Good Evening Dear Family of God and Love!
Happy Thoughtful and Thankful Thursday! I love you and give thanks to God for you all! Today was one of those days in the de-cluttering arena where I was reminded safety first and and to go slow. I had a fall this morning and ended up with a bad bloody nose and a bruised toe. This reminded me not to be in a hurry. So we now pace ourselves. As I was going through all the clutter I found memories galore Memories of my parents, siblings, grand parents, and partner. Each thing I picked up I had to look at save or throw away. This isn't any easy task because sometimes we want to go back and spend time with our beloved ones and then I realized that keeping these items won't mean anything when I'm gone so it's best to discard and celebrate the lives and remember. We must remember that our loved ones possessions may connect us to them by they will never bring them back. There will come a time for each of us in our time of grief no matter how long or short that we must confront the issue of the stuff our loved ones have left behind. Instead of waiting to do this when we are made to downsize for various reasons let's do it when we have the energy and are emotionally healthy to do it. Jesus was right about possessions here are a few reminders:
Matthew 6:19-21 The Message (MSG) A Life of God-Worship 19-21 “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. Matthew 19:21 The Message (MSG) 21 “If you want to give it all you’ve got,” Jesus replied, “go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me.” Acts 4:32-33 The Message (MSG) 32-33 The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.
Tonight we are celebrating the feast day of St. Peter and St. Paul . The lessons come from Satucket Lectionary page. At the bottom we will have their biographical sketch. Peter and Paul knew something about de-cluttering from laying down old lives, fishing nets, persecution, perceptions, and their inner beings making changes to serve God and the least of these and spreading the God News and doing God work at the peril of their very lives. This is why de-cluttering is transformative and spiritually necessary for us at such a time as this. Here is my prescription for us all when we see old items of meaning that need to go especially letters, read, remember, recycle, and rest assure that these memories may not belong to you but to others.Don't feel guilty of letting go of them.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Pause, reflect and breathe.
Be.
Be still.
Be still and know.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Pause, reflect and breathe.
Be.
Be still.
Be still and know.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know that I am God.
Let us enter our time of prayer and make sanctuary wherever we are, for we are in God's presence and we are the holy people of God.
You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but citizens together
with the saints and members of the household of God.
Ephesians 2:19
God is Spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and
in truth. John 4:24
Let the righteous rejoice * in the presence of God.
Let the righteous rejoice in the presence of God.
Let them be merry and joyful:
In the presence of God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Let the righteous rejoice in the presence of God.
V. Their sound has gone out into all lands:
R. And their message to the ends of the world.
God of all love we come together tonight to accept your call to light our candles and pray. We pray this night to be loving towards one another. We pray this night for guidance in how we can best serve you in the world. We pray that we may be more giving of ourselves to others. We pray that we may be able to be hopeful and hope-filled to this fragile and broken world. We pray that we may shine your light and help people out of the dark places they find themselves in. We pray that we may be supportive in what ever decisions people make, We pray for the least of these who struggle with the day to day issues of living. We pray that everyone will be lovingly included and not excluded and invisible. We pray that we may be peacemakers and children of God. We pray that we may "Strive for justice, and respect the dignity of every human being"* We pray that we may build bridges and tear down walls. We pray for the courage to speak truth to power. We pray for an end to hatred, violence and terror. We pray that we may use our voices not to hurt but to heal. We pray this night that we all may be one and that we may continue to pray for_________, and all places where terror and violence have occurred even when the media fails to report it. May we all be one with those who mourn and stand vigil for the peace of the world and in the places where there is danger. God we lift up these prayers to you with hurting hearts, open hands up lifted, with loving care and voices. Amen.
They cast their nets in Galilee
just off the hills of brown;
such happy, simple fisherfolk,
before the Lord came down.
Contented, peaceful fishermen,
before they ever knew
the peace of God that filled their hearts
brimful, and broke them too.
Young John who trimmed
the flapping sail,
homeless in Patmos died,
Peter, who hauled the teeming net,
head-down was crucified.
The peace of God, it is no peace,
but strife closed in the sod,
Yet let us pray for but one thing—
the marvelous peace of God.
just off the hills of brown;
such happy, simple fisherfolk,
before the Lord came down.
Contented, peaceful fishermen,
before they ever knew
the peace of God that filled their hearts
brimful, and broke them too.
Young John who trimmed
the flapping sail,
homeless in Patmos died,
Peter, who hauled the teeming net,
head-down was crucified.
The peace of God, it is no peace,
but strife closed in the sod,
Yet let us pray for but one thing—
the marvelous peace of God.
87 Fundamenta ejus
1 On the holy mountain stands the city he has founded; *
the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
2 Glorious things are spoken of you, *
O city of our God.
3 I count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me; *
behold Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia:
in Zion were they born.
4 Of Zion it shall be said, "Everyone was born in her, *
and the Most High himself shall sustain her."
5 The Lord will record as he enrolls the peoples, *
"These also were born there."
6 The singers and the dancers will say, *
"All my fresh springs are in you."
1 On the holy mountain stands the city he has founded; *
the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
2 Glorious things are spoken of you, *
O city of our God.
3 I count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me; *
behold Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia:
in Zion were they born.
4 Of Zion it shall be said, "Everyone was born in her, *
and the Most High himself shall sustain her."
5 The Lord will record as he enrolls the peoples, *
"These also were born there."
6 The singers and the dancers will say, *
"All my fresh springs are in you."
Ezekiel 34:11-16
11 For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 12 As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.
The Song of Mary Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in you, O God my Savior, *
for you have looked with favor on your lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
you, the Almighty, have done great things for me,
and holy is your name.
You have mercy on those who fear you *
from generation to generation.
