Good Evening Dear Ones!
Happy Friday! Welcome to our weekly 3 day vigil and retreat weekend. A time to take a look at the week past and do a deep dive of self-introspection into our lives using #TheWayOfLove7 #TurnLearnPrayWorshipBlessGoRest and social justice focused words "LearnPrayAct. We are called to do this more frequently during this time of dual pandemics. The lessons for today hit us where we live and give us dire warnings on what being a follower of Jesus entails. Yesterday our Gospel lesson set the stage for what a disciple must do. I think if Jesus told us to wear a mask, we'd wear a mask! Let us take a look at Jesus' recipe!
Matthew 10:7-15
7As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.”* 8Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers,* cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. 9Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, 10no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food. 11Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. 12As you enter the house, greet it. 13If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town
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Here are a few quotes on discipleship to ponder as we begin our time of worship!
"Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life" ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Discipleship is not an option. Jesus says that if anyone would come after me, he must follow me." ~ Timothy Keller
"...Christ did not appoint professors, but followers. If Christianity ... is not reduplicated in the life of the person expounding it, then he does not expound Christianity, for Christianity is a message about living and can only be expounded by being realized in men's lives." ~ Soren Kierkegaard
"Until you have given up yourself to Him, you will not have a real self." ~ C. S. Lewis
"Being a Christan is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God's will." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"What makes authentic disciples is not visions, ecstasies, biblical mastery of chapter and verse, or spectacular success in the ministry, but a capacity for faithfulness. Buffeted by the fickle winds of failure, battered by their own unruly emotions, and bruised by rejection and ridicule, authentic disciples may have stumbled and frequently fallen, endured lapses and relapses, gotten handcuffed to the fleshpots and wandered into a far county. Yet, they kept coming back to Jesus." ~ Brennan Manning
"Cheap grace is grace without discipleship." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"It is only because he became like us that we can become like him." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Let this be thy whole endeavor, this thy prayer, this thy desire,-that thou mayest be stripped of all selfishness, and with entire simplicity follow Jesus only." ~ Thomas a Kempis
"Through discipline, discipline is the other side of discipleship. If you want to follow Jesus, you have to have discipline." ~ Henri Nouwen
"If our Christianity has ceased to be serious about discipleship, if we have watered down the gospel into emotional uplift which makes no costly demands and which fails to distinguish between natural and Christian existence, then we cannot help regarding the cross as an ordinary everyday calamity, as one of the trials and tribulations of life. We have then forgotten that the cross means rejection and shame as well as suffering ." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice." ~ Eric Liddell
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Joseph Barth: A Grace
We give thanks for Being;
We give thanks for being here;
We give thanks for being here together.
You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses. Acts 1:8
God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. Romans 5:5
The disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke of the great things God had done. Acts 2:4, 11
God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. Romans 5:5
The wind blows where it wills and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from or where it is going; so it is with everyone born of the Spirit. John 3:8
It is the God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:6-10
We are children of God, so God has sent the Spirit into our hearts.Galatians 4:6
We are the body of Christ and individually members of it.1 Corinthians 12:27
Jesus said, ‘The bread of life is that which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world.’John 6:33
Through faith we are all children of God in union with Christ Jesus.Galatians 3:26
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in Jesus the Son. Anyone who has the Son has life.1 John 5:12
We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.2 Corinthians 4:18
Light of the World Phos hilaron
Light of the world, in grace and beauty,
Mirror of God’s eternal face,
Transparent flame of love’s free duty,
You bring salvation to our race.
Now, as we see the lights of evening,
We raise our voice in hymns of praise;
Worthy are you of endless blessing,
Sun of our night, lamp of our days.
Psalm 134 Ecce nunc
Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, *
you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.
Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; *
the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
Psalm 141:1-3,8ab Domine, clamavi
O LORD, I call to you; come to me quickly; *
hear my voice when I cry to you.
Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, *
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Set a watch before my mouth, O LORD,
and guard the door of my lips; *
let not my heart incline to any evil thing.
