ANGLICAN SOCIAL TEACHING, PART II

In a previous post (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15pMJXuNnK/?mibextid=wwXlfr) I noted that Anglican Social Teaching is rooted in the fundamental Anglican principle “lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi:” the rule of prayer is the rule of faith is the rule of life. There is a fundamental synergy in the Anglican Way: prayer and faith are mutually formative — we pray as we believe and we believe as we pray — and both prayer and faith form our lives in Christ and in the world. As an example I offered some specific social intercessions from The Great Litany as a starting place for Anglican Social Teaching. But, our Prayer Book is suffused with prayers that lie at the intersection of this world and the world to come. That is because we are to pray for, work for, point to, and hasten the coming of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. Our social action must be eschatological or it is not Christian at all.

Continuing this theme, I offer these prayers from the ACNA Book of Common Prayer 2019, prayers which must inform our social conscience and our social action.

FOR THE PRESIDENT AND ALL IN CIVIL AUTHORITY
O Lord our Governor, whose glory fills all the world: We commend this Nation to your merciful care, that we may be guided by your providence, and dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of this Nation, the Governor of this State [or Commonwealth], and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them continually mindful of their calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen (BCP 2019, p. 657).

FOR OUR NATION
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy great favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may sho forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (ibid, pp. 657-658).

FOR ALL SORTS AND CONDITIONS OF MEN
O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal, that it may be so guided and governed by they good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in amy ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate, [especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen (ibid, p. 658).

FOR THE HUMAN FAMILY
O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around you heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (ibid, p. 659)

IN TIMES OF SOCIAL CONFLICT OR DISTRESS
Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (ibid).