Good Evening Dear Family of God and Love!
Welcome to Hope Week! For the past few weeks and months we have been going through a time of feeling hope-less not hope-full! As I am a cancer survivor you can imagine that sometimes we don't feel there is enough hope in the world to endure chemo, blood work, myriads of tests, and new docs etc. That's when you find that you are wrong ,there is hope! It is all around you and within you if you take time to look, feel, and listen. 3 years ago tomorrow I will celebrate my 3rd anniversary of my colon cancer surgery and being officially cancer free. I look back to those times and find it surprising that I actually made it through but with God's help you do. We who are patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center have a survivorship doctor and program. My doctor is Dr. Decker and the program is iThrive. This iThrive program has daily tasks that we do sent to us through our email and one of my action steps this week is called "Hope Calls" I would like to share with you the overview and today's action step:
+++++++
Overview
Hope is a powerful, almost sacred, emotion. When you are filled with hope, all the ways in which you have felt fettered and incapacitated are released. You teem with a sense of possibility and excitement for what may be. This is a powerful way to engage with your daily life. Filled with hope, you will make decisions from a place of strength and confidence. With hope, you will give yourself – and others – the benefit of the doubt. With hope, you will combat despair and loss. Hope is truly one of the most healing emotions that we experience. What’s more, hope creates community. No one has said this better than John Lennon: “You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us. And the world will live as one.” No one is more in need of hope than a cancer survivor. With hope, you can combat your fears of recurrence, make difficult decisions with confidence, experience more satisfying relationships with your providers and nurture the collective intent of your community of loved ones.
Week at a glance
This Action Steps is a 5-day journey along the road of hope – and, you will not be traveling alone. Each day of this Action Step you will be asked to convey a specific message of hope to someone whom you care about. In doing this, your own sense of hope will blossom.
Science
The emotion of hope has been shown to be integral to overall wellness and to improved quality of life in people diagnosed with cancer. Hope directly counters the negative psychological consequences of distress.
Health Benefits
Improved emotional wellbeing
Improved coping skills
Facilitation of social support networks
Hope Calls
Day 1
One of the most efficient ways to decimate hope is to experience fear. Fear negates hope because when you feel fearful, your stress response system is activated. Your body, both physiologically and emotionally, goes into fight-or-flight mode. Everything becomes about being defensive, building up boundaries and escaping. The only hope that remains in this mode is the slim hope of simply surviving. While this certainly serves a purpose, it is not the expansive, unfettered all-inspiring sense of hope that truly motivates joy, purpose and happiness.
People in the throes of uncertainty often lose their sense of hope. The loss of hope in this situation only adds more uncertainty and confusion. Today, think of someone in your life who is facing change, awaiting important news or information, has recently made a major change such as moving or divorce or marriage or having a child. This person is likely experiencing much self-doubt, confusion, anxiety and perhaps even some despair. You are going to give this person a call! This will be the first of 5 Hope Calls during this Action Step. When you make these calls, if you don’t reach the person, feel free to leave your message of hope as a voicemail.
Before you call this person, think about their situation of uncertainty. Let yourself imagine how they might be feeling in a stressful sense. Now, think about what could be said that might spark a sense of hope in them. Usually, hope springs from reminders about people’s strengths, their abilities, their desires and also from your appreciation of them. Think about what you want to communicate before you make your call. You may even want to rehearse a few times so that you can effectively communicate your message. Here are some hypothetical examples:
A friend has recently lost his job and cannot find a new job. You could call and remind him about what skills and attributes that you have learned that he possess.
A friend is pregnant and may be experiencing anxiety about being a parent. You could call to tell her about all of the things that you know will make her a good parent, and, while you are at it, remind her of how excited she was when she told you about being pregnant.
A friend is about to move into assisted living and is concerned about losing her autonomy. You could call to remind her of how wonderful she is with specific examples of her attributes and suggest that she will now have a new opportunity to share these attributes.
Above all else, when you make your first Hope Call, think of this call as an unconditional gift of your love. Try not to be attached to how it is received – simply give the gift of hope to another – and in so doing, your own sense of hope will be kindled.
+++++++
So dear ones this week it's all about hope! So let's Hope To it ! But first let us pray!
