Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Meditating on the mentors God has brought in to our lives!





Good Evening Family of Love!

 Happy Wisdom Wednesday! Oh what a day! Lots of things on my plate. I spent the morning at the Faith Factory, had my echocardiogram, went to Bible Study on the Book of Revelation. I received word that my mammogram was all clear and clean and don't have to be seen for another year. Thanks be to God. God is God. One sad thing about today was learning of the passing of my former early childhood studies professor and friend Jo Beck. She was an awesome force in my life and many others. Today we dedicate this blog to Jo and all mentors in our lives who gave us courage to speak up and advocate for all God's children from cradle to tomb. Take time to appreciate and give thanks to God for mentors whose wisdom we draw upon either knowingly or unknowingly. So let us begin.

"Girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his [Jesus] paths by the guidance of the Gospel." ~ Benedict of Nursia

 "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou

 "Listen carefully, my child, to your master's precepts, and incline the ear of your heart. Receive willingly and carry out effectively your loving father's advice, that by the labor of obedience you may return to Him from whom you had departed by the sloth of disobedience." ~ Benedict of Nursia

 "God puts mentors in your path. They may not look like you, sound like you, or be what you expect. But they always know more that you." ~ Maria Shriver

 Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.
Helen Keller

 "Let God's grace be the mosque, and devotion the prayer mat. Let the Quran be the good conduct. Let modesty be compassion, good manners fasting, you should be a Muslim the like of this. Let good deeds be your Kaaba and truth be your mentor. Your Kalma be your creed and prayer, God would then vindicate your honour." ~ Guru Nanak

 "It's important to look for mentors all around you." ~ Maureen Chiquet

 "Supremely, spiritual directors/mentors/pastors are persons who have a sense of being established in God. Otherwise they are too dangerous to be allowed into the soul space of others." ~ Richard J. Foster

 "Listen and attend with the ear of your heart." ~ Benedict of Nursia

 Come let us worship:

 O God, you so loved the world that you gave your only- begotten Son to reconcile earth with heaven: Grant that we, loving you above all things, may love our friends in you, and our enemies for your sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 You Lord are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name. Leave us not. Jeremiah 14:9

Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any of you would come after me you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me.’ Matthew 16:24 (adapted)

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for thse who abuse you. Do good and lend, expecting nothing in return; for God is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. 
Be merciful as your father is merciful. Judge not and you will not be judged. Condemn not and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. 
Give and it will be given to you; for the measure you give will be the measure you receive. From Luke 6:27-38

Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who have not set their minds on falsehood, or sworn and deceitful oath, shall receive blessing from the Lord and recompense from God their saviour. Psalm 24:4,5

Our weekly Rule focus from the Northumbria Community-

We embrace the responsibility of taking the HERETICAL IMPERATIVE by making RELATIONSHIPS the priority and not reputation


Go peaceful
in gentleness
through the violence of these days.
Give freely.
Show tenderness
in all your ways.

Through darkness,
in troubled times
let holiness be your aim.
Seek wisdom.
Let faithfulness
burn like a flame.

God speed you!
God lead you,
and keep you wrapped around His heart!
May you be known by love.

Be righteous.
Speak truthfully
in a world of greed and lies.
Show kindness.
See everyone
through heaven’s eyes.

God hold you,
enfold you,
and keep you wrapped around His heart.
May you be known by love.

Paul Field

 Do not ask anxiously, What are we to eat? What are we to drink? What shall we wear? The whole world runs after such things. Set your heart and mind on God’s commonwealth and justice first, and all the rest will come to you as well. So do not be anxious about tomorrow. Today has enough problems of its own; tomorrow can look after itself. Matthew 6:31-34
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.

 A Song of Penitence    Kyrie Pantokrator 
          Prayer of Manasseh 1-2, 4, 6-7, 11-15

 O Lord and Ruler of the hosts of heaven, * 
    God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, 
    and of all their righteous offspring: 
You made the heavens and the earth, * 
    with all their vast array.
All things quake with fear at your presence; * 
    they tremble because of your power. 
But your merciful promise is beyond all measure; * 
    it surpasses all that our minds can fathom. 
O Lord, you are full of compassion, * 
    long-suffering, and abounding in mercy. 
You hold back your hand; * 
    you do not punish as we deserve. 
In your great goodness, Lord, 
you have promised forgiveness to sinners, * 
    that they may repent of their sin and be saved. 
And now, O Lord, I bend the knee of my heart, * 
    and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness. 
I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, * 
    and I know my wickedness only too well. 
Therefore I make this prayer to you: * 
    Forgive me, Lord, forgive me. 
Do not let me perish in my sin, * 
    nor condemn me to the depths of the earth. 
For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, * 
    and in me you will show forth your goodness. 
Unworthy as I am, you will save me, 
in accordance with your great mercy, * 
    and I will praise you without ceasing all the days of my life. 
For all the powers of heaven sing your praises, * 
    and yours is the glory to ages of ages. Amen.



THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES -Anonymous
Lest we forget the great traditions of freedom and faith which are the heritage of humanity; lest we forget the pioneers, the statesmen, the bridge builders, the artists; and lest we forget You, the God of our fore bears who is our God also:
We light this candle of remembrance.
For the hope of a better world, in which righteousness and peace shall prevail among the people of the earth, and to create which is the task of the generations in which we stand, as well as for the courage and faith we shall need if we are to carry on this unfinished work:
We light this candle of consecration.
May the flame upon the altar of free faith shine in our hearts al ways, reminding us of the dark places to which we may carry light and strengthening us in every moment of doubt and discouragement with unwavering faith in You whom we serve and whose we are.
Anselm: We Bring Our Troubles

We bring before You, O God:
The troubles and perils of people and nations,
The sighings of the sick,
The sorrows of the bereaved,
The necessities of strangers,
The helplessness of the weak,
The despondency of the weary,
The failing powers of any age.
May each of us draw as near to You
As You are near to each of us.

Let us light our candles and be at prayer for the peace of our minds, hearts, and world. We pray for peace among all of our family members and that fear and hate may be vanquished and that we may learn to be compassionate, accepting, loving, and merciful to all. We pray for all leaders and that they may in the words of the prophet Micah "Do Justly, Love Mercy, and walk humbly with God" We pray that they may seek to know what being a true servant leader is all about and not just for power grabs and and agendas that are designed to divide and not unite. We pray that we all may know that we are called to serve and care for the least of these and love our neighbors who are our family members and that when God means we love our neighbors he means all of them not some. We pray these prayers this night and always. 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


                         




"We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust. We must dissent from a nation that has buried its head in the sand, waiting in vain for the needs of its poor, its elderly, and its sick to disappear and just blow away. We must dissent from a government that has left its young without jobs, education or hope. We must dissent from the poverty of vision and the absence of moral leadership. We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better." ~ Thurgood Marshall


"Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love?' These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will be many fruits, here in this world and the life to come." - Henri Nouwen


A Smudging Prayer

Creator,
our Father in heaven,
we come to you as your children.
We confess that we are weak and broken images of you.
We pray for the forgiveness and healing you give in Jesus Christ.
May his Spirit clean our spirits, minds, hearts, and bodies.
We pray that your Holy Spirit
will help us to worship in spirit and truth.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
so that his Spirit will carry our prayers to you.

Amen.


Confession of Need

Let us confess our need for God’s healing grace.

Silence

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.

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.
Psalm 104: 32-35

 32 who looks on the earth and it trembles,
   who touches the mountains and they smoke. 
33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
   I will sing praise to my God while I have being. 
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
   for I rejoice in the Lord. 
35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth,
   and let the wicked be no more.
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Praise the Lord!

   The Second Song of Isaiah        Quaerite Dominum 
          Isaiah 55:6-11

 Seek the Lord while he wills to be found; * 
    call upon him when he draws near. 
Let the wicked forsake their ways * 
    and the evil ones their thoughts; 
And let them turn to the Lord, and he will have compassion, * 
    and to our God, for he will richly pardon. 
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, * 
    nor your ways my ways, says the Lord. 
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, * 
    so are my ways higher than your ways, 
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as rain and snow fall from the heavens * 
    and return not again, but water the earth, 
Bringing forth life and giving growth, * 
    seed for sowing and bread for eating, 
So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; * 
    it will not return to me empty; 
But it will accomplish that which I have purposed, * 
    and prosper in that for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:6-12
6 Seek the Lord while he may be found,
   call upon him while he is near; 
7 let the wicked forsake their way,
   and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
   and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. 
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts. 
10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
   and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
   giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
   it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
   and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 
12 For you shall go out in joy,
   and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
   shall burst into song,
   and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

