Good Evening Family!
It is the eve of the Last Sunday of Epiphany on the land of the Chumash. Our Hearts are heavy and stand in solidarity with the peoples of Ukraine and Russia as well. War and militarism go against our principles of peaceful nonviolence. It is also in violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights! Tonight we will spend time in quiet meditation and keep it simple. Our lessons focus on peace. So let us begin.
Let us add our Metta Prayer!
Lovingkindness (Metta) Prayer
May "all beings" be happy, healthy and whole.
May they have love, warmth and affection.
May they be protected from harm, and free from fear.
May they be alive, engaged and joyful.
May "all beings" enjoy inner peace and ease.
May that peace expand into their world and throughout the entire universe.
This prayer is traditionally done for successively wider circles of caring, with “all beings”replaced appropriately. The first round would be for yourself, then those closest to you, then those who you feel neutral toward, then those with whom you have difficulties, and continuing outward until it includes all beings.
Let us begin with our new mindfulness passages:
Let us breathe in peace.
Let us breathe out worry.
Be still and hear the whisper of God in the Wind, in the waves, and in our hearts
Be still and hear the whisper of God in the Wind,in the waves.
Be still and hear the whisper of God in the Wind.
Be still and hear the whisper of God.
Be still and hear the whisper.
Be still and hear.
Be still.
Be.
“*Breathing in, I know this is my in-breath.
Breathing out, I know this is my out-breath.*
It's very simple, but very effective. When we bring our attention to our in-breath and our out-breath, we stop thinking of the past; we stop thinking of the future; and we begin to come home to ourselves...Don't think this practice doesn't apply to you. If we don't go home to ourselves, we can't be at our best and serve the world in the best way... Our quality of being is the foundation for the quality of our actions.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of my whole body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of my whole body.*
Breathing mindfully brings us back to our bodies. We have to acknowledge our bodies first because tension and suffering accumulate in the body. Breathing in this way, we create a kind of family reunion between mind and body. The mind becomes an embodied mind.
...We can't do our best if we don't know to release the tension and pain in ourselves.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of the tension in my body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of the tension in my body.*
When we look at the suffering around us, at poverty, violence, or climate change, we may want to solve these things immediately. We want to do something. But to do something effectively and ethically, we need to be our best selves in order to be able to handle the suffering...
*Breathing in, I am aware of a painful feeling arising.
Breathing out, I release the painful feeling.*
Breathing out, I know this is my out-breath.*
It's very simple, but very effective. When we bring our attention to our in-breath and our out-breath, we stop thinking of the past; we stop thinking of the future; and we begin to come home to ourselves...Don't think this practice doesn't apply to you. If we don't go home to ourselves, we can't be at our best and serve the world in the best way... Our quality of being is the foundation for the quality of our actions.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of my whole body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of my whole body.*
Breathing mindfully brings us back to our bodies. We have to acknowledge our bodies first because tension and suffering accumulate in the body. Breathing in this way, we create a kind of family reunion between mind and body. The mind becomes an embodied mind.
...We can't do our best if we don't know to release the tension and pain in ourselves.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of the tension in my body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of the tension in my body.*
When we look at the suffering around us, at poverty, violence, or climate change, we may want to solve these things immediately. We want to do something. But to do something effectively and ethically, we need to be our best selves in order to be able to handle the suffering...
*Breathing in, I am aware of a painful feeling arising.
Breathing out, I release the painful feeling.*
This is a nonviolent and gentle way to help our bodies release tension and pain. It is possible to practice mindful breathing in order to produce a feeling of joy, a feeling of happiness. When we are well-nourished and know how to create joy, then we are strong enough to handle the deep pain within ourselves and the world.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh, Good Citizens: Creating Enlightened Society
The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh: A Litany for Peace
As we are together praying for Peace, let us be truly with each other.
Silence
Let us pay attention to our breathing.
Silence
Let us be relaxed in our bodies and our minds.
Silence
Let us return to ourselves and become wholly ourselves.
Silence
Let us be aware of the Source of Being common to us all and to all that is.
Silence
Evoking the presence of the Great Companion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion—towards ourselves and toward all living beings.
Silence
Let us pray that all living beings realize that they are all nourished from the same Source of Life.
Silence
Let us pray that we ourselves cease to be the cause of needless suffering.
Silence
Let us pray that we may live in a way which will not needlessly deprive other living beings of air, water, food, shelter, or the chance to live in health.
Silence
With reverence for Life and with awareness of the sufferings that are going on around us, let us pray for the establishment of peace in our hearts and on earth.
Now let us continue with the Daily Examen.
And this prayer 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.
This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
This is the time when we become aware of our breathing and grounding ourselves. Let us use the "Peace be stills".
Inhale
Hold
Exhale gently.
Pause and repeat!
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Repeat two more times.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.
