounds of our mortal strength. 

Amen!