Friday, May 4, 2018

Let us unplug, walk, and rest ! A good thing to do at the beginning of the month!





Good Evening Dear Ones!

Happy Friday and our Weekend Time of Sabbath rest, self-care, and renewal. Our retreat theme this weekend is the necessity of honoring our bodies, minds, and spirits when we are tired. So this means a lot less talk, a little bit of walking, but above all else a time of unplugging and doing only what is necessary. So let us begin!

Peace be still
Peace be.
Peace.

Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.

Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.


Psalm 134

We your servants bless you, O God, 
as we stand by night in your house.

We lift up our hands towards the holy place, 
and give you thanks and praise.

Bless us from all places where you dwell, 
O God, creator of the heavens and the earth.


God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at my end, and at my departing.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22


Alleluia. 
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; * 
therefore let us keep the feast, 
Not with old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, * 
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.


Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; * 
death no longer has dominion over him. 
The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; * 
but the life he lives, he lives to God. 
So also consider yourselves dead to sin, * 
and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.


Christ has been raised from the dead, * 
the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 
For since by a man came death, * 
by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 
For as in Adam all die, * 
so in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.

Our lessons for today celebrate the Feast Day of St. Monnica of Hippo and Hymns from A New Zealand Prayer Book are being used instead of the usual canticles. The Hymns are from Night Prayer.


Psalm 115: 12-18

12 The Lord has been mindful of us, and he will bless us; *
he will bless the house of Israel;
he will bless the house of Aaron;

13 He will bless those who fear the Lord, *
both small and great together.

14 May the Lord increase you more and more, *
you and your children after you.

15 May you be blessed by the Lord, *
the maker of heaven and earth.

16 The heaven of heavens is the Lord's, *
but he entrusted the earth to its peoples.

17 The dead do not praise the Lord, *
nor all those who go down into silence;

18 But we will bless the Lord, *
from this time forth for evermore.
Hallelujah!




Judges 13:2-8

2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no children. 3And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, ‘Although you are barren, having borne no children, you shall conceive and bear a son. 4Now be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, or to eat anything unclean, 5for you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor is to come on his head, for the boy shall be a nazirite* to God from birth. It is he who shall begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines.’ 6Then the woman came and told her husband, ‘A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like that of an angel* of God, most awe-inspiring; I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not tell me his name; 7but he said to me, “You shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the boy shall be a nazirite*to God from birth to the day of his death.” 

8 Then Manoah entreated the Lord, and said, ‘O Lord, I pray, let the man of God whom you sent come to us again and teach us what we are to do concerning the boy who will be born.’

Be still and know that I am God. 
Be still and know that I am God. 
Be still and know that I am God.

I am the God that healeth thee. 
I am the God that healeth thee.
I am the God that healeth thee.

In thee, O God, I put my trust. 
In thee, O God, I put my trust. 
In thee, O God, I put my trust.


Galatians 4:1-12

4My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property; 2but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. 3So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits* of the world. 4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our* hearts, crying, ‘Abba!* Father!’ 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.*

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods. 9Now, however, that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits?* How can you want to be enslaved to them again? 10You are observing special days, and months, and seasons, and years. 11I am afraid that my work for you may have been wasted.

12 Friends,* I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong.


Be thou my vision, O Christ of my heart, 
Be all else but naught to me save that thou art, 
Be thou my best thought in the day and the night, 
Both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.

Riches I heed not, nor folk’s empty praise, 
Be thou my inheritance now and always,
Be thou and thou only the first in my heart, 
O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.


Luke 7:11-17

11 Soon afterwards* he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. 12As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town.13When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ 14Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, rise!’ 15The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus* gave him to his mother. 16Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us!’ and ‘God has looked favourably on his people!’ 17This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

Before the ending of the day, 
Creator of the world we pray, 
that you, with love and lasting light,
would guard us through the hours of night.

From all ill dreams defend our eyes, 
from nightly fears and fantasies; 
redeem through us our evil foe, 
that we no lasting harm may know.

O wisest Guide, grant all we ask,
fulfil in us your holy task, 
surround us with your love and care, 
and lead us on, your life to share.

All praise to God, sustaining us, 
redeeming and transforming us, 
thanksgiving in eternity, 
all praise, belovèd Trinity.


John 16:20-42

20Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. 21When a woman is in labour, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. 22So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23On that day you will ask nothing of me.* Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.* 24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

Peace for the Disciples

25 ‘I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. 26On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.* 28I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.’

29 His disciples said, ‘Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! 30Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.’31Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? 32The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’

Glory to you, my God, this night,
For all the blessings of the light, 
To you, from whom all good does come, 
Our life, our health, our lasting home.

Teach me to live, that I may dread 
The grave as little as my bed, 
Teach me to die, that so I may
Rise glorious at the aweful day.

O may I now on you repose, 
And may kind sleep my eyelids close, 
Sleep that may me more vigorous make 
To serve my God when I awake.

If I lie restless on my bed, 
Your word of healing peace be said, 
If powerful dreams rise in the night, 
Transform their darkness into light.