 The Song of Hannah
1 Samuel 2:1-8
My heart exults in you, O God; *
my triumph song is lifted in you.
My mouth derides my enemies, *
for I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like you, *
nor any rock to be compared to you, our God.
Do not heap up prideful words or speak in arrogance; *
Only God is knowing and weighs all actions.
The bows of the mighty are broken, *
but the weak are clothed in strength.
Those once full now labor for bread, *
those who hungered now are well fed.
The childless woman has borne sevenfold, *
while the mother of many is forlorn.
God destroys and brings to life, casts down and raises up; *
gives wealth or takes it away, humbles and dignifies.
God raises the poor from the dust; *
and lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with the rulers *
and inherit a place of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are God’s *
on which the whole earth is founded.
Romans 12:6-13

 6We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.* 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

 A Song of the Spirit
Revelation 22:12-17
“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord,
“and bringing my reward with me, *
to give to everyone according to their deeds.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, *
the beginning and the end.”
Blessed are those who do God’s commandments,
that they may have the right to the tree of life, *
and may enter the city through the gates.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, *
with this testimony for all the churches.
“I am the root and the offspring of David, *
I am the bright morning star.”
“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; *
“Come!” let each hearer reply!
Come forward, you who are thirsty, *
let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

 John 10:25-30

 25Jesus answered, ‘I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; 26but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand.* 30The Father and I are one.’

 A Song of Jonah
Jonah 2:2-7,9

 I called to you, O God, out of my distress, and you answered me; *
out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.
You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, *
and the flood surrounded me;
all your waves and billows passed over me.
Then I said, “I am driven away from your sight; *
how shall I ever look again upon your holy temple?”
The waters closed in over me, the deep was round about me; *
weeds were wrapped around my head at the roots of the mountains.
I went down to the land beneath the earth, *
yet you brought up my life from the depths, O God.
As my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, O God, *
and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.
With the voice of thanksgiving, I will sacrifice to you; *
what I have vowed I will pay, for deliverance belongs to the
Lord!

 Everliving God, you called your servants Aidan and Cuthbert to proclaim the Gospel in northern England and gave them loving hearts and gentle spirits: Grant us grace to live as they did, in simplicity, humility and love for the poor; through Jesus Christ, who came among us as one who serves, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
  
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.

Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 388)

 Almighty God, who gave to your servant Thomas Ken grace and courage to bear witness to the truth before rulers and kings: Give us strength also that, following his example, we may constantly defend what is right, boldly reprove what is evil, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.

O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.



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 Beatitudes Matthew 5:3–12
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (5:3)
Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4)
Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10
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.
For our Enemies (From the BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER)
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God, we pray that we may always acknowledge the sacredness of life and that each day is holy.
God, as we hear the rush of the evening breeze may we remember your holy walk in the Garden.
God we pray that we may take care of your Cathedral of Life and not waste precious resources.
God we pray that we may see the holiness of all things and especially in each other.
God we pray that we may live each day as a holy day and treat everything we do and each other with loving reverence.
God we pray for our littlest souls that they may be protected from harm.
God we pray for safe environments for all God's children to live, move, and just be their beautiful selves.
God we pray for children who are in need of forever homes! May they find the right family that fits.
God we pray for an end to child abuse, neglect, and human trafficking.
God we pray for all the missing children that they may be returned to their families safely and that their families may finally know what happened to them.
God as we prepare for our weekly Sabbath observances we pray for love and understanding among all faith communities.
God we pray that we may learn to love each other and respect each other's beliefs with out fear and the need to speak in violent language towards our brothers and sisters.
God we pray for all faith leaders who are preparing for the Sabbath and the people whom they care for. We pray for an increase in all ministries lay and ordained, that we may be God's hands and feet in the world.
God we pray for peace in our hearts, minds, and spirits as we prepare to meet Jesus once again on the Jerusalem Road, in the upper room, along the Via Dolorosa, The Foot of the Cross, and entry to the Empty tomb in the weeks to come. 
God we pray for all who are ill and in need of healing may have the courage to wait for healing in Your time and if it is your will.
God we pray for all those who are caregivers, those in the medical arts, and those who have the responsibility of caring for those who have died.
God we pray for all who mourn and especially those who have entered eternal life today.
God we pray for____________________
God we Give thanks for________________
God as you have taught us that the first shall be last and the last shall be first we pray for the least of these our family members, that we may lovingly respond to their needs.
God we lift up these our prayers in the Name of your Son Jesus. Amen.

