Friday, March 4, 2022

Meditating on the Holy Cross on Fridays as we Journey Through Lent, Holy Week, and Beyond!

 





Good Evening Dear Ones!


Welcome to our first Lenten Retreat Weekend on the land of the Chumash. We will be meditating on the Holy Cross. Our Friday's in Lent will feature a variety of litanies and prayers. Our lessons come from the Common of Saints 2! So let us begin!

God we light one candle tonight as we vigil for peace, justice and unity.


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.

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


Jesus Christ,

you seek us, you wish to offer us your friendship

and lead us to a life that is ever more complete.

Grant us the confidence to answer your call

so that we may be transformed

and become witnesses of your tenderness for the world. 


Come let us worship.

Opening sentences

Joseph Barth: A Grace

We give thanks for Being;

We give thanks for being here;

We give thanks for being here together.



Blessed be the God of our salvation
Who bears our burdens and forgives our sins.


Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who was tempted in every way as we are, yet did not sin. By his grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer for ourselves alone, but for him who died for us and rose again.

You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. For our sins he was lifted high upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to himself; and, by his suffering and death, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him.

Jesus said: “If any of you would come after me, deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34

Christ Jesus, being found in human form, humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a

hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp to put it under a

bucket, but on a lamp-stand where it gives light for everyone

in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among

your fellow men, so that they may see the deed you do, and

give glory to your Father in heaven."    Matthew 5:14-16


It is not ourselves that we proclaim; we proclaim Christ

Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants, for Jesus' sake.

For the same God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine,"

has caused his light to shine within us, to give the light of r

evelation—the revelation of the glory of God in the face of

Jesus Christ.    2 Corinthians 4:5-6


If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light

around me turn to night," darkness is not dark to you, O

Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to

you are both alike.    Psalm 139:10-11


Almighty and most merciful God, kindle within us the fire of

love, that by its cleansing flame we may be purged of all our

sins and made worthy to worship you in spirit and in truth;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


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.


God you have called us into community with each other and made us into a special kind of family that is based on love. Help us as we pray to light candles and pray for our communities and family members who reside in them.







We light our first candle and pray for our family members we grew up with . We pray that if we have become estranged we may build bridges back in love and familyhood.

God hear our prayer.




We light our second candle and pray for our chosen families that have helped us along the way and that we no longer have to feel alone. We pray that we may continually be CALM (Compassionate, Accepting, Loving, and Merciful)

God hear our prayer.




We light our third candle for our neighborhoods wherever they may be and pray for safety and the courage to get to know our neighbors with love and kindness.

God hear our prayer.


We light our fourth  candle for all those who work for social justice in our communities and pray that their outreach to the community may foster unity and build bridges.

God hear our prayer.


We light our fifth candle for our cities, towns, hamlets, villages, and rural areas that each of these communities may be safe from harm, their leaders may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you  O God. We pray that there may be peace in our streets, neighborhoods, justice in our courts, and social services to meet the needs of all our citizenry. 

God hear our prayer.


We light our sixth candle for our counties and parishes that we may learn  from one another and listen so that we may respect our differences without respect for geography. We pray for all who lead our counties and we pray for all law enforcement and emergency rescue personnel. We pray for justice in our superior courts and that justice may roll down.

God hear our prayer.


We light our seventh candle and pray for our nation and the nations around the world and all the leaders who have been called to govern. We pray that they may govern with empathy, courage,and in the words of the Baptismal Covenant Strive for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being. We pray that every citizen in every land may be afforded equality, equity, universal human rights, dignity, respect, and acceptance no matter who they are.

God hear our prayer.




We light our eighth candle for the communities that make up those who are on the margins of society that they may find acceptance, care , love, and inclusion. We pray especially for the least of these and all who are in need of food, clothing, shelter, health care, and financial aid. 

God hear our prayer.





We light our ninth candle for all religious communities here and around the world that we may foster understanding, build bridges, and learn to love one another with  the love energy that God  our creator instilled and breathed in us at our birth. May our souls be filled with love so fully that we may see God in each others eyes and connect with all that is holy in our hearts. 