All praise to God, sustaining us,
Redeeming and transfiguring us, 
Thanksgiving in eternity, 
All praise, belovèd Trinity.


Acts 15:36-41

Paul and Barnabas Separate

 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Come, let us return and visit the believers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.’ Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul decided not to take with them one who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. The disagreement became so sharp that they parted company; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and set out, the believers commending him to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.


   O Lord, who through spiritual discipline strengthened your servant Monnica to persevere in offering her love and prayers and tears for the conversion of her husband and of Augustine their son: Deepen our devotion, we pray, and use us in accordance with your will to bring others, even our own kindred, to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.  


Healing and life giving God and creator of the universe we pray for peace in this troubled world that you made out of and in love. 

Healing and life giving God and creator of the universe , we pray that wars and violence may cease and love, goodness, and unity may take their place among all of your children our brothers and sisters.

Healing and life giving God and creator of the universe, we pray for all the least of these from all the four corners of this world that we may lovingly respond and come to their aid. We pray for safe shelter, clean water, nourishing food for their bodies, minds, and spirits, and clothing and shoes to protect them from harm  and the affects of climate change. 

Healing and life giving God and creator of the universe, we pray for all who are mourning losses of any kind that their hearts will be comforted and that we may with you lovingly respond with deep and abiding love and compassion.

Healing and life giving God and creator of the universe, we pray for ourselves and those who have come to us seeking and requesting prayers, especially______________________

Healing and life giving God and creator of the universe, we pray for  those who are dying and those who have died today.

Healing and life giving God and creator of the universe, we pray for all those who are preparing for worship and are in this three day worship cycle as they come to you and spend time in Holy Sabbath Rest of body, mind, and spirit.

Healing and life giving God and creator of the universe, we pray for all of our most vulnerable family members remembering the elderly, all races, creeds, the bullied,  memory challenged and mentally ill, abused women and children, refugees, immigrants,  children, the disabled, the LGBTQ community, and all of our animal family members who face extinction and being endangered species.  God may we remember that these may be us from time to time and that we need to make these faces, persons, and living things come alive and reside in our hearts and heart- homes as an awareness of how far we must go to become truly united in love and see You in them. 


Healing and life giving God and creator of the universe, we lift up these our prayers in the Name of Jesus your son this night and always. Amen. 

God help us to unplug and find ourselves listening for what you have to tell us in your still small voice.

God we pray that we may seek times of silence and rest without having to have noise  to comfort and distract us.

God we pray for simpler times when we knew how to be silent and meditative.

God we pray for all of our family members who lack food, clothing, shelter, and proper medical care.


God we pray for peace in this your fragile and broken world that love and peace may prevail and that  we may become peacemakers and Children of God.

God we pray for all who are traveling this weekend and especially all of our family members who walk and do not have reliable transportation.

God we give thanks to day for_______________________

God we pray for ourselves and on behalf of others for____________________________

God we lift up these our prayers to you in the Name of Jesus your only son. Amen.

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.

The settings of the Lord's Prayer from A New Zealand Prayer Book.

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.    Amen.
or the alternative form.
Eternal Spirit, 
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, 
Source of all that is and that shall be, 
Father and Mother of us all, 
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! 
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world! 
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! 
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom 
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us. 
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. 
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. 
From trials too great to endure, spare us. 
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, 
now and for ever. Amen.

Let us pray in the words attributed to St. Francis and Teresa of Avila.
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.

Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
Christ Has No Body

“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.”  Teresa of Avila
The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3–12
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)

God’s Blessing be with you,
Christ’s peace be with you,
the Spirit’s outpouring be with you,
now and always. Amen.
(source: Celtic)

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.

Concluding prayers from A New Zealand Prayer Book and Enriching our Worship.

Be present, Spirit of God, 
within us, your dwelling place and home, 
that this house may be one where 
all darkness is penetrated by your light, 
all troubles calmed by your peace, 
all evil redeemed by your love, 
all pain transformed in your suffering, 
and all dying glorified in your risen life. Amen.


Lord, 
it is night.

The night is for stillness. 
Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is night after a long day. 
What has been done has been done; 
what has not been done has not been done; 
let it be.

The night is dark. 
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives 
rest in you. 

The night is quiet. 
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, 
all dear to us, 
and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn. 
Let us look expectantly to a new day, 
new joys, 
new possibilities.

In your name we pray.
Amen.



May the blessing of the God of Abraham and Sarah, and of Jesus
Christ born of our sister Mary, and of the Holy Spirit, who broods
over the world as a mother over her children, be upon you and
remain with you always. Amen.

The blessing of God, the eternal goodwill of God, the shalom of God, the wildness and the warmth of God, be among us and between us, now and always.


+++++++++++++++

Good Night Dear Ones! Don't forget to place your worries, anxieties, fears, in the Worry/Sabbath Box and leave them there.  Beginning tonight let us unplug, walk, and rest. I love you and Give God Thanks for you this night and always!

With love to the brim and overflowing,

Sara

Resources
Satucket Lectionary Page
Oremus Bible Browser
Enriching Our Worship 1 (1997)
Online Book of Common Prayer
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Walk With Me On Our Journey









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