Tonight we sweep out the leaven in our lives! Tomorrow we Fast and slow down from our Feasting.

Good Evening Dear Family of Love and God!

Happy Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, and Take Care Tuesday! I hope everyone is ready for Lent. I hope you have had your fill of pancakes, gumbo, and anything else that is your traditional Shrove Tuesday fare. Tonight we sweep our the leaven in our lives and await tomorrow as we fast from feasting for 40 days and 40 nights. Remember during Lent we get Sundays of for good behavior.
 We are in the final hours of feasting before we fast. Tomorrow we will feel the imposition of ashes on our foreheads reminding us in these words "Remember thou art dust, and to dust you shall return". We are also reminded that we are star stuff. So  tonight is the night where we begin our time of getting ready to slow down, prepare ourselves to go in to the wilderness, and lay down something of meaning and pick up something that will both be meaningful and transformative. Let's change things up and serve God and our Family members! Not tomorrow but today with our prayers and vigil. Our featured saints of the day are Anna Julia Haywood Cooper and Elizabeth Evelyn Wright. Here are their biographies: ANNA JULIA HAYWOOD COOPER and ELIZABETH EVELYN WRIGHT

Here is last year's blog if you are in need of knowing how to Walk With Me On Our Journey : Journaling Your Journey! ! Sweeping the carbs out of our spiritual life!

We will use last year's vigil and prayers to get us ready.


Dear Family Let us take time for our Virtual Candlelight Prayer Vigils and Light our Candles and be at prayer.As we prepare for Lent let us remember this is not the time to make New Year's Resolution type of pronouncements of what we are going to give up,  these kind of things are between you and God.  Tonight let us take time to lay down those things that keep us separated from God and each other. You know what those things are for you. So let us go deep into the center and meditate on these things. Let us pray for peace, justice, love, and mercy throughout the world. Let us be the light and loving family members one to another as God is calling us to be. We pray continually for an end to hatred, fear, violence, and terror and that we may truly learn to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.





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.


Psalm 78:1–7

Attendite, popule

1 Hear my teaching, O my people; *
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable; *
I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
3 That which we have heard and known,
and what our forefathers have told us, *
we will not hide from their children.
4 We will recount to generations to come
the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the LORD, *
and the wonderful works he has done.
5 He gave his decrees to Jacob
and established a law for Israel, *
which he commanded them to teach their children;
6 That the generations to come might know,
and the children yet unborn; *
that they in their turn might tell it to their children;
7 So that they might put their trust in God, *
and not forget the deeds of God,
but keep his commandments;


A Song of the Wilderness
Isaiah 35:1-7,10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, *
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
It shall blossom abundantly, *
and rejoice with joy and singing.
They shall see the glory of the Lord, *
the majesty of our God.
Strengthen the weary hands, *
and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to the anxious, “Be strong, do not fear! *
Here is your God, coming with judgment to save you.”
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, *
and the ears of the deaf be unstopped.
Then shall the lame leap like a deer, *
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness *
and streams in the desert;
The burning sand shall become a pool *
and the thirsty ground, springs of water.
The ransomed of God shall return with singing, *
with everlasting joy upon their heads.
Joy and gladness shall be theirs, *
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Proverbs 9:1–6

Wisdom has built her house,
she has hewn her seven pillars.
She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine,
she has also set her table.
She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls
from the highest places in the town,
“You that are simple, turn in here!”
To those without sense she says,
“Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
Lay aside immaturity, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”

A Song of Wisdom Sapientia liberavit

Wisdom 10:15-19,20b-21

Wisdom freed from a nation of oppressors *
a holy people and a blameless race.
She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, *
withstood dread rulers with wonders and signs.
To the saints she gave the reward of their labors, *
and led them by a marvelous way;
She was their shelter by day *
and a blaze of stars by night.
She brought them across the Red Sea, *
she led them through mighty waters;
But their enemies she swallowed in the waves *
and spewed them out from the depths of the abyss.
And then, Lord, the righteous sang hymns to your Name, *
and praised with one voice your protecting hand;
For Wisdom opened the mouths of the mute, *
and gave speech to the tongues of a new-born people.