__
More help from Ignatian Spirituality
Consciousness Examen
Reflections on the Examen
Examen Prayer Card
Ecological Examen
+++
"If you want to build a boat, do not instruct the men to saw wood, stitch the sails, prepare the tools and organize the work, but make them long for setting sail and travel to distant lands." ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
"On any given day, in any given moment, something could happen that opens up for you an entirely new path. Be still, be alert, be ready." ~ Marianne Williamson
"Every moment is a new beginning." ~ Elie Wiesel
"As each breath goes out, let it be the end of that moment and the birth of something new. . ." ~ Pema Chodron
"If all you can do is crawl, start crawling." ~ Rumi
"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning." ~ Desmond Tutu
"Often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us." ~ Helen Keller
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." ~ Francis of Assisi
"What you do is your history. What you set in motion is your legacy." ~ Leonard Sweet
"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come. -" ~ Joseph Campbell
"Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward." ~ C. S. Lewis
"When all the world appears to be in a tumult, and nature itself is feeling the assault of climate change, the seasons retain their essential rhythm. Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but then, winter, will be forced to relent, once again, to the new beginnings of soft greens, longer light, and the sweet air of Spring." ~ Madeleine M. Kunin
"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings." ~ Laozi
"It's not about 'what can I accomplish?' but 'what do I want to accomplish?' Paradigm shift." ~ Brené Brown
"Remember finally, that the ashes that were on your forehead are created from the burnt palms of last Palm Sunday. New beginnings invariably come from old false things that are allowed to die." ~ Richard Rohr
"Paradoxically, I have found peace because I have always been dissatisfied. My moments of depression and despair turn out to be renewals, new beginnings. If I were once to settle down and be satisfied with the surface of life, with its divisions and its cliches, it would be time to call in the undertaker... So, then, this dissatisfaction which sometimes used to worry me and has certainly, I know, worried others, has helped me in fact to move freely and even gaily with the stream of life." ~ Thomas Merton
"Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. I mean, do not be disturbed because of your imperfections, and always rise up bravely from a fall. I am glad that you make a daily new beginning; there is no better means of progress in the spiritual life than to be continually beginning afresh, and never to think that we have done enough." ~ Saint Francis de Sales
"Forgiveness does not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on an evil act. It means, rather, that the evil act no longer remains as a barrier to the relationship. Forgiveness is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Come let us worship.
Call to remembrance, O Lord, your tender care
and the unfailing love
which you have shown from of old.
Do not remember the sins and offences of my youth:
but according to your mercy
remember me, Lord, in your goodness.
You O Lord are upright and good
therefore you show the path to those who go astray.
You guide the humble to do what is right,
and those who are gentle you teach your way.
All your ways are loving and sure
to those who keep your covenant
and your commandments. Psalm 25:5–9
A PERSONAL INVOCATION - Augustine
O Love of God, descend into my heart;
Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling,
And scatter there Your cheerful beams.
Dwell in the soul that longs to be Your temple;
Water that barren soil overrun with weeds and briars
And lost for lack of cultivating.
Make it fruitful with Your dew.
Come, dear Refreshment of those who languish;
Come, Star and Guide of those who sail amidst tempests.
You are the Haven of the tossed and shipwrecked.
Come now, Glory and Crown of the living,
As well as the Safeguard of the dying.
Come, Sacred Spirit;
Come, and fit me to receive You.
Joseph Barth: A Grace
We give thanks for Being;
We give thanks for being here;
We give thanks for being here together.
Saturday Calls to Worship from A New Zealand Prayer Book
The time has come for the judgment to begin;
it is beginning with God’s own household.
So far you have faced no trial beyond what you can bear.
God keeps faith, and will not allow you
to be tempted beyond your power.
When the test comes,
God will at the same time provide a way out,
enabling us to endure it.
Rejoicing in God’s love
Your steadfast love is wonderful:
therefore I treasure your wisdom.
When your word goes forth
it gives light and understanding to the simple.
I opened my mouth and drew in my breath,
for my delight was in your counsel.
Look upon me and show me kindness,
as is your joy for those who love your name.
Keep my steps steady in your word,
and so shall no wickedness get dominion over me.
Relieve me from the weight of oppression,
and so shall I keep your commandments.
Show the light of your face upon your servant,
and teach me your way. Psalm 119:129–135
Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.Philippians 4:8
For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old creation has gone, and now the new one is here. It is all God’s work. It is God who through Christ has won us back and given us a share in this work of reconciliation.
As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labours, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.2 Corinthians 6:4–10
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
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;
for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
You Lord are all that I have; I have promised to keep your Word. I have sought your favour with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promises. Psalm 119:57, 58
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and those who are afraid are not perfected in love. We love because God first loved us. If anyone says, I love God, and hates his brother or sister, that person is a liar; for those who do not love their brothers and sisters whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 1 John 4:18-20
Jesus said, ‘Anyone who has left brothers or sisters, father, mother, or children, land or houses for the sake of my name will be repaid many times over, and given eternal life.’ Matthew 19:29
Give and it will be given to you; for the measure you give will be the measure you receive. From Luke 6:27-38
God is Spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and
in truth. John 4:24
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
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;
for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
You Lord are all that I have; I have promised to keep your Word. I have sought your favour with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promises. Psalm 119:57, 58
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and those who are afraid are not perfected in love. We love because God first loved us. If anyone says, I love God, and hates his brother or sister, that person is a liar; for those who do not love their brothers and sisters whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 1 John 4:18-20
Jesus said, ‘Anyone who has left brothers or sisters, father, mother, or children, land or houses for the sake of my name will be repaid many times over, and given eternal life.’ Matthew 19:29
Give and it will be given to you; for the measure you give will be the measure you receive. From Luke 6:27-38
God is Spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and
in truth. John 4:24
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.Colossians 3:12–1
Let us begin our evening of vigil, prayer and meditation in silence and focusing in on the light shining from this one single candle.
