A Short Form of Prayer in the Morning

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

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall ever be in my mouth. I sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Look upon him and be radiant and your faces shall not be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and the Lord heard me and saved me from all my troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is gracious; blessed is the one who trusts in him. Psalm 34.1,4-8 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

	Moses said, 'I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days. Deuteronomy 30.19-20
(or)
	The night is far spent and the day is at hand; let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Romans 13.12

Responsory

After the reading, this responsory may be used

	Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
All:	Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
	Truth shall spring up from the earth;
All:	righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
	Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
All:	Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

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 this short Litany

All:	That this and all our days may be full of your praise: we pray to you, O Lord.
All:	That you will keep us this day without sin: we pray to you, O Lord.
All:	That we may walk before you in the paths of righteousness and peace: we pray to you, O Lord.
All:	That you will bless your people and lift them up for ever: we pray to you, O Lord.
All:	That you will guide and protect us by your Holy Spirit and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting: we pray to you, O Lord.

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
All:	O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life, to serve you is perfect freedom. Defend us your servants from all assaults of our enemies; that we may trust in your defence, and not fear the power of any adversaries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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 >>