World Council of Churches - songs and Prayers for their 70th Anniversary

The WCC's 70th anniversary is a time to give thanks for the achievements, ask for forgiveness for any shortcomings and implore God’s guidance and assistance in any future endeavours. As the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit wrote in a letter to the member churches inviting them to contribute prayers and songs for this anniversary year: “'praying together' has been the source of our inspiration and of all our energy in 'walking together' and in 'working together'.”

Click on the link below to find a collection of such prayers rising from the heart of those who had the privilege of participating – and sometimes even leading – the common Pilgrimage.
https://www.oikoumene.org/en/wcc70/prayers-and-songs/prayers-and-songs?searchterm=Prayers+70th+anniversary

Christmas Eve Service

If you cannot make it to a Christmas Eve church service, click on the link below on December 24 at 5:00 PM (CST).  You will see (via livestreaming) the Milwaukee Latvian Trinity Church’s Christmas Eve service  led by archbishop Lauma Zušēvics.
https://m.facebook.com/milwaukeedraudze/

A Prayer for the victims of the Las Vegas tragedy

Dear Sisters and dear Brothers in Christ,

Gradually the peace of the morning was transformed for all of us as news of the tragedy in Las Vegas became clear.  It was not at all clear what we could possibly do in the midst of so much horror and loss.  I started to pray.  Let us all pray.  

Your sister in Christ,

+ Lauma

Dear Lord,

In a place where thousands gathered together to experience something good, horror changed countless lives as one chose to do immeasurable evil and hard. Lord, please, we pray for all who have suffered and continue to suffer.  Once again our hearts are torn apart by the pain of so many.  We do not understand, Lord, but pray you help us find the faith to continue to affirm life and good in the midst of death and evil.  Heavenly Father, comfort all who not only mourn the loss of their loved ones, and all who are still desperately searching for those from whom they have not heard.   Hear their prayers, and ours.

Lord Jesus, we pray for all who suffer in this world.  Please, Lord, grant peace. Never let our hearts stop hurting for those who cry, or are struggling between life and death.  Lord, you taught us to cry with those who are crying and mourn with those who are in grief.  Lord, hear our prayers.  Only you can transform prayers into strength for those who so suffer and sense your presence, and learn, they are not alone.  We are with them and seek to do what we can to be part of the healing this world so needs....please let us not conclude with Amen, for it so often signifies the end of our prayer.  Let us continue...