You have shown strength with your arm *
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones *
and lifting up the lowly.
You have filled the hungry with good things *
and sent the rich away empty.
You have come to the help of your servant Israel, *
for you have remembered your promise of mercy,
The promise made to our forebears, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
2 Timothy 4:1-8
4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5 As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
A Song of the Heavenly City
Revelation 21:22-26, 22:1-4
I saw no temple in the city, *
for its temple is the God of surpassing strength and the Lamb.
And the city has no need of sun or moon to light it, *
for the glory of God shines on it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
By its light the nations shall walk, *
and the rulers of the world lay their honor and glory there.
Its gates shall never be shut by day, nor shall there be any night; *
into it they will bring the honor and glory of nations.
I saw the clean river of the water of life, bright as crystal, *
flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
The tree of life spanned the river, giving fruit every month, *
and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of nations.
All curses cease where the throne of God and the Lamb stands,
and all servants give worship there; *
there they will see God’s face, whose Name shall be on their foreheads.
John 21:15-19
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ 16 A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ 17 He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ 19(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’
We Praise You, O God Te Deum laudamus
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord;
all creation worships you,
the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
Litany of the Saints chant
Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
A Prayer attributed to St. Francis (BCP)
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.
Here is a selection of Byzantine Music from which to reflect with:
Praise the Lord From the Heavens
Dear Jesus may we become transformed and transfigured to do your will and that we may walk as children of the light.
Jesus, may we always be able to feel your presence wherever we are and may we always recognize Your gentle tap on our shoulder or butterfly in the stomach or a joy-filled heart.
Jesus, feed us each day with the Bread of Heaven and may we drink from the Waters of Eternal life that continually hydrates us.
Jesus, may we continually have our eyes fixed on you and follow the path that you have set for us in our daily life.
Jesus, may we see you in all of our family members who may not be the ones we have met yet. We pray for all refugees, strangers, captives. political prisoners, those who seek to divide, those who hate, those who are not able to see or move past the phobias, and isms.
Jesus, we pray for peace in the world where there seems to be a lack of it. We pray for peace in Your homeland and wherever there is a lack of peace.
Jesus, may we ever be grateful for all the blessings of this life an give thanks with an overflowing heart.
Jesus, we pray for________________
Jesus, help us to have each other's backs and love more fully each and every breath that we take.
Jesus, help us to be your hands, feet, voices, in the world to serve and help heal the least of these.
May we always remember those who have lost loved ones and that we may come to their aid with love, compassion, and comfort.
We lay these our prayers at the feet of Jesus the Christ our Redeemer. Amen.
Praise the Lord From the Heavens
Dear Jesus may we become transformed and transfigured to do your will and that we may walk as children of the light.
Jesus, may we always be able to feel your presence wherever we are and may we always recognize Your gentle tap on our shoulder or butterfly in the stomach or a joy-filled heart.
Jesus, feed us each day with the Bread of Heaven and may we drink from the Waters of Eternal life that continually hydrates us.
Jesus, may we continually have our eyes fixed on you and follow the path that you have set for us in our daily life.
Jesus, may we see you in all of our family members who may not be the ones we have met yet. We pray for all refugees, strangers, captives. political prisoners, those who seek to divide, those who hate, those who are not able to see or move past the phobias, and isms.
Jesus, we pray for peace in the world where there seems to be a lack of it. We pray for peace in Your homeland and wherever there is a lack of peace.
Jesus, may we ever be grateful for all the blessings of this life an give thanks with an overflowing heart.
Jesus, we pray for________________
Jesus, help us to have each other's backs and love more fully each and every breath that we take.
Jesus, help us to be your hands, feet, voices, in the world to serve and help heal the least of these.
May we always remember those who have lost loved ones and that we may come to their aid with love, compassion, and comfort.
We lay these our prayers at the feet of Jesus the Christ our Redeemer. Amen.
or these:
For whom and what shall we pray?
God we pray that we may de-clutter all the junk that is hindering our relationship with you and our families?
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer.
God we pray for an end to all the junk that divides us and fails to unite us.
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer
God we pray that we might find our reliance upon you and not things and earthly possessions.
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer
God we pray for an end to all forms of violence that there may be peace on the the Earth.
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer
God we pray for all who are ill and in need of healing of bodies, minds, and spirits remembering especially _______________
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer
God we pray for an end to _________________
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer
God we pray for the conservation of God's Cathedral of Life.
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer
God we pray and give thanks for __________________
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer
God we pray that the leaders of the nations and especially here at home may realize their duty is to lead and care for the least of these no matter who they are. We pray that they may truly practice and live by the words "Liberty and Justice for all!".
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer
God we lift up these our prayers to you O God.
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to
generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.
Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
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)
Good Night Beloveds! I love your and give God thanks this day for you and all that you do. Rest gentle and be renewed in body, mind, and spirit. May we all be transformed into new beings as we de-clutter our hearts from all the junk that separates us from God and each other.
Today's de-cluttering suggestion: Have the talk with your aging family member or child about their old belongings (a.k.a. Junk) and doing an occasional de-cluttering. Do it when you are healthy and in a good frame of mind.
Today's de-cluttering suggestion: Have the talk with your aging family member or child about their old belongings (a.k.a. Junk) and doing an occasional de-cluttering. Do it when you are healthy and in a good frame of mind.
With love and blessings with a heart on fire with love energy to continue in God's service,
Sara
Today's Feast Day Info St. Peter and St. Paul
Resources:
Book of Common Prayer
Book of Occasional Services
Enriching our Worship 1997
Satucket Lectionary Page
Walk With Me On Our Journey
YouTube for hymns
E-hymnal for Lyrics
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