God hear our prayer.





We light our tenth candle and pray for unity among all of us who are God's children and family members who were made in God's image and likeness. May we seek to build bridges with listening hearts, listening ears, compassion, acceptance, love, and mercy. 

God hear our prayer.


A simpler form of vigil and meditation. Or this may be added as well.

Dear Family of God and Love Let us Light Our Candles tonight and pray that we may all learn to love  each other and see God in the all of our family members nearby and far away. We pray that we may learn to accept the rich diversity of God's creation as a gift and not a hindrance. May we come to seek common ground with love and joy as we get to share our diversity with each other in wonderful and positive ways.



Here are our meditation lessons for this evening with accompanying prayers.

I'm about to give you a plan or suggestions to help us find common ground and connect with one another.

First: make a list of things that we all have in  common.
What makes us the same?
Pray.look to see God in the eyes of all, love, and embrace our family members

Second: leave that list on the table for meditation.
Pray, look, to see God in the eyes of all, love, and embrace our family members.

Third: What are the things, concerns, and situations that divide us? Make another list.
Pray, Look, at yourself , do you see God in your own eyes? let go of all negatives and let God heal all of us from these things.

Fourth: Look at that list and take them off the table and place them in our Worry/ Sabbath Box.
Pray, Look, at yourself , do you see God in your own eyes? Let Go, and be free to look  with love and be with our family members.

Fifth: Keep repeating all the prior steps until all we do are steps one and two and remember to Love God, Neighbor/ Family Member and ourselves. 

Let us meditate on the above.Listen to this from  The Call from Ralph Vaughan Williams

The Call - George Herbert

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
Such a Way, as gives us breath:
Such a Truth, as ends all strife:
Such a Life, as killeth death.

Come, My Light, my Feast, my Strength:
Such a Light, as shows a feast:
Such a Feast, as mends in length:
Such a Strength, as makes his guest.

Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart:
Such a Joy, as none can move:
Such a Love, as none can part:
Such a Heart, as joys in love.


Now let us pray for peace and unity among all people and nations! 

God who made us and makes us one we pray for unity among all people and nations
May we be one and love one another.

God who made us and makes us one lead us to put away all hindrances that divide us
May we be one and love one another

God who made us and makes us one give us  the courage to see you in the eyes of all who are our enemies and wish us harm.
May we be one and love one another.

God who made us and makes us one we pray for all who are ill in body, mind, and spirit. Heal them and make them whole and may we lovingly respond to their needs.
May we be one and love one another.

God who made us and makes us one we pray for the protection of those who are protesting using peaceful non-violence.
May we be one and love one another.

God who made us and makes us one we pray for the protection of all our most vulnerable family members. Help us to ourselves and you in their eyes and love them as you have taught us and to serve them as you have taught us to serve.
May we be one and love one another.

God who made us and makes us one. we give thanks for all those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this day.

God who made us and makes us one may we be with those who are pre-grieving and mourning any loss.

God who made us and makes us one we pray for all who are dying and have died may they find loving, joy, and oneness with you in the Thin Places.

God who made us and makes us one we offer these our prayers and thanksgivings in the most Holy Name of your Son Jesus. May we be one and love one another. Amen.

Today's wish: Connect with all that is good and holy in every person you meet. Love boldly and fearlessly! I love you!


The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

God hear our prayer.

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

 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.



"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

LITANY OF LOVE: Services for Congregational Worship

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.


Litany of Penitence


Most holy and merciful Father:

We confess to you and to one another,

and to the whole communion of saints

in heaven and on earth,

that we have sinned by our own fault

in thought, word, and deed;

by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.


We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and

strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We

have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven.

Have mercy on us, Lord.


We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us.

We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved

your Holy Spirit.

Have mercy on us, Lord.

We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the

pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives,

We confess to you, Lord..


Our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation

of other people,

We confess to you, Lord.


Our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of those

more fortunate than ourselves,

We confess to you, Lord.


Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and

our dishonesty in daily life and work,

We confess to you, Lord.


Our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to

commend the faith that is in us,

We confess to you, Lord.


Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done:

for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our

indifference to injustice and cruelty,

Accept our repentance, Lord<.


For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our

neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those

who differ from us,

Accept our repentance, Lord.


For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of

concern for those who come after us,

Accept our repentance, Lord.


Restore us, good Lord, and let your anger depart from us;

Favorably hear us, for your mercy is great.


Accomplish in us the work of your salvation,

That we may show forth your glory in the world.


By the cross and passion of your Son our Lord,

Bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection.


Almighty God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who

desires not the death of sinners, but rather that they may turn

from their wickedness and live, has given power and

commandment to his ministers to declare and pronounce to

his people, being penitent, the absolution and remission of

their sins. He pardons and absolves all those who truly

repent, and with sincere hearts believe his holy Gospel.


Therefore we beseech him to grant us true repentance and his

Holy Spirit, that those things may please him which we do on

this day, and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure

and holy, so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



40 Expectans, expectavi

1 I waited patiently upon the Lord; *
he stooped to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; *
he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God; *
many shall see, and stand in awe,
and put their trust in the Lord.

4 Happy are they who trust in the Lord! *
they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.

5 Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God!
how great your wonders and your plans for us! *
there is none who can be compared with you.

6 Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! *
but they are more than I can count.

7 In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure *
(you have given me ears to hear you);

8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *
and so I said, "Behold, I come.

9 In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: *
'I love to do your will, O my God;
your law is deep in my heart.'"

10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; *
behold, I did not restrain my lips;
and that, O Lord, you know.

11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; *
I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.

A Song of Ezekiel

Ezekiel 36:24-28

I will take you from among all nations; *

and gather you from all lands to bring you home.

I will sprinkle clean water upon you; *

and purify you from false gods and uncleanness.

A new heart I will give you *

and a new spirit put within you.

I will take the stone heart from your chest *

and give you a heart of flesh.

I will help you walk in my laws *

and cherish my commandments and do them.

You shall be my people, *

and I will be your God.



Isaiah 52:13-15,53:10-12



The Suffering Servant


13 See, my servant shall prosper;
   he shall be exalted and lifted up,
   and shall be very high.
14 Just as there were many who were astonished at him*
   —so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance,
   and his form beyond that of mortals—
15 so he shall startle* many nations;
   kings shall shut their mouths because of him;
for that which had not been told them they shall see,
   and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.
10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain.*
When you make his life an offering for sin,*
   he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days;
through him the will of the Lord shall prosper.
11   Out of his anguish he shall see light;*
he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge.
   The righteous one,* my servant, shall make many righteous,
   and he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great,
   and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he poured out himself to death,
   and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
   and made intercession for the transgressors.

A Song of Christ’s Humility

Philippians 2:6-11

Though in the form of God, *

Christ Jesus did not cling to equality with God,

But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, *

and was born in human likeness.

Being found in human form, he humbled himself *

and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.

Therefore, God has highly exalted him *

and given him the name above every name,

That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, *

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, *

to the glory of God the Father.



1 Corinthians 1:18-24

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God

18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written,

‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

   and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’

20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

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.


John 12:23-33

23Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.

Jesus Speaks about His Death

27 ‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—“Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ 30Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31Now is the judgement of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people* to myself.’ 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.

 A Song of Penitence    Kyrie Pantokrator

          Prayer of Manasseh 1-2, 4, 6-7, 11-15

O Lord and Ruler of the hosts of heaven, *

    God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,

    and of all their righteous offspring:

You made the heavens and the earth, *

    with all their vast array.

All things quake with fear at your presence; *

    they tremble because of your power.

But your merciful promise is beyond all measure; *

    it surpasses all that our minds can fathom.

O Lord, you are full of compassion, *

    long-suffering, and abounding in mercy.

You hold back your hand; *

    you do not punish as we deserve.

In your great goodness, Lord,

you have promised forgiveness to sinners, *

    that they may repent of their sin and be saved.

