Good Evening Beloved Community!
As we bring our Gratitude Weekend Retreat to a close let us remember that living a grateful life requires much from each of us. Being grateful propels us into the service of God and with God. We must commit daily to keeping our promises made at baptism. When we see injustice happening anywhere we must take action in a non-violent and proactive way. Being a person of faith takes us out of normal paradigms to a sacred and committed paradigm shift where we no longer are run of the mill people doing run of the mill things. We are called to live a eucharistic life rooted in love and social justice. I remember when I was a young communicant and we were given the bread and the wine/ Body and Blood of Christ at the Holy Eucharist and we received with these words (from the 1928 BCP):
The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee,
preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat
this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on
him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving.
preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat
this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on
him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving.
The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee,
preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in
remembrance that Christ's Blood was shed for thee, and be
thankful.
preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in
remembrance that Christ's Blood was shed for thee, and be
thankful.
Our key word for today is Eucharist and that is the Greek word for Thanksgiving, being thankful, and it invites us into living a grateful life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Today is Day 11 of Celtic Advent, let us see what is on our Celtic Advent Calendar in the way of action items:
Today- Welcome a new person at church. Move Mary & Joseph closer - Tomorrow: Read or Tell stories to loved ones. These are all about welcome and living out our lives in CALM (Compassion, Acceptance, Love,and Mercy)
Let us ponder these quotes and meditate upon them. Some of them are from one of the saints featured tomorrow, Sojourner Truth. Most of them are on our key word Eucharist.
"Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to heaven." ~ Pope Pius X
"What we give to the poor, we lend to the Lord." ~ Sojourner Truth
"From the Eucharist comes strength to live the Christian life and zeal to share that life with others" ~ Pope John Paul II
"Religion without humanity is very poor human stuff." ~ Sojourner Truth
"I hunger for the bread of God, the flesh of Jesus Christ ...; I long to drink of his blood, the gift of unending love." ~ Ignatius of Antioch
"If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice." ~ Saint John Chrysostom
"The Spirit calls me, and I must go." ~ Sojourner Truth
"In the presence of Jesus in the Holy Sacrament we ought to be like the Blessed in heaven before the Divine Essence" ~ Teresa of Avila
"Then I will speak upon the ashes." ~ Sojourner Truth
"How many of you say: I should like to see His face, His garments, His shoes. You do see Him, you touch Him, you eat Him. He gives Himself to you, not only that you may see Him, but also to be your food and nourishment." ~ Saint John Chrysostom
+++++
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.2 Timothy 1:7
But as for me, I keep watch for the Lord; I wait in hope for God my Saviour; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (adapted)
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.
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
From EPFNational- Written in 2015
A Litany for Economic Justice
Leader: We stand before this Wall of Injustice remembering immigrants, refugees and sojourners in our Bible story. From Eden, all have traveled to the lands of the Earth. The People of Israel crossed the Red Sea in search of freedom, answering the call of God. God of Noah, Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, open our hearts to refugees and sojourners around us. Will you remember our shared history as a refugee people?
People: We will, with God’s help.
Leader: We stand at the Wall of Injustices remembering Joseph, sold into slavery, First Nations Peoples forced from their lands, Africans captured, separated and sold for profit, the dispossession of Palestinians in the ongoing Nakba. We recognize that there are more displaced people on our planet today than at any time since World War II. Will you pray that the example of Jesus’ open table fellowship will inspire us to offer hospitality to strangers in our midst?
People: We will, with God’s help.
Leader: We stand before the Wall of Injustices praying for a spirit of abundance, to replace our fear of scarcity and our suspicion of the stranger. As Jesus stood with the workers in the vineyards calling for just wages, God calls us to stand with workers today, calling for living wages and just working conditions. Will you work and pray for abundant life to be shared among all members of the One Human Family?
People: We will, with God’s help.
Let us light our candles and be at prayer and make vigil for our vulnerable family members in our country and throughout the world.
