PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH BY THE NEW-MARTYR, ST. JOSEPH OF PETROGRAD

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O All-Wise, Almighty and Most Man-loving Lord, Jesus Christ our God, Founder of the Church and its Preserver, look down with Thy benevolent eye upon the Orthodox Church, which is fiercely warred against by a storm of misfortunes. For Thou hast said, O Lord: I shall build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Remember Thine unfailing promise: Behold, I am with you always, unto the end of the age. Be with us and never depart from us. Be merciful to us, Thy much-suffering Church beseeches Thee. Strengthen us in the right faith and in love for Thee. By Thy grace and love convert the erring, soften the hardened hearts of the apostates, correct every corruption and life that is not in accord with Christian piety. Grant that we may all live in holiness and purity, and that the saving faith may be firmly rooted and bring forth fruit in our hearts. Turn not Thy face away from us, be not wroth with us to the end, O Lord! Give to us the joy of Thy salvation. Wipe away the tears from the eyes of those who weep. Relieve every need of Thy people and console them in their sorrows. By Thine almighty power guard us from all attacks, persecutions and bitterness, from expulsion and imprisonment. So that save by Thee, we attain to Thy haven in the heavens, and there with the most pure heavenly powers may glorify Thee, our Lord and Saviour, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages. Amen.