God we pray that we may be wholly yours and that we may hallow this time of vigil by the lighting of a single candle in unity with you, each other, ourselves, and the world that you lovingly created. We remember the people of Afghanistan and Haiti and all who are struggling throughout the world.
God we pray that we may get back to the basics and love you and each other as you have commanded us to do. God help us we pray to return to being the holy family you breathed in us to be. Help us this day to learn what it means to speak words, sentences, and phrases sensitively without hatred or slander. God turn our anger into loving words and deeds in service to your children who are our family members. Light up our hearts and spirits with empowering love energy that we may go forth and spread the good news of the Gospel that Jesus keeps telling us to do and follow. Help us we pray that as we follow Jesus we may not lie fallow, that the words and deeds we hallow may not ring hollow, and that we my be holy not holey. Transform us this day into your Soular* powered people and that we may bring to this world loving and comforting solace and Soulace*! The Love of God in me sees the Love of God in you! Amen.
*Soulace is my created word for calming of our souls.
*Soular is my created word meaning that our souls are empowered by the spirit and love energy called Soular power!
God we pray that we may be wholly yours and that we may hallow this time of vigil by the lighting of a single candle in unity with you, each other, ourselves, and the world that you lovingly created. We remember the people of Afghanistan and Haiti and all who are struggling throughout the world.
God we pray that we may get back to the basics and love you and each other as you have commanded us to do. God help us we pray to return to being the holy family you breathed in us to be. Help us this day to learn what it means to speak words, sentences, and phrases sensitively without hatred or slander. God turn our anger into loving words and deeds in service to your children who are our family members. Light up our hearts and spirits with empowering love energy that we may go forth and spread the good news of the Gospel that Jesus keeps telling us to do and follow. Help us we pray that as we follow Jesus we may not lie fallow, that the words and deeds we hallow may not ring hollow, and that we my be holy not holey. Transform us this day into your Soular* powered people and that we may bring to this world loving and comforting solace and Soulace*! The Love of God in me sees the Love of God in you! Amen.
*Soulace is my created word for calming of our souls.
*Soular is my created word meaning that our souls are empowered by the spirit and love energy called Soular power!
*Soulace is my word for going deeper and seeking God at our soul level in a time of peace, quiet, and deep connecting. New and refined definition.
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.
“In me there is darkness,
But with You there is light;
I am lonely, but You do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with You there is help;
I am restless, but with You there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with You there is patience;
I do not understand Your ways,
But You know the way for me.”
“Lord Jesus Christ,
You were poor
And in distress, a captive and forsaken as I am.
You know all man’s troubles;
You abide with me
When all men fail me;
You remember and seek me;
It is Your will that I should know You
And turn to You.
Lord, I hear Your call and follow;
Help me.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison
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
A Smudging Prayer From 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.
With visible breath I am walking.
A voice I am sending as I walk.
In a sacred manner I am walking.
With visible tracks I am walking.
In a sacred manner I walk.
bringing the sacred pipe - white buffalo maiden
A voice I am sending as I walk.
In a sacred manner I am walking.
With visible tracks I am walking.
In a sacred manner I walk.
bringing the sacred pipe - white buffalo maiden
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
O God our shield and armor of light, whom we adore with all the angelic host: defend us from evil; watch over any who are in danger this night and give your angels charge over them; and grant that we may always rejoice in your heavenly protection and serve you bravely in the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
W.E.B. Du Bois: Prayer
In these first beginnings of the new life of the world, renew in us the resolution to persist in the good work we have begun. Give us strength of body and strength of mind and the unfaltering determination to carry out that which we know to be good and right. Forgive all wavering in the past service of Thy cause and make us strong to go for ward in spite of the doubts of our friends and our enemies and in spite of our own distrust in ourselves. Out of the death of winter comes ever and again the resurrection of spring: so out of evil bring good, O God, and out of doubt determination. Amen.
God, who has made us one nation out of many peoples, amid our diversities of race and tradition, unite us in a common love of freedom and in a high ambition for our national life.
Continue in us the pioneering spirit which led our fathers across the estranging sea and up held them in the wilderness.
Deepen in the people of this land a devotion to the common commonweal, so that we may open new doors of hope to the neglected and oppressed; cleanse our hearts from the greed which preys upon others; and deliver our politics from corruption.
Help us to establish this land in righteousness.
Endue with the spirit of wisdom those entrusted with authority, that there may be peace within our borders, and that we may stand among the nations of the earth an example of justice and a power of good will.
Let Your peace, O God, rule in all our hearts.
To every council where nations bring their hopes and fears, grant wisdom and mutual understanding, that distrust and hatred may be diminished, and a common law of justice be established.
Let peace, O God, prevail throughout the earth.
