Good Evening Beloved Community,
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a good day and took the time to rest, reflect, and renew as we enter a new week. Today we had quite a bit of scripture to chew on. In the Gospel of Luke we find Jesus calling the twelve, the disciples dropping everything to follow Jesus, and the healing of the man with leprosy. No wonder Jesus had to rest, reflect, and renew whenever he had the chance. Do we do this enough? Do we stop the glorification of busy just long enough for prayer and meditation? Let us take time to ponder these questions and spend time doing as Jesus did. Where do you go when you need to rest, reflect, and renew? Pilgrims need to do this daily on their life's sacred journey. That is what we are going to do today. Let us begin with "The Peace Be Stills".
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Our opening sentences come from Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John. The theme for this week is: The Word became flesh.
“The Word became flesh and lived among us.” John 1:14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God." John 1:1
Psalm 141:1-3,8ab Domine, clamavi
O LORD, I call to you; come to me quickly; * hear my voice when I cry to you.
Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, * the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Set a watch before my mouth, O LORD, and guard the door of my lips; *
let not my heart incline to any evil thing. My eyes are turned to you, Lord GOD; *
in you I take refuge.
Let us light our candles tonight as we meet together to hold sacred space torest, reflect, and renew ourselves for the upcoming week by prayer, meditation, and seeking to know God better through the Word of God.
.
A Song of Wisdom Sapientia liberavit
Wisdom 10:15-19,20b-21
Wisdom freed from a nation of oppressors *
a holy people and a blameless race.
She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, *
withstood dread rulers with wonders and signs.
To the saints she gave the reward of their labors, *
and led them by a marvelous way;
She was their shelter by day *
and a blaze of stars by night.
She brought them across the Red Sea, *
she led them through mighty waters;
But their enemies she swallowed in the waves *
and spewed them out from the depths of the abyss.
And then, Lord, the righteous sang hymns to your Name, *
and praised with one voice your protecting hand;
For Wisdom opened the mouths of the mute, *
and gave speech to the tongues of a new-born people.
A Song of Wisdom Sapientia liberavit Wisdom 10:15-19,20b-21
Wisdom freed from a nation of oppressors * a holy people and a blameless race.
She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, * withstood dread rulers with wonders and signs.
To the saints she gave the reward of their labors, * and led them by a marvelous way;
She was their shelter by day * and a blaze of stars by night.
She brought them across the Red Sea, * she led them through mighty waters;
But their enemies she swallowed in the waves *
and spewed them out from the depths of the abyss.
And then, Lord, the righteous sang hymns to your Name, * and praised with one voice your protecting hand;
For Wisdom opened the mouths of the mute, *
and gave speech to the tongues of a new-born people.
Luke 5:1-16
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken;and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ Then Jesusstretched out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I do choose. Be made clean.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. ‘Go’, he said, ‘and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.’ But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases.But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.
A Song of God’s Love
1 John 4:7-11
Beloved, let us love one another, * for love is of God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, * for God is Love.
In this the love of God was revealed among us, *
that God sent his only Son into the world,
so that we might live through Jesus Christ.
In this is love, not that we loved God but that God loved us * and sent his Son that sins might be forgiven.
Beloved, since God loved us so much, * we ought also to love one another.
For if we love one another, God abides in us, * and God’s love will be perfected in us.
Here is the chapter from the Gospel of John that we are focusing in on this week!
John 1:1-14
The Gospel According to
John
The Word Became Flesh
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
From Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John
Jesus, image of the invisible God,
and by your divine life abiding in me,
teach me to see and know the God of Love,
Amen.
and by your divine life abiding in me,
teach me to see and know the God of Love,
Amen.
Jesus, you are the way through the wilderness: show us your
truth in which we journey, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit be in us the life that draws us to God. Amen.
