Good Evening Dear Family!
Happy Take Care Tuesday! I hope all is well and that you are managing to work on your rule of life. Please take time and spend time in the center as you come up with a rule of life that works for you. One way of de-cluttering is setting aside time to get away from your usual surroundings and find a place that will give you some breathing room to clear your mind. I suggest the sea air or a labyrinth to do this or any place that provides you with sacred sanctuary.. We are going to view the lessons from the feast day of St.Benedict of Nursia from the Message. Take a look at the headings on the lessons and meditate upon them. Find out if they might be key to your rule of life.
Let us begin once again with our mindfulness time:
5- 10 minute sit.
Use a timer, mindfulness app, or musical selection.
Today's mindfulness musical selection is this:
Gregorian Chants
Be still and know that I am God!
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Inhale Slowly
Hold
Exhale Gently
Pause
Repeat.
Jesus said: “If any of you would come after me, deny yourself and
take up your cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34
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 all guests who arrive, be received as Christ." Benedict of Nursia
Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thanks be to God.
He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands.
Benedict of Nursia
“Wherefore let us consider how it behoveth us to be in the sight of God and the angels, and so let us take our part in the psalmody that mind and voice accord together.”
― Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of Saint Benedict
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 119:129-136The Message (MSG)
129-136 Every word you give me is a miracle word—
how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.
I cry rivers of tears
because nobody’s living by your book!
how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.
I cry rivers of tears
because nobody’s living by your book!
Benedict of Nursia
Proverbs 2:1-15The Message (MSG)
Make Insight Your Priority
2 1-5 Good friend, take to heart what I’m telling you;
collect my counsels and guard them with your life.
Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom;
set your heart on a life of Understanding.
That’s right—if you make Insight your priority,
and won’t take no for an answer,
Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,
like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,
Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.
collect my counsels and guard them with your life.
Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom;
set your heart on a life of Understanding.
That’s right—if you make Insight your priority,
and won’t take no for an answer,
Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,
like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,
Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.
6-8 And here’s why: God gives out Wisdom free,
is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding.
He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well,
a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.
He keeps his eye on all who live honestly,
and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.
is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding.
He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well,
a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.
He keeps his eye on all who live honestly,
and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.
9-15 So now you can pick out what’s true and fair,
find all the good trails!
Lady Wisdom will be your close friend,
and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion.
Good Sense will scout ahead for danger,
Insight will keep an eye out for you.
They’ll keep you from making wrong turns,
or following the bad directions
Of those who are lost themselves
and can’t tell a trail from a tumbleweed,
These losers who make a game of evil
and throw parties to celebrate perversity,
Traveling paths that go nowhere,
wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.
find all the good trails!
Lady Wisdom will be your close friend,
and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion.
Good Sense will scout ahead for danger,
Insight will keep an eye out for you.
They’ll keep you from making wrong turns,
or following the bad directions
Of those who are lost themselves
and can’t tell a trail from a tumbleweed,
These losers who make a game of evil
and throw parties to celebrate perversity,
Traveling paths that go nowhere,
wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.
10 The Second Song of Isaiah Quaerite Dominum
Isaiah 55:6-11
Seek the Lord while he wills to be found; *
call upon him when he draws near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways *
and the evil ones their thoughts;
And let them turn to the Lord, and he will have compassion, *
and to our God, for he will richly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, *
nor your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, *
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as rain and snow fall from the heavens *
and return not again, but water the earth,
Bringing forth life and giving growth, *
seed for sowing and bread for eating,
So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; *
it will not return to me empty;
But it will accomplish that which I have purposed, *
and prosper in that for which I sent it.
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.
Philippians 2:12-16The Message (MSG)
Rejoicing Together
12-13 What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’senergy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
14-16 Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.
__
From the Rule of St. Benedict
Reading for: July, 11
Chapter 33: Whether Monks Ought to Have Anything of Their Own
“This vice especially
is to be cut out of the monastery by the roots.
Let no one presume to give or receive anything
without the Abbot’s leave,
or to have anything as his own–
anything whatever,
whether book or tablets or pen or whatever it may be–
since they are not permitted to have even their bodies or wills
at their own disposal;
but for all their necessities
let them look to the Father of the monastery.
And let it be unlawful to have anything
which the Abbot has not given or allowed.
Let all things be common to all,
as it is written (Acts 4:32),
and let no one say or assume that anything is his own.
