Liturgy for Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay

Morning prayers, Ecumenical Centre, Geneva,Monday, June 22, 2009
Praying through the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle for Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay

This order for morning prayer was written by Guillermo Kerber.
The preacher was Julio de Santa Ana

Welcome
Song: Tenemos esperanza (Bishop Federico Pagura, Homero Perera) Agape 72

Prayer
(Bishop Aldo Etchegoyen, Argentina)

O God, Lord of the wind and the sea,
of the mountains and the valleys,
of the world and of the church:
In the midst of fear and insecurity
give us trust and hope in you

We live in a world where the gales of power
blow strong enough to shake life itself,
where from the arrogant and the interests of the powerful
roll the waves of injustice and violence.

We pray for those suffering
because of their poverty, their ignorance, their limitations,
because of their colour or status, social or sexual.
We think of your church sailing on a sea
where the waves of racism, militarism, sexism
and economic marginalization hurt human life.

Take care of your church and put in it
a sincere love for those who suffer,
a clear vision of your will,
healing pastoral words for the needy
and a valiant, prophetic proclamation
against those who create violence and pain.

O God, Lord of the wind and the sea,
may your strong mercy calm the whole earth
in the name of Jesus Christ
Amen

Sung: Kyrie eleison - Ore Poriahu (Trad. Paraguay) Agape 69

Readings
From the Letter to Hebrews 12, 1-4 ( read in Spanish)
English version (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Song Hallelujah

From the Gospel according to John 6, 16-21 (read in Spanish)
English version (NIV)
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

From Matthew's Gospel
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified saying, “It is a ghost!”” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water”. He said, “Come”. So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But, when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Meditation – Prof. Dr. Julio de Santa Ana (Uruguay)

Silence

Prayers of intercession

This week, according to the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle, we are invited to pray for the people and the churches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Let’s pray for them.
(Silence)

Gracious God, have mercy with the people in those countries, especially with the poor and most vulnerable, in their uncertainty, fear and distrust as they face their future. Give wisdom to their governments democratically elected, so that they may discern what needs to be done in the name of justice, peace and care for creation. Sustain and strengthen the churches in those countries, so that they remain a prophetic voice unbound by political and economic alliances and with all people there. Accompany the “Living letters” delegation that will visit Uruguay and Bolivia next month. Grant peace to these countries and their citizens, O Lord.

Sung response: Nada te turbe (Taizé)

Let us pray for ourselves, for our families, organizations and churches
(silence)

Merciful God you have called us to labour in your vineyard and without you we can do nothing. Grant us your gracious presence in our forthcoming meetings and work, that what we do will build up your Church. We pray especially for the meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission between Christian World Communions and the World Council of Churches. Let your Holy Spirit govern and direct us so that we may work together for your Kingdom.
Sung response: Nada te turbe (Taizé)

Let us pray for our homelands and for all the nations of the world
(silence)

Heavenly Father, behold and visit, we pray, the nations of the earth. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, injustice and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness and justice with fairness, and that men and women from different cultures and with different talents may find with one another the fulfilment of their humanity through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Sung response: Nada te turbe (Taizé)
The Lord’s Prayer (in your own language) (stand)

Blessing
The Lord bless our eyes that we may see clearly
The Lord bless our mouth that we may speak the truth
The Lord bless our ears that we may hear those who speak to us
The Lord bless our hearts that we may be open to the poor;
The Lord bless our feet that we may walk with humility and courage,
In the Name of Jesus Christ, Our Brother and Lord.
Amen

Final song Aqui estoy Señor