Father Forgive ~ Coventry Litany of Reconciliation

What are our own needs for personal reconciliation – not only with God but with one another?

As we come to look at reconciliation, we see that it is all to do with forgiveness. Forgiveness is the most important thing in life, since it is the only thing that can prevent the pain of the past from determining our future. So, whilst we look at each aspect of the Litany[1], remember that, in the end, forgiveness is the key to unlocking the most complex of situations.

Father, Forgive by Andrew White

"In this book I examine the wide-ranging and frequently challenging subject of reconciliation in the light of the statements set out in the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation[1]. The Litany is loosely based on the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ – each of which describes an aspect of the condition of the human heart and each of which is easily identifiable as a cause of conflict in human elations. Ultimately, the Litany helps us to cut through the complex geopolitical, religious and relational quagmires that exist and get to he heart of the issue. Simply, we are all in need of reconciliation.

In Father, Forgive I also attempt to tackle perhaps the greatest reconciliation needed in Christianity – namely, the way in which we have dealt with the Jewish people for over 2,000 years."

[1] Following the bombing of the mediaeval Cathedral in 1940, Provost Howard had the words 'Father Forgive' inscribed on the wall behind the Altar of the ruined building. These words are used as the response in the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation, which is prayed in the new Cathedral every weekday at noon (in the Ruins on Fridays), and is used throughout the world by the Community of the Cross of Nails. [... more ...]

I suppose it takes someone like White to remind us to forgive and look on each and every other person as brother. He doesn’t just talk he walks the talk.

Prayer Warrior is a term used by many evangelical and other Protestant Christians to refer to anyone who is committed to praying for others.

"Lord, I lift up this person to you and ask that you fulfill all of his or her needs according to your will. Not his or her will, but your will be done in this person's life. Amen!"

All is well, just as it is.

My holy Self abides in you, God's Son.

Father, You gave me all Your Sons, to be my saviors and my counselors in sight; the bearers of Your holy Voice to me. In them are You reflected, and in them does Christ look back upon me from my Self. Let not Your Son forget Your holy Name. Let not Your Son forget his holy Source. Let not Your Son forget his Name is Yours.

This day we enter into Paradise, calling upon God's Name and on our own, acknowledging our Self in each of us; united in the holy Love of God. How many saviors God has given us! How can we lose the way to Him, when He has filled the world with those who point to Him, and given us the sight to look on them? Lesson 266

"The Vicar of Baghdad" -- Canon Andrew White

Faith Under Fire -- The Vicar of Baghdad