And now, O Lord, I bend the knee of my heart, *

    and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness.

I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, *

    and I know my wickedness only too well.

Therefore I make this prayer to you: *

    Forgive me, Lord, forgive me.

Do not let me perish in my sin, *

    nor condemn me to the depths of the earth.

For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, *

    and in me you will show forth your goodness.

Unworthy as I am, you will save me,

in accordance with your great mercy, *

    and I will praise you without ceasing all the days of my life.

For all the powers of heaven sing your praises, *

    and yours is the glory to ages of ages. Amen.

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.


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.


The Supplication

For use in the Litany in place of the Versicle and Collect which follows

the Lord's Prayer; or at the end or Morning or Evening Prayer; or as a

separate devotion; especially in times of war, or of national anxiety, or of

disaster.

O Lord, arise, help us;

And deliver us for thy Name's sake.


O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have

declared unto us, the noble works that thou didst in their

days, and in the old time before them.


O Lord, arise, help us;

and deliver us for thy Name's sake.


Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy

Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.


O Lord, arise, help us;

and deliver us for thy Name's sake.


V. From our enemies defend us, O Christ;

R. Graciously behold our afflictions.

V. With pity behold the sorrows of our hearts;

R. Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people.

V. Favorably with mercy hear our prayers;

R. O Son of David, have mercy upon us.

V. Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ;

R. Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord

Christ.

The Officiant concludes


Let us pray.


We humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon

our infirmities; and, for the glory of thy Name, turn from us

all those evils that we most justly have deserved; and grant

that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and

confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness

and pureness of living, to thy honor and glory; through our

only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Versicles B

That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful,
We entreat you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and
goodwill,
We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins
and offenses,
We entreat you, O Lord.

That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole
world,
We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may depart this life in your faith and fear,
and not be condemned before the great judgment seat
of Christ,
We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in
the communion of [________ and] all your saints,
entrusting one another and all our life to Christ,
We entreat you, O Lord.


A Collect for Fridays


Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of

death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where

you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep

peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your

tender mercies' sake. Amen.

 Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

A Collect for Peace

Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right
judgements, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that
peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be
fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered
from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness;
through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

  Lenten Litany


When loved ones experience pain and suffering . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When illness, aging, or chronic pain diminish our joy . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When doubts arise and confusion fills our minds . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When others fail us or refuse to forgive us for our failings . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When we stumble and stray from the path of goodness . . . Remind us that your love is with us.

When death separates us from those we love dearly . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When financial problems threaten our security . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When depression or loneliness returns again and again . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When broken relationships seem unmendable . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When our faith strengthens and gives us courage . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When the precious gift of life is recognized and appreciated . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When unexpected kindness and caring comes our way . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When optimism stirs in our hearts and springtime returns . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

When the peace of Christ calms our anxiety and softens our sadness…Remind us that your love is with us.

When we realize that our loving presence can make a difference…Remind us that your love is with us.

When the joy of Easter permeates our hearts . . .Remind us that your love is with us.

~by Joyce Rupp~

from Out of the Ordinary



Matthew 5:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

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 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.

We remember the words of St. Francis:

"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I 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;
It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life."

And we remember the words of St. Teresa of Avila

Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
Christ Has No Body

Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.




“Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.”
― Teresa of Ávila

Holy eternal Majesty,
Holy incarnate Word,
Holy abiding Spirit,
Bless you for evermore. 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.


Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.


May the blessing of the God of Abraham and Sarah, and of Jesus
Christ born of our sister Mary, and of the Holy Spirit, who broods
over the world as a mother over her children, be upon you and
remain with you always. Amen.

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)



May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of
the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you
may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his
sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and
ever.    Hebrews 13:20-21

Good Night Beloved Ones! I love you! 

Peace,Love, Prayers, and God's Blessings!
Sara

Resources:
A to Z Quotes
In Lak' Ech -Luis Valdez
Enriching Our Worship
Book of Common Prayer
Satucket Lectionary
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Metis Aboriginal Ministries - Smudging prayer
Prayers of Power

Bonus Prayers
Tonight I ask us all to take the Matthew 25 Pledge again and again until poverty at home and abroad is vanquished. Here is the pledge.
I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus.