What Wondrous Love is This -Anonymous
1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,
what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!
2 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down, sinking down;
when I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul!
3 To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb, who is the great I AM,
while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
while millions join the theme, I will sing!
4 And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
and when from death I'm free, I'll sing on;
and when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
and through eternity I'll sing on!
1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,
what wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!
2 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down, sinking down;
when I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul!
3 To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb, who is the great I AM,
while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
while millions join the theme, I will sing!
4 And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
and when from death I'm free, I'll sing on;
and when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
and through eternity I'll sing on!
Psalm 85:7-13
7 Show us your mercy, O Lord, *
and grant us your salvation.
8 I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, *
for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him.
9 Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth have met together; *
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring up from the earth, *
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, *
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him, *
and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.
Micah 4:1-5
Peace and Security through Obedience
4In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised up above the hills.
Peoples shall stream to it,
2 and many nations shall come and say:
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
3 He shall judge between many peoples,
and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more;
4 but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees,
and no one shall make them afraid;
for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
5 For all the peoples walk,
each in the name of its god,
but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God
for ever and ever.
A Song of Lamentation
Lamentations 1:12,16; 3:19,22-24,26
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? *
Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow,
Which was brought upon me, *
inflicted by God’s fierce anger.
For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears, *
for a comforter is far from me, one to revive my courage.
Remember my affliction and my bitterness, *
wormwood and gall!
The steadfast love of God never ceases, *
God’s mercies never end.
They are new every morning; *
great is your faithfulness.
“God is my portion,” says my soul, *
“therefore will I hope in God.”
It is good that we should wait quietly *
for the coming of God’s salvation.
Ephesians 2:13-18
13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16and might reconcile both groups to God in one body* through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.* 17So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Colossians 3:12-15
12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord* has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
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.
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.
John 16:23-33
23On that day you will ask nothing of me.* Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.* 24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
Peace for the Disciples
25 ‘I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. 26On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.* 28I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.’
29 His disciples said, ‘Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! 30Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.’ 31Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? 32The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’
Matthew 5:43-48
Love for Enemies
43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,* what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
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.
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.
God our healer, whose mercy is like a refining fire: by the lovingkindness of Jesus, heal us and those for whom we pray; that being renewed by you, we may witness your wholeness to our broken world; through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Spirit.
Amen.
Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquillity your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; 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.
A Litany for Healing From Enriching Our Worship 2
Let us name before God those for whom we offer our prayers.
Let us offer our prayers for God’s healing, saying, “Hear and have mercy”
Holy God, source of health and salvation
Hear and have mercy
Holy and Mighty, wellspring of abundant life,
Hear and have mercy
Holy Immortal One, protector of the faithful,
Hear and have mercy
Holy Trinity, the source of all wholeness,
Hear and have mercy
Blessed Jesus, your Holy Name is medicine for healing and a
promise of eternal life,
Hear and have mercy
Jesus, descendant of David, you healed all who came to you in
faith,
Hear and have mercy
Jesus, child of Mary, you embraced the world with your love,
Hear and have mercy
Jesus, divine physician, you sent your disciples to preach the
Gospel and heal in your name,
Hear and have mercy
Jesus our true mother, you feed us the milk of your compassion,
Hear and have mercy
Jesus, Son of God, you take away our sin and make us whole,
Hear and have mercy
Jesus, eternal Christ, your promised Spirit renews our hearts and
minds,
Hear and have mercy
Grant your grace to heal those who are sick, we pray to you,
O God,
Hear and have mercy
Give courage and faith to all who are disabled through injury or
illness, we pray to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Comfort, relieve, and heal all sick children, we pray to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Give courage to all who await surgery, we pray to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Support and encourage those who live with chronic illness,
we pray to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Strengthen those who endure continual pain, and give them hope,
we pray to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Grant the refreshment of peaceful sleep to all who suffer, we pray
to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Befriend all who are anxious, lonely, despondent, or afraid,
we pray to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Restore those with mental illness to clarity of mind and hopefulness of heart, we pray to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Give rest to the weary, and hold the dying in your loving arms,
we pray to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Help us to prepare for death with confident expectation and hope
of Easter joy, we pray to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Give your wisdom and compassion to health care workers, that
they may minister to the sick and dying with knowledge, skill,
and kindness, we pray to you, O God,
Uphold those who keep watch with the sick, we pray to you,
O God,
Guide those who search for the causes and cures of sickness and
disease, we pray to you, O God,
Hear and have mercy
Jesus, Lamb of God,
Have mercy upon us
Jesus, bearer of our sins,
Have mercy upon us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world,
Grant us your peace.
The following Collect may be added
Compassionate God: You so loved the world that you sent us Jesus to bear our infirmities and afflictions. Through acts of healing, he revealed you as the true source of health and salvation. For the sake of your Christ who suffered and died for us, conquered death, and now reigns with you in glory, hear the cry of your people. Have mercy on us, make us whole, and bring us at
last into the fullness of your eternal life. Amen.
