BishopsCollect for the Commemoration of John Thomas Walker

Walker Gracious God, source of life and giver of all good gifts; we give glory and praise to you for the gift of your servant John; for his clarity of vision, his compassion, his grace under pressure, and his wise leadership: Renew the church with your spirit that in following his example, his memory may be blessed and your church's witness strengthened; in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. AMEN.

We give you thanks, O God, for the life and ministry of your servant John, and for his call to the ordained ministry of your church. Let your way be known upon earth;

Your saving health among all nations.

For his enrollment in the Virginia Theological Seminary, becoming the first African American student to be admitted to that venerable institution. Let your way be known upon earth;

Your saving health among all nations.

For his courage, grace and fortitude in facing the racism of his time.

Let your way be known upon earth;

Your saving health among all nations.

For his ministry as a teacher, priest and chief pastor in your church. Let your way be known upon earth;

Your saving health among all nations.

For his compassion and hope for the well-being of the people of this city; and for the courage to speak truth to power. Let your way be known upon earth;

Your saving health among all nations.

For his pastoral vision of an inclusive ministry for the Diocese of Washington, and for his tireless efforts to accomplish it. Let your way be known upon earth;

Your saving health among all nations.

For his love of children and youth, the time and care he devoted to them, and his advocacy on their behalf. Let your way be known upon earth;

Your saving health among all nations.

For the example he set as an affectionate and faithful husband and father. Let your way be known upon earth;

Your saving health among all nations.

For his compassion and concern for our brothers and sisters throughout the world, especially in Africa ; and his labor for their relief. Let your way be known upon earth;

Your saving health among all nations.

For his inspiration of the abundant stewardship that led to the completion of the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, and for his spiritual guidance in establishing it as a true "house of prayer for all people." Let your way be known upon earth;

Your saving health among all nations.

Concluding Collect

O God of grace and God of glory, we thank you for the life and witness of your servant John, who now sees you face to face: Surround him with a continuing sense of your presence; and grant that with him, in communion with all the saints and prophets who have trusted in you and not been ashamed, we may run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to him who is the author and finisher of our faith, your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. AMEN.

(Adapted from an earlier litany by Dr. Herman Bostick)