Good Evening Beloved Community!
Happy Being Thoughtful and Thankful Thursday! I wanted to give you an update on my phone situation. No cell service for over 24 hours and going on into day 2. I'm trying to hold on to hope and have faith in these uncertain times. When I find myself going down that path, I realize that I am not alone God is with me along with a great big family who loves and care for me. I hope that you all know that here at Walk With Me On Our Journey this extends to you all as well. You are never alone! Please keep this in mind every nano-second of the day! To begin our time together let us remember the lyrics of "On Eagle's Wings" Written by Michael Joncas, I hope these lyrics give you hope and empower your faith:
On Eagle's Wings Lyrics
And he will raise you up
on eagle's wings
there you are
the breath of dawn
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of his hand
You would dwell in the shelter of the lord
who abides in his shadow for life
Say to the lord, "My refuge"
"My rock in whom I trust"
And he will raise you up
on eagle's wings
there you are
the breath of dawn
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of his hand
You need not fear
the terror of the night
nor the arrow that flies by day
though thousands fall around you
Near you, it shall not harm
And he will raise you up
on eagle's wings
there you are
the breath of dawn
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of his hand
Fall to his angels
He's given, a command
To guide you in all of your ways
Upon their thrones
they not, there you are
lest you clash your foot against the storm
And he will raise you up
on eagle's wings
there you are
the breath of dawn
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you
and hold you
He will hold you
in the palm
of his hand
on eagle's wings
there you are
the breath of dawn
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of his hand
You would dwell in the shelter of the lord
who abides in his shadow for life
Say to the lord, "My refuge"
"My rock in whom I trust"
And he will raise you up
on eagle's wings
there you are
the breath of dawn
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of his hand
You need not fear
the terror of the night
nor the arrow that flies by day
though thousands fall around you
Near you, it shall not harm
And he will raise you up
on eagle's wings
there you are
the breath of dawn
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of his hand
Fall to his angels
He's given, a command
To guide you in all of your ways
Upon their thrones
they not, there you are
lest you clash your foot against the storm
And he will raise you up
on eagle's wings
there you are
the breath of dawn
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you
and hold you
He will hold you
in the palm
of his hand
Songwriters: MICHAEL JONCAS
Let us engage in the "Peace be still's"
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Now for some random quotes to ponder:
"Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So today is my new favorite day." ~ A. A. Milne
The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you.
Frederick Buechner
"Sometimes,' said Pooh, 'the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." ~ A. A. Milne
"Being filled with the Spirit is simply this - having my whole nature yielded to His power. When the whole soul is yielded to the Holy Spirit, God Himself will fill it." ~ Andrew Murray
"Piglet: "How do you spell 'love'?" Winnie the Pooh: "You don't spell it...you feel it."" ~ A. A. Milne
"Our forgiving love toward men is the evidence of God's forgiving love in us. It is a necessary condition of the prayer of faith." ~ Andrew Murray
"A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference." ~ A. A. Milne
"Prayer [is] the quiet, persistent living of our life of desire and faith in the presence of our God." ~ Andrew Murray
Come let us worship:
“Let justice roll down like water” (Amos 5:22–25)
In Lak 'Ech by Luis Valdez
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.
91 Qui habitat
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, *
abides under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 He shall say to the Lord,
"You are my refuge and my stronghold, *
my God in whom I put my trust."
3 He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter *
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with his pinions,
and you shall find refuge under his wings; *
his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, *
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the plague that stalks in the darkness, *
nor of the sickness that lays waste at mid-day.
7 A thousand shall fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand, *
but it shall not come near you.
8 Your eyes have only to behold *
to see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, *
and the Most High your habitation,
10 There shall no evil happen to you, *
neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, *
to keep you in all your ways.
12 They shall bear you in their hands, *
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; *
you shall trample the young lion and the serpent under your feet.
14 Because he is bound to me in love,
therefore will I deliver him; *
I will protect him, because he knows my Name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; *
I am with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and bring him to honor.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, *
and show him my salvation.
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.
Romans 4:13-25
God’s Promise Realized through Faith
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.
For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations’, according to what was said, ‘So numerous shall your descendants be.’ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith ‘was reckoned to him as righteousness.’ Now the words, ‘it was reckoned to him’, were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
A Song of Judith
Judith 16:13-16
I will sing a new song to my God, *
for you are great and glorious, wonderful in strength, invincible.