There is a Balm in Gilead
Refrain:
There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again. Refrain
2 If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus
and say, "He died for all." Refrain
Psalter Hymnal, (Gray), 1987
Refrain:
There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again. Refrain
2 If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus
and say, "He died for all." Refrain
Psalter Hymnal, (Gray), 1987
A Collect for Saturdays
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested
from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your
creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties,
may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and
that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the
eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for the Presence of Christ
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day
is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and
awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in
Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake
of your love. Amen.
Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you,
all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women
everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Social Justice
Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For Social Service
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served
but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give
themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom,
patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the
suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him
who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus
Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
For our Enemies
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love
our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth:
deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in
your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Beacon Song and Service Book: The Work of the World
Wondrous giver of all things, this world is full of Your riches. We thank You for the splendor of nature and for Your bountiful provision for our human needs. May we not waste Your gifts nor needlessly ignore the welfare of others in our use of them. We seek to do our part in the work of the world, and so enter into fellowship with all who toil and all who create. We would recognize the right of every human being to share in what You give. We would help to make our planet a true home for all of Your children, where each may have an equal opportunity both for work and for the rewards of work.
LITANY OF LOVE from Services for Congregational Worship: Litanies
O God, the source of all being and all joy, let Your blessings be upon us, and fill us with Your love.
From all jealousy and envy, from all unkindness, from offence given or taken, from unrighteous anger and an impatient spirit, from a hard and unforgiving temper, and from evil-speaking,
O God, deliver us.
From all ambition and greed which bring want and distress to multitudes and debase the bodies and souls of many, shutting from them the fulness of life.
O God, deliver us.
From an unquiet and discontented spirit, from despondency and gloom, from doubts of Your boundless love, and from forgetfulness of the manifold goods of Life,
O God, deliver us.
Inspire in us that spirit which suffers long and is kind; which envies not; vaunted not itself, is not puffed up; which does not behave unseemly, and seeks not its own.
Grant us to be filled with the fullness of Your spirit.
Quicken in us that charity which is not easily provoked, which thinks no evil, which rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; which bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things; the charity which never fails;
That so by Your grace we may establish good will upon the earth.
O God, the Father and Mother of us all, who has breathed Your own spirit into Your children and made us to be one with each other as members of Your household: enable us to make Your house a refuge for every wounded spirit, a home for every aspiring soul.
Amid diversities of knowledge and of faith, may we be one in spirit, in affection, and in devotion to You.
++++
Prayer Set 1
Let us stand together as we pray for a more loving and just world.
God, we pray that we may stand together as one family seeking for a solution to all the violence, hatred, division, and indifference.
Hear the cries of your children O God
God we pray that we may speak truth to power when it is necessary to call people out when our brothers and sisters are slandered, verbally abused, and made fun of by senseless and harmful bullying.
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God we pray that we may serve the least of these our family members and see your face in their eyes daily may we seek to come to know you in them.
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God we pray that we may console one another when we are in grief or struggle.
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God we pray that we may stand up with courage when we are needed to say something and not sit idly by when we are made to feel like doormats.
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God we pray for_____________________________
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God we pray that we may help you make this fragile and broken world a more loving and just place in which to live, move, and just be.
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God, we pray that we may stand together as one family seeking for a solution to all the violence, hatred, division, and indifference.
Hear the cries of your children O God
God we pray that we may speak truth to power when it is necessary to call people out when our brothers and sisters are slandered, verbally abused, and made fun of by senseless and harmful bullying.
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God we pray that we may serve the least of these our family members and see your face in their eyes daily may we seek to come to know you in them.
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God we pray that we may console one another when we are in grief or struggle.
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God we pray that we may stand up with courage when we are needed to say something and not sit idly by when we are made to feel like doormats.
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God we pray for_____________________________
Hear the cries of your children O God.
God we pray that we may help you make this fragile and broken world a more loving and just place in which to live, move, and just be.
Hear the cries of your children O God.
Prayer Set 2
God guide us this night that we may find you in the Waters of Life and at the time of the evening breeze.
God console our restless hearts that we may find rest and listen for your still small voice.
God make us glad to be your children and members of your family and that we may give thanks daily for our adoption as your beloved ones.
God keep watch over all of the vulnerable and the least of these this night and always.
God give us the courage to step out courage and proclaim your Good News of Love to all whom we may meet not just in words but in deeds.
God take from us any hatred, bitterness, and unwelcome thoughts and actions we may find ourselves acting out.
God help us to love and forgive ourselves and family members fully each day.
God we pray for all who are preparing for worship and all the many faith communities that will be meeting this weekend. We pray for love, understanding, and a spirit of cooperation among us all.
God we pray for an end to all the senseless violence in our towns and in the world. We pray for peace and justice and universal human rights.
God we pray for all caregivers of any stripe that they may find respite, peace, and have the courage to say no.
God we enter into a time of prayer and thanksgiving___________________ and offer these our prayers and thanksgivings in the arms of our loving Savior Jesus. Amen.
God console our restless hearts that we may find rest and listen for your still small voice.
God make us glad to be your children and members of your family and that we may give thanks daily for our adoption as your beloved ones.
God keep watch over all of the vulnerable and the least of these this night and always.
God give us the courage to step out courage and proclaim your Good News of Love to all whom we may meet not just in words but in deeds.
