Good Evening Walk With Me On Our Journey Family!
Today marks the 6th anniversary of Walk With Me On Our Journey! I would never imagined what God had in mind 6 years ago when God called me to the prayer walking trail and into this amazing ministry. God has shown me that there is a spiritual hunger for radical inclusion, connection, and CALM (compassion, acceptance, love, and mercy). As we begin our seventh year I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks and praise to God for you who are joining us on this incredible journey. Although we haven't been doing as much prayer walking due to my health there still has been prayer walking and vigiling on on an almost daily basis. Here are some of the incredible stats that Walk With Me On Our Journey has garnered.
We have published :2185 posts
So dear ones where does that lead us? My answer is this, God knows the answer and God isn't telling. So let us begin with this time of celebration and enjoy our sacred time together. Remember you are loved, you matter, and you are most welcome here at Walk With Me On Our Journey. Remember the Me in the title is not me but God.
So let us begin.
Let us ponder these quotes on celebration:
"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." ~ Audre Lorde
"While we are living in the present, we must celebrate life every day, knowing that we are becoming history with every work, every action, every deed." ~ Mattie Stepanek
"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" ~ Maya Angelou
"Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead." ~ Nelson Mandela
"I have to go on being a priest and bishop, that is, to celebrate God and what God has done in Jesus, and to offer in God's name whatever I can discern of God's perspective on the world around - something which involves both challenge and comfort." ~ Rowan Williams
"Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives." ~ Brené Brown
"Learning to celebrate joy is one of the great practices of the spiritual life." ~ Joan D. Chittister
"Be not lax in celebrating.
Be not lazy in the festive service of God.
Be ablaze with enthusiasm.
Let us be an alive, burning offering before the altar of God." ~ Hildegard of Bingen
"Today is a day for celebration, no matter what your religion or your culture. Learn to celebrate today: celebrate the fact that you are alive, that you are breathing, that you have friends, family, angels and spirit guides in your life." ~ Margaret Neylon
"Celebration is a kind of food we all need in our lives, and each individual brings a special recipe or offering, so that together we will make a great feast. Celebration is a human need that we must not, and can not, deny. It is richer and fuller when many work and then celebrate together." ~ Corita Kent
"I celebrate myself," the poet Walt Whitman wrote. The thought is so delicious it is almost obscene. Imagine the joy that would come with celebrating the self — our achievements, our experiences, our existence. Imagine what it would be like to look into the mirror and say, as God taught us, "That's good." ~ Joan D. Chittister
"You can't celebrate gifts without celebrating the giver of all gifts." ~ LeCrae
"Who among us will celebrate Christmas correctly? Whoever finally lays down all power, l honor, all reputation, all vanity, all arrogance, all individualism beside the manger; whoever remains lowly and lets God alone be high; whoever looks at the child in the manger and sees the glory of God precisely in his lowliness." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Political movements for justice are part of the fuller development of the cosmos, and nature is the matrix in which humans come to their self-awareness of their power to transform. Liberation movements are a fuller development of the cosmos's sense of harmony, balance, justice, and celebration. This is why true spiritual liberation demands rituals of cosmic celebrating and healing, which will in turn culminate in personal transformation and liberation." ~ Matthew Fox
"When people sing together, community is created. Together we rejoice, we celebrate, we mourn and we comfort each other. Through music, we reach each others hearts and souls. Music allows us to find a connection." ~ Peter Yarrow
++++
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 I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Here are prayer walking frameworks of old I would like to share with you!
We live in such a time where prayer may be the only work we can do to help heal and bring peace to a broken world. I’m finding that walking gives us a built in intercession list and framework just by the route(s) we take. Walking also helps us find the necessary balancing of body, mind, and spirit. Wellness is very important for us here at Walk With Me On Our Journey.
Here is my prayer walking framework for those of you who walk. If you do not walk, get a map of your city and circle the landmarks. As the old Yellow Pages Ad told us "Let your fingers do the walking!" I even found on Wednesday evening that you can even modify it to work while driving. Please be careful when praying and driving!
Begin by offering your walk and prayers to the glory of God.
This is done outside your front door. (If you walk during the evening- turn on the porch light)
As I turn the corner I often times will see lots of litter and I pray that we may all become better stewards of God's creation.
Pray for your nearby neighbors and those who live in your neighborhood. (Y/our neighborhood is the world)
Often times I will look back and take a picture of the big Sun and that reminds me to center my prayers with the help of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Take a picture of the Big Sun to remind you of God the Creator and give thanks.
At the first Stop light or where ever you cross the street pray for all those who are driving, walking, biking, and all forms of transport. Pray for safety.
As you walk notice the businesses and pray for the employers and employees.
If you hear a siren of any kind pray. Pray for the first responders, the person they are going to help.
Begin your prayer list or prayer requests you have been given. If you are on Twitter or Facebook do not be afraid to make prayer requests. I welcome you and I welcome them.
We have a gentlemen's club called the Spearmint Rhino on our route: I pray for women, children, and an end to human trafficking and pray for our family members (that is anyone to me) who have depression and self-esteem issues.