O Gracious Light Phos hilaron
O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
Psalm 136
Confitemini
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
4 Who only does great wonders, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
5 Who by wisdom made the heavens, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
6 Who spread out the earth upon the waters, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
7 Who created great lights, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
8 The sun to rule the day, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
9 The moon and the stars to govern the night, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
10 Who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
11 And brought out Israel from among them, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
12 With a mighty hand and a stretched-out arm, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
13 Who divided the Red Sea in two, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
15 But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
16 Who led his people through the wilderness, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
17 Who struck down great kings, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
18 And slew mighty kings, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
20 And Og, the king of Bashan, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
21 And gave away their lands for an inheritance, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
22 An inheritance for Israel his servant, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
23 Who remembered us in our low estate, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
24 And delivered us from our enemies, *
for his mercy endures for ever;
25 Who gives food to all creatures, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, *
for his mercy endures for ever.
Mark 8:11-21
11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. 12And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.’ 13And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.
14 Now the disciples* had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’* 16They said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ 17And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?18Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? 19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ They said to him, ‘Twelve.’ 20‘And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ And they said to him, ‘Seven.’21Then he said to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’
The Song of Mary Magnificat
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as It was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
John 9:1-38
9 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ 3 Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4 We* must work the works of him who sent me* while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ 6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7 saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8 The neighbours and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ 9 Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ 10 But they kept asking him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ 11 He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” Then I went and washed and received my sight.’ 12 They said to him, ‘Where is he?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’
13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’ 16 Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?’ And they were divided. 17 So they said again to the blind man, ‘What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.’ He said, ‘He is a prophet.’
18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, ‘Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?’ 20 His parents answered, ‘We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.’ 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus* to be the Messiah* would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, ‘He is of age; ask him.’
24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, ‘Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.’ 25 He answered, ‘I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’ 26 They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?’ 27 He answered them, ‘I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?’ 28 Then they reviled him, saying, ‘You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.’ 30 The man answered, ‘Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.’ 34 They answered him, ‘You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?’ And they drove him out.
35 Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’* 36 He answered, ‘And who is he, sir?* Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ 37 Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’ 38
He said, ‘Lord,* I believe.’ And he worshipped him.
A Song of Faith
1 Peter 1:3-4,18-21
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *
by divine mercy we have a new birth into a living hope;
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, *
we have an inheritance that is imperishable in heaven.
The ransom that was paid to free us *
was not paid in silver or gold,
But in the precious blood of Christ, *
the Lamb without spot or stain.
God raised Jesus from the dead and gave him glory *
so that we might have faith and hope in God.
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Prayer attributed to St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is
in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen.
A Collect for the Presence of Christ
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day
is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and
awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in
Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake
of your love. Amen
Book of Common Prayer 1979
― Teresa of Ávila
The Beatitudes
5 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Advent words in Lent to help us pray along the way!
God of Joy ,may we lift up our voices in holy prayers, vigils, as we await again the journey to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, our visit to the foot of the cross, and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God of Hope may our hearts give hope to the hopeless and let us be mindful of the least of these.
God of Peace we pray for ____________that there won't be one more act of violence and terror committed by extremists and those who suffer from mental illness.
God of Love may we lovingly respond to each other's needs and that we may love all of our family members who feel unlovable.
God of Hope may be be hope and light bearers to your fragile and broken world.
God of Peace we pray for peace in your world among all people who are your beloved children.
God of Love we pray for all who are mourning the loss of loved ones especially in Cincinnati Mosul, London, and all who mourn losses of any kind.
God of Joy we pray for all who are dying or have died today that they may find with you in the Thin Places a source of eternal joy and where the perpetual light will always shine upon them.
God of Peace we pray for peace in our own lives, hearts, and accept your healing of our bodies, minds, and spirits. We pray for all who are ill that they may receive your gift of healing.
God of Love, Help us to love ourselves more fully so that we may love others to the brim and overflowing.
God of Joy we pray for ourselves and the many requests made on behalf of our family members remembering especially________ May they feel your loving and joyful presence and in the stillness
come hear your voice.
God of Hope may we awaken refreshed, relaxed, rested, and renewed to serve you tomorrow and in the days to come.
We pray these our prayers in the Name of Jesus your Son. Amen.
The Song of Simeon Nunc dimittis
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always
protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow
the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.
(source: from Saint Clare)
Have a blessed and restful night! I love you! You matter! You are hope bringers to many! May you know that you are appreciated and I give God Thanks for you this day and always!
With love and hope!
Sara
Resources:
My daily action steps from iThrive
Enriching our Worship.
Lectionary Pages
Book of Common Prayer
No comments:
Post a Comment