Author: Derek Michael Larson

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A Prayer and Moment of Reflection for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

On this 20th anniversary weekend of the 9/11 attacks, let us hold in remembrance all those whose lives were radically changed that tragic day, and let us pray for the continued healing and reconciliation of the world and the coming of God’s kingdom.

O God of tenderness and compassion, who forms us at birth and greets us at death, we remember before you the 2,996 people who died in the senseless attacks 20 years ago and all those who loved them; we hold in our hearts those who suffered and continue to suffer grief and anxiety in the aftermath; and we call to mind all those who have suffered and died since that day at the hands of prejudice and violence.

In the silence of our hearts, we pray for comfort and healing.

A moment of silence is observed.

O God of unrelenting love, whose justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream, we remember before you the selfless toil of those who put others before themselves: firefighters, police officers, service members, counselors, chaplains, and other community leaders; we hold in our hearts the places of worship and community centers who offered hospitality and refuge to those in grief; and we call to mind all those activists, educators, and public servants who tirelessly speak on behalf of the victims of violence.

In the silence of our hearts, we pray for peace and justice.

A moment of silence is observed.

O God of restoration, who makes the lion lie down with the lamb, we remember before you the hands which caused such pain and suffering—victims of their own fear, misguidance, and hatred; we hold in our hearts those whose grief in the face of injustice collapsed into enmity and bitterness; we call to mind the violence turned against innocent Muslims, Sikhs, and those from the middle east.

In the silence of our hearts, we pray for forgiveness and reconciliation.

A moment of silence is observed.

A Collect for Peace (BCP, 258)

Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

And be sure to check out the album Justice Songs by the Porter’s Gate. It’s amazing!

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This morning I had the wonderful privilege of preaching for the first time at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Tequesta, FL as Assistant Rector. Looking forward to sharing the Word many more times to come!

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Last Saturday I was ordained to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church and last Sunday I served as celebrant at the Eucharist for the first time at our sponsoring parish, St. George’s Episcopal Church. I am so grateful! God is good; God is love.

Today was my last day as seminarian and deacon at Santa Fe Episcopal Church. Santa Fe is one of the most amazing communities I’ve ever experienced and I am so, so grateful to have served here. I will deeply miss this community. Santa Fe will always go wherever I go in my heart. Santa Fe es familia. Gracias familia Santa Fe!

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Thanks be to God! I graduated from the Seminary of the Southwest with a Master of Divinity. What a challenging and beautiful three years!

I’m very excited to announce I have accepted a call to serve as Assistant Rector for Pastoral Care and Community Engagement at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and School in Tequesta/ Jupiter, FL.

Over the last six months or so I’ve been praying this mantra with my family: “God, prepare a place for us, and prepare us for a place.” And now that prayer is being answered through the unofficial motto of Good Shepherd, “We have a place for YOU!”

LauraAnn, Bear, I are so excited to move back home to Florida (less than 3hrs to Lakeland), and becoming part of this amazing community! Start date is July 15. Yay!