Flower beds, weedy areas, and shrubbery can be a good way to remember all the unsaid prayers or requests that haven't been offered to us or have been forgotten.
We pass the Public Library and pray for those who teach and those who learn.
If you should see a church on your path. Pray for the Church and its leaders both clergy and lay.
We pray for our leaders when we pass city hall. We pray for our family members who are homeless and hungry who make the City Hall Plaza their home for the evening.
The Police Station is on our route. Pray for law enforcement personnel ,our troops and peacekeepers.
The list is endless. I think you begin to get the basics. Always take time to enjoy God's creation. Please remember it is your walk and your individual journey that you take with God. Always take time to give thanks and praise to God the Creator. Be creative and make sure it suits your needs and time.
Won’t you walk with me on our journey?
Praying in place
I have been giving it much thought and prayer about those of you who cannot walk and pray. I'm laying out a prayer walk framework for those who can't get out. Here it is!
Before you begin close your eyes and begin to imagine where you want to walk. Picture yourself getting ready. Select music that you want to listen to when you are at home. Have and iPod or mp3 player? Use it and listen while you pray.
Dedicate your virtual prayer walk to God.
Take a few deep breaths and breathe in God's spirit.
If you haven't made a prayer list do so.
Begin with the people and pets within your household and family.
Take time to remember all your neighbors (Remember they are family members as we all are)
Take time to pray for those who are caregivers, home health aides, anyone who helps out in the homes of those who need help. Pray for those who are in hospice ministry and palliative care work.
Pray for your church or religious community.
Pray for those in education.
Take time to pray for those who have chronic or autoimmune diseases of any kind and for those who are in research for better care strategies and cures.
Pray for better pharmaceutical research.
Pray for your local businesses.
Pray for those who are first responders.
Pray for those in government.
Pray and Give thanks!
Pray for____________________________________________________
Give thanks for_______________________________________________
Pray for yourself (It's ok!)
Give thanks for this time of prayer and virtual prayer walking!
Use your imagination. I love you and happy virtual prayer walking.
I want Jesus to Walk with Me-Mahalia Jackson
The Way- Pilgrims
I am a pilgrim -Aaron Neville
Before you begin close your eyes and begin to imagine where you want to walk. Picture yourself getting ready. Select music that you want to listen to when you are at home. Have and iPod or mp3 player? Use it and listen while you pray.
Dedicate your virtual prayer walk to God.
Take a few deep breaths and breathe in God's spirit.
If you haven't made a prayer list do so.
Begin with the people and pets within your household and family.
Take time to remember all your neighbors (Remember they are family members as we all are)
Take time to pray for those who are caregivers, home health aides, anyone who helps out in the homes of those who need help. Pray for those who are in hospice ministry and palliative care work.
Pray for your church or religious community.
Pray for those in education.
Take time to pray for those who have chronic or autoimmune diseases of any kind and for those who are in research for better care strategies and cures.
Pray for better pharmaceutical research.
Pray for your local businesses.
Pray for those who are first responders.
Pray for those in government.
Pray and Give thanks!
Pray for____________________________________________________
Give thanks for_______________________________________________
Pray for yourself (It's ok!)
Give thanks for this time of prayer and virtual prayer walking!
Use your imagination. I love you and happy virtual prayer walking.
The Way- Pilgrims
I am a pilgrim -Aaron Neville
Virtual Bridge Walk
Let's take our virtual bridge walk again as we did in March as a reminder that we are all in this together as the loving Family of God.
Make sure your shoelaces are tied and that you are ready to walk this holy path. Imagine who you would like to meet halfway. Who is/are the person(s) that you are having trouble with? What is/are the issue(s) that keep you from being united? Now it is time to walk the holy pathway:
You may look around where you are walking or keep your eyes on the person(s) you will be meeting. Remember to breathe, remember to smile, remember to foster forgiveness in your mind and heart. How are you feeling at this very moment? Any desires to turn back ? Are you afraid? Do you feel God's presence abiding in you and surrounding your every step? Now we are just about halfway to our destination this is the time to let go of anything that you need to before you meet your family member who is a Child of God. Time for a mental Worry/Sabbath Box! Yes, friends we get to do that not just on Fridays! Let us now decide how we are going to greet the person. How would you like to be greeted? Like the Prodigal Son? Mary Magdalene at the Tomb when she met Jesus after His resurrection? Cautiously like Thomas? Quizzically, like Moses when he encountered God speaking from the Burning Bush? or are you going to greet by a simple handshake, gentle embrace, pat on the arm or shoulder. Maybe you aren't ready and all you can do is muster a smile and a gentle tone of voice. That is okay too! The moment has arrived, you are now in the presence of the person in the middle of the bridge. Start by a simple 'Hello!" and smile, engage in small talk for awhile. No need to solve all of your problems and differences today. This is the first meeting! This is when you get to see God in the person's face. This is when you begin putting into practice the Love of God, Neighbor( Family member, least of these, enemy, hater) and yourself. What is your body, mind, or spirit feeling like? Are you ready to return ? Did I forget that you needed to pack a pair of candles and a lighter? ( This is a virtual walk so we don't have to fear a wildfire during a drought condition) By the magic of this blog you now have candles and a lighter! This is what you will conclude your meeting with "The light of Christ/God in Me recognizes the Light of Christ/God in you! You light the candle and pass it to the person (s) they repeat the phrase back to you. Now you may pass the peace or some fond farewell greeting: The Peace of the Lord be always with you R: And also with you!
