THE COMPANIONS

Every month Companions receive a small booklet in the mail, the Intercession Paper. Day by day, we turn its pages, praying together. The prayers concern needs big and small, thanksgivings, and the aims of the Society. Each day of the week has a theme.

In this new feature of our blog, we select some prayers from this month’s IP, as it is called. If you’re so inclined, please join Companions in reaching out in love through prayer.

February Intercession Paper, Selected Prayers

ON THE COVER

When the holiday decorations are down,

When the gifts of Christmas are put away,

When the Kings and Shepherds have departed the crèche;

When the mark of Epiphany has blessed our homes,

It is time to begin the work of Epiphany—

Showing forth to the world.

We comfort the sick,

We feed the hungry,

We listen to the lonely,

We sit with the Holy Spirit.

We see the face of Jesus in others

And tell the good news of the Lord’s coming.

Thanks be to God.

Ethel W., SCHC, “Show Forth to the World”

Inspired by Howard Thurman’s

“When the Song of the Angels is Stilled”

THANKSGIVING: SUNDAY AND EVERY DAY

Gracious God, we give you thanks for your faithful servants in every age who have struggled … to root out the evil and sin of racism and discrimination. Through witnesses such as Harriet Tubman, Absalom Jones, and Martin Luther King Jr., we have learned the merits of self-sacrifice, courageous action, and redemptive suffering. May we resolve to do the work to which you have called each of us and which you require of us all—“to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” with you, our God. We ask this in the name of our Liberator, your Son Jesus Christ.

The Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris (1930-2020)

from “A Prayer for Black History Month”

Race and Prayer, Boyd and Talton, editors

MISSION IN GOD’S WORLD: MONDAY

Strengthen us, O Incarnate Word, as you guide us daily through this complex world of disparity and discord. Support us in the continuing spirit of Christmas peace and reconciliation as we walk in the divine light of Epiphanytide, boldly yet tenderly seeking and serving those in need of our loving hearts and helping hands.

Joy K., SCHC

UNITY OF GOD’S PEOPLE: TUESDAY

Mother of all, you love each one of us equally and desire that we be knit together in one family bound by your love. Help us to long for that connection and work for it, that the body of Christ may be made whole.

Alinda S., SCHC

SOCIAL JUSTICE: WEDNESDAY

In baptism, we promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

We promise to strive for justice and peace, and respect the dignity of every human being.

We promise that whenever we fall into sin, we will repent and return to the Lord.

We promise these things, knowing we will need God’s help. We come today, asking for God’s help.

We pray for those who protest, for those who speak truth to power, for those who work for justice, for those who offer medical aid, for those who clean up communities when there is damage and destruction, and for those who feed and care for their neighbor.

God of the people,

Hear our prayer.

from the “Litany for Social Justice”

Created by the Office of Young Adult and

Campus Ministries, Episcopal Church

PEACE & RECONCILIATION: THURSDAY

Holy One, grant us wisdom to see, behind the angry look, the child; to hear, beneath the cutting words, a child’s fear. Grant us courage to open our hearts again and again to a turned face, to the lift and tilt of a stranger’s voice. May we be that face. May we use that voice. By your Grace we ask it.

Sharon K., SCHC

GROWTH IN SPIRITUAL LIFE: FRIDAY

I saw lots of rock and shale in Upstate New York growing up. Formed by wind, extreme weather variations, pressure and heat, the created beauty was unimaginable. I, too, have been formed by pressures:  bad decisions, flooding, cancer, loss of loved ones. But like that beautiful rock in New York State, I am strong. I have a bedrock of 75 years of learned lessons; thank you Lord! Help me to use my strong foundation as part of what you need to build your Beloved Community!

Trish H., SCHC

PRAYERS PERSONAL AND GENERAL: SATURDAY

Always welcoming God, we continue to pray for the Afghan refugees in our country, for each agency and organization trying to settle 400-500 families and often feeling overwhelmed, for the Christian, Jewish and Muslim groups giving in-person help who are stressed by lack of a common language and challenged to support resilience in traumatized families.  We pray for the neighborhood teams who greet and support families as they arrive, for your guidance in the myriad of decisions that must be made, and simply, for affordable housing. For the sake of your love, grant them strength, courage and hope and bless them all with the grace and joy of new life. Amen. 

Jeanne P., SCHC

Photo: IPs lying on a calendar photo by Nancy Lowry, Companion, Berkshire Chapter