1 Timothy 4:6–16

If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.
These are the things you must insist on and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

A Song of the Spirit
Revelation 22:12-17

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord,
“and bringing my reward with me, *
to give to everyone according to their deeds.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, *
the beginning and the end.”
Blessed are those who do God’s commandments,
that they may have the right to the tree of life, *
and may enter the city through the gates.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, *
with this testimony for all the churches.
“I am the root and the offspring of David, *
I am the bright morning star.”
“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; *
“Come!” let each hearer reply!
Come forward, you who are thirsty, *
let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

Luke 4:14-21

14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. ¹⁵He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, ¹⁷and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: 
¹⁸ ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
   because he has anointed me
     to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
   and recovery of sight to the blind,
     to let the oppressed go free, 
¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ 
²⁰And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. ²¹Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’

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.

Eternal God, you inspired Anna Julia Haywood Cooper and Elizabeth Evelyn Wright with the love of learning and the joy of teaching: Help us also to gather and use the resources of our communities for the education of all your children; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: Enlighten by your Holy Spirit those who teach and those who learn, that, rejoicing in the knowledge of your truth, they may worship you and serve you from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Compassionate God help us to lay down all those things that prevent us from being one with you and each other.

God we pray for all of us who will be entering into the season of Lent tomorrow, may we be ready to hear the the words of Ash Wednesday and to "Remember that we are dust!"

God we pray for  all the clergy who are in preparation for Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season. May they find time for their own observances.

God we pray for peace in your world an that violence and terror may vanish and  be given over to love, compassion, and holy healing of your Cathedral of life.

God take away all hard heartedness and bitterness that we may sew seeds of love and hope.

God give us this time to be a  human chrysalis and prepare our hearts and spirits for new life at Easter.

God we pray for the healing of bodies, minds, and spirits and memories so that we will be able to find ourselves healthy again.

God we pray for those who are newly born and those who have entered the Thin Places this day. Help us to celebrate life in all its glory.

God we pray for the least of these who find themselves in severe and unsafe living conditions.

Help us O God to mindful of the needs of others this day and always.

We add our additional prayers and thanksgivings now before you remembering especially_____________ All this we ask in Jesus' most holy name. Amen.

A Prayer attributed to St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is
in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen.

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.

The Wisdom of God
the Love of God
and the Grace of God
strengthen us
to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world,
in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.
(source: Celtic)


May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in
believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Romans 15:13

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Good Night Dearly loved brothers and sisters! I love you! Rest well and know that I give thanks to God for you this night and always!

Love and prayers,

Sara

Preparing for our journey back into the Wilderness: What will we find this year?

Good Evening Dear Family of Love!

Happy We All Matter Monday! We are preparing yet again for our annual journey back into the wilderness. What will we find this year ? But first we must spend holy time in secret in prayer and discernment where God is leading us. What wilderness are we going into? Desert? Forest? Barren hearts? Poverty? etc? Even we ourselves may become wilderness places. This year I believe our nation has become such a place. We need to pray our way with God's help out of this strange, sorrowful, anxious, and place of disunity. There will be temptations aplenty but at the same time we with God's help will receive strength to find Sacred Resistance and the tools we would have never expected or are expecting. So let us pray and make vigil as we pre-pare for our wilderness days of prayer, meditation, and self-denial. Remember Lent is not like making New Year's Resolutions it is a time of Transformation and remapping our souls to be more fully connected with all that is holy and if I have to spell that out then we are all in trouble.  So lets go to our sacred and secret place and make vigil and pray. Today's featured saint of the day is George Herbert. 



God of all power and might we come to you in our sacred and secret place to pray and make vigil.

God we light one single candle in unity with the least of these and hope and pray that you'll remind us with that not so gentle tap on the shoulder that is who and what we are. Remind us daily that we belong to you and that we are loved. 

 We pray this night for all the least of these who are in need and are struggling to make ends meet and whose income may be a little more than benefits allow for assistance. We pray for an end to hatred,  Anti-Semitism and Violence against all faith communities. We pray for peace and justice in our nation and that we may become peace makers and carriers of light to every one who sits in darkness. We pray that we my practice CALM (Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy) all the days of our life.

Tonight we join together as the family of God in prayer and meditation on God's Holy Word seeking the grace, love mercy, only we can find as community.

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 23

Dominus regit me

1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.


The Lord is My Shepherd -Bobby McFerrin


Exodus 28:29–30

Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart when he goes into the holy place, for a continual remembrance before the Lord. In the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord; thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the Israelites on his heart before the Lord continually.