Let the whole creation serve you, *
for you spoke and all things came into being.
You sent your breath and it formed them, *
no one is able to resist your voice.
Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths, *
rocks melt like wax at your presence.
But to those who fear you, *
you continue to show mercy.
No sacrifice, however fragrant, can please you, *
but whoever fears the Lord shall stand in your sight for ever.
Mark 2:1-12
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
2When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3Then some people* came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. 4And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ 8At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? 10But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— 11‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ 12And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’
A Song of Our True Nature
Julian of Norwich
Christ revealed our frailty and our falling, *
our trespasses and our humiliations.
Christ also revealed his blessed power, *
his blessed wisdom and love.
He protects us as tenderly and as sweetly when we are in greatest need; *
he raises us in spirit
and turns everything to glory and joy without ending.
God is the ground and the substance, the very essence of nature;
*
God is the true father and mother of natures.
We are all bound to God by nature, *
and we are all bound to God by grace.
And this grace is for all the world, *
because it is our precious mother, Christ.
For this fair nature was prepared by Christ
for the honor and nobility of all, *
and for the joy and bliss of salvation.
A special wish for us all: May we never cease to be loving, joyful, hopeful, peaceful, thankful ,and thoughtful beacons one to another and to the world around us.
MLK Jr. Prayer for the Church
We thank you for your church, founded upon your Word, that challenges us to do more than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon you. Help us to realize that humanity was created to shine like the stars and live on through all eternity. Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace. Help us to walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God's children -- Black, White, Red, Brown and Yellow -- will rejoice in one common band of humanity in the reign of our Lord and of our God, we pray. Amen.
Officiant: In the name of the One Holy and Undivided Trinity
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Loving God, You have created us in Your image and redeemed us through Jesus, YourSon. Our lives are interconnected and what happens to some of us affects all of us. 800,000government workers are not able to do their jobs because of a government shutdown. This affects so many of Your children, Lord, and so we turn to You in our time of need, for You are
our Rock and our Stronghold.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: We especially remember before you today the furloughed employees of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Agriculture, the Commerce Department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Transportation, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Federal Communications Commission, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Park Services.
Officiant: Be with those workers, Lord, and give them strength to meet the days ahead. Be with their families, friends, and communities. Help us to come together to provide for those in need.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Give our elected officials wisdom to find a common path that will enable these workers to return to their jobs.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Comfort and sustain those whose financial concerns seem overwhelming
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: For those workers who are continuing to show up, even when a paycheck is not guaranteed, we give You thanks for their labors. Help their work to not be in vain. Keep them safe. Give them constant reminders of Your love and grace.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Help those of us who provide support services for these furloughed employees and their families. Give us spirits of generosity, compassion, and abundance.
People: Amen, Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: O Lord, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to Your merciful care, that being guided by Your Providence, we may dwell secure in Your peace. Grant to the President of the United States, Congress of the United States, the Governors across this country, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and do Your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness. Make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in Your faith and fear. Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Dear God we come before you as your children seeking peace in a fragile and broken world Help us we pray that we may become your peacemakers and that every city and town may become New Jerusalems (Cities of Peace).
God we pray that we may love our enemies by being agents of CALM (Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy).
God we pray that we may lovingly help our enemies to find common ground with us without fear and anger.
God we pray for and end to all kinds of hatred and discord that we all may be one holy family with you our Loving and merciful God.
God we pray for all who are ill in body,mind, and spirit. We pray especially for_______________
God we pray for all refugees, captives, victims of violence, terror, and abuse. We pray for all who are victims of human trafficking. We pray for an end to gang violence and urban terrorism in our cities.
God we pray for love and understanding among all faith communities.
God we pray in thanksgiving for___________________________
We remember and pray for all the concerns and all things that are on our hearts and minds_______________.
God we pray for the forgiveness of any thought, word, or deed that has drawn us away from you and your children. Help us to have repentant and loving hearts to start anew.
God help us to meet the Love Challenge this week with courage, strength, and love energy and that our heart homes maybe expanded as we become more loving towards our enemies, haters, and family members who differ from us.
God we pray these prayers in the name of Jesus our brother, friend, master, redeemer, and great physician of us all. Amen.
Let us spend time in silence and prepare ourselves to be God's voice in a broken world.
God of justice we pray that we may have courage to speak truth to power.
God of compassion we pray that we may love others not just in our words but in our deeds.