But if anyone is caught indulging in this most wicked vice,
let him be admonished once and a second time.
If he fails to amend,
let him undergo punishment.”
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.
Luke 14:27-33The Message (MSG)
Figure the Cost
25-27 One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.
28-30 “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’
31-32 “Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce?
33 “Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.
Girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his [Jesus] paths by the guidance of the Gospel.
Benedict of Nursia
A Song to the Lamb Dignus es
Revelation 4:11; 5:9-10, 13
Splendor and honor and kingly power *
are yours by right, O Lord our God,
For you created everything that is, *
and by your will they were created and have their being;
And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain, *
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,
From every family, language, people, and nation, *
a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne, *
and to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor, *
for ever and for evermore.
And let them first pray together, that so they may associate in peace.
Benedict of Nursia
Everlasting God, we give you thanks for the purity and humility with which you endowed your servant Benedict: Grant us grace, in union with his example and prayers, to hallow and conform our souls and bodies to the purpose of your most holy will; through Christ our Lord.
“Almighty God, give me wisdom to perceive You, intelligence to understand You, diligence to seek You, patience to wait for You, eyes to behold You, a heart to meditate upon You and life to proclaim You, through the power of the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
― Benedict of Nursia
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.
Gracious and loving God we pray that we may be schooled in your ways of love, justice, and peace.
We pray for all who teach and those who learn that our educational system may rise to the challenge of educating well rounded individuals who will not be afraid to ask questions and find answers on their own.
We pray for peace in this world and an end to violence and terror committed by violent extremists.
We pray for all who are ill that they may be healed of all their illnesses.
We pray for peace of mind and hearts as we confront the daily news cycle.
We pray that we may be loving and forgiving and accept forgiveness from our family members.
We pray for_________________________________
God we pray that we as in the words of St. Benedict "Listen with the ear of the heart " and 'Be schooled for the Lord's service"
We lift up these our prayers and meditations to you Jesus! Amen.
Or These
tonight I ask that we all pray with intention for:
Peace of the World, Conservation of God's Cathedral of Life, and Protection for our endangered species and animal kingdom.
Peace of the World, Conservation of God's Cathedral of Life, and Protection for our endangered species and animal kingdom.
That the Family of God may be united in love, justice, and mercy and be as one.
For all refugees,
For all political prisoners, prisoners, and prisoners of war
For an end to human trafficking
For all who are being persecuted for their religious beliefs.
For all the LGBTQ community and people who love and accept them.
For all political prisoners, prisoners, and prisoners of war
For an end to human trafficking
For all who are being persecuted for their religious beliefs.
For all the LGBTQ community and people who love and accept them.
Peace in the Middle East, Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Jordan as they welcome the Refugees from Syria
The Missing Girls in Nigeria,
Those who suffer addiction and mental illness
For an End to violence and oppression of any kind.
For those who are are battling Cancer, chronic and autoimmune diseases, orphan and those of the memory
For those who have lost loved ones and suffered any kind of loss.
For all Children of God who are struggling this night!
For all of those whose names are etched in sidewalks, memorial walls, or grave stones.
For all caregivers.
For the homeless and hungry who will not be in shelters tonight, that they may be find a safe place to rest their bodies. We pray for a variety of shelters to meet their needs and recognize one-size doesn't fit all.
For all of our youth who will become the leaders of tomorrow and today.
For all of the leaders of faith communities and our family members who they serve and provide pastoral care for.
For our animal family members
For all those who have stress, anxiety, feat. Help them to lay down their worries and place them in the worry/Sabbath box.
For your own prayers, thanksgivings, remembrances, and celebrations.
For all of those whose names are etched in sidewalks, memorial walls, or grave stones.
For all caregivers.
For the homeless and hungry who will not be in shelters tonight, that they may be find a safe place to rest their bodies. We pray for a variety of shelters to meet their needs and recognize one-size doesn't fit all.
For all of our youth who will become the leaders of tomorrow and today.
For all of the leaders of faith communities and our family members who they serve and provide pastoral care for.
For our animal family members
For all those who have stress, anxiety, feat. Help them to lay down their worries and place them in the worry/Sabbath box.
For your own prayers, thanksgivings, remembrances, and celebrations.
We pray especially for our neighbors remembering who they are and whose they are:
Jesus help us to remember who our neighbor is by praying for our family members below.
