The Massacre of the Innocents at Bethlehem, by Pál Szinyei Merse, 1866
Prayer in Sorrow
God of all consolation,
in your unending love and mercy for us,
you turn the darkness of death
into the dawn of new life.
Show compassion to your people in sorrow.
Be our refuge and our strength to lift us
from the darkness of this grief
to peace and joy in your presence.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Vision of Pope Clement I, by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, 1730-1735
Prayer of St. Clement I, Pope In the Name of the Whole Christian People
We beg you, Master,
be our help and strength.
Save those among us who are oppressed,
have pity on the lowly,
and lift up the fallen.
Heal the sick,
bring back the straying,
and feed the hungry.
Release those in prison,
steady those who falter,
and strengthen the fainthearted.
Let all nations come to know you, the one God,
with your Son Jesus Christ,
and us your people and sheep of your pasture.
Do not keep count of the sins of your servants,
but purify us through the bath of your truth
and direct our steps.
Help us to walk in holiness of heart,
and to do what is good and pleasing in your eyes
and in the eyes of our rulers.
Master, let your face shine on us
to grant us every good in peace,
protect us by your powerful hand,
deliver us from every evil by the might of your arm.
Grant us and all who dwell on this earth
peace and harmony, O Lord.
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.