Daily Prayers for May 16

On May 16, 1792, Denmark decided that it was immoral to participate in the trading of human beings and became the first European country to ban the transportation of slaves from their country.

It is also worth noting that this day marks the martyrdom of Dirk Willems. Willems is one of the most celebrated martyrs in the Anabaptist tradition (which includes Mennonites, Brethren, and Amish). He was born in the Netherlands and lived during a tumultuous time in Christendom. He is most famous for escaping from prison and turning around to rescue one of his pursuers, who had fallen through the thin ice of a frozen pond while chasing him. He was burned at the stake on May 16, 1569.

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 bow down and bend the knee : let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

Song “O Mary, Don’t You Weep”

Restore us, O God of hosts : show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

Psalm 80:4 – 7

O Lord God of hosts : how long will you be angered despite the prayers of your -people?

You have fed them with the bread of tears : you have given them bowls of tears to drink.

You have made us the derision of our neighbors : and our enemies laugh us to scorn.

Restore us, O God of hosts : show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

Restore us, O God of hosts : show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

Numbers 20:1 – 13 Luke 7:36 – 50

Restore us, O God of hosts : show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

Clare of Assisi, a friend of St. Francis in the twelfth century, said, “Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance! And transform your whole being into the image of the Godhead itself through contemplation!”

Prayers for Others

Our Father

Merciful God, nothing can separate us from you. When the distance between you and us seems unbearable, help us to move closer to you, knowing that by your mercy you are never beyond our reach. 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.