Dear Family of Love and pilgrims on our Journey!
Tonight was a crisp nippy night on the prayer trail! Thursdays seem to be one of the quieter nights and unusual for this time of year. I have started to notice that we are having many new family members who are homeless and hungry along with their pets on our route who are situating themselves by shopping centers! Please pray for them. It is way too cold for anyone to be asking for help during the winter weather albeit it is milder here than across the country.
Today I had the privilege of viewing the National Vigil for the Victims of Gun Violence on the web live-streaming from Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C. This was an emotionally power packed hour and 15 minute service. What made me cry and take notice was the fact that 32,000 persons have died by acts of gun violence since Sandy Hook a year ago. These precious lives were lost senselessly. Please pray that there is an end to violence of any kind. This is a call to be mindful and remember or as the Twitter hash tag has it : #HonorWithAction.As I am writing this I have come up with a few one line prayers that seem appropriate for tonight. Please add or adapt as you see fit.
Lord help us to be more loving to all of our family members especially those who are mentally ill.
We pray for better medications and treatments for mental illness.
We pray for better mental health services in our communities.
We pray for those who are on the streets tonight and haven't any place to call home.
Give us wisdom and compassion as we see our family members out and about.
We pray for and end to violence, hatred. any -Phobia, and disinterest.
May we never be silent and may we always remember those who have died and those who have survived.
May we continue to do justice, love mercy and continually walk with you O God!
Help us never to become cold, isolated, detached with our family members and neighbors.
We pray for all animals out in the cold.
Help us to find better ways to serve our homeless, hungry and outcast family members.
Help us not to be afraid to smile or say "hello"
Watch over every family member this night O Lord and guide them to shelter if they are outside. Make us continually to be mindful of each other and all those whom you send across our pathways.
Lord help us to love one another and continue to honor the promises we made a baptism and may we continue respect the dignity of every human being.
Help us to be beacons of hope, peace, love, and joy to a broken world as we approach the Manger once again that is hope, peace, love, and joy.
May we continue to hear your voice telling us to be still and know that you are God and your voice asking us to "Walk with me on our journey!" Amen.
******
Dear Family that is all for tonight! Don't forget to use the self-care check up each day to see how you are doing body, mind, and spirit-wise.
Remember- I love you, you matter, and each one of you is a precious gift from God made in God's image! I also give thanks to God for each of you dear family members this day and always.
Love and peace of mind!
Sara
The most memorable song at the Vigil Service today was from Carole King
In the Name of Love
Blowin' in the Wind- Chad Mitchell Trio
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