Good Evening Beloved Community!
Let us light our candles, turn on our porch lights and enter into sacred space and enter into our vigil time together! Our prayer focus tonight is on gratitude! Let us also continue our celebration of Celtic Advent and engage in today's and tomorrow's action items: Today- Give someone you love a long hug - Tomorrow: Welcome a new person at church. Move Mary & Joseph closer. A few words for us from the Celtic Advent Calendar: "Practice Grace. No need to do them all or every day. Let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart! Nativity journey – Place Mary and Joseph in one corner of the room; the wise men in another; the shepherds, another. Keep Jesus hidden. Set up the stable with animals, and enjoy helping each figure journey to Bethlehem" -Susan Forshey.
Coming in a week from tomorrow!
Today's quotes to ponder and meditate upon!
How we spend our days is how we spend our lives. Annie Dillard
"Look closely and you will find that people are happy because they are grateful. The opposite of gratefulness is just taking everything for granted." ~ David Steindl-Rast
"...of whom I can say with a grateful heart, 'I was hungry, and he gave me meat; I was thirsty, and he gave me drink; I was a stranger, and he took me in.'" ~ Frederick Douglass
"The whole world is my family." ~ Pope John XXIII
"Reflect upon your present blessings" ~ Charles Dickens
"What unites us, is much greater than what divides us." ~ Pope John XXIII
"When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others." ~ Dalai Lama
"Whoever has a heart full of love always has something to give." ~ Pope John XXIII
"When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed." ~ Maya Angelou
"Were there no God, we would be in this glorious world with grateful hearts, and no one to thank." ~ Christina Rossetti
"Never Hesitate to hold out your hand; never hesitate to accept the outstretched hand of another." ~ Pope John XXIII
"Out of suffering comes the serious mind; out of salvation, the grateful heart; out of endurance, fortitude; out of deliverance faith. Patient endurance attends to all things." ~ Teresa of Avila
"Let your heart be awakened to the transforming power of gratefulness." ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach
"The grateful heart will always find opportunities to show its gratitude." ~ Aesop
"The solidarity which binds all men together as members of a common family makes it impossible for wealthy nations to look with indifference upon the hunger, misery and poverty of other nations whose citizens are unable to enjoy even elementary human rights. The nations of the world are becoming more and more dependent on one another and it will not be possible to preserve a lasting peace so long as glaring economic and social imbalances persist." ~ Pope John XXIII
"A joyful spirit is evidence of a grateful heart." ~ Maya Angelou
"It is gratefulness which makes the soul great." ~ Abraham Joshua Heschel
"In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (December 1948) in most solemn form, the dignity of a person is acknowledged to all human beings; and as a consequence there is proclaimed, as a fundamental right, the right of free movement in search for truth and in the attainment of moral good and of justice, and also the right to a dignified life." ~ Pope John XXIII
"Thou who hast given so much to me, give me one more thing... a grateful heart!" ~ George Herbert
*****
According to the riches of God’s glory, may you be strengthened with the might through the Holy Spirit in your inner being, and may Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19
Light of the World Phos hilaron
Light of the world, in grace and beauty,
Mirror of God’s eternal face,
Transparent flame of love’s free duty,
You bring salvation to our race.
Now, as we see the lights of evening,
We raise our voice in hymns of praise;
Worthy are you of endless blessing,
Sun of our night, lamp of our days.
Psalm 134 Ecce nunc
Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, *
you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.
Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; *
the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
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 and walk in the light and enter silently into the Gratitude Zone and Give Thanks To God. Take time to continue or begin a gratitude journal and write down what you are grateful for during this retreat time.
I'm thankful for:
This Family of love
A faith that keeps me strong
A heart filled with love for everyone
A home
Clothing
Food
Walk With Me Our Journey
Being a child of God.
Feelings and emotions
Being cancer free.
The list is endless.......
I'm grateful for:
God and his calling me to write for God Walk With Me On Our Journey
Courage and strength
Everyday's challenges that make me a better person
Opportunities to serve God in God's Church, Cyberspace, and the World
Our family of love that loves, supports, and sustains each other by prayers, loving thoughts, and unity
Grateful for this country as fragile and broken it may be.