And these-

God you call us to include not exclude. May we all be one.

God you remind us day after day that we are family and we are not let off the hook. May we all be one.

God you wrap us in prayer quilts of warmth, inclusion, and love even when we don't feel it. May we all be one.

God you heal our brokeness and estrangement from our families, friends, and communities as we struggle to find our way back home. May we all be one.

God we pray that we may seek to serve you and be co-healers and peacemakers together to make this fragile and broken world one. May we all be one.

God we pray for______________________May we all be one.

God we pray that we may help be the voice of reason and speak truth to power in these days of division and disunity that we may in the Baptismal Covenant strive for justice and respect the dignity of every human being. May we all be one.

God we pray for an end to hatred, violence, bigotry, oppression, terror and all that causes our family to be divided and harmed. May we all be one.

We pray these our prayers as one loving family and lay them at your feet and in the Name of God the creator, Jesus the redeemer, and the Holy Spirit the Holy Comforter. Amen.

Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.    Amen.
or the alternative form from A New Zealand Prayer Book.
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.

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.
Closing Prayer

 Creator God, you call us into relationship with others as co-creators of the world we inhabit. We see the damage done to this fragile earth and all who reside within it, and we want to change it. Show us the ways to simplify our physical lives in ways that will broaden our souls, magnify our interconnectedness, and strengthen our bond to you. All this we ask through the one who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, Jesus Christ. Amen.

O God, 
strengthen your servants with your heavenly grace, 
that we may continue yours for ever, 
and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more, 
until we come to your everlasting kingdom.

+++++
Good Night Dear Ones! I love you! Take time for a breather with the following mindfulness exercises this week before we take our rest. 


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


Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.


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


Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.


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


Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.


Joseph Barth: A Grace

We give thanks for Being;
We give thanks for being here;
We give thanks for being here together.


++++
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that God is Love.
Be still and know that You are Love.
Be sill and know that I Am Love.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.

Slowly inhale.
Hold.
Slowly exhale
Pause. Count to 10.


Breathing Exercises with Thich Nhat Hanh

“*Breathing in, I know this is my in-breath.
Breathing out, I know this is my out-breath.*

It's very simple, but very effective. When we bring our attention to our in-breath and our out-breath, we stop thinking of the past; we stop thinking of the future; and we begin to come home to ourselves...Don't think this practice doesn't apply to you. If we don't go home to ourselves, we can't be at our best and serve the world in the best way... Our quality of being is the foundation for the quality of our actions.

*Breathing in, I'm aware of my whole body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of my whole body.*

Breathing mindfully brings us back to our bodies. We have to acknowledge our bodies first because tension and suffering accumulate in the body. Breathing in this way, we create a kind of family reunion between mind and body. The mind becomes an embodied mind.
...We can't do our best if we don't know to release the tension and pain in ourselves. 

*Breathing in, I'm aware of the tension in my body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of the tension in my body.*

When we look at the suffering around us, at poverty, violence, or climate change, we may want to solve these things immediately. We want to do something. But to do something effectively and ethically, we need to be our best selves in order to be able to handle the suffering...
*Breathing in, I am aware of a painful feeling arising.
Breathing out, I release the painful feeling.*

This is a nonviolent and gentle way to help our bodies release tension and pain. It is possible to practice mindful breathing in order to produce a feeling of joy, a feeling of happiness. When we are well-nourished and know how to create joy, then we are strong enough to handle the deep pain within ourselves and the world.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh, Good Citizens: Creating Enlightened Society
The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh: A Litany for Peace


As we are together praying for Peace, let us be truly with each other.
Silence
Let us pay attention to our breathing.
Silence
Let us be relaxed in our bodies and our minds.
Silence
Let us return to ourselves and become wholly ourselves.
Silence
Let us be aware of the Source of Being common to us all and to all that is.
Silence
Evoking the presence of the Great Companion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion—towards ourselves and toward all living beings.
Silence
Let us pray that all living beings realize that they are all nourished from the same Source of Life.
Silence
Let us pray that we ourselves cease to be the cause of needless suffering.
Silence
Let us pray that we may live in a way which will not needlessly deprive other living beings of air, water, food, shelter, or the chance to live in health.
Silence
With reverence for Life and with awareness of the sufferings that are going on around us, let us pray for the establishment of peace in our hearts and on earth.

Peace, love,blessings and many thanksgivings to God for you and what God is doing in our lives.