You may embrace, handshake, or do a gentle pat on the arm. Smile and wave as you leave. Walk at a slow pace, breathe, and enjoy God's Cathedral of life. How are you feeling? What are you thinking? Are you ready to do it again? In your time of small talk and before you left to return on your way did you make an effort to do another time of halfway meeting on the bridge?
Make sure your shoelaces are tied and that you are ready to walk this holy path. Imagine who you would like to meet halfway. Who is/are the person(s) that you are having trouble with? What is/are the issue(s) that keep you from being united? Now it is time to walk the holy pathway:
You may look around where you are walking or keep your eyes on the person(s) you will be meeting. Remember to breathe, remember to smile, remember to foster forgiveness in your mind and heart. How are you feeling at this very moment? Any desires to turn back ? Are you afraid? Do you feel God's presence abiding in you and surrounding your every step? Now we are just about halfway to our destination this is the time to let go of anything that you need to before you meet your family member who is a Child of God. Time for a mental Worry/Sabbath Box! Yes, friends we get to do that not just on Fridays! Let us now decide how we are going to greet the person. How would you like to be greeted? Like the Prodigal Son? Mary Magdalene at the Tomb when she met Jesus after His resurrection? Cautiously like Thomas? Quizzically, like Moses when he encountered God speaking from the Burning Bush? or are you going to greet by a simple handshake, gentle embrace, pat on the arm or shoulder. Maybe you aren't ready and all you can do is muster a smile and a gentle tone of voice. That is okay too! The moment has arrived, you are now in the presence of the person in the middle of the bridge. Start by a simple 'Hello!" and smile, engage in small talk for awhile. No need to solve all of your problems and differences today. This is the first meeting! This is when you get to see God in the person's face. This is when you begin putting into practice the Love of God, Neighbor( Family member, least of these, enemy, hater) and yourself. What is your body, mind, or spirit feeling like? Are you ready to return ? Did I forget that you needed to pack a pair of candles and a lighter? ( This is a virtual walk so we don't have to fear a wildfire during a drought condition) By the magic of this blog you now have candles and a lighter! This is what you will conclude your meeting with "The light of Christ/God in Me recognizes the Light of Christ/God in you! You light the candle and pass it to the person (s) they repeat the phrase back to you. Now you may pass the peace or some fond farewell greeting: The Peace of the Lord be always with you R: And also with you!
You may embrace, handshake, or do a gentle pat on the arm. Smile and wave as you leave. Walk at a slow pace, breathe, and enjoy God's Cathedral of life. How are you feeling? What are you thinking? Are you ready to do it again? In your time of small talk and before you left to return on your way did you make an effort to do another time of halfway meeting on the bridge?
New Prayer Walking Framework 2018
Things we need to take prayer walking.
Clothing appropriate for the weather
Hat
Sun Screen
Well cushioned and supportive shoes.
Music if you so desire.
Do not carry a bag unless you are going to an event or to the store, church, appointment. Jesus was right about traveling light.
We begin our time remembering to secure our homes and make sure we have our house key with us. Take time to secure your shoe laces.
Pause.
Give thanks to God for being able to walk in God's Cathedral of life.
Pray for your neighbors.
When you see uneven pavement pray for those who repair our infrastructure.
When you approach a Stop sign. Pause, reflect, and decide your route and length of walk.
Use the signage along the way to help you design your prayer intentions.
If you are walking to the store - pray for the hungry, farmworkers, grocery clerks, food banks etc.
If you are walking to the doctor's office as I did today, I prayed by name for the sick, the ill, for the medical personnel and for calm nerves for myself.
I prayed the prayer requests that were given me.
Adjust your prayer walk to fit in with your schedule instead of walking at a set time that may or may not work for you.
Take time for quiet and appreciate nature. Introspection should be the last half of the walk.
Remember this is a sprint not a marathon as we place our feet upon holy ground.
Give thanks to God when you return home.
Hydrate as much as you can and give thanks to God for the gift of water and feel it coursing through your veins as you are empowered with love energy to serve God in the world.
Remember to honor our family members who are sharing the side walk with us and greet them. Our smiles and courtesy reflect Jesus to others.
Those are the basics. You don't even need a prayer book.
Tonight let us do a quiet labyrinth walk to help us heal from our day of work and if there were anythings that were troubling us.
Now let us begin our time of worship and meditation.
We give you thanks, O God, we give you thanks, calling upon
your Name and declaring all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 75:1
You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but citizens together
with the saints and members of the household of God.
Ephesians 2:19
God is Spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and
in truth. John 4:24
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.
