A message from Bishop Taylor regarding Wednesday's events in Washington , D.C.
January 6, 2021
The Feast of the Epiphany
My beloveds in Christ:
This is the day we remember the eternal light from the manger. This is a day, like all days, when we cherish the gospel promise that darkness will never overcome the light. This is the day we tell the ancient story of the sojourners from afar who embodied a wisdom beyond political and historical affairs, those who came looking for the Prince of Peace.
As we behold the events in Washington today, let us pray together:
God of mercy and peace, source of all light and love: Calm every troubled heart in our country as a polarized people grapples with our divisions, resentments, and fears. By your grace, may the conflict in Washington come to a peaceful end. May the lawful work of the United States Congress and the United States Government resume so that the interests and will of the people are respected, with truth and justice for all. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
I also commend to you the prayers below from The Book of Common Prayer. Let us pray without ceasing during these days of a lawful, peaceful transition of power, the hallmark of the precious democracy we share in one nation, under God, indivisible.
Yours in Christ’s love,
The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor
VII Bishop of Los Angeles
3. For the Human Family (p. 815)
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
18. For our Country (p. 820)
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy 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. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
19. For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority (p. 820)
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President, Vice President, President-Elect, and Vice President-Elect of the United States, the Congress of the United States and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