God of kindness we pray that we may use our voices to heal, comfort, and lovingly support.
God of peace we pray that we may use our voices as your beloved children to make peace and not wage war in this world.
God of all people, we pray that we may be the voices who seek to protect and serve the most vulnerable of our family members.
God of justice we pray that we may we have the courage to Stand Up, Step up, and Speak Up for all of your children who need us to act and not be silent.
God of Love we pray that we may use the Love Energy that is within our Heart Homes to be your Light to the world. May we shine your light in dark places so that our family members may see and be guided away from the darkness that infects our world.
God of healing we pray that we may seek to use our voices to heal and not harm.
God of creation we pray that we may use our voices to speak for good conservation practices to heal and renew the face of the earth and respect all living things in your Cathedral of Life.
God of diversity, we pray that we may be voices of unity and that we may seek to come to know one another and respect the dignity of all beings.
God and creator of us all may we seek to follow the examples of Jesus and John the Baptist and speak, love, act, and pray and be mindful of the needs and concerns of others this day and always!
God we offer our own voices in prayer and thanksgiving remembering____________________.
We lift up these our prayers in the name of Jesus the Good Shepherd whose voice we hear and who calls us all by our names. Amen
A Collect for the Renewal of Life
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the
night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive
far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your
law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having
done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may,
when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. 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.
Song of Simeon
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
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.
All repeat the Antiphon
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
Closing Blessings
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 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
Christ be within us to keep us,
beside us to guard,
before us to lead,
behind us to protect,
beneath us to support,
above us to bless.
++++
Good Night Dear ones! We will return to our regularly scheduled retreat and meditations this weekend. Tomorrow we begin our Daily Devotions for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity here its the link: "Justice, and Only Justice": Daily Devotions for the Week of Christian Unity 2019
Have a blessed and restful night! I love you! Love one another and keep on keeping on! We are all in this together.
Love, blessings and many thanks to God for you,
Sara
"Being filled with the Spirit is simply this - having my whole nature yielded to His power. When the whole soul is yielded to the Holy Spirit, God Himself will fill it." ~ Andrew Murray
"Piglet: "How do you spell 'love'?" Winnie the Pooh: "You don't spell it...you feel it."" ~ A. A. Milne
"Our forgiving love toward men is the evidence of God's forgiving love in us. It is a necessary condition of the prayer of faith." ~ Andrew Murray
"A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference." ~ A. A. Milne
"Prayer [is] the quiet, persistent living of our life of desire and faith in the presence of our God." ~ Andrew Murray
Come let us worship:
“Let justice roll down like water” (Amos 5:22–25)
Romans 1:10
In my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. NIV
Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. NIV
In my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. NIV
Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. NIV
Romans 1:4
And who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. NIV
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and those who are afraid are not perfected in love. We love because God first loved us. If anyone says, I love God, and hates his brother or sister, that person is a liar; for those who do not love their brothers and sisters whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 1 John 4:18-20
Confession of Need (Enriching our Worship 2)
Let us confess our need for God’s healing grace.
Silence
Minister and People
Compassionate God,
we confess our weaknesses and our need for your
strengthening touch.
We confess that some illnesses stem from our own fault,
while others are beyond our control.
We turn to you, source of life,
and ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ
for the gifts of true healing and life in you. Amen.
Minister
May the God of love visit us in our times of trial and weakness,
and raise us to newness of life, through Jesus Christ, in the
power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, *
abides under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 He shall say to the Lord,
"You are my refuge and my stronghold, *
my God in whom I put my trust."
3 He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter *
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with his pinions,
and you shall find refuge under his wings; *
his faithfulness shall be a shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, *
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the plague that stalks in the darkness, *
nor of the sickness that lays waste at mid-day.
7 A thousand shall fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand, *
but it shall not come near you.
8 Your eyes have only to behold *
to see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, *
and the Most High your habitation,
10 There shall no evil happen to you, *
neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, *
to keep you in all your ways.
12 They shall bear you in their hands, *
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; *
you shall trample the young lion and the serpent under your feet.
14 Because he is bound to me in love,
therefore will I deliver him; *
I will protect him, because he knows my Name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; *
I am with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and bring him to honor.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, *
and show him my salvation.
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.
Romans 4:13-25
God’s Promise Realized through Faith
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.
