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O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Thank you, God, for Christians whose concern has prompted them to register for this gathering focused on joining your mission in times of tension. I pray for our speakers and respondents as they prepare to present at Missio. Kindle our hearts in prayer and empathy for those who are suffering from civil unrest, violence, war and persecution. Intensify our awareness that when one member of your body suffers, all suffer. This I pray in the company of Jesus, who suffered with us and for us. Amen.

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Remember us in your kingdom, Lord. You, our Friend, our Hope, and our Comfort. Be present with those who suffer for the sake of your love, hold their hands as you hold ours. Show them the love you showed your Mother on the cross, and bring the light of solidarity to the darkness of night. For up from the tomb you arose, O Christ, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, unto ages of ages. Amen.

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Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the

strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

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In your despair and agony, O Christ, show us the way when we cannot find one. May your defeat of the powers of death convince our spirits of your unknowable power. When we sink into death, remind us that you have already descended there before us, and will raise us up on the last day. Amen.

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I lift my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth...the Lord himself watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand, so that the sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; it is he who shall keep you safe. The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for evermore. (Psalm 121)

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Gracious God, we come to you with grief and anxiety over the plight of the people of Haiti in these days of anarchy and escalating violence among armed groups. We pray for the many victimized civilians and their families, many of them now suffering from displacement and food insecurity. We pray for those who have been injured. We pray for those who have died and for those who are bereaved. We pray for the emergence of faithful and trustworthy leaders to steer the country out of this chaos. We pray for the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, itself suffering from internal dissension – may your people come to a place of resolution, from which they can minister effectively in the current unrest. We pray for the many missional initiatives from the Episcopal Church stateside – from congregations, dioceses and freestanding agencies. We pray likewise for the US government leaders, that they may work effectively to bring peace to Haiti. Be with the Haitian people, Friend Jesus, in this time of such anguish and deep suffering. Amen.

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Dear Lord, we thank you for all those who have agreed to speak at this year's Missio. Grant them clarity of mind, wisdom in thought and expression, and your free gift of love in the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that all who hear them may hear more of you, their own Creator, Redeemer, and Friend. Amen.

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Dear God, thank you for your presence in the relationship between the Diocese of Yambio in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and the Diocese of Iowa in the Episcopal Church of the United States. Inspire us to listen deeply, pray constantly, and to discern how we may deepen our relationships with each other, with your help. Amen.

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Lord of the Nations, we come to you pleading for peace for the people and Church of both Sudan and South Sudan. As one slides more deeply into war and the other moves into a time of tension approaching their first elections, we ask you to go before them. As the Prince of Peace, we ask you to sow peace between rival combatants and rival political opponents. By your untapped mercies we ask you to end all violence in both countries and restore tranquility to your people. Grant your love and grace to rule over their broken lives and give them flourishing wholeness and peace in their time. For the sake of your name and benefit of these dear souls, we pray. Amen

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Pray ...

That God will open doors of ministry, blessing partnerships and friendships.

That those who serve will be led by the Holy Spirit and recognize open‑door opportunities.

That God will lead his people past barriers to hearts ready to receive his Word.

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Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. ... — Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)

Missionaries are regular people who fear pain and rejection as much as anyone else. When faced with opposition, they need God’s strength to help them stand firm.

Pray ...

That the Holy Spirit will provide missionaries with words that communicate effectively in other cultures and languages.

That they will have boldness to overcome the fear of embarrassment or failure.

Against evil forces that would seek to hinder the spread of the gospel.

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Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. — 2 Thessalonians 3:2 (NLT)

In some countries, missionaries may be exposed to the possibility of danger and personal harm. Opposition to the gospel may include hatred and violence.

Pray ...

That God will keep missionaries safe.

That God will change the hearts of those who are resistant to his Word.

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We pray for Mozambique - especially with the current flooding and storms. We pray for the communities, the churches and the leadership, especially Bishop Manuel in the diocese of Nampula. May they be blessed with peace and know God’s healing, loving presence. Amen

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Dear God, thank you for the sharing today from companions dedicated to being the body of Christ. Help us to witness to your love in tension times. May we be inspired to pray fervently, and to act, and to speak the hard truths where needed. And help us to bring God's peace to the world. Amen