Pastoral Prayer for Armenian Martyrs’ Day

Out of the depths Oh God, we call to you. 

As your gathered people we come to worship you and

to remember your presence in our lives. 

You have been with all humanity throughout time. 

When each one of us was born your spirit danced within us.  Your breath gave us life.

As we age and travel on our journeys

you continue to breathe the power of resurrection life in us.

In this season of Easter we celebrate the many ways you have conquered death. 

You gave Tabitha a transforming moment. 

In this reminder of your own power over death we come trusting in you: 

in your forgiveness, your mercy and your love.

As your global church we are mindful

of all the sisters and brothers who make up the body of Christ. 

Today we are especially mindful of Armenians throughout the world

as they remember the Genocide of their people and

continued oppression by the Turkish Government. 

We know that on your Good Friday you entered all of our Good Fridays. 

Whenever your children have been harmed

out of greed, abuse of power and hate

you are crucified again. 

May your comforting presence be with the survivors who are still living and with their loved ones. 

May your confidence and hope be with them

as they continue to seek justice for wounds not yet healed. 

In your power of resurrection hope may healing be realized this Eastertide.

We are also mindful of those who bring harm to your creation. 

They are also in your heart. 

We pray that they may receive your love and compassion

in the midst of their own repentance. 

May their acknowledgement of harmful actions be a step toward justice

that can transform them into whole people of God. 

We know that being brave and being called to truth telling can lead to death. 

Protect those who have the courage and loving heart for justice and truth.

May this day be a day when our solidarity with all of your hurting people

becomes a day of life-giving acts of love, hope, joy and peace. 

May the power of the resurrection become a living energy within each of us

so that your kin-dom on earth will grow into that beloved garden of paradise promised.

In the name of Jesus the Christ we pray.  Amen.

Pastoral Prayer for Armenian Martyrs’ Day was written by the Rev. Susan A. Minasian, Chaplain at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Copyright 2010 Local Church Ministries, Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.