Sara


Here is a bonus on how to take action;

This is the day that God has called us to stop the hate and all the negativity and reunite with each other as family members and yes  that includes our enemies.  Everyone is a beloved child of God.

How do we do this and what are the rules of the road?

As Maria says in "The Sound of Music" "Let's start from the very beginning!"

We must seek common ground and question our words, deeds, and thoughts towards each other . This is called self-examination!

We must recognize the holy in all people, places, places of worship, and in God's Cathedral of life.

We must walk like Jesus walked, Talk like Jesus talked, Love like Jesus loved.  Forgive like Jesus Forgave.

We  need to get a mirror and look at ourselves and see who God sees and who God made.

We need to look at ourselves and tell ourselves this "I love you!'

We need to begin to reacquaint ourselves with our family members and seek to not be estranged.

We need to show love for one another with generosity and care.

We need to begin to stop the hate  and violence towards all our family members who differ from us.

We need to be practitioners of social justice, civil disobedience, and peaceful non-violent protest without fear and whenever necessary.

We need to model ourselves after God and Jesus and engage in radical love and hospitality towards everyone.

We need to choose our words and actions rightly.

We need to stop politicizing events such as 9/11 and come together as one.

We must sow seeds of Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy.

We must strive to respect the dignity of every human being.

We must strive to make peace and show those who do not know how to make peace the right way with love, justice, mercy, and humility.

We must learn to be one with one another without spite and without malice.
We must love!

Help us as we remember and pray that these are necessary concepts as we go forward every year from this commemoration. 

#WordsDeedsandThoughtsMatter

#LoveIsTheWay

#EveryoneIsABelovedChildOfGod

#RespectTheDignityOfEveryHumanBeing
 #WeMustStriveToBeEmpathetic

#WalkTheWalkThatJesusWalked

 #CallEachOthersBadBehaviorOut 



Resources and Homework
Missed this weekend's vigils? Here is the link:


Today's homework as we begin to work towards being good stewards of God's Cathedral of Life:
I challenge everyone whose church has Lenten Soup Suppers to bring your own cup, bowl, soup spoon,knife and maybe a cloth napkin every week and beyond. NO MORE SINGLE USE PRODUCTS. 
Purchase metal soup spoons! 
Beginning tomorrow and throughout the week please use Meditation 3. Please click on the link below.

Do you know how  to be an effective recycler?
Did you go without a plastic straw today?
Consider how you can save money by going car free and reducing your carbon footprint.
Consider how you can reduce your dependence upon single use plastic. 







During the season of Lent we will be returning to our meditation and mindfulness exercises so that we may calm our hearts and spirits and practice self-emptying. The quotes to ponder will be placed in the resources section with homework questions throughout the week. This is a time to journal our journey.

We continue to use our toolkit during Lent :

Journal
Worry Free Sabbath (Jar, Journal, Box) Work
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Bible of your choice or explore the different versions or translations with BibleGateway.com
Community resource directory
Church or social justice newsletter
Episcopal Church -Lenten Resources 2019
Sacred Ground -Episcopal Church
Creation Care
Dio Cal- Climate
sustainislandhome.org
EPPN Civil Discourse -Advocacy Resources
EPPN Civil Discourse Curriculm
Lent Madness

Sojourners


ReclaimingJesus.org


Matthew25Pledge.com



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 

The Northumbria Community

Enjoy perusing these sites. 

Today's Readings:
Daily:

Eucharistic:

Psalm 31:9-16

Saint of the Day:  Cuthbert

Everliving God, you called your servants Aidan and Cuthbert to proclaim the Gospel in northern England and gave them loving hearts and gentle spirits: Grant us grace to live as they did, in simplicity, humility and love for the poor; through Jesus Christ, who came among us as one who serves, and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 Psalm 104: 32-35
Isaiah 55:6-12
Romans 12:6-13
John 10:25b-30

Cuthbert Quote:

"If I could live in a tiny dwelling on a rock in the ocean, surrounded by the waves of the sea and cut off from the sight and sound of everything else, I would still not be free of the cares of this passing world, or from the fear that somehow the love of money might still come and snatch me away." ~ Cuthbert

Today's Celtic Tidbit from the Northumbria Community:

Tuesday – The Cuthbert Compline

ff
Cuthbert, a shepherd lad looking after his flock on the Lammermuir hills, had an angelic vision coinciding with the death of Aidan which convinced him that he was meant to follow Christ as surely as the beloved founder of Lindisfarne Abbey. He became a monk at Melrose Abbey, under the guidance of Boisil. Cuthbert later succeeded him as Prior. Later in his life Cuthbert became a dearly-loved bishop at Lindisfarne, from where, until his death in 687, he loved to retreat in solitude to pray and fast on the Farne Islands.
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)
* I will lie down and sleep in peace
for You alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
O God, and Spirit, and Jesu, the Three,
from the crown of my head, O Trinity,
to the soles of my feet mine offering be.
Come I unto Thee, O Jesu, my King –
O Jesu, do Thou be my sheltering.
My dear ones, O God, bless Thou and keep,
in every place where they are.
* Whoever has chosen to make
the shelter of the Most High their dwelling place
will stay in His over-shadowing.
* He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I am trusting Him.
* He will rescue you from the traps laid for your feet,
and save you from the destroying curse.
* His faithful promises are your armour.
You need no longer be afraid of any terror by night,
or the death-arrow that flies by day.
* The Lord Himself is your refuge;
you have made the Most High your stronghold.
* Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,
for You are my crag and my stronghold.
* How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.
I will not lie down tonight with sin,
nor shall sin
nor sin’s shadow
lie down with me.
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.
O God of life, this night,
Thy door to me, O shut not tight,
O God of life, this night.
* Be it on Thine own beloved arm,
O God of grace,
that I in peace shall waken.
* Jesu, Son of Mary!
my helper, my encircler.
Jesu, Son of David!
my strength everlasting.
Jesu, Son of Mary!
my helper, my encircler.
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.


Cuthbert (634-687) March 20th

A lad in his teens was out watching sheep in the Lammermuir Hills on the night of August 31st 651, when a shining path of light broke the darkness and moved across the sky from earth to heaven. In his spirit he realised that a truly bright soul had been carried into Paradise. Soon after, Cuthbert learned that at that moment Aidan (see August 31st), the great Bishop of Lindisfarne, had died. He believed this was a call to the monastic life and left his sheep and his family to enter the abbey of Melrose, but he was turned away and told to go back when the border country was more peaceful. When he returned he was accepted and was trained in the monastic life by the prior, Boisil (see July 7th). After spending some time as a monk in Ripon, Cuthbert became prior of Melrose himself. He engaged in mission activity throughout the Borders, and the town of Kirkcudbright is named after him. In 664 the yellow plague struck. Three years earlier, Boisil had predicted its coming, declaring that he would die, but Cuthbert would be spared. Boisil’s words were proved true – Cuthbert recovered from the plague, but suffered from an internal disability for the rest of his days.
Later in 664 Cuthbert was made Prior of Lindisfarne, although all he really wanted was to retreat into the life of a hermit. He spend many hours alone with God on the tiny isle off Lindisfarne known today as Cuthbert’s Isle. This did not prove sufficiently remote and so in 676 he received permission to retire to the Farne Islands, even further out to sea. He built a tiny cell, with a chapel adjoining, sunk into the ground so that the only view he had was of the sky, inspiring his prayer and meditation. Nevertheless, he had the birds for company, and in later years people called the eider ducks “Cuddy’s ducks” in affectionate memory of him. He respected all of God’s creation, sharing his food with birds and animals and allowing otters to dry his feet by rubbing them with their fur. People began to learn of his saintliness and travelled to the Farnes to see him. In 684 the King and Cuthbert’s fellow clergy appointed him Bishop of Hexham and travelled in a fleet of boats to beg him to accept the office. Cuthbert was extremely reluctant, but went with them.  In the end he arranged to exchange posts with the Bishop of Lindisfarne, and so stayed on familiar ground.
Two years later, in 687, sensing that his death was near, he returned to the Farne Islands. The monks from Lindisfarne regularly tried to visit him, out of concern for his welfare, but were prevented by storms. They finally succeeded just before Cuthbert died. He had spent just two months back on the island. His earthly remains were buried in the church of St. Peter on Lindisfarne, but, when the Vikings attacked, they were carried by the monks to a number of resting places in the north of England to keep them safe. The whole of the English people were said to honour him. Finally, in August 1104, no doubt contrary to what Cuthbert himself would have wished, his remains were placed in the splendour of Durham Cathedral, in an honoured sanctuary behind the high altar, which has been a place of pilgrimage and inspiration to many ever since. When his remains were examined, his body was still found to be untouched by decay, giving off “an odour of sweetest fragrancy,” and “from the flexibility of its joints representing a person asleep rather than dead.” Because of the miracles God worked through him, he is called the “Wonderworker of Britain.”
We would follow Your calling, Lord, seeking to be obedient even when it goes against our own desires. We would make Your love known to other people and share Cuthbert’s care for our neighbours in the natural world. We would not seek our own glory, but the quiet joy of being in Your presence, whether alone or together with others. Give us the grace to fulfil these desires in the strength of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.