(source: F.B. McNutt, The Prayer Manual [London: Mowbray, 1961], p. 29, adapted
(source: F.B. McNutt, The Prayer Manual [London: Mowbray, 1961], p. 29, adapted
God our rock and refuge: keep us safe in your care and strengthen us with your grace, that we may pray to you faithfully and love one another boldly, following the example of Jesus, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives for ever and ever. Amen. (source: Veronese Sacramentary)
The Prayer of 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.
Let us listen to the same prayer as sung by John Michael Talbot Lord Make Me an Instrument- John Michael Talbot
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.
Let us listen to the same prayer as sung by John Michael Talbot Lord Make Me an Instrument- John Michael Talbot
Prayers for Healing
Gracious and loving God, we pray for all of our family members this night who are in our hearts and on our minds especially_________________.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all lives who are touched by abuse and violence.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all those whose hearts are hardened and feel the need to act violently.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all family members of the animal kingdom that are facing being endangered and extinct.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all of our personal wounds that have kept us from moving on and living lives well lived.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all of those who are mourning losses of family members and pets. We remember especially those who have lost children.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all children who are suffering from any untimely disease that keeps them from enjoying childhood.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all of our family members with whom we might be estranged. May we lovingly be united once again with them.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of your Cathedral of Life and that we might be good stewards of the Earth you made.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all hearts and heart homes who are facing loneliness during yet another upcoming holiday season.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all divisions that we may be one.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all who have had surgery that they may receive healing and recover fully.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all who are homeless, hungry, and ill-clad that they may find warm shelter, nourishing food, and warm and comfortable clothing.
Gracious and loving God,we pray for the healing of all nations where there are warring factions and terror that peace may prevail upon earth.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all faith communities that they may find common ground rooted in love.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all the hate and rancor in this world.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all those who are feeling isolated and outcast that they may feel accepted and loved as the beautiful people whom you created that they may see as you see them.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of anything that is being brought to mind this night remembering especially__________________________
Gracious and loving God we pray in the name of Jesus,Your Son. Amen.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for all of our family members this night who are in our hearts and on our minds especially_________________.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all lives who are touched by abuse and violence.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all those whose hearts are hardened and feel the need to act violently.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all family members of the animal kingdom that are facing being endangered and extinct.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all of our personal wounds that have kept us from moving on and living lives well lived.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all of those who are mourning losses of family members and pets. We remember especially those who have lost children.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all children who are suffering from any untimely disease that keeps them from enjoying childhood.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all of our family members with whom we might be estranged. May we lovingly be united once again with them.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of your Cathedral of Life and that we might be good stewards of the Earth you made.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all hearts and heart homes who are facing loneliness during yet another upcoming holiday season.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all divisions that we may be one.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all who have had surgery that they may receive healing and recover fully.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all who are homeless, hungry, and ill-clad that they may find warm shelter, nourishing food, and warm and comfortable clothing.
Gracious and loving God,we pray for the healing of all nations where there are warring factions and terror that peace may prevail upon earth.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all faith communities that they may find common ground rooted in love.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all the hate and rancor in this world.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all those who are feeling isolated and outcast that they may feel accepted and loved as the beautiful people whom you created that they may see as you see them.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of anything that is being brought to mind this night remembering especially__________________________
Gracious and loving God we pray in the name of Jesus,Your Son. Amen.
Teach me To Listen
by
John Veltri, S.J.
Help me to be aware that no matter what words I hear, the message is, “Accept the person I am. Listen to me.”
Teach me to listen, my caring God, to those far from me– the whisper of the hopeless, the plea of the forgotten, the cry of the anguished.
Teach me to listen, O God my Mother, to myself. Help me to be less afraid to trust the voice inside — in the deepest part of me.
Teach me to listen, Holy Spirit, for your voice — in busyness and in boredom, in certainty and doubt, in noise and in silence.
Teach me, Lord, to listen. Amen.
Or these:
Tonight let us take time to rest, relax, refresh, and renew our bodies, minds, and spirits while we pray in place.