For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations’, according to what was said, ‘So numerous shall your descendants be.’ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith ‘was reckoned to him as righteousness.’ Now the words, ‘it was reckoned to him’, were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
A Song of Judith
Judith 16:13-16
I will sing a new song to my God, *
for you are great and glorious, wonderful in strength, invincible.
Let the whole creation serve you, *
for you spoke and all things came into being.
You sent your breath and it formed them, *
no one is able to resist your voice.
Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths, *
rocks melt like wax at your presence.
But to those who fear you, *
you continue to show mercy.
No sacrifice, however fragrant, can please you, *
but whoever fears the Lord shall stand in your sight for ever.
Mark 2:1-12
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
2When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3Then some people* came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. 4And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ 8At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? 10But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— 11‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ 12And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’
A Song of Our True Nature
Julian of Norwich
Christ revealed our frailty and our falling, *
our trespasses and our humiliations.
Christ also revealed his blessed power, *
his blessed wisdom and love.
He protects us as tenderly and as sweetly when we are in greatest need; *
he raises us in spirit
and turns everything to glory and joy without ending.
God is the ground and the substance, the very essence of nature;
*
God is the true father and mother of natures.
We are all bound to God by nature, *
and we are all bound to God by grace.
And this grace is for all the world, *
because it is our precious mother, Christ.
For this fair nature was prepared by Christ
for the honor and nobility of all, *
and for the joy and bliss of salvation.
Collects for the 1st Sunday after the Epiphany from A New Zealand Prayer Book and Book of Common Prayer.
Almighty God,
you anointed Jesus at his baptism
with the Holy Spirit,
and revealed him as your beloved Son;
grant that we who are baptised into his name
may give up our lives to your service,
and be found worthy of our calling;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. (ANZPB)
Open the heavens, Holy Spirit,
for us to see Jesus interceding for us;
may we be strengthened to share his baptism,
strengthened to share his cup,
and ready to serve him forever. (ANZPB)
Holy Spirit,
as you drove Jesus into the wilderness,
when John baptised him and the heavens opened,
drive us to wrestle and reflect
so that we may fulfil our baptism,
and live your life of victory. (ANZPB)
First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River
Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him
with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his
Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly
confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (BCP)
A PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY
Lord Jesus, at Nazareth you shared in the life of your family. Help us to live together in our family with love and respect for each other. Make our home a place of blessing, peace and joy for everyone, to the glory of God the Father.
Amen. (ANZPB)
A COLLECT
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. (ANZPB)
Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
A special wish for us all: May we never cease to be loving, joyful, hopeful, peaceful, thankful ,and thoughtful beacons one to another and to the world around us.
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
...To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.
Howard Thurman
A Song of God’s Love
1 John 4:7-11
Beloved, let us love one another, *
for love is of God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, *
for God is Love.
In this the love of God was revealed among us, *
that God sent his only Son into the world,
so that we might live through Jesus Christ.
In this is love, not that we loved God but that God loved us *
and sent his Son that sins might be forgiven.
Beloved, since God loved us so much, *
we ought also to love one another.
For if we love one another, God abides in us, *
and God’s love will be perfected in us
We thank you for your church, founded upon your Word, that challenges us to do more than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon you. Help us to realize that humanity was created to shine like the stars and live on through all eternity. Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace. Help us to walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God's children -- Black, White, Red, Brown and Yellow -- will rejoice in one common band of humanity in the reign of our Lord and of our God, we pray. Amen.
A Litany for those affected by the government shutdown
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Loving God, You have created us in Your image and redeemed us through Jesus, YourSon. Our lives are interconnected and what happens to some of us affects all of us. 800,000government workers are not able to do their jobs because of a government shutdown. This affects so many of Your children, Lord, and so we turn to You in our time of need, for You are
our Rock and our Stronghold.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: We especially remember before you today the furloughed employees of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Agriculture, the Commerce Department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Transportation, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Federal Communications Commission, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Park Services.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Be with those workers, Lord, and give them strength to meet the days ahead. Be with their families, friends, and communities. Help us to come together to provide for those in need.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Give our elected officials wisdom to find a common path that will enable these workers to return to their jobs.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Comfort and sustain those whose financial concerns seem overwhelming
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: For those workers who are continuing to show up, even when a paycheck is not guaranteed, we give You thanks for their labors. Help their work to not be in vain. Keep them safe. Give them constant reminders of Your love and grace.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: Help those of us who provide support services for these furloughed employees and their families. Give us spirits of generosity, compassion, and abundance.