The gifts of those who show me the holy in the arts.
God's Cathedral of Life and all of God's creation.
For a newly health body, mind, and spirit.
That I can celebrate life in every breath that I take.
Now let us pray our lists reading them aloud or silently and by responding to the first list We thank you God
and
The second list We offer out grateful hearts and praise to You O God of All.
Light a candle and make vigil, a vigil of gratitude and thanksgiving.
Now let us listen these hymns if you would like to sing along you may do so:We Gather Together and also We Plough the Fields and Scatter
Gracious God we come to you this night with many things on our hearts and minds. Lift our spirits as we reflect upon our celebration of Thanksgiving, Christ The King Sunday, and the First Sunday of Advent's Eucharistic Celebration. May we see each of these as times of joyful expectation.
Gracious God we pray for our family throughout the world and that peace may prevail everywhere and in our own country.
Gracious God we pray for understanding between all peoples and that we begin to not be afraid of race, creed, color, gender, or sexual orientation.
Gracious God we offer our prayers and thanksgivings to you remembering especially____________
Gracious God we pray for the least of these that they may find safe shelter, warm meals, and protective clothing. We pray that we may see you in them as we serve and love them without fear and judgement.
Gracious God we pray for all who travel and that the weather will be in their favor.
Gracious God may we always be thankful and have an attitude of gratitude.
We pray these prayers and offer them in the Name of your Only Son who taught us the true meaning of thanksgiving by instituting the Holy Eucharist which means Holy Thanksgiving. Amen.
Gracious God we pray for our family throughout the world and that peace may prevail everywhere and in our own country.
Gracious God we pray for understanding between all peoples and that we begin to not be afraid of race, creed, color, gender, or sexual orientation.
Gracious God we offer our prayers and thanksgivings to you remembering especially____________
Gracious God we pray for the least of these that they may find safe shelter, warm meals, and protective clothing. We pray that we may see you in them as we serve and love them without fear and judgement.
Gracious God we pray for all who travel and that the weather will be in their favor.
Gracious God may we always be thankful and have an attitude of gratitude.
We pray these prayers and offer them in the Name of your Only Son who taught us the true meaning of thanksgiving by instituting the Holy Eucharist which means Holy Thanksgiving. Amen.
Dearest God-
I'm thankful for You Lord and your wonderful and wonder-filled creation.
I'm thankful for opportunities to prayer walk and talk to you in the sweet and comforting breeze.
I'm thankful for my family all over the world and in cyberspace.
I'm thankful for the gifts both known and unknown that you continue to have me unwrap.
I'm thankful for this country and my ancestors who came to this country yearning to be free to believe.
I'm thankful for your love, comfort, and redeeming grace that sustains me day after day and in the night watches.
I'm thankful for my family who I'm knit together by blood.
I'm thankful for the many loved ones who now reside in the heavenly places.
I'm thankful for ______________________________
I pray for all those who are alone, the widowed, divorced, and outcast.
I pray for those who have chronic pain and illness this day. I pray that they could enjoy some of the holiday.
I pray for_________________________________
I pray and give thanks for our faith communities and all religious leaders.
We pray for those who have to work this day. We pray that they may have time for rest and play.
Lord we lift these Thanksgivings and petitions to you this day and send them to you with love and compassion in our hearts. Amen.
I'm thankful for You Lord and your wonderful and wonder-filled creation.
I'm thankful for opportunities to prayer walk and talk to you in the sweet and comforting breeze.
I'm thankful for my family all over the world and in cyberspace.
I'm thankful for the gifts both known and unknown that you continue to have me unwrap.
I'm thankful for this country and my ancestors who came to this country yearning to be free to believe.
I'm thankful for your love, comfort, and redeeming grace that sustains me day after day and in the night watches.
I'm thankful for my family who I'm knit together by blood.
I'm thankful for the many loved ones who now reside in the heavenly places.
I'm thankful for ______________________________
I pray for all those who are alone, the widowed, divorced, and outcast.
I pray for those who have chronic pain and illness this day. I pray that they could enjoy some of the holiday.
I pray for_________________________________
I pray and give thanks for our faith communities and all religious leaders.