God of love and creator of all, we light our candles tonight in celebration of one another. We pray for each person who is praying with us during this prayer vigil and those who are not. We celebrate the lives of our mentors and teachers as thy come to the close of yet another school year. We celebrate and pray for all of our family members who are having family celebrations and even loud and happy ones in the neighborhood. We celebrate and give thanks for all of our family members who remind us of you daily. We celebrate and give thanks for love and courage to be beacons of hope, joy, and peace to all of our family members and nations who need it. We celebrate the special moments that remind us to lean upon God and each other. We pray and celebrate the gift of family in special and extraordinary ways. We pray for the least of these whom we should celebrate as reminders that we are to love, serve, and not seek to be divided from them. We pray and celebrated the day when there is now longer hatred, bullying, fear, terror, violence, bigotry, and division. We pray for peace and your Light O God may be reflected in us all and that we may ever remember these words "The Light of Christ in Me, recognizes the Light of Christ in you! We lift up these prayers and thanksgivings and those that are tucked safely in our hearts and heart homes in the name of Jesus your Son, our redeemer, brother, and friend. 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.
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.
Alcuin: Eternal One
Eternal Light, shine into our hearts;
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil;
Eternal Power, be our support;
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance:
That we may seek Your face
With all our heart and mind and soul and strength.
Eternal Light, shine into our hearts;
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil;
Eternal Power, be our support;
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance:
That we may seek Your face
With all our heart and mind and soul and strength.
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 come together this night to vigil and pray for the family of God and the world. We make vigil at such a time as this because God's family is in pain need, and need of healing and unity. We pray this night on behalf of all those who are afraid and haven't any voice. We pray this night for peace in our bodies, minds, spirits, and hearts. We pray that peace may prevail upon earth and that wars and all forms of violence may cease. We pray that as we light our candles we light them in unity and love for all of our family members including our enemies.
"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
"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
A Smudging Prayer (Metis Aboriginal Ministries)
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.
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.
From the Arusha Call to Discipleship
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of life in all its diversity and beauty. Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, we praise you that you came to find the lost, to free the oppressed, to heal the sick, and to convert the self-centred. Holy Spirit, we rejoice that you breathe in the life of the world and are poured out into our hearts. As we live in the Spirit, may we also walk in the Spirit. Grant us faith and courage to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus: becoming pilgrims of justice and peace in our time. For the blessing of your people, the sustaining of the earth, and the glory of your name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of life in all its diversity and beauty. Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, we praise you that you came to find the lost, to free the oppressed, to heal the sick, and to convert the self-centred. Holy Spirit, we rejoice that you breathe in the life of the world and are poured out into our hearts. As we live in the Spirit, may we also walk in the Spirit. Grant us faith and courage to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus: becoming pilgrims of justice and peace in our time. For the blessing of your people, the sustaining of the earth, and the glory of your name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
+++
139 Domine, probasti
1 Lord, you have searched me out and known me; *
you know my sitting down and my rising up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
2 You trace my journeys and my resting-places *
and are acquainted with all my ways.
3 Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, *
but you, O Lord, know it altogether.
4 You press upon me behind and before *
and lay your hand upon me.
5 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; *
it is so high that I cannot attain to it.
6 Where can I go then from your Spirit? *
where can I flee from your presence?
7 If I climb up to heaven, you are there; *
if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.
8 If I take the wings of the morning *
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
9 Even there your hand will lead me *
and your right hand hold me fast.
10 If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, *
and the light around me turn to night,"
11 Darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day; *
darkness and light to you are both alike.
12 For you yourself created my inmost parts; *
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
13 I will thank you because I am marvelously made; *
your works are wonderful, and I know it well.
14 My body was not hidden from you, *
while I was being made in secret
and woven in the depths of the earth.
15 Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb;
all of them were written in your book; *
they were fashioned day by day,
when as yet there was none of them.
16 How deep I find your thoughts, O God! *
how great is the sum of them!
17 If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand; *
to count them all, my life span would need to be like yours.
Isaiah 61:1-3
61The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
Wisdom 10:15-19,20b-21
Wisdom freed from a nation of oppressors *
a holy people and a blameless race.
She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, *
withstood dread rulers with wonders and signs.
To the saints she gave the reward of their labors, *
and led them by a marvelous way;
She was their shelter by day *
and a blaze of stars by night.
She brought them across the Red Sea, *
she led them through mighty waters;
But their enemies she swallowed in the waves *
and spewed them out from the depths of the abyss.
And then, Lord, the righteous sang hymns to your Name, *
and praised with one voice your protecting hand;
For Wisdom opened the mouths of the mute, *
and gave speech to the tongues of a new-born people.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
One Body with Many Members
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.
We Praise You, O God Te Deum laudamus
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord;
all creation worships you,
the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
9 ‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for* a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? 12Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? 13If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit* to those who ask him!’
We Praise You, O God Te Deum laudamus
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord;
all creation worships you,
the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
The collect for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany:
O God, heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ enjoyed rest
and refreshment in the home of Mary and Martha of
Bethany: Give us the will to love you, open our hearts to
hear you, and strengthen our hands to serve you in others
for his sake; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Collect for the celebration of the Philadelphia Eleven to be ordained and the Ordination of Women.
