Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/826

 ''35. For the Poor and the Neglected''

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us  to forget:  the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick,  and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow  into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

36.  For the Oppressed

Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as  their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law  and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through  Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

37.  For Prisons and Correctional Institutions

Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal: Visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to your will, and give them  hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice. Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming  brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison, O Lord, we do for you, constrain us to improve their lot. All this we ask for your mercy’s sake. Amen.