God of love we make vigil and pray for all of our family members who are on the margins needing our love and care. We pray that we may all have empathy to be able to see outward appearances and see the face of God in each one of these precious souls whom you send in to our lives. We light candles for the least of these and remember them.
We light our first candle and pray for the homeless who find themselves out in unprotected places during cold and stormy weather. We pray for round the clock shelters during times of cold weather and the winter months.
Lord Hear our prayers for our homeless family members.
Let our cries for them come unto you!
We light our second candle and pray for the hungry who are food insecure and may not have sufficient nutrition for healthy bodies, minds, and spirits. We pray for the food banks and distribution centers that they may be able to have enough resources to fee the hungry and the food insecure.
Lord Hear our prayers for our hungry. family members.
Let our cries for them come unto you.
We light our third candle for those who lack warm clothing. We pray for generous people to share what they have with others and especially during the cold and damp weather.
Lord hear the prayers for our ill clad family members.
Let our cries for them come unto you.
We light our fourth candle for the mentally ill that they may find adequate inpatient and outpatient treatment. We pray that they may have supportive caregivers and family members who will not be afraid to advocate and minister to their needs.
Lord hear the prayers of the mentally ill.
Let our cries for them come come unto you.
We light our fifth candle for all LGBTQIA people who long to have equal rights and the courage to live authentically outside of the closets and that they may live with equal protection without fear.
Lord hear the prayers for all of our LGBTQIA family members.
Let our cries for them come unto you .
We light our sixth candle for all races that are on the margins of society and are hated just because of the color of their skin and accent. Help us to build bridges and learn from them.
Lord hear the prayers for all of our diverse family members of color.
Let our cries for them come unto you.
We light our seventh candle for all religions who misunderstood and being used as a means for terror. Help us to support and foster understanding with love and take time to stand up against extremism.
Lord hear the prayer for all religions that are being misunderstood and hated.
Let our cries for them come unto you.
Help us O God to love and serve our family members on the margins for we are all the least of these.
Lord hear the cries of the least of these and all who are marginalized.
Let our cries for them come unto you O Lord.
We light our first candle and pray for the homeless who find themselves out in unprotected places during cold and stormy weather. We pray for round the clock shelters during times of cold weather and the winter months.
Lord Hear our prayers for our homeless family members.
Let our cries for them come unto you!
We light our second candle and pray for the hungry who are food insecure and may not have sufficient nutrition for healthy bodies, minds, and spirits. We pray for the food banks and distribution centers that they may be able to have enough resources to fee the hungry and the food insecure.
Lord Hear our prayers for our hungry. family members.
Let our cries for them come unto you.
We light our third candle for those who lack warm clothing. We pray for generous people to share what they have with others and especially during the cold and damp weather.
Lord hear the prayers for our ill clad family members.
Let our cries for them come unto you.
We light our fourth candle for the mentally ill that they may find adequate inpatient and outpatient treatment. We pray that they may have supportive caregivers and family members who will not be afraid to advocate and minister to their needs.
Lord hear the prayers of the mentally ill.
Let our cries for them come come unto you.
We light our fifth candle for all LGBTQIA people who long to have equal rights and the courage to live authentically outside of the closets and that they may live with equal protection without fear.
Lord hear the prayers for all of our LGBTQIA family members.
Let our cries for them come unto you .
We light our sixth candle for all races that are on the margins of society and are hated just because of the color of their skin and accent. Help us to build bridges and learn from them.
Lord hear the prayers for all of our diverse family members of color.
Let our cries for them come unto you.
We light our seventh candle for all religions who misunderstood and being used as a means for terror. Help us to support and foster understanding with love and take time to stand up against extremism.
Lord hear the prayer for all religions that are being misunderstood and hated.
Let our cries for them come unto 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.
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.
Help us O God to love and serve our family members on the margins for we are all the least of these.
Lord hear the cries of the least of these and all who are marginalized.
Let our cries for them come unto you O Lord.
