Tonite, Wednesday, November 25, at 7:00 p.m., the community of San Fernando, along with Archbishop Gustavo García Siller and several of us from the faith and service community, will host the 24th Annual Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service. Please receive this invitation to participate with my sincere hope that your schedule will permit you to join us!
This year’s theme is, “Unity in God’s Name”. Here is the prayer I will share on behalf of the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative:
Creator God..., we are gathered today remembering those affected by violence and abuse …we are Thankful to do so, united in your name.
We come to you requesting that you hear our prayer, for alone we can do nothing….and we will be Thankful to do so, united in your name.
We know we can move mountains with your guidance and blessing & we’re Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Help us all realize that we are all a reflection of each other & what hurts me, hurts everyone & what hurts others, hurts me too! So I am… Thankful to do so, united in your name.
If we have been wounded by a loved one, grant us the insight and power to seek the healing we all deserve…and be…. Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Grant us the courage to see problems both in our neighborhoods and in the neighborhoods of others….so we are… Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Ever-living and loving God, challenge us to read the signs of our times…… And be Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Keep us constantly aware of the need to reflect on the concerns of violence….. that make us Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Inspire us to act on the urgency of your call, to address the many needs around us….. so we’ll be…. Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Grant us the strength and fortitude to respond to the work before us according to your will….. and be ever mindful and…. Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Let us leave this gathering more concerned about issues of violence and abuse that surround us…. And remain…. Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Grant us strength in our convictions, grant us an open heart of compassion for the abused, and grant us wisdom to plant seeds that encourage people to effectively act upon these serious issues…..while being….. Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Protect and care for, those who are violated and those who strive to do this work on their behalf …. So we’ll remain… Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Move those who are violent and abusive onto a path of courageous, permanent, change and make them….. Thankful to do so, united in your name.
Creator God, open our spirit, to accepting and living by the power of your divine PEACE and grant us the privilege to be… Thankful to do so, united in your name.
And finally, as we leave, Be with us Creator God, comfort us, protect us for the work that lies ahead and know that we are…… Thankful to do so, united in your name.