A Song of Wisdom Sapientia liberavit

Wisdom 10:15-19,20b-21
Wisdom freed from a nation of oppressors *
a holy people and a blameless race.
She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, *
withstood dread rulers with wonders and signs.
To the saints she gave the reward of their labors, *
and led them by a marvelous way;
She was their shelter by day *
and a blaze of stars by night.
She brought them across the Red Sea, *
she led them through mighty waters;
But their enemies she swallowed in the waves *
and spewed them out from the depths of the abyss.
And then, Lord, the righteous sang hymns to your Name, *
and praised with one voice your protecting hand;
For Wisdom opened the mouths of the mute, *
and gave speech to the tongues of a new-born people.

“A gentle heart is tied with an easy thread.” 
― George Herbert

Philippians 4:4–9

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.


“He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.” 
― George Herbert


A Song of Faith

1 Peter 1:3-4,18-21

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *
by divine mercy we have a new birth into a living hope;
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, *
we have an inheritance that is imperishable in heaven.
The ransom that was paid to free us *
was not paid in silver or gold,
But in the precious blood of Christ, *
the Lamb without spot or stain.
God raised Jesus from the dead and gave him glory *
so that we might have faith and hope in God.

“Good words are worth much, and cost little.” 
― George Herbert

Matthew 5:1–10

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”


“The God of love my shepherd is,            And he that doth me feed: While he is mine, and I am his,            What can I want or need?” 
― George Herbert, The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations

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.

“When God at first made man,
Having a glasse of blessings standing by;
Let us (said he) poure on him all we can:
Let the world’s riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span.
So strength first made a way;
Then beautie flow’d, then wisdome, honour, pleasure:
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that alone of all his treasure
Rest in the bottome lay.
For if I should (said he)
Bestow this jewell also on my creature,
He would adore my gifts in stead of me,
And rest in nature, not the God of Nature:
So both should losers be.
Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlesnesse:
Let him be rich and wearie, that at least,
If goodnesse lead him not, yet wearinesse
May tosse him to my breast.” 
― George Herbert

A Song of Pilgrimage Priusquam errarem

Ecclesiasticus 51:13-16,20b-22

Before I ventured forth,
even while I was very young, *
I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
In the forecourts of the temple I asked for her, *
and I will seek her to the end.
From first blossom to early fruit, *
she has been the delight of my heart.
My foot has kept firmly to the true path, *
diligently from my youth have I pursued her.
I inclined my ear a little and received her; *
I found for myself much wisdom and became adept in her.
To the one who gives me wisdom will I give glory, *
for I have resolved to live according to her way.
From the beginning I gained courage from her, *
therefore I will not be forsaken.
In my inmost being I have been stirred to seek her, *
therefore have I gained a good possession.
As my reward the Almighty has given me the gift of language,*
and with it will I offer praise to God.

“None knows the weight of another’s burthen.” 
― George Herbert

A Song of the Wilderness
Isaiah 35:1-7,10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, *
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
It shall blossom abundantly, *
and rejoice with joy and singing.
They shall see the glory of the Lord, *
the majesty of our God.
Strengthen the weary hands, *
and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to the anxious, “Be strong, do not fear! *
Here is your God, coming with judgment to save you.”
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, *
and the ears of the deaf be unstopped.
Then shall the lame leap like a deer, *
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness *
and streams in the desert;
The burning sand shall become a pool *
and the thirsty ground, springs of water.
The ransomed of God shall return with singing, *
with everlasting joy upon their heads.
Joy and gladness shall be theirs, *
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Almighty God, you called your servant George Herbert from the pursuit of worldly honors to be a pastor of souls and a poet: Give us grace, we pray, joyfully to dedicate all our powers to your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Altar

A broken ALTAR, Lord thy servant rears,
Made of a heart, and cemented with teares:
Whose parts are as thy hand did frame;
No workmans tool hath touch'd the same
A HEART alone
Is such a stone,
As nothing but
Thy pow'r doth cut.
Wherefore each part
Of my hard heart
Meets in this frame,
To praise thy Name:
That if I chance to hold my peace,
These stones to praise thee may not cease.
O let thy blessed SACRIFICE be mine,
And sanctifie this ALTAR to be thine.

By George Herbert

For more information on this poem  and the Saint of the Day Click Here: The Altar  and George Herbert

God as we prepare for Lent and our yearly period of life and soul enrichment, guide us to what we should do.

God we pray for all who are struggling with mental and chronic illnesses.  May they receive healing and help.

God we pray that we may be forgiving towards our enemies, friends, and ourselves.