Prayer for the Poor
Who is Jesus to me? Jesus is the Word made Flesh. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Jesus is the Victim offered for our sins on the Cross. Jesus is the Sacrifice at Holy Mass for the sins of the world and mine. Jesus is the Word - to be spoken. Jesus is the Truth - to be told. Jesus is the Way - to be walked. Jesus is the Light - to be lit. Jesus is the Life - to be loved. Jesus is the Joy - to be shared. Jesus is the Sacrifice - to be given. Jesus is the Bread of Life - to be eaten. Jesus is the Hungry - to be fed. Jesus is the Thirsty - to be satiated. Jesus is the Naked - to be clothed. Jesus is the Homeless - to be taken in. Jesus is the Sick - to be healed. Jesus is the Lonely - to be loved. Jesus is the Unwanted - to be wanted. Jesus is the Leper - to wash his wounds. Jesus is the Beggar - to give him a smile. Jesus is the Drunkard - to listen to him. Jesus is the Little One - to embrace him. Jesus is the Dumb - to speak to him. Jesus is the Crippled - to walk with him. Jesus is the Drug Addict - to befriend him. Jesus is the Prostitute - to remove from danger and befriend her. Jesus is the Prisoner - to be visited. Jesus is the Old - to be served.
To me Jesus is my God, Jesus is my Spouse, Jesus is my Life, Jesus is my only Love, Jesus is my All in All, Jesus is my Everything.
Amen.
(By Mother Teresa of Calcutta.)
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
"The Lord has done great things for them."
4 The Lord has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6 Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
Wisdom 5:15�20
15 But the righteous live for ever,
and their reward is with the Lord;
the Most High takes care of them.
16 Therefore they will receive a glorious crown
and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord,
because with his right hand he will cover them,
and with his arm he will shield them.
17 The Lord* will take his zeal as his whole armour,
and will arm all creation to repel* his enemies;
18 he will put on righteousness as a breastplate,
and wear impartial justice as a helmet;
19 he will take holiness as an invincible shield,
20 and sharpen stern wrath for a sword,
and creation will join with him to fight against his frenzied foes.
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.
Mark 4:21�29
A Lamp under a Bushel Basket
21 He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? 22For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. 23Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ 24And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. 25For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 He also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, 27and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.’
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.
A good thing to pray! Today's collect from the BCP!
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Collects (From A New Zealand Prayer Book)
Keep your Church alert, Holy Spirit,
ready to hear when you are calling,
and when you challenge us.
Keep us hopeful, Holy Spirit,
knowing that Christ will come again.
Rouse our spirits, Lord Jesus,
that whenever you come to the door and knock
you may find us awake,
ready to admit and serve you.
Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people
that, richly bearing the fruit of good works,
they may by you be richly rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Almighty God, who has made the Church to be one body with many members and many gifts: we thank you for the witness of your daughter, Sojourner Truth, and for her courage to preach the truth of your liberating love in the face of great injustice. Grant that we, like her, may use our time, talents, and energy to proclaim the coming of your Kingdom, which is good news to the poor, and in which all the oppressed shall be made free; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. 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.
Or these:
Lord it is New Year's Eve in the Church and the clock is ticking towards yet another lectionary cycle and year set to begin. Help us not to make unnecessary resolutions like we do in Lent but help us to begin yet again that wondrous journey when you became God Incarnate ,Man Divine.
We pray that the end of this Church year may bring reflection and a recommitment to the promises we made at baptism.
We pray for the strength and courage to do better in our lives and in the church.
We pray for all ministers and the people whom they shepherd.
We pray for peace. Help us to remember that peace in the world starts in our hearts with love for you and our family members.
We pray for all those who will travel this week to be with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate Thanksgiving.
We pray that everyone will dial down the hype and focus on you.
We pray for the lost, lonely, hungry, and the homeless.
We pray for all those who minster to those in cyberspace and online.
We pray for the courage and strength to practice good wellness habits.
Help us to be good stewards of our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Help us today to see the face of Christ in everyone we meet and hold the Christ light for them.
Help us to have an attitude of Gratitude by showing it in both words and deeds.
