Daily Prayers for January 1

In 1788 Quakers in Pennsylvania freed their slaves, anticipating the emancipation of chattel slaves in the United States some seventy-five years later. Together with free blacks, abolitionist evangelicals, and slaves who were willing to risk their lives, Quakers led one of America’s most vibrant faith-based justice movements — ​the Underground Railroad. Committed to simplicity, religious freedom, and nonviolence, Quakers have contributed to movements for peace and justice throughout US history.

O Lord, let my soul rise up to meet you

as the day rises to meet the sun.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Come, let us sing to the Lord : let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

Song “This Little Light of Mine”

-Jesus, teach us not to shun : what is of God in everyone.

Psalm 7:7 12

Awake, O my God, decree justice : let the assembly of the -peoples gather round you.

Be seated on your lofty throne, O Most High : O Lord, judge the nations.

Give judgment for me according to my righteous-ness, O Lord : and according to my innocence, O Most High.

Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous : for you test the mind and heart, O righteous God.

God is my shield and defense : he is the savior of the true in heart.

God is a righteous judge : God sits in judgment every day.

-Jesus, teach us not to shun : what is of God in everyone.

Genesis 12:1 – 7 John 16:23b – 30

-Jesus, teach us not to shun : what is of God in everyone.

George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of Friends, wrote, -“People must be led out of captivity up to God. Be patterns, be examples that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of -people, and to them. Then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.”

Prayers for Others

Our Father

Lord, help us answer your call as readily as our father Abram, that we might extend your blessing throughout our community. Remind us that the places where we find you become altars in our world. Amen.

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.

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