Prayers

“He who is able to pray correctly, even if he is the poorest of all people, is essentially the richest. And he who does not have proper prayer, is the poorest of all, even if he sits on a royal throne” —St. John Chrysostom

Through prayer, donors, volunteers and everyone working to support IOCC all have the power to be present around the globe. Prayer gives us the ability to offer the healing ministry of Christ and His life-giving message to our neighbors throughout the world. To aid you in this devotion, we offer the following prayers for people in need and suffering in our world.

Prayer for Those in Need

Christ, Who is alone our Defender: Be mindful, Lord, of the young and the old; orphans and widows; the sick and the suffering, the sorrowing and the afflicted, all captives, and the needy poor; upon them all send Your mercies, for You are the Giver of all good things.

Prayer for Peace

Lord Jesus Christ, our God, who is the Source of life and peace in heaven and on earth, pour out the grace of your peace on a world troubled by war and hatred.

Extinguish the differences and enmity between humans and pour into the hearts of all humility, peace, and goodness. Calm the warriors and give them wisdom.

Give help to the suffering, protection to the refugees or homeless, comfort to the alienated and sorrowful, and give us all the will and strength to help, with all our hearts, our brothers and sisters who suffer from war.
You said: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Teach us to seek to acquire peace of heart and peace among peoples, for, in the heart in which peace is found, there is no longer enmity, love of dominion or fear, but the consolation of the Holy Spirit, love of God and love of our neighbors.

For this we humbly pray to You, O Christ our God, for peace among people in every country, for peace among peoples, and for the welfare of the whole world, that we may live in harmony and may work without hindrance deeds pleasing to You, glorifying the philanthropic love of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer for All who Work and Volunteer

Lord Jesus Christ, the Only begotten Son of the Eternal Father, You have said, “Without Me you can do nothing.” In faith we embrace Your words and bow before Your goodness. Give strength, keep safe, and guide all those who work and volunteer in Your vineyard. Help them to complete their work for Your glory: in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

For the Sick

Holy Father, heavenly Physician of our souls and bodies, who has sent Your Only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to heal all our ailments and deliver us from death: do You visit and heal Your servants in our world who are sick, granting them release from pain and restoration to health and vigor, that they may give thanks unto You and bless Your holy Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

For Our 30th Year of Service

Almighty God, we thank you for the opportunity to come together as hierarchs, priests, deacons, and faithful Orthodox Christians on this anniversary.

You are the One who inspired the creation of IOCC with the instruction to help the “least of our brethren” wherever they may be in this world. By Your grace, You have guided our founders, our board members, our staff in the United States and abroad, our volunteers, and our donors for the last 30 years. We ask You to continue to watch over them and to pour out Your blessings on them. Keep their love for each other and for those we help undiminished.

In this troubled world, grant peace and hope to those in crisis and need through our hands. They are extended on behalf of the faithful in this land. Protect them and us in our common labors.

You are the source of all the blessings that we share. You are the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and You send us the Holy Spirit as our Comforter. To You we give all glory, honor, and worship. Amen.