Help us to remember to pray for___________________________.
Help us to give thanks for________________________________.
Help us we pray for all those who we haven't seen for awhile, help us to reach out to them.
Help us we pray this day that we may to remember that you are the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords and that we walk with you on your journey everyday as you walk with us.
Loving God we lift up these petitions to you and give you thanks that you are already at work responding to them in your time. Help us to wait patiently on you and know that you are our Guardian, Guide, and stay this day and for evermore. Amen.
We pray that the end of this Church year may bring reflection and a recommitment to the promises we made at baptism.
We pray for the strength and courage to do better in our lives and in the church.
We pray for all ministers and the people whom they shepherd.
We pray for peace. Help us to remember that peace in the world starts in our hearts with love for you and our family members.
We pray for all those who will travel this week to be with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate Thanksgiving.
We pray that everyone will dial down the hype and focus on you.
We pray for the lost, lonely, hungry, and the homeless.
We pray for all those who minster to those in cyberspace and online.
We pray for the courage and strength to practice good wellness habits.
Help us to be good stewards of our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Help us today to see the face of Christ in everyone we meet and hold the Christ light for them.
Help us to have an attitude of Gratitude by showing it in both words and deeds.
Help us to remember to pray for___________________________.
Help us to give thanks for________________________________.
Help us we pray for all those who we haven't seen for awhile, help us to reach out to them.
Help us we pray this day that we may to remember that you are the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords and that we walk with you on your journey everyday as you walk with us.
Loving God we lift up these petitions to you and give you thanks that you are already at work responding to them in your time. Help us to wait patiently on you and know that you are our Guardian, Guide, and stay this day and for evermore. 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.
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.
O God of love and mercy,
grant us, with all your people, rest and peace.
grant us, with all your people, rest and peace.
Sunday – The Ita Compline
Ita, who died in about 570, was abbess of a women’s community in Killeedy, County Limerick in Ireland. She ran a school for boys where she taught:
Faith in God with purity of heart; simplicity of life with religion; generosity with love.
Among those schooled by Ita was Brendan, who honoured her as his foster-mother and adviser. The Compline that follows is named after her because of its emphasis on examination of the heart, and the prayers of care and protection for each soul who crosses our path.
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)
The Sacred Three
to save
to shield
to surround
the hearth
the home
this night
and every night.
* Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Test me and know my thoughts.
* See if there is any wicked way in me
and lead me in the way everlasting.
O Father, O Son, O Holy Spirit,
forgive me my sins.
O only-begotten Son of the heavenly Father,
forgive.
O God who is one,
O God who is true,
O God who is first,
O God who is one substance,
O God only mighty,
in three Persons, truly merciful,
forgive.
* O God of life, this night,
O darken not to me Thy light.
* O God of life, this night,
close not Thy gladness to my sight.
* Keep Your people, Lord,
in the arms of Your embrace.
Shelter them under Your wings.
* Be their light in darkness.
Be their hope in distress.
Be their calm in anxiety.
* Be strength in their weakness.
* Be their comfort in pain.
* Be their song in the night.
In peace will I lie down, for it is You, O Lord,
You alone who makes me to rest secure.
* Be it on Your own beloved arm,
O God of grace, that I in peace shall awake.
Be the peace of the Spirit
mine this night.
Be the peace of the Son
mine this night.
Be the peace of the Father
mine this night.
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
The pure in heart shall see God. The seeing of Him will be the sign that we are like Him, for only by being like Him can we see Him as He is. But when we shall be fit to look Him in the face, God only knows. That is the heart of my hopes by day and my dreams by night. To behold the face of Jesus seems to me the one thing to be desired.
George MacDonald
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Good Night Beloved Ones! We must love one another another and follow the sage words of Martin Luther King Jr.:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
"It's not the violence of the few that scares me, it's the silence of the many" ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Let's build bridges, not walls." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Let us take time this week to meditate upon these quotes as we move further into the season of Celtic Advent!