March 20th Herebert (?-687)
Cuthbert of Lindisfarne (see March 20th) and Herebert (or Herbert) of Derwentwater were friends. Herebert lived on an island in the lake, now known as St. Herbert’s Island, and there are remains of a circular stone builing there which may have been his cell. Once a year he journeyed  to meet Cuthbert on Lindisfarne or Inner Farne for spiritual support and conversation. Late in 686, Herebert heard that Cuthbert was visiting Carlisle for an ordination of deacons, and Herebert arranged to meet him there. Then Cuthbert confided that they should not use their time together unwisely since before many months passed he would depart this life. Herebert begged Cuthbert to pray that ‘they might journey together and see God’s glory in heaven,’ for he dreaded the thought of being left without his friend. Then he suggested that they leave together, and so they agreed to this. The prayer was answered, as Cuthbert was assured it would be. A few months later Herebert became ill and the two friends died on their separate islands on the same day, two companions passing into glory.
Teach us, Friend of all, the meaning of true friendship, however frequently or infrequently we may meet those we count as our friends. Show us, by Your own example how to befriend in Your name even those we find it difficult to get on with. Help us to be hospitable to everyone, knowing that in serving them we may be serving You unawares. Fill our hearts, also, with the glory of our heavenly home, so that we may be prepared to journey there, whenever You call us. Amen.

Tomorrow's Readings and Collect:

O Lord, strong and mighty, Lord of hosts and King of glory: Cleanse our hearts from sin, keep our hands pure, and turn our minds from what is passing away; so that at the last we may stand in your holy place and receive your blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily:

Eucharistic:

Saints of the Day:

Merciful God, through the work of Thomas Cranmer you renewed the worship of your Church by restoring the language of the people, and through his death you revealed your power in human weakness: Grant that by your grace we may always worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 



Everlasting God, we give you thanks for the purity and humility with which you endowed your servant Benedict: Grant us grace, in union with his example and prayers, to hallow and conform our souls and bodies to the purpose of your most holy will; through Christ our Lord. 
 


  Book of Common Prayer
Enriching our Worship 1 and 2
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Walk With Me On Our Journey
Metis Aboriginal Ministries
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From the Northumbria Community:

Ash Wednesday and Lent

Today marks the beginning of Lent, the period of forty days (excluding Sundays) when Christians remember the forty day fast of our Lord Jesus in the desert, before starting His earthly ministry. We also seek to participate in that fast by some degree of self-denial. As a token of this, some churches hold the custom of making ashes from the palm crosses of the previous year and, in the Ash Wednesday service, marking the foreheads of participants with ash. As a sign that this is also a period of penitence, many churches also remove items that are colourful or ornate, or they cover them over with cloths of a drab or purple colour, both of which signify penitence.
Lent is also the period of preparation for Holy Week and Easter, when we will remember the arrest, trial and death of Jesus, and His resurrection. In the days when new Christians were baptised on Easter Day, Lent was a period of preparation for baptism, of learning what the faith is all about. For many it is still a time of study, learning and sharing insights with fellow Christians.
Some of the Sundays during Lent have a particular significance. The Fourth Sunday in Lent is kept in Britain as Mothering Sunday (commercially referred to as ‘Mothers’ Day’). This derives from the time when people would return to the original church which had planted their own (the ‘mother church’) for a great celebration, and is linked with servants in great houses being given this Sunday off to visit their families and show their appreciation to their mothers.The Fifth Sunday is Passion Sunday and the Sixth Palm Sunday (see separate entries), the Sunday which begins Holy Week (again see separate entry).
The suggested prayer is based on a hymn by John Samuel Bewley Monsell, who lived in the 19th century:
I am hungering and thirsting for You, my Lord – feed me with Yourself, the living bread that came down from heaven. I travel over rough paths in my life – guide me, help me and refresh me with Your love. The desert still opens out ahead of me – living water, rise up within me for ever and ever. Amen.
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