A Short Form of Prayer at Midday

for peace and justice,
for the leaders of the nations
and for those in danger

This may form the basis for a short act of prayer in church or at home, at a regular time each day or week, at the start or conclusion of a silent vigil, or whenever people meet together to pray.

	Our help is in the name of the Lord
All:	Who has made heaven and earth.
The praise of God for light in the darkness of sin
All:	Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, to you be praise and glory for ever. In the darkness of our sin, your light breaks forth like the dawn and your healing springs up for deliverance. As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, sustain us with your bountiful Spirit and open our lips to sing your praise: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God for ever.
A hymn or canticle may be sung

Psalm

Show us your mercy, O Lord. and grant us your salvation. Truly, his salvation is near to those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other; Truth shall spring up from the earth and righteousness look down from heaven. Righteousness shall go before him and direct his steps in the way. Psalm 85.7,9-11,13 Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

Readings

One of these short readings, or any other suitable passage, may be used

	Through Christ God has reconciled us to himself and given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5.18-20a
(or)
	You will keep them in perfect peace, whose minds are stayed on you, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26.3

Responsory

After the reading, this responsory may be used

All:	Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
All:	When you pass through the waters, I will be with you Fear not, for I have redeemed you.
All:	When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned. I have called you by name; you are mine.
	For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.
All:	Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

Canticle

This canticle may be said

In your tender compassion, O God the dawn from on high shall break upon us. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5.3-10 Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen. In your tender compassion, O God the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

Prayers

Prayer may be introduced by these responses

All:	Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance. Govern and uphold them now and always.
All:	Day by day we bless you. We praise your name for ever.
All:	Keep us today, Lord, from all sin. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
All:	Lord, show us your love and mercy, for we have put our trust in you.
All:	In you, Lord, is our hope: let us never be put to shame.

Prayers from the collection of Prayers and Further Prayers may be said.

Free prayer may be offered and silence is kept.

	Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God.
The Collect of the day or the following prayer is said
	Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will. After Ignatius of Loyola (1556)

We unite all our prayers in Christ's perpetual prayer to the Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Conclusion

We commend ourselves to God's mercy for his blessing

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen.

Prayer may end with the exchange of the Peace

All:	May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
All:	The peace of the Lord be always with you And also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace, God's seal on our prayers.

Prayers in time of conflict >>