A Blessed Holy Saturday to all of you, Family of Love,
I hope everyone is ready for our yearly celebration of Christ's resurrection and our new life springing forth. Many thoughts keep wafting in my mind today as we and many others prepared the church for Easter.The main thought that kept coming to mind is how each year is different in how we decorate the church. Some years we goop it up and throw everything in and yes that includes the proverbial kitchen sink, while others call for a more simple and introspective time without the grand ceremony I have been thinking that Holy Saturday is one of those days where we should allow ourselves to feel empty and acknowledge that as people of faith we really need to feel this emptiness as a way to recognize our dependence upon God, Jesus, our neighbors, and yes even ourselves. Holy Saturday reminds us of that hole in our heart homes that need to be wholly filled with the presence of God and God's Love and Light. Things, food, people, drugs, security blankets and the like cannot fill these gaping holes only God can. As we await the telling and receiving once again the Good News of Christ's resurrection from the dead let us spend some time feeling that hole and using it as a means to find God, Find the Good that God made and is making in our lives, and praying for all of our family members who are living with holes that are created by hate, bigotry, violence, degradation, and injustice. I was reminded today that it is not the decorations that matter in a church but what we bring to it and what the church gives us so that we may carry the gifts that we have been given out into the world. I think of this as the artesian well affect of faith that we come to church to be renewed so that w may go out and renew the world with God's love, light and mercy. I would like everyone to spend some time in quiet contemplation so that you may begin renewing your inner beings and heart homes for tomorrow.
Let us first engage in our "Be Stills"
Be Still and Know that I am God.
Be Still and Know.
Be Still.
Be.
Tonight I would like everyone to listen to the following piece prior to our candlelight prayer vigil.
Schindler's List Theme
Let us set ourselves in Jerusalem after the crucifixion of our Lord. Let us take time to imagine how the disciple's and Jesus' family felt in the safe houses. Imagine yourself being a follower of the Jesus movement at that time. What would you be doing? How would you feel? What is that gaping hole in your heart that was filled a little over 48 hours ago? Do you feel lost, lonely and alone? Are you the least of these? Do you want to lock yourselves in a room because you are afraid of the hate and what's to come because you follow a revolutionary and peaceful non-violent protester? Where are you ? Are you a hater or a peacemaker? Are you one of the courageous women disciples of Jesus who choose to make treks to the tomb and hope against hope that something might have changed overnight? Let us think on these things? Let us seek to be united to God in love, service, mercy, justice and peace.
Let us light our candles and be at prayer. God we come to you feeling empty after yet another Good Friday and Holy Saturday. We pray that we may accept this emptiness as a means to reconnect with you and our family members. We pray and give thanks for these times where our heart homes need to lay fallow and rest so that we may welcome the renewal of our spirits that only can come from you.
We pray for peace in this world and that we may be ambassadors of CALM (Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy) We pray that we may have love energy in our hearts to love all of our family members throughout the world and even if they just might be the ones who seek to do us harm. Let us spend time tonight praying in the garden and outside the tomb once again and when it is time to rest we may awaken renewed to Love God, Our Family Members, Ourselves, and that we may rise to love and serve the least of these. Risen Lord may we feel your presence in the breaking of the bread and in our prayers.
Collect for Holy Saturday (BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER)
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord Jesus, as we approach the celebration of Jesus' resurrection may we pray for peace in the world and the renewal of our spirits.
Jesus, give us the courage to become instruments of your peace and be "Lights of the World" and "The Salt of the Earth"
Jesus, grant us the wisdom to find out for ourselves the truth behind all the stories we read and see in social media and in the newscasts.
Jesus, we pray for the forgotten people in all the war torn areas of the world that our eyes may be opened and that we may have loving hearts to welcome them.
Jesus, give us we pray the energy to do the tasks no matter how large or how small you give us in service to you and in your Kingdom.
Jesus, we remember those who are on our hearts this night especially______________________
Jesus, protect all our family members around the world this night and 'Hide them under the shadow of your wings"
Jesus, keep reminding us that we are to be your hands, your feet, your voice, in the world. Give us by your example to never treat anyone as invisible.
Jesus, help us to be living and breathing Bibles by our love, compassion, mercy, words, deeds and remember the words of St. Francis of Assisi "Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words!"
Jesus, we remember all of our vulnerable family members who are lonely, lost, refugees, homeless, hungry, and all the least of these. Help us to remember that by caring and serving them we are serving you.
Jesus, heal all those who are mentally ill, PTSD, Memory problems, and all those who struggle with daily living. We remember all of our family members who are disabled.
Jesus, help us to know that we are one with you and God and that we may never be afraid to come to you and knock at the door. Help us always to be listening and seeking you in those moments of stillness and calm.
Jesus we pray our gratitude list and offer our thanks to you!
Come Lord Jesus and be among us this night and always. Amen.
++++++
Good night dear ones! I love you and my God Bless you this night and always. Remember tomorrow is the Celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Let us have courage to say He is Risen!
the Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Here is a special take on the Be Stills for you tomorrow!
Risen Lord be known to us in the breaking of the bread.
Risen Lord be known to us in the breaking.
Risen Lord be known to us.
Risen Lord be known.
Risen Lord be.
Risen Lord.
Risen.
The light of Christ in me ! Recognizes the Light of Christ in You.
Love, joy, blessings,prayers, with thanksgiving to God for you!
Sara
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