Now let us commit ourselves to stand in solidarity with our family members:
Let us with God's help:
Stand with the people of all places where violence is occurring on a daily basis.
Not be complacent but actively engaged in fighting injustice everywhere.
Stand up for what is right, just, and merciful.
Stand up against violence, terror, torture, and abuse of any kind.
Stand up and practice peace and be God's peace makers.
Stand with refugees, captives, victims of violence and abuse, victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, our undocumented immigrants, LGBTQ sisters and brothers. We all our family !
Love God, Family members, and ourselves.
Stand up and be light bearers to your fragile and broken world.
Stand up for universal human rights for all God's Children.
Stand with each other and not against each other.
Stand up against extremism in all its forms.
Stand with the least of these
Stand with the voiceless ones and those who are crying out and seeking to be heard.
Stand with the vulnerable.
Stand with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as bringers of love, peace, joy, and hope.
The light of Christ in me recognizes the light of Christ in you!
The God in me Loves me Loves the God in you!
The Holy Spirit who comforts me Comforts you this day when things we can't explain and gives us heavy heart.
Will you Stand with me? Will you love one another? Will you love your enemies and do good to those who hate you?
Let us take the Matthew 25 Pledge today
I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus.
++++++
A reminder for all of us!
Walking in the footsteps of a refugees and asylum seekers
A Guided Meditation and Virtual Prayer Walk
Let us imagine ourselves through the eyes of a refugee and asylum seekers and pray along the way.
Imagine you have decided to leave the only home you and your family have ever known.
God I don't want to live in this country where my children and husband and I are having to dodge bullets and face daily fears. God help us to have courage to leave this war torn city and country and find safety.
Imagine having to carry a loaded in a backpack without any of the usual comfort items.
God I'm not ready to become homeless but in order to find a better life for my family I must Give me courage to take what I really need for my husband, children and myself.
Imagine the first day on the road by foot. How do your feet feel and what does your body feel like going long distances?
God my feet feel like they have become calloused, blistered, and in a lot of pain. Give us courage to honor our bodies, minds, and spirits when we need to as we flee our country of origin.
Imagine not having enough warmth on these cold nights out in the open.
God help us to find a suitable place of shelter for the night and that we may find warmth.
Imagine meeting up with other refugees and telling your stories and developing a new kind of family.
God we thank you that we have met many of our fellow refugee families and that we finally realize that we are all in this as one big family. God help us to find and make lasting friendships and that we may find safety together.
Imagine being in danger and seeing lawless gangs.
God help us to remain safe and secure and we pray for our enemies and those who wish to do us harm.
Imagine us having to find shelter, clothing, and food everyday on the road and there aren't any refugee camps nearby.
God help us to find shelter, clothing,food everyday. Help us to keep our eyes and ears open to finding refugee camps that are run by compassionate, accepting, loving, and merciful people.
Imagine becoming ill on the road.
God help us to find ways to cope with illness each day that we are not in familiar territory.
Imagine having a loved one die on the road.
God help us to mourn our loved ones loss on the road and that we may honor their bodies by burying them reverently in the ground. Help us to always to remember to carry white sheets for burial shrouds along the way.
Imagine you have finally reached the refugee camps and are awaiting resettlement.
God we thank you for finally reaching the camp and we pray that we may have patience to wait our turn to go through the resettlement process.
Imagine the day when you meet your sponsoring family.
(Alternate imagining:
Imagine you get to this country and are told to turn back because of your religious status and ethnic origin.
God help us to remain cool and seek help from loving people who really care)
God we thank you for our new family. Help us when it is our turn to welcome the stranger that we may model our lives after you Jesus and remember that you, Mary, and Joseph were refugees too.
++++
Now let us go forth in God's name to serve God and all our family members with love and grace-filled compassion. Let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus who is the way of Love, Mercy, Justice, Peace, and Salvation! I love you!
Peace, love, and prayers,
Sara
Resources
Satucket Lectionary Page-Sojourner Truth
A to Z Quotes
Episcopal Peace Fellowship National
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
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