Remember the hostages
I've been a delinquent blogger and will probably be that way a while longer. But I do want to remember the Korean hostages held by the evil Taliban, who have already murdered one martyr and threaten the remaining 22. Despite their pretensions of piety, the Taliban are common murdering kidnappers, no better, and the world sees as much. Politically this is one of the dumbest things they could do, and as Johnny Cash says, one of these days, God will cut you down.
For Prisoners.Hmm, that doesn't seem to quite capture it; let's try this one:O GOD, who sparest when we deserve punishment, and in thy wrath rememberest mercy; We humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, to comfort and succour all prisoners [especially those who are condemned to die]. Give them a right understanding of themselves, and of thy promises; that, trusting wholly in thy mercy, they may not place their confidence anywhere but in thee. Relieve the distressed, protect the innocent, awaken the guilty; and forasmuch as thou alone bringest light out of darkness, and good out of evil, grant to these thy servants, that by the power of thy Holy Spirit they may be set free from the chains of sin, and may be brought to newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Social Justice.Or maybe this:ALMIGHTY God, who hast created man in thine own image; Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil, and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice among men and nations, to the glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Time of War and Tumults.ALMIGHTY God, the supreme Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to those who truly repent; Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Michelle is keeping the vigil.