My eyes are turned to you, Lord GOD; *
in you I take refuge.
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.
Gracious and loving God as we meet in community this evening to pray and light candles let us remember all of our family members who do not have community, family, where loving shoulders and soft places in which to fall are available. We pray for the lost, lonely, and afraid that they may be found and brought into the family of God and wrapped in a quilt of comfort. We pray for our family members who are refugees, asylum seekers, children in foster care, children who are seeking to be adopted and all who are waiting for their forever homes wherever that may be. We pray that we may practice radical hospitality and welcome all of our family members and especially the strangers who are in our midst. We pray that we may keep our eyes on all of our loved ones and pray that no one, not one will fall through the cracks. We pray that a community of CALM (Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy) may spring up around the world and especially where there is hatred, violence, terror, and division. We pray that peace, justice, and mercy may prevail upon Earth, that we may be peacemakers and called the Children of God. Amen.
or this
Tonight Let us Light our Candles and make vigil for our nation and all of us and our family members who feel invisible and are being made invisible by our government and the leadership of this country.
"IF YOU SPEAK MY NAME, I WILL LIVE FOREVER."
We speak the names of all of our family members remembering these groups and honoring everyone in them as dearly loved Children Of God who are COGs in the Wheel of life and love.
Our Muslim, Christian, and Jewish Brothers and Sisters
Our Brothers and Sisters of many faiths where there is misunderstanding.
Our Indigenous Brothers and Sisters
Our Brothers and Sisters who protect our environment and who are water protectors
Our Brothers and Sisters who resist and speak out against oppression and for universal human rights.
Our Latino, Latina, and Latinx Brothers and Sisters
Our Littlest Brothers and Sisters the children
Our LGBTQIA Brothers and Sisters
Our immigrant Brothers and Sister No matter what classification.
Our Disabled Brothers and Sisters
Our Elderly Brothers and Sisters
Our Poor and Oppressed Brothers and Sisters.
Our Homeless, Hungry, and Ill-Clad Brothers and Sisters
Our Brothers and Sisters of Many Faiths and Ethnicities
Our Sisters who are in need of equal rights to health care, pay, family leave,
Our Mentally Ill and Memory Challenged Brothers and Sisters
Our Brothers and Sisters who are Veterans and who suffer many things.
Our Abused, Neglected, and Bullied Brothers and Sisters.
Our Brothers and Sisters who have been victims of hate crimes.
Our Brothers and Sisters who are artists and who work in the humanities.
Our Brothers and Sisters who have healthcare issues and have chronic illnesses.
Our Brothers and Sisters who suffer from all forms of addiction.
Our Brothers and Sisters who are in prison.
Our Brothers and Sisters who are victims of Human Trafficking.
Our Brothers and Sisters who are our enemies and who hate us.
All our Brothers and Sisters!
What names of our Brothers and Sisters do you want to speak?_____________
God we come to you to acknowledge that no one is invisible and that we as your children each have a special role to play in this fragile and broken world of ours. Help us to know that as COG (Children of God) we may help serve you by serving others by making the right changes we want to see in world. Help us ourselves to be the change we want to see in the world. May we always seek to be CALM (Compassionate, Accepting, Loving, and Merciful) even when the day's news cycles rattle our nerves. May our spirits be enlivened, our steps, quickened, and that we may feel your Living Water Coursing through our veins this night and forevermore. Amen.
The Light of Christ in me Recognizes the Light of Christ in you!"
I hold holy space for you in love and peace this day and always!
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
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
"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.
Your voice, O God, is calling
Its summons unto all;
As once You spoke in Zion,
So now we hear You call:
Whom shall I send to succor
My people in their need?
Whom shall I send to loosen
The bonds of shame and greed?
I hear my people crying
In cot and mine and slum;
No field or mart is silent,
No city street is dumb.
I see my people falling
In darkness and despair.
Whom shall I send to shatter
The fetters which they bear?
We heed, O God, Your summons,
And answer: Here are we!
Send us upon Your errand!
Let us Your servants be!