O God, you poured your Spirit from on high to bless and summon these women, who heard the strength of your call: Equip, guide, and inspire us with wisdom, boldness, and faith to trust you in all circumstances, hear you preach new life to your church, and stretch out our hands to serve you, as you created us and redeemed us in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God everlasting. Amen.
Almighty and most merciful God, grant that by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit we may be enlightened and strengthened for your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Settings of the Lord's Prayer from A New Zealand Prayer Book
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
or the alternative form.
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.
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.
Reminding Prayers from God
God you have reminded us that we are precious, help us to convey this to all the voiceless ones.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God you have reminded us that we are to be a forever and eternal family and as we are this we need to lovingly respond to the need of our family members.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God you teach us many things day by day. May we remember that we are each other's keeper.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God you love us unconditionally through and through. May we find the way to do this and model your example. May we have courage to speak the words I love you with warm hearts and light in our eyes.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God we pray for all who are ill and seeking healing. We pray and give thanks for healing that has already taken place. May we speak up for our family members who may not know how to advocate for themselves.
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
God we pray for ourselves and on behalf of others remembering especially_____________
May we lift up our voices with strength and loving compassion for those who cannot speak.
Jesus we come to you with our voices united in prayer for peace and lift up these our petitions and prayers in your Name. Amen.
Let us pray in the words of the Beatitudes.
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
Pilgrimage Prayers
by Jenny Child
God of our pilgrimage,
you have given us a desire
to take the questing way
and set out on our journey.
Help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus,
that whatever we encounter as we travel,
we may seek to glorify you by the way we live. Amen
Eternal God,
give us the courage to set off on pilgrimage.
May we travel unhindered by worldly possessions
simply trusting in you for all that we need.
Sometimes our hearts will be heavy as we plod along
and our feet will ache and feel dirty.
Other times we will rejoice as the sun shines
on the path stretching before us.
May we ponder the truth,
that the pilgrim’s journey is never finished till they reach home. Amen
You call us, Lord,
to leave familiar things and to leave our “comfort zone”.
May we open our eyes to new experiences,
may we open our ears to hear you speaking to us
and may we open our hearts to your love.
Grant that this time spent on pilgrimage
may help us to see ourselves as we really are
and may we strive to become the people you would have us be. Amen
Lord, you know our beginning and our end.
Help us to realise we are only pilgrims on this earth
and save us from being too attached to worldly possessions.
May we experience the freedom to wander,
the freedom to hope and the freedom to love as we journey. Amen
Creator God, you are the source of all life and motivation.
May we journey in faith and love, rejoicing and eager to serve you.
Grant us a glimpse of your glory as we seek to follow you –
the Way, the Truth and the Life. Amen
May God the Father who created you, guide your footsteps,
May God the Son who redeemed you, share your journey,
May God the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you, lead you on life’s pilgrimage,
and the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
be with you wherever you may go. Amen.
++
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze may our steps be taken in love, joy, and peace.
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze may we be on the look out for the least of these.
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze may we be at one with you O God.
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze may we remember all those of our family members who are struggling today.
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze may our eyes be opened to the beauty of nature you are showing us in your Cathedral of life.
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze may we pray for peace and harmony in this fragile and broken world.
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze we pray for all who are ill in body, mind, and spirit.
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze we pray for all of our family members as we lift up their concerns to you remembering____________________
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze give our hearts joy, love, hope, and peace to be able to serve and seek all of our family members who need us.
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze we pray for all who are mourning.
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze we pray for all who have died and who are transitioning into the Thin Places.
God as we walk with you at the time of the evening breeze that we may always remember Jesus' days of miracle and healing graces. We lift up our prayers to you O Christ with open arms and loving hearts. Amen.
+++++
God we thank you for the Gift of Walk With Me On Our Journey, we pray that it may continue to reach all of your family members with love, inclusion, kindness, and mercy.
God we give thanks for the witness Walk With Me On Our Journey makes to all of it's readers and family members in order to bring peace, seek justice, and be a voice for the voiceless.
God we give thanks for the openness that Walk With Me On Our Journey brings to the LGBTQ community and to all of humanity. We continue to pray that it will love, serve, and respect everyone's dignity.
God we give thanks for the efforts of Walk With Me On Our Journey and its being mindful of God's Cathedral of Life and promoting conservation of its natural resources in the animal, vegetable,and mineral kingdoms and kindoms.
God we give thanks for the courage of Walk With Me On Our Journey for daily prayer for our enemies, those who wish us harm, the refugees, the strangers in our midst, those who are victims of violence, terror, and abuse.
God we give thanks for the loving care Walk With Me On Our Journey provides its family members and the daily prayers and loving support it gives.
God we pray for this night as we imagine our feet on the prayer walking trail______________
God we lift up these prayers in the Name of Jesus The Prayer Walking role model for us all. Amen
Pilgrimage quotes:
[A] journey becomes a pilgrimage as we discover, day by day, that the distance traveled is less important than the experience gained.
Ernest Kurtz
Pilgrimage is a powerful metaphor for any journey with the purpose of finding something that matters deeply to the traveler.