God take from us any hatred, bitterness, and unwelcome thoughts and actions we may find ourselves acting out.
God help us to love and forgive ourselves and family members fully each day.
God we pray for all who are preparing for worship and all the many faith communities that will be meeting this weekend. We pray for love, understanding, and a spirit of cooperation among us all.
God we pray for an end to all the senseless violence in our towns and in the world. We pray for peace and justice and universal human rights.
God we pray for all caregivers of any stripe that they may find respite, peace, and have the courage to say no.
God we enter into a time of prayer and thanksgiving___________________ and offer these our prayers and thanksgivings in the arms of our loving Savior Jesus. Amen.
Prayer Set 3
God of love and compassion help us to be truly loving and that we may protect all those who are being bullied, abused, and hated.
God of love and compassion, encircle this broken and fragile with you love, justice, mercy and light so that there may be peace on the earth.
God of love and compassion, drive away all things that divide us ! May we be one with you O God and stand and live united as one family under the shadow of your wings!
God of love and compassion, give us tender hearts to give comfort and help all those who are in any need or trouble.
God of Love and compassion, heal all of our family members who are ill in body, mind , or spirit. Give us courage to help them and reach out to them when our fears and anxieties hold us back.
God of Love and compassion, we pray for all of our family members who are pre-grieving their loved ones who are transitioning into the Thin Places.
God of Love and compassion, we pray for all those who live in places of violence, especially __________. We pray particularly for the many refugees who have been displaced from their homes and workplaces.
God of Love and Compassion We pray for all who are dying and those who have died today that they had a peaceful and warm journey into the Thin Places.
God of Love and compassion, We pray that we may become the voices of our voiceless and vulnerable family members.
God of Love and compassion, please shower upon us the gift of rain to heal and cleanse all drought parched areas of the world and in our country.
God of Love and compassion, we pray for all the leaders of the nations that they may learn to lead with compassion, justice, and mercy. and that their citizenry may be afforded human and equal rights and that they may respect the dignity of every human being.
God of Love and Compassion, we add our prayers for ourselves and those who have asked to pray on behalf of others ______________.
God of Love and Compassion we offer these prayers in the name of his only Son Jesus, Amen.
St. Teresa's Bookmark
Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.
Christ has no body- St. Teresa of Avila
Christ has no body now on earth but yours; no hands but yours; no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world. Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which He is to bless His people.
The Woke Prayers of St. Francis
Help us O God to be woke!
Woke as your peacemakers, change makers, heart changers, and love energy bringers!
Woke to the hatred so that we may sow seeds of love.
Woke to the injury so that we may heal the hurt and cease the harm.
Woke to the divisiveness that we may be eager to heal and unite as one neighborhood and family.
Woke to uncertainty that will lead us to be renewed in faith.
Woke to the despair of all our neighbors so that we may sow seeds of radical hope, love, hospitality, and inclusion.
Woke to the knowledge that we are God's beloved children. Help us to be woke enough to know that God has made us in God's image and we are all in God's hands
Let us be woke and sing He's Got the Whole World In His Hands!
He's got the whole world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
He's got the sun and the rain in His hands,
He's got the moon and the stars in His hands,
He's got the wind and the clouds in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
He's got the rivers and the mountains in His hands,
He's got the oceans and the seas in His hands,
He's got you and he's got me in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
He's got everybody here in His hands,
He's got everybody there in His hands,
He's got everybody everywhere in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
Help us to be woke enough not to think of ourselves being the comforted, help us be the comforters and wounded healers.
Help not to be know it alls and be woke to understand what is plaguing our inner beings, neighbors, neighborhoods, the least of these, our family members.
God wake us up to be Woke to your agape love so that we may love everything that you have made. Wake us to be Woke to Radical Love, Hospitality, and inclusion.
Help us to know that being truly woke means being open to radical and random acts of kindness and giving. Where the giver is given and receives much by acts of giving.
Help us to be woke enough to forgive and then find ourselves being actually forgiven
God Wake us Up to Be Woke to know that death isn't the end but only the beginning of a new birth in your heavenly Kindom. Amen and let it be so!
Almighty God, whose prophets taught us righteousness in the care of your poor: By the guidance of your Holy Spirit, grant that we may do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in your sight; through Jesus Christ, our Judge and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to
generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.
Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
God’s Blessing be with you,
Christ’s peace be with you,
the Spirit’s outpouring be with you,
now and always. Amen.
(source: Celtic)
Good Night Dear Ones. I love you! I give God thanks to God for you this night and always. Let our words and deeds match so that we may be God's light bearers to the world. Have a blessed and restful night. Rest gentle in God's arms.
With love and peace,
Sara
Additional Prayers and Reflections
The Beatitudes
5 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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Now let us begin our virtual transformation into the least of these as we prepare to pray:
Let us imagine that we are wearing raggedy clothing and cannot look at another person in the eye.
Let us imagine that we are having to find places where food is distributed.
Let us imagine having to live as a transient and be cited for illegal camping.
Let us imagine being denied help just because we have a visible drug addiction and mental illness and that the church you have selected to go to has a nervous volunteer who shoos you away.
Let us imagine that we are outcasts and that the government you rely on for help is distant and thinks that we are lazy.
