Dear Family of Love/God!
Happy Sunday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. There is still time for a little more Sabbath Rest and Self-Care. I encourage everyone to take time throughout the day to give yourself periods of Sabbath Rest and Self-Care. During these periods it is a perfect time to go deeper and connect with all that is good and all that is holy. I think you'll be surprised how refreshed you'll feel after you take these breathers. Many faith communities pray and meditate more frequently. I'm suggesting this week and as we begin to prepare for Lent that we begin to think of ourselves as a kind of monastic community. We need to begin to make it a habit of praying or at least connecting with God 4 times a day. Morning, Noon, Evening, and Bedtime. and breathers in between. The more we put these things into practice the less rattled we will be and loving God, each other, ourselves, and yes even our family members who we don't like and may be our enemies a little bit easier. Sometimes it won't be ,but we must endeavor to try. Tomorrow I will give us a new framework for this.
Dear ones it is time for our Virtual Candlelight Prayer Vigil.
Tonight let us light our candles and spend time at the feet of God in the quiet of our rooms and our hearts. Let us pray that we can let go of all the things that are troubling our hearts and minds tonight.
O God of our journey and daily life pilgrimage guide our footsteps where we should be going each and every day. I will follow you on the route with out fear and anxiety.
O God help us to know when we need to use our wings to take to sky, and fly with your Spirit into the future where you are calling us. May we hear and feel the Holy Spirit give us the nudge to take route and take flight.
O God we pray for those who have been rooted too much in their thoughts, deeds, and beliefs that have led them to bully,hate, and discriminate.
O God we pray that faith may take root in each of us so that we may take route and proclaim Your Good News with love, compassion, and example and with a joyful spirit.
O God may we take root this evening and rest and honor our bodies, minds, and spirits to be able to take route tomorrow and serve you in your kingdom.
Prayers, Thanksgivings, Remembrances, and Celebrations may be added here.
All this we ask in the God who has taken root in us, and set us on the route that leads to life eternal and the springs of the Water of Life. Amen.
Or these:
Dear Lord we continue to pray for all those who are still affected by the bitter cold, especially those who need to be out in it. We remember especially the homeless, hungry, those who lack safe transportation, and those who are working in the cold, snowy, and rainy conditions. Watch over them Lord and keep them safe.
We pray for the people of Syria, and Iraq and pray for an end to all armed and terror filled conflict and that there may be peaceful regime change.
We pray for rain in the drought affected areas in our country and especially in California.
We pray for all those who are anxious about upcoming surgeries and those who will be having surgeries in the next few days.
We pray for all those battling chronic illnesses and pain. We pray for continued research and the finding of healing treatments for the many autoimmune diseases.
We pray for all those who are traveling this weekend and that they may use common sense on the roads.
We continue to pray for an end to hate crimes, bullying, and emotional, verbal, and physical abuse.
We pray for all of our family members who discriminate against all persons who are LGBT, disabled, unemployed, and all our family members who are on the margins.
We pray that we may learn to love our family members who are also our enemies. Soften both our hearts to be loving and listening.
We pray also for the safety of all our LGBTQ family members who are being victims of hate crimes, violence, and draconian laws designed imprison, kill, and make our family members fear for their safety and hide who they are .
We pray for a respect for all of our family members who are victimized. We pray for all those who are led to commit crimes against us and that they may think before they act.
For the leaders of the nations of the world that they may remember to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with you.
For all those who are lonely and do not have adequate support systems.
For the many family members who are sitting vigil with their loved ones of any age are hospitalized.
We pray for all those who need to step up and be caregivers when our family members who are far away need help.
We pray for all those who are preparing for worship in your sanctuary tomorrow. We pray for our family members who will proclaim the Gospel may do so with clarity We pray that we may respond and become servants and laborers in your vineyard and kingdom according to your will O God.
We pray for all women, children, and the most vulnerable.
We pray for all of us who continue to grieve any kind of loss.
We pray for all who are seeking employment and for employers to take risks and hire those who are the long term unemployed.
We pray for all living things and especially all the wild life and pets that are affected by the cold weather and the drought.
We pray for all our family members whose voices have been silenced and drowned out by those who do not listen. We pray that we may be in solidarity with the voiceless and speak truth to power with them.
This night please add your prayers, thanksgivings, celebrations, and remembrances.
We also pray for all those who have asked us for prayers and the many circumstances that surround each and that we may knit an ever widening prayer circle around this your Family O Lord. Amen.
We offer these prayers in the name of God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Amen.
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Lot's to pray for and more to come in the daylight hours. I love you,you matter, and please take time for self care and Sabbath Rest.
With love and a thankful heart for you my dear family of love and pilgrims on our journey!
Sara
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