Phil Cousineau
I am convinced that pilgrimage is still a bona fide spirit-renewing ritual. But I also believe in pilgrimage as a powerful metaphor for any journey with the purpose of finding something that matters deeply to the traveler. With a deepening of focus, keen prepartion, attention to the path below our feet, and respect for the destination at hand, it is possible to transform, even the most ordinary journey into a sacred journey, a pligrimage.
Phil Cousineau
Life is a pilgrimage. The wise man does not rest by the roadside inns. He marches direct to the illimitable domain of eternal bliss, his ultimate destination.
Sivananda
Faith is not the clinging to a shrine but an endless pilgrimage of the heart. Audacious longing, burning songs, daring thoughts, an impulse overwhelming the heart, usurping the mind--these are all a drive towards serving Him who rings our hearts like a bell. It is as if He were waiting to enter our empty, perishing lives.
Abraham Joshua Heschel
Life is a long pilgrimage from fear to love.
Paulo Coelho
In all trouble you should seek God. You should not set Him over against your troubles, but within them. God can only relieve your troubles if you in your anxiety cling to Him. Trouble should not really be thought of as this thing or that in particular, for our whole life on earth involves trouble; and through the troubles of our earthly pilgrimage we find God.
Saint Augustine
I feel a complete protection on my pilgrimage. God is my shield. There are no accidents in the Divine Plan nor does God leave us unattended. No one walks so safely as those who walk humbly and harmlessly with great love and great faith.
Peace Pilgrim
Give my scallop-shell of quiet, My staff of faith to walk upon, My scrip of joy, immortal diet, My bottle of salvation, My gown of glory, hope's true gage; And thus I'll take my pilgrimage.
Walter Raleigh
We don't think about pilgrimage in this country. We don't think about meditation. The idea of taking a six-week walk is totally foreign to most Americans. But it's probably exactly what we need.
Emilio Estevez
Hiking - I don't like either the word or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not hike! Do you know the origin of that word 'saunter?' It's a beautiful word. Away back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, "A la sainte terre,' 'To the Holy Land.' And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not 'hike' through them."
John Muir
The Song of Simeon Nunc Dimittis
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Holy eternal Majesty,
Holy incarnate Word,
Holy abiding Spirit,
Bless you for evermore. Amen.
+++++
Good Night Dear Family! I love you! Now it's time to celebrate! Click on the links below! Choose your favorite celebration beverage!
The Penguin Song
Celebration
With love, blessings, and gratitude!
Sara
Holy incarnate Word,
Holy abiding Spirit,
Bless you for evermore. Amen.
+++++
Good Night Dear Family! I love you! Now it's time to celebrate! Click on the links below! Choose your favorite celebration beverage!
The Penguin Song
Celebration
With love, blessings, and gratitude!
Sara
Resources.
Enriching Our Worship 1 - 1997
Book of Common Prayer
Satucket Lectionary
Oremus Bible Browser
Walk With Me On Our Journey
In Lak 'Ech - Luis Valdez
Metis Aboriginal Ministries
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Other Sources as Noted
Mary and Martha of Bethany
July 29
Mary and Martha of Bethany, with Lazarus their brother, are described in the Gospels according to Luke and John, as close and well-loved friends of Jesus. Luke records the well-known story of their hospitality, which has made Martha a symbol of the active life and Mary of the contemplative, though some commentators would take the words of Jesus to be a defense of that which Mary does best, and a commendation of Martha for what she does best — neither vocation giving grounds for despising the other.
John’s Gospel sheds additional light on the characters of Mary and Martha. When Lazarus is dying, Jesus delays his visit to the family and arrives after Lazarus’ death. Martha comes to meet him, still trusting in his power to heal and restore. The exchange between them evokes Martha’s deep faith and acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah (John 11:21-27).
John also records the supper at Bethany at which Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with fragrant ointment and wiped them with her hair. This tender gesture of love evoked criticism from the disciples. Jesus interpreted the gift as a preparation for his death and burial.
The devotion and friendship of Mary and Martha have been an example of fidelity and service to the Lord. Their hospitality and kindness, and Jesus’ enjoyment of their company, show us the beauty of human friendship and love at its best.
July 29
Mary and Martha of Bethany, with Lazarus their brother, are described in the Gospels according to Luke and John, as close and well-loved friends of Jesus. Luke records the well-known story of their hospitality, which has made Martha a symbol of the active life and Mary of the contemplative, though some commentators would take the words of Jesus to be a defense of that which Mary does best, and a commendation of Martha for what she does best — neither vocation giving grounds for despising the other.
John’s Gospel sheds additional light on the characters of Mary and Martha. When Lazarus is dying, Jesus delays his visit to the family and arrives after Lazarus’ death. Martha comes to meet him, still trusting in his power to heal and restore. The exchange between them evokes Martha’s deep faith and acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah (John 11:21-27).
John also records the supper at Bethany at which Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with fragrant ointment and wiped them with her hair. This tender gesture of love evoked criticism from the disciples. Jesus interpreted the gift as a preparation for his death and burial.