Let us imagine that we are homeless LGBTQ youth and persons who haven't a place to go because family members have disowned you.
Let us imagine that we have come to this country illegally in order to find a better life and that all our money goes to pay off the coyote who brought you here is in reality a brutal human trafficker.
Let us imagine that we are invisible and cower in the dark corners of buildings who are afraid to seek help and dig in dumpsters for food and that because we have a mental illness cannot go to shelters.
Let us imagine that we haven't anywhere to lay our heads and we are experiencing severe weather.
Let us imagine being discriminated against because of our lack of knowing how to speak and read English.
Let us imagine that we do not have sufficient medical, dental, vision, and mental health care and have to resort to using ERs.
Let us imagine being urban refugees with families seeking food, clothing, and shelter.
Let us imagine if only .....
Let us pray our responses to the above.
God we pray for all who are seeking warm clothing and the courage to look family members in the eye.
God we pray that we may have courage to share from our abundance food and clothing. We give thanks for Food banks and clothing distribution centers.
God we pray for shelters to meet the needs of all people and that housing may be built for our homeless and housing insufficient family members.
God we pray for all who are mentally ill and in need of assistance from our government and social service agencies.
God we pray that our churches may be responsive and educate our personnel how to treat and care for homeless and indigent people. May our churches be a place of sanctuary.
God we pray for safety for our LGBTQ youth and especially the many cultures where being LGBTQ isn't safe and we are shunned by living authentically.
God we pray for all who come to this country illegally and that we may welcome the strangers and help them out of dangerous situations. May we have courage to love our neighbors and the strangers in our midst.
God we pray this night for all the invisible ones who are living like true outcasts and on the the extreme margins of society.
God we pray for all who are lacking sufficient shelter due to severe weather and natural disaster.
God we pray for our family members who are urban refugees who live in cars and on the streets we remember our poor families who do not have access to food, clothing, and shelter.
God we pray that we may imagine, pray, and then act, by showing each of us compassion, acceptance, love, and mercy.
God we pray for good medical care for our family members who lack insurance and are financially unable to pay for good care. We give thanks for Medicaid and social programs designed to help them.
God give us the courage to stand up and fight against injustice, bigotry, hatred, terror, racism, inequality and all things that seek to divide your family.
God we lift up our own prayers _____________________
God we give thanks and lift up these our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus who taught us to love, wander like a homeless hippie, and care for the least of these. Amen.
Tonight we light our single candle in loving memory and in conscious knowledge of all the marginalized. We pray for the living and the departed ones whose names we do not know but you know O, God Amen.
Gracious Spirit Come among us in the quietness of this night so that we may hear God's still small voice calling us in love to be a family united in peace, love, and justice.
We pray this night for all earthly creatures and God's Cathedral of life. May we always remember that every living thing is a family member that sustains us.
Gracious Spirit guide us to take care of the least of these and all of our fragile family members and the world .
We pray for all who are ill that we may step up to help give aid and comfort.
Gracious Spirit, bend our ears so that we may listen to our family members' unspoken cries for love, help, and acceptance.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for all who are dying and those who have died and have entered the Thin Places today. We pray that your comforting presence and loving arms carried them into the arms of God.
We pray for the newly grieving and those who continue to mourn.
We pray for all who have fallen through the cracks, may we reconnect with them and be mindful of fragile souls who become invisible to us and that we may keep our eyes, hearts, and ears open.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for all those who are discerning vocations and new life paths that they may have courage to change course and say yes to whatever your are calling them to do and to be.
We pray for all refugees, political prisoners, victims of abuse and violence, and those who have died by all acts of violence and terror.
Gracious Spirit we add our own prayers and those we pray on behalf of others especially__________
We pray lift up all these petitions in Jesus most Holy and Redeeming Name. Amen.
+++++++
Great Spirit of Light, come to me out of the East (red) with the power of the rising sun. Let there be light in my words, let there be light on my path that I walk. Let me remember always that you give the gift of a new day. And never let me be burdened with sorrow by not starting over again.
Great Spirit of Love, come to me with the power of the North (white). Make me courageous when the cold wind falls upon me. Give me strength and endurance for everything that is harsh, everything that hurts, everything that makes me squint. Let me move through life ready to take what comes from the north.
Great Life-Giving Spirit, I face the West (black), the direction of sundown. Let me remember everyday that the moment will come when my sun will go down. Never let me forget that I must fade into you. Give me a beautiful color, give me a great sky for setting, so that when it is my time to meet you, I can come with glory.
Great Spirit of Creation, send me the warm and soothing winds from the South (yellow). Comfort me and caress me when I am tired and cold. Unfold me like the gentle breezes that unfold the leaves on the trees. As you give to all the earth your warm, moving wind, give to me, so that I may grow close to you in warmth. Man did not create the web of life, he is but a strand in it. Whatever man does to the web, he does to himself.
Let us imagine that we are wearing raggedy clothing and cannot look at another person in the eye.
Let us imagine that we are having to find places where food is distributed.
Let us imagine having to live as a transient and be cited for illegal camping.
Let us imagine being denied help just because we have a visible drug addiction and mental illness and that the church you have selected to go to has a nervous volunteer who shoos you away.