We pray for those who have to work this day. We pray that they may have time for rest and play.
Lord we lift these Thanksgivings and petitions to you this day and send them to you with love and compassion in our hearts. Amen.
IN LAK’ECH
Tú eres mi otro yo.
You are my other me.
Si te hago daño a ti,
If I do harm to you,
Me hago daño a mi mismo.
I do harm to myself.
Si te amo y respeto,
If I love and respect you,
Me amo y respeto yo.
I love and respect myself.
Luis Valdez
Almighty God, whose prophets taught us righteousness in the care of your poor: By the guidance of your Holy Spirit, grant that we may do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in your sight; through Jesus Christ, our Judge and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn
Hail, gladdening Light, of God’s pure glory poured,
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,
Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest,
The lights of evening round us shine,
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine.
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung,
With undefilèd tongue,
Son of our God, Giver of life, alone!
Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.
Hail, gladdening Light, of God’s pure glory poured,
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,
Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest,
The lights of evening round us shine,
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine.
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung,
With undefilèd tongue,
Son of our God, Giver of life, alone!
Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.
119
Mem Quomodo dilexi!97 Oh, how I love your law! *
all the day long it is in my mind.
98 Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, *
and it is always with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, *
for your decrees are my study.
100 I am wiser than the elders, *
because I observe your commandments.
101 I restrain my feet from every evil way, *
that I may keep your word.
102 I do not shrink from your judgments, *
because you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste! *
they are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 Through your commandments I gain understanding; *
therefore I hate every lying way.
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.
Acts 11:19�26
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. 20But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists* also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord.22News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; 24for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. 25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with* the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’.
A Song of Pilgrimage Priusquam errarem
Ecclesiasticus 51:13-16,20b-22
Before I ventured forth,
even while I was very young, *
I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
In the forecourts of the temple I asked for her, *
and I will seek her to the end.
From first blossom to early fruit, *
she has been the delight of my heart.
My foot has kept firmly to the true path, *
diligently from my youth have I pursued her.
I inclined my ear a little and received her; *
I found for myself much wisdom and became adept in her.
To the one who gives me wisdom will I give glory, *
for I have resolved to live according to her way.
From the beginning I gained courage from her, *
therefore I will not be forsaken.
In my inmost being I have been stirred to seek her, *
therefore have I gained a good possession.
As my reward the Almighty has given me the gift of language,*
and with it will I offer praise to God.
Matthew 11:25�30
Jesus Thanks His Father
25 At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank* you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.* 27All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
A Song of True Motherhood
Julian of Norwich
God chose to be our mother in all things *
and so made the foundation of his work,
most humbly and most pure, in the Virgin’s womb.
God, the perfect wisdom of all, *
arrayed himself in this humble place.
Christ came in our poor flesh *
to share a mother’s care.
Our mothers bear us for pain and for death; *
our true mother, Jesus, bears us for joy and endless life.
Christ carried us within him in love and travail, *
until the full time of his passion.
And when all was completed and he had carried us so for joy, *
still all this could not satisfy the power of his wonderful love.
All that we owe is redeemed in truly loving God, *
for the love of Christ works in us;
Christ is the one whom we love.
Embolden your church, O God, with the stories of your saints Catherine, Barbara, and Margaret, that we might face all trials and adversities with a fearless mind and an unbroken spirit, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Gracious God we come to you this night with many things on our hearts and minds. Lift our spirits as we reflect upon our celebration of Thanksgiving and the end of the Church Year looking forward into the season of Advent. May we see each of these as times of joyful expectation.
Gracious God we pray for our family throughout the world and that peace may prevail everywhere and in our own country.
Gracious God we pray for understanding between all peoples and that we begin to not be afraid of race, creed, color, gender, or sexual orientation.
Gracious God we offer our prayers and thanksgivings to you remembering especially____________
Gracious God we pray for the least of these that they may find safe shelter, warm meals, and protective clothing. We pray that we may see you in them as we serve and love them without fear and judgement.
Gracious God we pray for all who travel and that the weather will be in their favor.
Gracious God may we always be thankful and have an attitude of gratitude.
