Tirana, Albania
Opening Prayer
Thank you, Jesus Christ my Lord: In all my trials and sufferings, You give strength to stand firm. Even more you have given me a share in your eternal glory! –Irenaeus of Lyons (130-202) (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever before me. I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin. But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty, and many are those who hate me wrongfully. Those who render me evil for good accuse me because I follow after good. Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! -Psalm 38: 17-22 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin “Jesus forgive me my sin and set me free from all evil passions, heal my heart of all disordered affections; that, I may be made fit to love, courageous to suffer, and steady to persevere." -Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471) (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter.” -Mark 13:14-18 (Think deeply on the life and words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers and grant to your children the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen -Book of Common Prayer (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Lord, we acknowledge the reality of suffering. Remind us of Your love and comfort when we endure suffering. Reassure us that You are with us and walk through the fires with us. Let us fervently believe that You will never leave us or forsake us even in the greatest suffering we endure. Thank You that we are always held by Your gracious and loving arms and that we need not fear. -Ministry of Pastoral Care 
Santa Fe, New Mexico
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