Thursday, July 29, 2021

Now that we are 8! It's time to Celebrate!

 




Good Evening Beloved Ones!

Happy Being Thoughtful and Thankful Thursday! We are celebrating Walk With Me On Our Journey's Eighth Birthday on Chumash Land. We are sharing our day with Mary and Martha of Bethany and the First Ordinations of Women in the Episcopal Church. I have lots of thoughts about today but will save them for tomorrow. Tonight we ponder the quotes of The Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward, who was one of the Philadelphia Eleven. So let us begin:

"In the Spirit which draws us into honest engagement with one another, including those who may be very different from us in various ways, God calls us to wake up and learn how to love and respect one another, period." ~ Carter Heyward

"Love is a choice — not simply, or necessarily, a rational choice, but rather a willingness to be present to others without pretense or guide. Love is a conversion to humanity — a willingness to participate with others in the healing of a broken world and broken lives. Love is the choice to experience life as a member of the human family, a partner in the dance of life." ~ Carter Heyward

"For god is nothing other than the eternally creative source of our relational power, our common strength, a god whose movement is to empower, bringing us into our own together, a god whose name in history is love." ~ Carter Heyward

"If we are to live with our feet on the ground, in touch with reality, we must help one another accept the fact that we who are christian are heirs to a body-despising, woman-fearing, sexually repressive religious tradition. If we are to continue as members of the church, we must challenge and transform it at the root. What is required is more than simply a "reformation." I am speaking of revolutionary transformation. Nothing less will do." ~ Carter Heyward

"the very minute we think we 'have' God, God will surprise us. As we search in fire and earthquakes, God will be in the still small voice. As we listen in silent meditation, God will be shouting protests in the street. God is warning us that we had best not try to find our security in any well-defined concept or category of what is Godly - for the minute we believe we are into God, God is off again and calling us forth into some unknown place." ~ Carter Heyward

"Faith is a process of leaping into the abyss not on the basis of any certainty about where we shall land, but rather on the belief that we shall land." ~ Carter Heyward

"Love, like truth and beauty, is concrete. Love is not fundamentally a sweet feeling; not, at heart, a matter of sentiment, attachment, or being "drawn toward."  Love is active, effective, a matter of making reciprocal and mutually beneficial relation with one's friends and enemies." ~ Carter Heyward

"The whole inhabited earth is sacred space in which God lives, breathes, and acts." ~ Carter Heyward

"To say I love you is to say that you are not mine, but rather your own." ~ Carter Heyward

"God reveals herself through our relationships not only to other people but also to other creatures and nature." ~ Carter Heyward

"Lovers re-create the world." ~ Carter Heyward

"We are born in relation, we live in relation, we die in relation. There is, literally, no such human place as simply "inside myself." Nor is any person, creed, ideology, or movement entirely "outside myself."" ~ Carter Heyward

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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

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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.



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

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?


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




Image result for candles for vigils

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.


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.




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. 


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.
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God of compassion, you have reconciled us in Jesus Christ who is our peace: Enable us to live as Jesus lived, breaking down walls of hostility and healing enmity. Give us grace to make peace with those from whom we are divided, that, forgiven and forgiving, we may ever be one in Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns for ever, one holy and undivided Trinity. Amen.


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Psalm 33:1-5, 20-21

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.

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.

1 Samuel 25:18-38

18 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves, two skins of wine, five sheep ready dressed, five measures of parched grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys 19and said to her young men, ‘Go on ahead of me; I am coming after you.’ But she did not tell her husband Nabal. 20As she rode on the donkey and came down under cover of the mountain, David and his men came down towards her; and she met them. 21Now David had said, ‘Surely it was in vain that I protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him; but he has returned me evil for good. 22God do so to David* and more also, if by morning I leave as much as one male of all who belong to him.’


23 When Abigail saw David, she hurried and alighted from the donkey, and fell before David on her face, bowing to the ground. 24She fell at his feet and said, ‘Upon me alone, my lord, be the guilt; please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. 25My lord, do not take seriously this ill-natured fellow Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal* is his name, and folly is with him; but I, your servant, did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.


26 ‘Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, since the Lord has restrained you from blood-guilt and from taking vengeance with your own hand, now let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be like Nabal. 27And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. 28Please forgive the trespass of your servant; for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord; and evil shall not be found in you as long as you live. 29If anyone should rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living under the care of the Lord your God; but the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. 30When the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you prince over Israel, 31my lord shall have no cause of grief, or pangs of conscience, for having shed blood without cause or for having saved himself. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant.’


32 David said to Abigail, ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me today! 33Blessed be your good sense, and blessed be you, who have kept me today from blood-guilt and from avenging myself by my own hand! 34For as surely as the Lord the God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there would not have been left to Nabal as much as one male.’ 35Then David received from her hand what she had brought him; he said to her, ‘Go up to your house in peace; see, I have heeded your voice, and I have granted your petition.’


36 Abigail came to Nabal; he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; so she told him nothing at all until the morning light. 37In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him; he became like a stone. 38About ten days later the Lord struck Nabal, and he died.

36 Dixit injustus

1 There is a voice of rebellion deep in the heart of the wicked; *
there is no fear of God before his eyes.

2 He flatters himself in his own eyes *
that his hateful sin will not be found out.

3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; *
he has left off acting wisely and doing good.

4 He thinks up wickedness upon his bed
and has set himself in no good way; *
he does not abhor that which is evil.
 

5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, *
and your faithfulness to the clouds.

Romans 12:9-13

Marks of the True Christian

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.* 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

A Song of God’s Love
1 John 4:7-11

Beloved, let us love one another, *
for love is of God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, *
for God is Love.
In this the love of God was revealed among us, *
that God sent his only Son into the world,
so that we might live through Jesus Christ.
In this is love, not that we loved God but that God loved us *
and sent his Son that sins might be forgiven.
Beloved, since God loved us so much, *
we ought also to love one another.
For if we love one another, God abides in us, *
and God’s love will be perfected in us.


Luke 10:38-42

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

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.’

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.
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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.


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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.

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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


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