The Martyrs of Japan
Zoom Meeting ID: 833 4666 6852
Passcode: 105732
1540s Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries introduce Christianity to Japan
1597 in Nagasaki, first martyrdoms by crucifixion of 26 Christians (February 5th)
1630 Christianity officially outlawed in Japan
1850 missionaries returning to Japan discover the “Hidden Christians”
Opening Litany
God of all people and the whole of creation, make us into who you have created us to be. Make us your hands, your feet, your eyes, your lips, your body in the world. Spirit of Peace, reconcile us, connect us to yourself, to each other. You are the source of our healing and hope, for if one is hurt, all of us are hurt. Clothe us, your body in the world, with your love, mercy and grace. Amen
God of Faithfulness, you bless those who are persecuted. Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience. When they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair. Give grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened, for the sake of our merciful and righteous judge, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather (ELW 530)
Here, O Lord, your servants gather, hand we link with hand;
Looking toward our Savior’s cross, joined in love we stand.
As we seek the realm of God, we unite to pray:
Jesus, savior, guide our steps, for you are the Way.
Many are the tongues we speak, scattered are the lands,
yet our hearts are one in God, one in love’s demands.
Even in darkness hope appears, calling age and youth:
Jesus, teacher, dwell with us, for you are the Truth.
Nature’s secrets open wide, changes never cease.
Where, oh where, can weary souls find the source of peace?
Unto all those sore distressed, torn by endless strife:
Jesus, healer, bring your balm, for you are the Life.
Grant, O God, an age renewed, filled with deathless love;
help us as we work and pray, send us from above
truth and courage, faith and pow’r, needed in our strife:
Jesus, master, be our Way, be our Truth, our Life.
(The tune recalls traditional court music,
and the text written by a Japanese Methodist minister.)
Reading
“To me death is purification Godward. The life after death I leave entirely to God. I do not trouble myself much about the question as to whether the soul is mortal or immortal. If only God lives I am content to die. If life is God’s gift, is not death, which is one of the variations of life, also the work of His hand? Death cannot be a victor over me. Through death I am a victor Godward. Nay, God is ever victorious over death. He tramples it under His feet.”
---Toyohiko Kagawa
Comments about Christianity in Japan
Silence for three minutes
Reflective Conversation
Prayer
With the whole people of God in all places on this planet, let us pray for the entire human family, especially those in need, and for all God’s creation. When one part of the body of Christ hurts, the whole-body hurts. As we listen to people who are harmed by racism, we call to you, open our hearts, O God. As we reflect on our daily interactions with people and communities of color, we call to you, open our hearts, O God.
For Afghan refugees arriving in the United States and for all persons struggling to find a secure home. we call to you, open our hearts, O God.
For all affected by flooding and landslides in Brazil; for the displaced, the grieving, and all providing assistance and support, we call to you, open our hearts, O God.
For the work of the United Nations Security Council and for all who work for peaceful relationships between nations, we call to you, open our hearts, O God.
For the safety and wellbeing of all Olympic athletes; for the host city, Beijing, we call to you, open our hearts, O God.
For peace and security among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, communities facing bomb threats this past week, we call to you, open our hearts, O God.
For equitable distribution and effective use of N95 masks and COVID-19 home tests, we call to you, open our hearts, O God.
For those who celebrate the Lunar New Year around the world, may peace and kindness expand, we call to you, open our hearts, O God.
During Black History month may we all open our minds and our hearts to better understand the truth about the past and recommit to our vision of a more beloved community today and tomorrow, we call to you, open our hearts, O God.
Sovereign God, your Son Jesus lived within the structures of society even as he spoke truth to those in power and challenged systems of oppression. Empower us to be courageous disciples and responsible citizens. Grant that our life in the public realm be grounded in love for our neighbors, care for the most vulnerable in our midst, and respect for the common life we share, we call to you, open our hearts, O God.
Holy and merciful God, as your people we recommit ourselves to loving one another as you have loved us. Prepare us for this time of listening and discovery. We pray in the name of the one who has made us one, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, we are bold to pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever.
Amen.
Blessing
Let us bless the Lord
Thanks be to God.
Almighty God, the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit bless and preserve us.
Amen
This liturgy is adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship
Copyright 2006 ELCA. Published by Augsburg Fortress
Adapted by David E. Nelson D.Min.