People: Amen, Lord, Hear our prayer
Officiant: O Lord, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to Your merciful care, that being guided by Your Providence, we may dwell secure in Your peace. Grant to the President of the United States, Congress of the United States, the Governors across this country, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and do Your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness. Make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in Your faith and fear. Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
People: Amen. Lord, Hear our prayer
A Litany for Those Affected by the Government Shutdown was written by The Rev. Dahn Dean Gandell,rector, Church of the Ascension, Diocese of
Rochester, President of Province 2 of The Episcopal Church
Sources: The Book of Common Prayer, the New York Times
We also pray this litany from the Episcopal Peace Fellowship
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.
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FOR THE DIVERSITY OF RACES AND CULTURES
O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God we pray that we may love our enemies by being agents of CALM (Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy).
God we pray that we may lovingly help our enemies to find common ground with us without fear and anger.
God we pray for and end to all kinds of hatred and discord that we all may be one holy family with you our Loving and merciful God.
God we pray for all who are ill in body,mind, and spirit. We pray especially for_______________
God we pray for all refugees, captives, victims of violence, terror, and abuse. We pray for all who are victims of human trafficking. We pray for an end to gang violence and urban terrorism in our cities.
God we pray for love and understanding among all faith communities.
God we pray in thanksgiving for___________________________
We remember and pray for all the concerns and all things that are on our hearts and minds_______________.
God we pray for the forgiveness of any thought, word, or deed that has drawn us away from you and your children. Help us to have repentant and loving hearts to start anew.
God help us to meet the Love Challenge this week with courage, strength, and love energy and that our heart homes maybe expanded as we become more loving towards our enemies, haters, and family members who differ from us.
God we pray these prayers in the name of Jesus our brother, friend, master, redeemer, and great physician of us all. Amen.
Let us spend time in silence and prepare ourselves to be God's voice in a broken world.
God of justice we pray that we may have courage to speak truth to power.
God of compassion we pray that we may love others not just in our words but in our deeds.
God of kindness we pray that we may use our voices to heal, comfort, and lovingly support.
God of peace we pray that we may use our voices as your beloved children to make peace and not wage war in this world.
God of all people, we pray that we may be the voices who seek to protect and serve the most vulnerable of our family members.
God of justice we pray that we may we have the courage to Stand Up, Step up, and Speak Up for all of your children who need us to act and not be silent.
God of Love we pray that we may use the Love Energy that is within our Heart Homes to be your Light to the world. May we shine your light in dark places so that our family members may see and be guided away from the darkness that infects our world.
God of healing we pray that we may seek to use our voices to heal and not harm.
God of creation we pray that we may use our voices to speak for good conservation practices to heal and renew the face of the earth and respect all living things in your Cathedral of Life.
God of diversity, we pray that we may be voices of unity and that we may seek to come to know one another and respect the dignity of all beings.
God and creator of us all may we seek to follow the examples of Jesus and John the Baptist and speak, love, act, and pray and be mindful of the needs and concerns of others this day and always!
God we offer our own voices in prayer and thanksgiving remembering____________________.
We lift up these our prayers in the name of Jesus the Good Shepherd whose voice we hear and who calls us all by our names. Amen
Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace: and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
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.
A Collect for the Renewal of Life
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the
night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive
far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your
law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having
done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may,
when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
From A New Zealand Prayer Book-
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.
O God, who opens the eyes of the blind and sets the captives free; Open our eyes that we may ever discern your way and guide our feet that we may walk in it, to your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
Song of Simeon
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
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.
All repeat the Antiphon
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.
Closing Blessings
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 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
beside us to guard,
before us to lead,
behind us to protect,
beneath us to support,
above us to bless.
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Good Night Dear ones! We will return to our regularly scheduled retreat and meditations this weekend. Tomorrow we begin our Daily Devotions for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity here its the link: "Justice, and Only Justice": Daily Devotions for the Week of Christian Unity 2019
Have a blessed and restful night! I love you! Love one another and keep on keeping on! We are all in this together.
Love, blessings and many thanks to God for you,
Sara
Resources:
Watch this space as we join the Good Book Club and read Romans for the season of Epiphany!
A to Z Quotes
Book of Occasional Services
Satucket Lectionary Page (NRSV)
Book of Common Prayer
Enriching our Worship 1 and 2
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Walk With Me On Our Journey
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