Our strength is dust and ashes,
Our years a passing hour;
But You can use our weakness
To magnify our power.
From ease and plenty save us,
From pride of place absolve;
Purge us of low desire,
Lift us to high resolve.
Take us and make us holy,
Teach us Your will and way;
Speak, and behold we answer!
Command, and we obey!
51 Miserere mei, Deus
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *
in your great compassion blot out my offenses.
2 Wash me through and through from my wickedness *
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, *
and my sin is ever before me.
.
4 Against you only have I sinned *
and done what is evil in your sight.
5 And so you are justified when you speak *
and upright in your judgment.
6 Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *
a sinner from my mother's womb.
7 For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *
and will make me understand wisdom secretly.
8 Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *
wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.
9 Make me hear of joy and gladness, *
that the body you have broken may rejoice.
10 Hide your face from my sins *
and blot out all my iniquities.
11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
12 Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
13 Give me the joy of your saving help again *
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
14 I shall teach your ways to the wicked, *
and sinners shall return to you.
15 Deliver me from death, O God, *
and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,
O God of my salvation.
16 Open my lips, O Lord, *
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
17 Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, *
but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.
18 The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; *
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
19 Be favorable and gracious to Zion, *
and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
20 Then you will be pleased with the appointed sacrifices,
with burnt-offerings and oblations; *
then shall they offer young bullocks upon your altar.
A Song of Hosea
Hosea 6:1-3
Come, let us return to our God, *
who has torn us and will heal us.
God has struck us and will bind up our wounds, *
after two days revive us,
On the third day restore us, *
that in God’s presence we may live.
Let us humble ourselves, let us strive to know the Lord, *
whose justice dawns like morning light,
its dawning as sure as the sunrise.
God’s justice will come to us like a shower, *
like spring rains that water the earth.
Hosea 14:1-9
A Plea for Repentance
14Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God,
for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
2 Take words with you
and return to the Lord;
say to him,
‘Take away all guilt;
accept that which is good,
and we will offer
the fruit* of our lips.
3 Assyria shall not save us;
we will not ride upon horses;
we will say no more, “Our God”,
to the work of our hands.
In you the orphan finds mercy.’
Assurance of Forgiveness
4 I will heal their disloyalty;
I will love them freely,
for my anger has turned from them.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel;
he shall blossom like the lily,
he shall strike root like the forests of Lebanon.*
6 His shoots shall spread out;
his beauty shall be like the olive tree,
and his fragrance like that of Lebanon.
7 They shall again live beneath my* shadow,
they shall flourish as a garden;*
they shall blossom like the vine,
their fragrance shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
8 O Ephraim, what have I* to do with idols?
It is I who answer and look after you.*
I am like an evergreen cypress;
your faithfulness* comes from me.
9 Those who are wise understand these things;
those who are discerning know them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
and the upright walk in them,
but transgressors stumble in them.
A Song of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 36:24-28
I will take you from among all nations; *
and gather you from all lands to bring you home.
I will sprinkle clean water upon you; *
and purify you from false gods and uncleanness.
A new heart I will give you *
and a new spirit put within you.
I will take the stone heart from your chest *
and give you a heart of flesh.
I will help you walk in my laws *
and cherish my commandments and do them.
You shall be my people, *
and I will be your God.
Matthew 10:16-23
Coming Persecutions
16 ‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; 18and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; 20for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
A Song of Christ’s Goodness
Anselm of Canterbury
Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you; *
you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.
Often you weep over our sins and our pride, *
tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment.
You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds, *
in sickness you nurse us and with pure milk you feed us.
Jesus, by your dying, we are born to new life; *
by your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.
Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness; *
through your gentleness, we find comfort in fear.
Your warmth gives life to the dead, *
your touch makes sinners righteous.
Lord Jesus, in your mercy, heal us; *
in your love and tenderness, remake us.
In your compassion, bring grace and forgiveness, *
for the beauty of heaven, may your love prepare us.
The Lord’s Prayer or the alternative is said. From A New Zealand Prayer Book.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Or
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.