Let us imagine that we are outcasts and that the government you rely on for help is distant and thinks that we are lazy.
Let us imagine that we are homeless LGBTQ youth and persons who haven't a place to go because family members have disowned you.
Let us imagine that we have come to this country illegally in order to find a better life and that all our money goes to pay off the coyote who brought you here is in reality a brutal human trafficker.
Let us imagine that we are invisible and cower in the dark corners of buildings who are afraid to seek help and dig in dumpsters for food and that because we have a mental illness cannot go to shelters.
Let us imagine that we haven't anywhere to lay our heads and we are experiencing severe weather.
Let us imagine being discriminated against because of our lack of knowing how to speak and read English.
Let us imagine that we do not have sufficient medical, dental, vision, and mental health care and have to resort to using ERs.
Let us imagine being urban refugees with families seeking food, clothing, and shelter.
Let us imagine if only .....
Let us pray our responses to the above.
God we pray for all who are seeking warm clothing and the courage to look family members in the eye.
God we pray that we may have courage to share from our abundance food and clothing. We give thanks for Food banks and clothing distribution centers.
God we pray for shelters to meet the needs of all people and that housing may be built for our homeless and housing insufficient family members.
God we pray for all who are mentally ill and in need of assistance from our government and social service agencies.
God we pray that our churches may be responsive and educate our personnel how to treat and care for homeless and indigent people. May our churches be a place of sanctuary.
God we pray for safety for our LGBTQ youth and especially the many cultures where being LGBTQ isn't safe and we are shunned by living authentically.
God we pray for all who come to this country illegally and that we may welcome the strangers and help them out of dangerous situations. May we have courage to love our neighbors and the strangers in our midst.
God we pray this night for all the invisible ones who are living like true outcasts and on the the extreme margins of society.
God we pray for all who are lacking sufficient shelter due to severe weather and natural disaster.
God we pray for our family members who are urban refugees who live in cars and on the streets we remember our poor families who do not have access to food, clothing, and shelter.
God we pray that we may imagine, pray, and then act, by showing each of us compassion, acceptance, love, and mercy.
God we pray for good medical care for our family members who lack insurance and are financially unable to pay for good care. We give thanks for Medicaid and social programs designed to help them.
God give us the courage to stand up and fight against injustice, bigotry, hatred, terror, racism, inequality and all things that seek to divide your family.
God we lift up our own prayers _____________________
God we give thanks and lift up these our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus who taught us to love, wander like a homeless hippie, and care for the least of these. Amen.
Tonight we light our single candle in loving memory and in conscious knowledge of all the marginalized. We pray for the living and the departed ones whose names we do not know but you know O, God Amen.
Gracious Spirit Come among us in the quietness of this night so that we may hear God's still small voice calling us in love to be a family united in peace, love, and justice.
We pray this night for all earthly creatures and God's Cathedral of life. May we always remember that every living thing is a family member that sustains us.
Gracious Spirit guide us to take care of the least of these and all of our fragile family members and the world .
We pray for all who are ill that we may step up to help give aid and comfort.
Gracious Spirit, bend our ears so that we may listen to our family members' unspoken cries for love, help, and acceptance.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for all who are dying and those who have died and have entered the Thin Places today. We pray that your comforting presence and loving arms carried them into the arms of God.
We pray for the newly grieving and those who continue to mourn.
We pray for all who have fallen through the cracks, may we reconnect with them and be mindful of fragile souls who become invisible to us and that we may keep our eyes, hearts, and ears open.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for all those who are discerning vocations and new life paths that they may have courage to change course and say yes to whatever your are calling them to do and to be.
We pray for all refugees, political prisoners, victims of abuse and violence, and those who have died by all acts of violence and terror.
Gracious Spirit we add our own prayers and those we pray on behalf of others especially__________
We pray lift up all these petitions in Jesus most Holy and Redeeming Name. Amen.
+++++++
A Prayer of the Four Directions - Chief Seattle
Great Spirit of Love, come to me with the power of the North (white). Make me courageous when the cold wind falls upon me. Give me strength and endurance for everything that is harsh, everything that hurts, everything that makes me squint. Let me move through life ready to take what comes from the north.
Great Life-Giving Spirit, I face the West (black), the direction of sundown. Let me remember everyday that the moment will come when my sun will go down. Never let me forget that I must fade into you. Give me a beautiful color, give me a great sky for setting, so that when it is my time to meet you, I can come with glory.
Great Spirit of Creation, send me the warm and soothing winds from the South (yellow). Comfort me and caress me when I am tired and cold. Unfold me like the gentle breezes that unfold the leaves on the trees. As you give to all the earth your warm, moving wind, give to me, so that I may grow close to you in warmth. Man did not create the web of life, he is but a strand in it. Whatever man does to the web, he does to himself.
P.S.Let us not forget to do y/our Worry/ Free Sabbath Work.
Resources:
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Book of Common Prayer
Enriching Our Worship
Prayers of Power
Satucket for lessons
Walk With Me On Our Journey.
Metis Aboriginal Ministries
In Lak 'Ech- Luis Valdez
Other resources as noted.
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