The devotion and friendship of Mary and Martha have been an example of fidelity and service to the Lord. Their hospitality and kindness, and Jesus’ enjoyment of their company, show us the beauty of human friendship and love at its best.
Additional Readings and prayers
36 Dixit injustus
5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the strong mountains,
your justice like the great deep; *
you save both man and beast, O Lord.
7 How priceless is your love, O God! *
your people take refuge under the
shadow of your wings.
8 They feast upon the abundance of your house; *
you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the well of life, *
and in your light we see light.
10 Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, *
and your favor to those who are true of heart.
11 Let not the foot of the proud come near me, *
nor the hand of the wicked push me aside.
12 See how they are fallen, those who work wickedness! *
they are cast down and shall not be able to rise.
A Song of True Motherhood
Julian of Norwich
God chose to be our mother in all things *
and so made the foundation of his work,
most humbly and most pure, in the Virgin’s womb.
God, the perfect wisdom of all, *
arrayed himself in this humble place.
Christ came in our poor flesh *
to share a mother’s care.
Our mothers bear us for pain and for death; *
our true mother, Jesus, bears us for joy and endless life.
Christ carried us within him in love and travail, *
until the full time of his passion.
And when all was completed and he had carried us so for joy, *
still all this could not satisfy the power of his wonderful love.
All that we owe is redeemed in truly loving God, *
for the love of Christ works in us;
Christ is the one whom we love.
5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the strong mountains,
your justice like the great deep; *
you save both man and beast, O Lord.
7 How priceless is your love, O God! *
your people take refuge under the
shadow of your wings.
8 They feast upon the abundance of your house; *
you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the well of life, *
and in your light we see light.
10 Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you, *
and your favor to those who are true of heart.
11 Let not the foot of the proud come near me, *
nor the hand of the wicked push me aside.
12 See how they are fallen, those who work wickedness! *
they are cast down and shall not be able to rise.
A Song of True Motherhood
Julian of Norwich
God chose to be our mother in all things *
and so made the foundation of his work,
most humbly and most pure, in the Virgin’s womb.
God, the perfect wisdom of all, *
arrayed himself in this humble place.
Christ came in our poor flesh *
to share a mother’s care.
Our mothers bear us for pain and for death; *
our true mother, Jesus, bears us for joy and endless life.
Christ carried us within him in love and travail, *
until the full time of his passion.
And when all was completed and he had carried us so for joy, *
still all this could not satisfy the power of his wonderful love.
All that we owe is redeemed in truly loving God, *
for the love of Christ works in us;
Christ is the one whom we love.
Ruth 2:5-12
5Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, ‘To whom does this young woman belong?’ 6The servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, ‘She is the Moabite who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7She said, “Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the reapers.” So she came, and she has been on her feet from early this morning until now, without resting even for a moment.’*
8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, ‘Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. 9Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped, and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you. If you get thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.’ 10Then she fell prostrate, with her face to the ground, and said to him, ‘Why have I found favour in your sight, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?’ 11But Boaz answered her, ‘All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. 12May the Lord reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge!’
A Song of Pilgrimage Priusquam errarem
Ecclesiasticus 51:13-16,20b-22
Before I ventured forth,
even while I was very young, *
I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
In the forecourts of the temple I asked for her, *
and I will seek her to the end.
From first blossom to early fruit, *
she has been the delight of my heart.
My foot has kept firmly to the true path, *
diligently from my youth have I pursued her.
I inclined my ear a little and received her; *
I found for myself much wisdom and became adept in her.
To the one who gives me wisdom will I give glory, *
for I have resolved to live according to her way.
From the beginning I gained courage from her, *
therefore I will not be forsaken.
In my inmost being I have been stirred to seek her, *
therefore have I gained a good possession.
As my reward the Almighty has given me the gift of language,*
and with it will I offer praise to God.
ROMANS 12:9-13
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.
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.
John 11:1-44New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) The entire passage is used.
The Death of Lazarus
11 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent a message to Jesus,[a] “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, 6 after having heard that Lazarus[b] was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. 10 But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” 11 After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” 13 Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Thomas, who was called the Twin,[c] said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Jesus the Resurrection and the Life
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus[d] had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles[e]away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[f] Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah,[g] the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
Jesus Weeps
28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34 He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus began to weep. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
Jesus Raises Lazarus to Life
38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
A Song of Christ’s Humility
Philippians 2:6-11
Though in the form of God, *
Christ Jesus did not cling to equality with God,
But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, *
and was born in human likeness.
Being found in human form, he humbled himself *
and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Therefore, God has highly exalted him *
and given him the name above every name,
That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, *
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, *
to the glory of God the Father.
33 Exultate, justi
1 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; *
it is good for the just to sing praises.
2 Praise the Lord with the harp; *
play to him upon the psaltery and lyre.
3 Sing for him a new song; *
sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.
4 For the word of the Lord is right, *
and all his works are sure.
5 He loves righteousness and justice; *
the loving-kindness of the Lord fills the whole earth.
(Omitted verses are in bold)
6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, *
by the breath of his mouth all the heavenly hosts.
7 He gathers up the waters of the ocean as in a water-skin *
and stores up the depths of the sea.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; *
let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to pass; *
he commanded, and it stood fast.