We pray these prayers and offer them in the Name of your Only Son who taught us the true meaning of thanksgiving by instituting the Holy Eucharist which means Holy Thanksgiving. Amen.
Gracious God we pray for our family throughout the world and that peace may prevail everywhere and in our own country.
Gracious God we pray for understanding between all peoples and that we begin to not be afraid of race, creed, color, gender, or sexual orientation.
Gracious God we offer our prayers and thanksgivings to you remembering especially____________
Gracious God we pray for the least of these that they may find safe shelter, warm meals, and protective clothing. We pray that we may see you in them as we serve and love them without fear and judgement.
Gracious God we pray for all who travel and that the weather will be in their favor.
Gracious God may we always be thankful and have an attitude of gratitude.
We pray these prayers and offer them in the Name of your Only Son who taught us the true meaning of thanksgiving by instituting the Holy Eucharist which means Holy Thanksgiving. 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.
God you have reminded us that we are precious, help us to convey this to all the voiceless ones.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God you have reminded us that we are to be a forever and eternal family and as we are this we need to lovingly respond to the need of our family members.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God you teach us many things day by day. May we remember that we are each other's keeper.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God you love us unconditionally through and through. May we find the way to do this and model your example. May we have courage to speak the words I love you with warm hearts and light in our eyes.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God we pray for all who are ill and seeking healing. We pray and give thanks for healing that has already taken place. May we speak up for our family members who may not know how to advocate for themselves.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God we pray for ourselves and on behalf of others remembering especially_____________
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
Jesus we come to you with our voices united in prayer for peace and lift up these our petitions and prayers in your Name. Amen.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God you have reminded us that we are to be a forever and eternal family and as we are this we need to lovingly respond to the need of our family members.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God you teach us many things day by day. May we remember that we are each other's keeper.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God you love us unconditionally through and through. May we find the way to do this and model your example. May we have courage to speak the words I love you with warm hearts and light in our eyes.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God we pray for all who are ill and seeking healing. We pray and give thanks for healing that has already taken place. May we speak up for our family members who may not know how to advocate for themselves.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God we pray for ourselves and on behalf of others remembering especially_____________
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
Jesus we come to you with our voices united in prayer for peace and lift up these our petitions and prayers in your Name. Amen.
Matthew 5:1-12New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Beatitudes
5 When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, 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 will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
Christ Has No Body
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with 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 but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
God of all goodness, come into our heart this night and stay with us when the night is dark and the day is ending.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness, help us to Lovingly Respond to the needs all of us your Children who are the least of these.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness, help us to Lovingly Respond to the needs all of us your Children who are the least of these.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness, may give the gift or presence to all who are mourning any loss.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness, we pray that we may lovingly care for your Cathedral of Life and each other.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness, we pray that we may lovingly care for your Cathedral of Life and each other.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness, we pray for all who are dying and have died today may they enter or have entered the Thin Places with joy and peace.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other while we are living and when are in the Thin Places and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness, take away all fears, hate, and dis-ease that keeps us from being united as your family of love.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness, give us courage to speak truth to power and the strength to fight injustice anywhere and be a voice for the voiceless.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness, give us courage to speak truth to power and the strength to fight injustice anywhere and be a voice for the voiceless.
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness, we offer our additional prayers remembering especially_______________
Let us shine your vesper light to each other and reflect your loving image to one another.
God of all goodness we lift up our prayers in the name of your only son Jesus the Christ, our redeemer, brother, and friend. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer or the alternative is said. 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
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.
Hymn
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
The Wisdom of God
the Love of God
and the Grace of God
strengthen you
to 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)
The Light of Christ in me Recognizes the Light of Christ in you!"
I hold holy space for you during this time of prayer, vigil, and meditation.
Blessing, light, and glory surround us
and scatter the darkness of the long and lonely night.
Today's Celtic Rite of Compline from the Northumbria Community may be added!
Saturday – The Patrick Compline
Patrick (389-461) was a Briton and a former slave in Ireland. He became the ‘Apostle to Ireland’, travelling widely, evangelizing tirelessly and organizing churches and monasteries. He established his episcopal seat in Armagh, which became the centre of Christianity in the whole of Ireland. Patrick was fearless in the pursuit of his aim: to destroy paganism and to exalt the name of the Triune God.