God we pray that we my practice random acts of kindness and pay it forward.

God we pray for our nation and all nations of the world where there is division and hatred. May we sew seeds of love, mercy, justice, and peace.

God we pray for all who are in abusive situations that they may find sanctuary and courage to leave dangerous relationships. We pray for their family and friends and especially children who are forced to witness terrible abuse.

God we pray and give thanks for families and our friendships that light up our world when our world seems dark.

God we pray for new normals that give us courage to live out our new normals with grace and love.

God help us to know when to speak and when to be quiet.

God may we seek to love others as you love us and not be afraid.  May we love authentically and as we really are.

God help us to know what our faith truly stands for and what it does not and freely speak truth to power lovingly and speak and spread the Good News boldly as Jesus did.

God we pray for__________________

God we lift up our prayers in the Name of you only Son Jesus. Amen. 

Or these:

God of all goodness help us we pray as we enter this time of going into our own wilderness experience with You, Jesus, and each other. 

God we pray that when temptations befall us we may find ourselves leaning on you for help and that we may know that with you "All things are possible"

God we pray for the least of these who remind us of what it must have been like for the Disciples when they began their early ministry. Help us to gently and humbly,love, care, serve, and protect them wherever they may be.

God we pray for all of us who are experiencing spiritual dry spells that we may find this a time of rest and listening to you with the ears of our hearts and heart homes. 

God we pray for all of our families who may not practice our faith and that they may learn to understand why we do the things we do. We pray that they may find You when they are ready.

God we pray for an end to violence and terror. We pray that peace may prevail upon earth and that we may do in the words of Micah 'Do Justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God".

God we pray for all who are battling illness and who are hospitalized. We pray for our family members who are waiting and sitting vigil beside their loved ones waiting for healing  and those who are in wait for their loved ones to transition into the Thin Places.

God we pray for _______________________________

God we give thanks for__________________________

God we pray for sound government in this our nation and in the nations of the world and that a spirit of respect may grow and prosper. Help the politicians to lay down their verbal weaponry and seek only to do good for the people they have been elected to serve. 

God we pray for our youth and that they may not be led into gangs and violence ant they may find positive ways to live their lives. We pray for all those who are parents and who mentor our youth.

God we pray for our cities and towns that they may be protected from violence and hatred.

God we pray that we may have love energy to be enlivened to do your will and show your love and light to your fragile and broken world.

All these prayers we offer and lay them at your feet Lord Jesus. Amen.

Wishes for today:
Every child has a loving and safe family in which to thrive and grow.

Every person on the planet has a home where they can live and be safe from harm and violence.



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Good Night Lovies! I love you! You Matter! I Give God Thanks for you this day and always!

May the love and peace be always yours!

Sara

Here is tonight's musical selection: Illumination; Peaceful Gregorian Chant- Dan Gibson

Let the countdown towards Lent 2017 begin! We've got to go down the mountain and get to work.

Good Evening Dear family of Love and God!

Happy Last Sunday after the Epiphany! Wow we began with Jesus being visited by the Magi as the Manifestation to the Gentiles and today we see Jesus' true nature and being manifested to Peter, James, and John on the mountaintop. There were quite a number of mountain top experiences in today's  lessons from Moses on Mount Sinai to Jesus on the Mount of the Transfiguration. These mountain top experiences always follow with times where we will be going on a journey into unknown territory for a particular reason. The season of Lent is just like that we begin today coming down from the mountain top and then going into a kind of pilgrimage that will lead us to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, The Cross and Resurrection.  A few weeks ago I mentioned that we are to get ready for Lent by deciding what to pickup  and what to lay down. Have you decided what this might look like? If you haven't no worries. On Ash Wednesday we will begin a Season of Psalmody where we will spend 40 days and 40 nights meditating upon the psalms using the Psalms for evening and an extra set for the morning the next day. We will have our vigils and prayers as usual. Tonight let's review our Lenten readiness guide:


Those of us in faith communities celebrated our final Sunday in the Epiphany season. We are officially counting down to our 40 day dial in with God, each other, our enemies, and ourselves! People Lent isn't just about giving up it is about taking on and refocusing our lives and journey with Jesus. This year I would like everyone to think of this period as a time where there can be little epiphanies each day that we dial in with God. I would like us to journal our  Lenten journey. Start each week with these themes:
Week 1: Taking on and laying down.
Week 2: Taking time by serving the least of these by taking on________________?
Week 3: Challenging ourselves to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. How can we be of help to them. 
Week 4: Putting that Love your neighbor thing into practice! Can you name your next door neighbor's names.
Week 5 Journeying With Jesus during Holy Week and beyond.

