Dear Family of Love and Pilgrims on our Journey,
When I asked to preach at St. Peter's awhile ago, I decided that it would be a perfect time to introduce you my parish family and share with them the progressive prayer walk framework for the Second week of Advent. I want you to know that they have been my parish family for 54 years of my life and now you all are part of my family of Love and faith this day and always. Remember last week we had the key word of hope? This week we get to add to the framework the key word of peace.
For those who haven't done our prayer walks we walk at what ever time is most suitable. I choose the evenings because of the peaceful qualities.
Close your eyes as we do this virtual prayer walk.
We prepare ourselves by hydrating with the image of Living Water coursing through our veins, tying our laces securely, wrapping our bodies with God's Warm prayer coat.
We invite God on our walk using these words or your own. God we invite you as you invite us to walk with you on our journey. Enliven our spirits, quicken our steps and open our hearts as we pray and walk.
When we first are on the sidewalk we pray for all of our neighbors (nearby, stranger, and enemy). Pray for peace and those who have lost hope.
Take a look at the sidewalk is it crooked or straight? Pray for safety as we walk and all those who travel. Take note of unsafe streets and sidewalks and report them.
When ever you see a Stop sign take time to pay attention to your breathing and heart beating. That is God with in you. Are you beginning to feel peaceful and hopeful? Those holy endorphins will kick in soon.
Look at God's creation and give thanks! do you see new life peeking through old stumps like the shoot that came out of Jesse? I hope so! There is new life all around if you look closely. When you see litter pray for those who litter and pray to be good stewards of God's Creation.
Begin to notice the businesses if there are any and pray for those who work. Pray for peaceful and safe working conditions.
Now begin your prayer list. Go slow don't hurry. Your prayers should only take the amount of time you plan. to walk. Ask God what you can do to bring peace and be a hopeful example to all. We need to be mindful of all our family members who are homeless and live on the streets of our cities. Always smile and never look down on them. They are God's Children too. No one is to be treated as invisible.
Take time to pray for our church and its leaders. They need it now more than ever. Especially this time of year.
Finally Give thanks to God for all that God has done in your life today. Ask God to help you be a peace maker and hope bringer to a broken world.
Dear Ones these are only suggestions. Remember to honor what your body is telling you to do. This framework can be prayed in place as well
We pray this final prayer: We thank you Lord for letting us carry our prayers and those who have asked us for prayers in our hearts, minds, and spirits. We thank you for making our Feet Swift and Beautiful for you and guiding our steps on this prayer walk to the manger of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. Amen.
That's all for now dear family. Remember that you are walking in the light of God and " Light of Christ In Me recognizes the light of Christ In you. Won't you Walk with me on our journey?
Love and Peace of body, mind, and spirit this day and always.
Sara
P.S. I love you, you matter, and I give thanks to God for you this day!
Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
Every Valley Shall Be Exalted ! Handel
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