Women
Men
Children
Enemies
Refugees, immigrants of any kind
Caregivers
Those who don't share your political or religious beliefs
LGBTQ family members
Elderly
Family members with whom we are estranged
Everyone
The sick and the suffering
The mentally ill and memory challenged
Those living with H.I. V./ A.I.D.S
Everyone
Those who have caused you harm or abused you
Those who hate you or you hate ( Not acceptable)
Those who have forgiven you and those whom you have forgiven
Everyone
Those who do not share the same ethnicity or race as you
Political prisoners
Prisoners of war
Those who cause terror, violence, bullying, and do unspeakable things.
Everyone
Jews
Christians
Muslims
Buddhists
Hindus
All faith communities
Everyone
Indigenous peoples
Victims of Human Trafficking
Everyone
Cancer patients,
Chronically ill
The disabled
The poor
The homeless
The hungry
The lonely,
The lost,
The unemployed
The farm worker
Everyone
The misunderstood
The learning disabled
The marginalized
The invisible ones
The least of these
Everyone
The family of nations and all the peoples God's world
Jesus we pray for all of our family members nearby,stranger, and enemy and in particular those mentioned about that we may love one another as you have loved us . May we strive to be better at loving, accepting, and including everyone. We know that in Your world all means all and not some. May we continue to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you to the end of our days and beyond. Amen.
We pray for peace within ourselves, our nation, the troubled places of the world especially in the Middle East (Israel, The Palestinian Authority-Gaza, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Jordan), African countries (Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Darfur, South Sudan, The Sudan), Afghanistan, Pakistan, The Ukraine, Central America, South America, and all other places in the world where there is violence, inequality, injustice, tribal discord, and sectarian violence.
We offer our own prayers, thanksgivings, remembrances, and celebrations in the stillness and quietness of our souls remembering especially________________
We lift up these our prayers to you Lord Jesus. Amen.
++++
Good Night Precious and dear family! I love you! Know that you are loved, you matter and you are precious to God and to me. May you all have a restful and blessed night.
Women
Men
Children
Enemies
Refugees, immigrants of any kind
Caregivers
Those who don't share your political or religious beliefs
LGBTQ family members
Elderly
Family members with whom we are estranged
Everyone
The sick and the suffering
The mentally ill and memory challenged
Those living with H.I. V./ A.I.D.S
Everyone
Those who have caused you harm or abused you
Those who hate you or you hate ( Not acceptable)
Those who have forgiven you and those whom you have forgiven
Everyone
Those who do not share the same ethnicity or race as you
Political prisoners
Prisoners of war
Those who cause terror, violence, bullying, and do unspeakable things.
Everyone
Jews
Christians
Muslims
Buddhists
Hindus
All faith communities
Everyone
Indigenous peoples
Victims of Human Trafficking
Everyone
Cancer patients,
Chronically ill
The disabled
The poor
The homeless
The hungry
The lonely,
The lost,
The unemployed
The farm worker
Everyone
The misunderstood
The learning disabled
The marginalized
The invisible ones
The least of these
Everyone
The family of nations and all the peoples God's world
Jesus we pray for all of our family members nearby,stranger, and enemy and in particular those mentioned about that we may love one another as you have loved us . May we strive to be better at loving, accepting, and including everyone. We know that in Your world all means all and not some. May we continue to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you to the end of our days and beyond. Amen.
We pray for peace within ourselves, our nation, the troubled places of the world especially in the Middle East (Israel, The Palestinian Authority-Gaza, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Jordan), African countries (Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Darfur, South Sudan, The Sudan), Afghanistan, Pakistan, The Ukraine, Central America, South America, and all other places in the world where there is violence, inequality, injustice, tribal discord, and sectarian violence.
We offer our own prayers, thanksgivings, remembrances, and celebrations in the stillness and quietness of our souls remembering especially________________
We lift up these our prayers to you Lord Jesus. Amen.
++++
Good Night Precious and dear family! I love you! Know that you are loved, you matter and you are precious to God and to me. May you all have a restful and blessed night.
De-cluttering task tonight: Go off the grid early and enter into holy silence until morning.
Love, joy, peace, and blessings be always yours,
Love, joy, peace, and blessings be always yours,
Sara
Resources:
Walk With Me On Our Journey
Book of Common Prayer
Bible Gateway: The Message
Quotation websites for St. Benedict of Nursia
Lectionary Page
For more information on St. Benedict: Benedict of Nursia Bio
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