Tonight we should be getting ourselves ready for this spiritual adventure by spending time in quiet contemplation. Tonight we will feature the lessons from today and the Feast day of Emily Malbone Morgan. Here is her biography and a link to the Manual of the of the Society of the Companions  Holy Cross:

Biography of Emily Malbone Morgan


MANUAL OF THE SOCIETY OF THE COMPANIONS OF THE HOLY CROSS

Tomorrow: Buy your journal and a blank calendar page that we will be turning into a kind of Lenten Advent Calendar. You will get a series of words for the week to place in the squares  on Sundays. Each of those words will be our meditation words for the week. 

Shrove Tuesday : Clean out the cobwebs in our spiritual selves and get it ready for Ash Wednesday. This is the annual Carbo Load before we take on tight control of the carbs in our lives. 

Ash Wednesday: Let's begin with worship and the reminder "Remember that you are Dust and to Dust you shall return" a good time to remember and honor our mortality and if you haven't updated your advanced directives and end of life decisions it would be a good time to do so.  Beginning on Ash Wednesday we start our 40 days of Psalmody with the Featured daily prayers from Forward Movement's  A season of prayer : 40 days in the Desert. 

That's just for starters there is more to come!

Let's engage in our "Be Stills"

Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.

Slowly inhale.
Hold.
Slowly exhale

Pause. Count to 10.

Repeat 4 times! 

Now sit quietly and reflect up the day past and enjoy your visit with God. Open wide your heart homes and feel God filling you up with Love Energy.

Dear Ones, it is time to turn to our nightly Virtual Candlelight and Prayer Vigils. Let us light our candles and be at prayer. Tonight we pray for all those who are suffering anxieties and worries. We pray for those who are living with chronic illnesses and pain. We pray for safety, peace, and love in our world. May we ever be mindful of the least of these.  May we pray that we may remember this " Be Still and Know that I am God" and keep being CALM (Compassionate, Accepting, Loving, and Merciful)

From the rising of the sun to its going down, *
let the Name of the Lord be praised.
From the rising of the sun to its going down,
let the Name of the Lord be praised.
From this time forth for evermore:
Let the Name of the Lord be praised.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
From the rising of the sun to its going down,
let the Name of the Lord be praised.
V. The sun knows the time of its setting:

R. You make darkness that it may be night

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 119:137–144

Justus es, Domine

137 You are righteous, O LORD, *
and upright are your judgments.
138 You have issued your decrees *
with justice and in perfect faithfulness.
139 My indignation has consumed me, *
because my enemies forget your words.
140 Your word has been tested to the uttermost, *
and your servant holds it dear.
141 I am small and of little account, *
yet I do not forget your commandments.
142 Your justice is an everlasting justice *
and your law is the truth.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, *
yet your commandments are my delight.
144 The righteousness of your decrees is everlasting; *

grant me understanding, that I may live.

Psalm 2

Quare fremuerunt gentes?

1 Why are the nations in an uproar? *
Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2 Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,
and the princes plot together, *
against the Lord and against his Anointed?
3 "Let us break their yoke," they say; *
"let us cast off their bonds from us."
4 He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *
and his rage fills them with terror.
6 "I myself have set my king *
upon my holy hill of Zion."
7 Let me announce the decree of the Lord: *
he said to me, "You are my Son;
this day have I begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9 You shall crush them with an iron rod *
and shatter them like a piece of pottery."
10 And now, you kings, be wise; *
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Submit to the Lord with fear, *
and with trembling bow before him;
12 Lest he be angry and you perish; *
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13 Happy are they all *
who take refuge in him!

Psalm 99

Dominus regnavit

1 The Lord is King;
let the people tremble; *
he is enthroned upon the cherubim;
let the earth shake.
2 The Lord is great in Zion; *
he is high above all peoples.
3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *
he is the Holy One.
4 "O mighty King, lover of justice,
you have established equity; *
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob."
5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
and fall down before his footstool; *
he is the Holy One.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *
they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *
they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
8 O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *
you were a God who forgave them,
yet punished them for their evil deeds.
9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
and worship him upon his holy hill; *

for the Lord our God is the Holy One.