God, we pray this night for all who are houseless. Give us courage to find ways to help our family members in times of need and varieties of shelter to meet their needs.
I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus.
God, we pray for all who are food insecure and that we may seek ways to collaborate with food banks, SNAP, and Meals on Wheels programs. 
I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus.

God, we pray for education and job training programs for our family members who are older and disabled.
I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus.
God, we pray for all who have been caregivers, cancer patients where income is a problem and has led them into poverty through no fault of their own.
I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus.
God, we pray for all who are mentally ill and cannot find food, clothing, shelter and are being banished from city streets and buildings just by being who they are.
I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus.
God ,we pray for all who are living in domestic poverty of all kinds.
I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus.
For whom and what shall we pray____________
We pray this day for everyone who traveled to the Hutto Detention Center, Stood up against Gun Violence,and _______________.
We  continue to pray for continued activism in the areas of Criminal Justice Reform, Peace Building, and Domestic Poverty.
We lift up these our prayers in Jesus Holy Name.
I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus.

++++

Pray for the nation
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We
humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people
mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with
honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from
violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from
every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people
the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue
with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the
authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home,
and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise
among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts
with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee
to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



++++

Diann Neu: Blessed Be Our Hands

Blessed be the work of our hands.

Blessed be these hands that touch life.

Blessed be these hands that nurture creativity.

Blessed be these hands that hold pain.

Blessed be these hands that embrace with passion.

Blessed be these hands that tend gardens.

Blessed bed these hands that close in anger.

Blessed be these hands that plant new seeds.

Blessed be these hands that harvest ripe fields.

Blessed be these hands that clean, wash, mop, scrub.

Blessed be these hands that become knotty with age.

Blessed be these hands that wrinkle and scar from doing justice.

Blessed are these hands that reach out and are received.

Blessed are these hands that hold the promise of the future.

Blessed be the works of our hands and hearts.

+++





FOR WORLD NEIGHBORLINESS - Peter Marshall

O God, we pray for a broader vision of the needs of humanity, and a deeper compassion to fill those needs; for a planting of the seeds of concern for all humanity in our hearts; for a tapping of the wells of generosity.

May we live together as people who have been forgiven a great debt.

May we be gentle, walking softly with one another.

May we be understanding, lest we shall add to the world’s sorrow or cause to flow needless tears.

May we be as anxious for the rights of others as we are for our own.

May we be as eager to forgive as we are to seek forgiveness.

May we know no barriers of creed or race or sex, that our love may be like Yours—a love that sees all people as Your children and our kin.

May we be ministers of humanity.



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.


God of love we pray that we may be more loving to You, our neighbors/ family members, and ourselves. Grant us courage every day to be more kind, more loving, more peace making, and more compassionate. May we be more, more, more,.......
God of love, we pray for all our missing and exploited family members that they may be safely  returned into the loving arms of their families. 
God of love, we pray for all who are ill and most especially children who have chronic illnesses.
God of love, we continue to pray for an end to violence, war, terror, and anything that draws us away from being the loving family of God you made us to be.
God of love, we continue to pray for the people and cities and lands where violence has occurred , that as they grieve they may feel your loving and healing arms around them.
God of love, we pray for peace in this fragile and broken world and that we may raise up leaders who are peacemakers and not warmongers. May they do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you O, God.
God of love, shower upon us rains that will cleanse and heal your drought parched lands 
God of love, love we pray for all the many faith leaders and communities that need help in becoming loving and accepting of one another.
God of love, help us to lay down all our fears, worries, anxieties that may cause us dis-ease and mistrust of  persons, facts, and lead us  to extreme and dangerous thinking and actions.
God of love we entrust these our prayers,thanksgivings, remembrances, and celebrations for our selves and on behalf of others remembering especially_______ to You Lord God and in the Name of your only son Jesus.



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