God of all creation and the creator of times of rest, relaxation, refreshment, and renewal help us to give ourselves permission to lay down our busy-ness and enjoy a time of Sabbath Rest with you.
Help us to place all of our worries in the Sabbath/ Worry box and leave them there until tomorrow and rest gentle with you . May our hearts and minds be made calm and peaceful with the indwelling of You and Your Love.
Give us times to be focused on our health and wellness so that we can serve you better in Your Kingdom. We pray for wellness of all of our family members who serve you as a caregiver and servant in your world.
We pray for all of those who are facing new challenges and changes in their lives. We pray for their comfort and consolation and may we step up to help when we are asked.
We pray for all those who have health challenges especially those who must combine being caregivers/patients. We pray that they may have the courage to ask for help and be able to rest, heal, and listen to their bodies, minds, and spirits.
God we pray for all those who are facing severe weather yet again. We pray also for much needed rain in our drought affected ares of our country.
We pray especially for those who were killed in any act of violence and terror today and for the comfort and solace of those who mourn their deaths. We pray for an end to violence and terror of any kind and that those who are driven to commit these acts may be given a change of heart and mind and learn that love, justice, respect, and treating everyone with dignity is the key to living in God's World and being a part of God's Family.
We pray for all of our Family Members and those who have requested prayers especially____________
We Give thanks for times of rest, relaxation,renewal, and refreshment and we Give thanks to You O God especially______________________
We celebrate this day for our family members who have birthdays, anniversaries, and especially for our daily celebration of living, loving, and times of laughter and joy.
We hold in remembrance those who are dying and those who have died and entered the thin places and those who mourn their loss and any loss.
All this we ask in Jesus' most Holy Name. Amen.
God of all creation and the creator of times of rest, relaxation, refreshment, and renewal help us to give ourselves permission to lay down our busy-ness and enjoy a time of Sabbath Rest with you.
Help us to place all of our worries in the Sabbath/ Worry box and leave them there until tomorrow and rest gentle with you . May our hearts and minds be made calm and peaceful with the indwelling of You and Your Love.
Give us times to be focused on our health and wellness so that we can serve you better in Your Kingdom. We pray for wellness of all of our family members who serve you as a caregiver and servant in your world.
We pray for all of those who are facing new challenges and changes in their lives. We pray for their comfort and consolation and may we step up to help when we are asked.
We pray for all those who have health challenges especially those who must combine being caregivers/patients. We pray that they may have the courage to ask for help and be able to rest, heal, and listen to their bodies, minds, and spirits.
God we pray for all those who are facing severe weather yet again. We pray also for much needed rain in our drought affected ares of our country.
We pray especially for those who were killed in any act of violence and terror today and for the comfort and solace of those who mourn their deaths. We pray for an end to violence and terror of any kind and that those who are driven to commit these acts may be given a change of heart and mind and learn that love, justice, respect, and treating everyone with dignity is the key to living in God's World and being a part of God's Family.
We pray for all of our Family Members and those who have requested prayers especially____________
We Give thanks for times of rest, relaxation,renewal, and refreshment and we Give thanks to You O God especially______________________
We celebrate this day for our family members who have birthdays, anniversaries, and especially for our daily celebration of living, loving, and times of laughter and joy.
We hold in remembrance those who are dying and those who have died and entered the thin places and those who mourn their loss and any loss.
All this we ask in Jesus' most Holy Name. Amen.
or these
Dear God in the silence and your light we hear your voice calling us to love, serve,and give thanks.
In the silence and your light O God,we pray that peace will prevail upon this your fragile and broken world.
In the silence O God, help us to realize that wherever we plant our feet, take a breath, and live that is holy ground for a holy people.
In the silence and your light O God, we pray for all of our family members who are in need of healing of body, mind, and spirits.
In the silence and your light O God, , help us to be still and know that You are God.
In the silence and your light O God, , we pray for the needs of the least of these that we may come into their lives without fear but quietly, gently, and with compassion.