Exodus 1:15–21


The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, “When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live.” But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live. So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?” The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and became very strong. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.

Canticle 15
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.



Exodus 24:12-18

The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.”

Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.



Canticle M
A Song of Faith
1 Peter 1:3-4,18-21
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *
by divine mercy we have a new birth into a living hope;
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, *
we have an inheritance that is imperishable in heaven.
The ransom that was paid to free us *
was not paid in silver or gold,
But in the precious blood of Christ, *
the Lamb without spot or stain.
God raised Jesus from the dead and gave him glory *
so that we might have faith and hope in God

Romans 16:1–6

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you.


2 Peter 1:16-21

We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.


Canticle Q
A Song of Christ’s Goodness

Anselm of Canterbury
Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you; *
you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.
Often you weep over our sins and our pride, *
tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment.
You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds, *
in sickness you nurse us and with pure milk you feed us.
Jesus, by your dying, we are born to new life; *
by your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.
Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness; *
through your gentleness, we find comfort in fear.
Your warmth gives life to the dead, *
your touch makes sinners righteous.
Lord Jesus, in your mercy, heal us; *
in your love and tenderness, remake us.
In your compassion, bring grace and forgiveness, *
for the beauty of heaven, may your love prepare us.


Luke 10:38–42


As they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”


Matthew 17:1-9

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.


As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Prayers for today

O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Gracious God, we give thanks for the life and witness of Emily Malbone Morgan, who gathered women to devote themselves to intercession, social justice, Christian unity, and simple lives: Make us, with her, companions in prayer and in faithful living, dedicated to the Holy Cross of our Savior, Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Listen  to these pieces of music if you'd like: Phillip Aaberg - Out of the Frame or Taize Mix

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God  who loves and protects us ,from harm we pray for all who are victims of domestic violence and abuse that they may be relieved of all suffering and trauma and that they may find safe shelters away form their abusers.

God who loves us, may we never seek to be judge and jury of others with whom we differ and let go and let you be God.

God who loves us, we pray for all who are ill in body, mind and spirit we pray that they may be healed.

God who loves us, we pray for peace in this world. May we with you shower all of our family members with love and blessings and yes, God we know that this means our enemies and those who hate us and wish us harm.

God who loves us, we pray for all faiths where extremism has hijacked the true tenets of their beliefs for their own gain and violent intentions. God help all of us take back our faiths and practice what you modeled for us in the loving name of Jesus .

God who loves us, we pray for all who have died remembering especially and we remember all who mourn their loss. 

God who loves us, let us lay down our burdens tonight and prepare for You Matter Monday tomorrow. God help us to place our worries, anxieties, fears, and anything else that separates us from you in our Worry/ Sabbath box so that we may be completely focused on you!

God who loves us, we lift up our additional prayers and thanksgivings in the Name of your Son Jesus. Amen.  

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Today's wish is that you all may be showered with blessings and love this day!

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Prayers for tomorrow:

God we pray that we never take time for granted and treat each minute of the day as sacred.

God we pray for our family members who are stressed out with worry may we step up and love and help them in any way that we can.

God we pray for peace in the world that we may take time to pray and give voice for the voiceless who are afraid to speak for themselves in these violent and war torn areas of the world.

God we pray for sound education that is fair and for those who teach and those who learn. May their course work be unbiased and truthful.

God we pray for sound government where division may cease and that every one may seek to serve all humanity for the good of all.

God we pray for all who are ill may they receive your healing balm and that we may rise to help them.

God we pray for all who have lost pets and loved ones that they may mourn with confidence and know that they are loved beyond all measure.

God we pray for all who are artists may we appreciate their God given talents and as we gaze at the painting or photo, listen to the sound of  voice or orchestra. May we see your touch and inspiration O, God.

God we pray for all who are in need and especially for the least of these. May we rise to be their family members and their keepers. 

God we pray that no one is to be ignored and be treated as invisible. May we love everyone with courage and strong hearts and open heart homes.

God we lift up these our prayers in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

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Today's wish is that we all take time to rest, relax, and renew our bodies, minds, and spirits! Be refreshed in Love, Joy, Hope, and Peace!

Holy eternal Majesty,
Holy incarnate Word,
Holy abiding Spirit,

Bless us for evermore. Amen


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Good Night Dear Ones! I love you hope that you will have a restful and peaceful sleep. Thank you for being you. 


Love, hope, and peace,

Sara