10 The Lord brings the will of the nations to naught; *
he thwarts the designs of the peoples.
11 But the Lord's will stands fast for ever, *
and the designs of his heart from age to age.
12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord! *
happy the people he has chosen to be his own!
13 The Lord looks down from heaven, *
and beholds all the people in the world.
14 From where he sits enthroned he turns his gaze *
on all who dwell on the earth.
15 He fashions all the hearts of them *
and understands all their works.
16 There is no king that can be saved by a mighty army; *
a strong man is not delivered by his great strength.
17 The horse is a vain hope for deliverance; *
for all its strength it cannot save.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him, *
on those who wait upon his love,
19 To pluck their lives from death, *
and to feed them in time of famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord; *
he is our help and our shield.
21 Indeed, our heart rejoices in him, *
for in his holy Name we put our trust.
22 Let your loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, *
as we have put our trust in you.
A Song of the Heavenly City
Revelation 21:22-26, 22:1-4
I saw no temple in the city, *
for its temple is the God of surpassing strength and the Lamb.
And the city has no need of sun or moon to light it, *
for the glory of God shines on it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
By its light the nations shall walk, *
and the rulers of the world lay their honor and glory there.
Its gates shall never be shut by day, nor shall there be any night; *
into it they will bring the honor and glory of nations.
I saw the clean river of the water of life, bright as crystal, *
flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
The tree of life spanned the river, giving fruit every month, *
and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of nations.
All curses cease where the throne of God and the Lamb stands,
and all servants give worship there; *
there they will see God’s face, whose Name shall be on their foreheads.
LUKE 10:38-42
38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’ 41But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things;42there is need of only one thing.* Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’
A Song of Wisdom Sapientia liberavit
Wisdom 10:15-19,20b-21
Wisdom freed from a nation of oppressors *
a holy people and a blameless race.
She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, *
withstood dread rulers with wonders and signs.
To the saints she gave the reward of their labors, *
and led them by a marvelous way;
She was their shelter by day *
and a blaze of stars by night.
She brought them across the Red Sea, *
she led them through mighty waters;
But their enemies she swallowed in the waves *
and spewed them out from the depths of the abyss.
And then, Lord, the righteous sang hymns to your Name, *
and praised with one voice your protecting hand;
For Wisdom opened the mouths of the mute, *
and gave speech to the tongues of a new-born people.
Dear Jesus, we lift all of our prayers at your feet and loving arms this night.
We pray for an end to every armed conflict in the world and that peace may prevail.
Come Lord Jesus and heal God's broken world.
Come Lord Jesus and heal God's broken world.
We pray for all who mourn the loss of any loved ones and bring comfort to those who grieve.
Jesus, Help us to know that it is ok to grieve and weep as you wept at the tomb of your friend Lazarus.
Jesus, Help us to know that it is ok to grieve and weep as you wept at the tomb of your friend Lazarus.
Help us to be more loving, compassionate, accepting of all our family members,giving, less critical, more humane, more kind, more merciful, and to let our egos go and let you in.
We pray for those receiving treatments for cancer and other illnesses.
Come Lord Jesus, Heal us and make us whole.
Come Lord Jesus, Heal us and make us whole.
We pray for your friends Martha and Mary of Bethany, help us to strive for balance and choose what you'd like us to do.
Jesus, help us to listen and choose.
Jesus, help us to listen and choose.
We pray for our most vulnerable family members remembering the homeless, hungry, lost, brokenhearted, elderly, children, refugees, victims and survivors of domestic violence and child abuse, the lonely, and anyone who is brought to our hearts.
Jesus, help us to respond to and care for the Least of these.
We pray for all awaiting surgery and diagnoses of any kind.
Jesus, help to to learn to wait, watch , and pray.
Jesus, help to to learn to wait, watch , and pray.
We give thanks for Walk With Me On Our Journey may we continue to pray, walk, and respond to what you are having us do.
Jesus, may we continue to pray and walk the King's Highway.
Jesus, may we continue to pray and walk the King's Highway.
We pray for all who travel and are on pilgrimage anywhere. We remember especially those who are on pilgrimage in the holy places of the Holy Land.
Jesus, be with them and protect them on every side.
Jesus, be with them and protect them on every side.
We give thanks for the Philadelphia 11 who were the first women ordained as priests in the Episcopal Church 45 years ago.
Jesus, may we who are discerning vocations and any ministry have listening hearts and the courage to say yes to your call to serve God in the
Church and the world.
Jesus, may we who are discerning vocations and any ministry have listening hearts and the courage to say yes to your call to serve God in the
Church and the world.
Jesus we add our prayers, thanksgivings, remembrances, and celebrations here before you______________
We offer these and all our prayers in Jesus' most holy Name. Amen.
For more information on today's feast days please click on the links below;
FIRST ORDINATION OF WOMEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
MARY, MARTHA AND LAZARUS OF BETHANY
FIRST ORDINATION OF WOMEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
MARY, MARTHA AND LAZARUS OF BETHANY
No comments:
Post a Comment