In the silence and your light O God, listen for you walking in your Cathedral of Life at the time of the evening breeze.
In the silence and your light O God, give us loving and joyful hearts that are enlivened and on fire for you!
In the silence and your light O God, we give thanks for all of your goodness and mercy and offer our thanks______
In the silence and your light O God we pray for the troubled areas of the world and for all refugees, captives, political prisoners, victims of human trafficking, and violence in its many forms.
In the silence and your light O God, we pray for all who are mourning the losses of loved ones or any kind of loss. We pray that they may gradually accept silence as cleansing and healing and not something to run away from.
In the silence and your light O God, help us to rely and put our trust in your love, grace, mercy, and inclusion.
In the silence and your light ,O God, help us at this time of year to tune out all the unnecessary hype and consumerism this holiday season brings. May we celebrate these holidays well and give us courage to put the true meanings of these holy and special days back into practice.
In the silence and your light O God, we add our additional prayers for ourselves and on behalf of others especially____________
In the silence and your light O God, we lift up these our prayers to your Only Son Jesus the Christ our redeemer, healer,reconciler, brother, master, and friend, Amen.
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Good Night Dear Family of Love! Take time for silence tonight and don't forget whenever necessary to place our worries, fears, and anxieties in the Worry/Sabbath box as we continue our Lenten Journey. Remember let us love and take care of one another as God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit does for us. I love you and give God thanks for you this day and always!
Love, joy, peace, hope and God's Blessings!
Sara
Resources
In the silence and your light O God,we pray that peace will prevail upon this your fragile and broken world.
In the silence O God, help us to realize that wherever we plant our feet, take a breath, and live that is holy ground for a holy people.
In the silence and your light O God, we pray for all of our family members who are in need of healing of body, mind, and spirits.
In the silence and your light O God, , help us to be still and know that You are God.
In the silence and your light O God, , we pray for the needs of the least of these that we may come into their lives without fear but quietly, gently, and with compassion.
In the silence and your light O God, listen for you walking in your Cathedral of Life at the time of the evening breeze.
In the silence and your light O God, give us loving and joyful hearts that are enlivened and on fire for you!
In the silence and your light O God, we give thanks for all of your goodness and mercy and offer our thanks______
In the silence and your light O God we pray for the troubled areas of the world and for all refugees, captives, political prisoners, victims of human trafficking, and violence in its many forms.
In the silence and your light O God, we pray for all who are mourning the losses of loved ones or any kind of loss. We pray that they may gradually accept silence as cleansing and healing and not something to run away from.
In the silence and your light O God, help us to rely and put our trust in your love, grace, mercy, and inclusion.
In the silence and your light ,O God, help us at this time of year to tune out all the unnecessary hype and consumerism this holiday season brings. May we celebrate these holidays well and give us courage to put the true meanings of these holy and special days back into practice.
In the silence and your light O God, we add our additional prayers for ourselves and on behalf of others especially____________
In the silence and your light O God, we lift up these our prayers to your Only Son Jesus the Christ our redeemer, healer,reconciler, brother, master, and friend, Amen.
The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (5:3)
Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4)
Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10
“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”
The Wisdom of God the Love of Godand the Grace of God strengthen youto be Christ’s hands and heart in this world,in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen. (source: Celtic)
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)
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Good Night Dear Family of Love! Take time for silence tonight and don't forget whenever necessary to place our worries, fears, and anxieties in the Worry/Sabbath box as we continue our Lenten Journey. Remember let us love and take care of one another as God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit does for us. I love you and give God thanks for you this day and always!
Love, joy, peace, hope and God's Blessings!
Sara
Resources
Book of Common Prayer
Enriching Our Worship
Quote Sites for Prayers and scripture readings
Oremus Bible Browser
Meeting Jesus In The Gospel of John
The Good Book Club
Walk With Me On Our Journey
YouTube
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