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.
Collects from A New Zealand Prayer Book
God of power,
may the boldness of your Spirit transform us,
may the gentleness of your Spirit lead us,
may the gifts of your Spirit
be our goal and our strength
now and always.
Praise and glory to you creator Spirit of God;
you make our bread Christ’s body
to heal and reconcile
and to make us the body of Christ.
You make our wine Christ’s living sacrificial blood
to redeem the world.
You are truth.
You come like the wind of heaven, unseen, unbidden.
Like the dawn
you illuminate the world around us;
you grant us a new beginning every day.
You warm and comfort us.
You give us courage and fire
and strength beyond our everyday resources.
Be with us Holy Spirit in all we say or think,
in all we do this and every day.
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
LOVE REFUGEES AS YOURSELF
When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. (Leviticus 19:33-34)
"I urge you to celebrate the extraordinary courage and contributions of refugees past and present." - Kofi Annan
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
LEAVE FOOD FOR THE POOR AND THE FOREIGNER
When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. (Leviticus 19:9-10)
"Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity" - Pope Francis
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
GOD LOVES THE FOREIGNER RESIDING AMONG YOU
He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:18-19)
"You cross a border and the policeman or the frontier policeman look at you, What are you doing here? Why are you coming? How long will you stay? Well, if I had nearly enough years, I would write a novel about being a refugee." - Elie Wiesel
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
THE SIN OF SODOM: THEY DID NOT HELP THE POOR AND NEEDY
Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. (Ezekiel 16:49)
"I've never stopped being a refugee." - Nguyen Viet Thang
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
DO NOT OPPRESS A FOREIGNER
Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt. (Exodus 23:9)
"Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
DO NOT DEPRIVE FOREIGNERS AMONG YOU OF JUSTICE
“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty. (Malachi 3:5)
"I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong." - George Washington
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
DO WHATEVER THE FOREIGNER ASKS OF YOU
“As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name— for they will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name. (1 Kings 8:41-44)
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." - Emma Lazarus
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
LEAVE YOUR DOOR OPEN TO THE TRAVELER
No stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler (Job, discussing his devotion to God) (Job 31:32)
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door." - Emma Lazarus
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
INVITE THE STRANGER IN
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (Matthew 25:25-36)
"[Let] the poor the needy and oppressed of the Earth, and those who want Land, resort to the fertile lands of our western country, the second land of Promise, and there dwell in peace, fulfilling the first and great commandment." - George Washington
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
WE WERE ALL BAPTIZED BY ONE SPIRIT
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)
"A smile is the universal welcome." - Max Eastman
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14)
"Extend
your arms
in welcome
to the future.
The best
is yet to come!" - Anthony de Mello
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy.
HAVE MERCY ON YOUR NEIGHBOR
He asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:29-37)
Like the Good Samaritan, may we not be ashamed of touching the wounds of those who suffer, but try to heal them with concrete acts of love.
Pope Francis
God help us to be faithful to this baptismal promise:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
I will, with God's help.
God give us courage and strength to carry this out in compassion, acceptance love and mercy. Amen.
For the Diversity of Races and Cultures
O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you
for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and
show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until
our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all
your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.
Nelson Mandela
For Social Justice
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so
move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the
people of this land], that barriers which divide us may
crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our
divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.
Nelson Mandela
For the Unemployed
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer
want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this
land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find
suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment
for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.
Nelson Mandela
For the Poor and the Neglected
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you
all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us
to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick,
and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those
who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow
into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for
our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
One of the things Jesus did was to step aside from the organized religion of his time because it had become corrupt and bogged down with rules. Rules became more important than feeding the hungry.
Corita Kent
For the Oppressed
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this
land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as
their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to
eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those
who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law
and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of
us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pope John Paul II
#WorldDayOfThePoor
As we must always do on these occasions we must remember the Holy Innocents who remind us of everyone who is in danger, genocide, and exclusion. Let us remember our family members in prayer and in our hearts and minds.
Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son became a refugee
and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today
are fleeing from danger,
those who are homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day
when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(From Mid Western Augustinians)
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. - Teresa of Avila
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.
Beloved God, as we approach your Presence, guide and stir us
with your Holy Spirit, that we may become one body, one spirit in
Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
God we pray for all the Innocents of this world responding with God hear us as we pray.
God we pray for all innocent lives that have been violated physically and emotionally, by acts of bigotry, bullying, discrimination, abuse, hatred, inequality, and any act that separates your Children one from another.
God hear us as we pray.
God we pray that compassion, acceptance, love and mercy and justice may spread throughout this fragile and broken world.
God hear us as we pray.
God we pray for all Innocent lives of the LGBT Community that have been threatened and killed by acts of hatred.
God hear us as we pray.
We pray for all children who are caught in the midst of war, terror, abuse, and swiftly changing family dynamics.
God hear us as we pray.
We pray for all parents and children who are mourning the loss of their beloved children and parents. We pray for their innocent hearts that have been broken. May they be comforted and healed.
God hear us as we pray.
We pray for all innocent wildlife that are threatened by extinction and endangerment as a species.
God hear us as we pray.
We pray for all innocent family members who have been victims of gun violence by law enforcement officers and others.
God hear us as we pray.
We pray for all innocent and vulnerable people who have been marginalized and made to feel invisible.
God hear us as we pray.
We pray for all our innocent family members who are caught in the crossfire of political and sectarian violence.
God hear us as we pray.
We pray for all who are victims of injustice, war crimes, and pray that we may strive for justice and peace and "Respect the dignity of every human being'
God hear us as we pray.
We pray for all our innocent family members who are houseless, hungry, and ill clad who are faced with another night without proper shelter and safety.
God hear us as we pray.
We pray for all innocent lives who are victims of human rights violations , human trafficking, coyotes, and immigration strangleholds by persons who are in the business of modern day slavery.
God hear us as we pray.
We pray for all the innocents that come to our minds and hearts as we name them now______.
God hear us as we pray.
We pledge and stand with the vulnerable as we pray and take the Matthew 25 pledge:
I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus (G-D)
We pray for_________________
We remember_______________
We give thanks to God for_____
God of unchangeable power, when you fashioned the world the
morning stars sang together and the host of heaven shouted for
joy; open our eyes to the wonders of creation and teach us
to use all things for good, to the honor of your glorious name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(source: A New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 569)
It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes; these have been redeemed from humanity as first fruits for God and the Lamb. Revelation 14:4
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
May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of
the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you
may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his
sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and
ever. Hebrews 13:20-21
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
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
May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of
the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you
may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his
sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and
ever. Hebrews 13:20-21
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
Good Night Dear Ones! I love you! Have a restful night. Here is a schedule of our suggested study themes for us to consider:
Today we add another layer to the lessons by familiarizing ourselves with The Episcopal Church's Resources to "Learn, Pray, Act"-Responding to Racist Violence . This is the Summer of the Long Green Season of planting, nourishing, and growth. Sometimes we may have periods of being in a time of fallowness where we don't see immediate growth. That is when the seeds are doing their work in dark places and being nourished with water, fertilizer, and a good soil base.
Here is a start:
Scriptures for Justice, Lament and Solidarity
Exodus 10:17-21
Exodus 22:21-23
Isaiah 58:6-7
Isaiah 61
Micah 6:8
Psalm 10
Psalm 13
Psalm 89
Psalm 103
Luke 4:16-21
Ephesians 6: 12-15
Hebrews 13:1-3
Daily Theme Schedule
Monday: Turn
Tuesday: Learn
Wednesday: Pray
Thursday: Worship
Friday: Bless
Saturday: Go
Sunday: Rest
Love and blessings,
Sara
Resources
A to Z Quotes
Enriching Our Worship
Prayers of Power
Book of Common Prayer on Line
Metis Aboriginal Ministries
In Lak 'Ech- Luis Valdez
Walk With Me On Our Journey
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Other Resources as Noted
Oremus Bible Browser
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