If this Compline is being used in a group setting the * notation indicates a change of reader; words in bold are said all together; words in bold italic are said by each person in turn; and + indicates where you might make the sign of the cross.
+ (silently)
In the name of the King of life;
in the name of the Christ of love;
in the name of the Holy Spirit:
the Triune of my strength.
* I love you, O Lord my strength.
The Lord is my rock,
my fortress and my deliverer.
My God is my rock
in whom I take refuge.
* I will praise the Lord who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
* I have set the Lord always before me.
Because He is at my right hand,
I shall not be shaken.
I am placing my soul and my body
under Thy guarding this night, O Christ.
May Thy cross this night be shielding me.
* Into Your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O Lord, the God of Truth.
* The God of life with guarding hold you;
the loving Christ with guarding fold you;
the Holy Spirit, guarding, mould you;
each night of life to aid, enfold you;
each day and night of life uphold you.
May God shield me;
may God fill me;
may God keep me;
may God watch me;
may God bring me this night
to the nearness of His love.
* The peace of the Father of joy,
the peace of the Christ of hope,
the peace of the Spirit of grace,
the peace of all peace
be mine this night
+ in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Today’s Meditation
Whichever way we turn, O God, there is Your face
in the light of the moon and patterns of stars,
in sacred mountain rifts and ancient groves,
in mighty seas and creatures of the deep.
Whichever way we turn, O God, there is Your face
in the light of eyes we love,
in the salt of tears we have tasted,
in weathered countenances east and west,
in the soft skin glow of the child everywhere.
Whichever way we turn, O God, there is Your face,
there is Your face
among us.
John Philip Newell
+++++++
Good Night Dear Ones. I love you and am grateful to God for you this day and always! Tomorrow let us focus on being present in our time of Sabbath Rest. Let us meditate upon the word. Eucharist! Remember we must make every day Thanksgiving Day!
With love and a grateful heart,
Sara
Resources
Satucket Lectionary Page- CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, BARBARA OF NICOMEDIA & MARGARET OF ANTIOCH
A to Z Quotes
Book of Common Prayer
Enriching our Worship
Quote sites for prayers
Northumbria Community
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Walk With Me On Our Journey
Contemplative Cottage
Here is a helpful calendar that will lead us through the season: Celtic Advent Calendar 2018.
The below are from the Northumbria Community
Celtic Advent: November 16th
This was the traditional beginning of monastic fasting and preparation for the feast of Christmas, reflecting Lent in lasting for forty days. We seek to prepare the way for the Lord to come right to the centre of our lives. Every valley and pot-hole should be filled in, every mountain and hill levelled and every obstacle removed. The mountains are the wrongs we do, and the pot-holes are the good things we fail to do.
It is said that the door to the stable where the Christ-child has been born is very low – and only those who kneel find access. Being ready for Christmas should mean that our thoughts are focused not just on letters, cards, food and drink, and presents, but on repentance, humility and interior ‘house-cleaning’. The more we prepare in this way, the less we will be overwhelmed by the commercialisation of Christmas.
Prepare a way for the Lord!
Show me, Lord Jesus, how I may best prepare to celebrate Your birth into this world. Show me those things I need to repent of, that I may find Your forgiveness. Show me how to avoid the greed and selfishness of this season and focus on what is truly essential. Amen
Today's Celtic Saint of the Day:
Eanfleda (626-704) November 24th
A daughter of King Edwin of Northumbria, Eanfleda was baptised a Christian as a new baby in thanksgiving for Edwin’s escape from assassination. After her father’s death in battle seven years later, she and her mother and the other children returned to Kent with Paulinus (see October 10th). She returned to Northumbria to marry Oswy, when she was sixteen. After his death she joined her daughter Elfleda (see February 8th) at Hild’s (see November 17th) monastery in Whitby. After Hild’s death Eanfleda and Elfleda ruled it jointly.
Show me, gracious Father, how good may come out of evil and hurt. Help me to trust Your promise that all things work together for good to those who love You; and enable me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Amen.
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