De-Cluttering Day VIII: Time to stop the glorification of busy is another way to de-clutter! Retreat Weekend is Here!

Good Evening Lovies!

Happy Keeping the Faith Friday Fearlessly Without Fretting! We are on De-Cluttering Day VIII: Time to stop the glorification of busy is another way to de-clutter! Retreat Weekend is Here!
Yes my dear family we can clutter up our lives not only with things but by too much activity.  I have seen it all too often of late that we find ourselves occupying multiple hours of the day just to escape things and maybe our fears of the present situation in our nation that is troubling our inner beings. Not that activity and being engaged in resistance and anything else is bad mind you, it isn't. We just need to find some kind of balance that will keep us mindful of our purpose in life and our inward healthiness. So that means we need to be mindful this weekend and stop the glorification of busy. Here is our time frame: 1/3 Physical wellness/ mindfulness 1/3 mental wellness/ mindfulness, and 1/3 spiritual mindfulness /wellness. Time needs to be spent resting and meditating in silence and stillness.  Figure out your game plan and carry it through. Sunday is our day of Sabbath and that means we give ourselves permission to rest and practice our own blue laws.  To get us started tonight let us do our Worry/Sabbath Jar, Journal, Box work and cleanse our minds and spirits from all the clutter going on there. Take your time! Then come on back for a time of modified Evening Prayer from the New Zealand Prayer Book and other resources.

Let us be at prayer!


Hail, gladdening Light, of God’s pure glory poured, 
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest, 
Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest, 
The lights of evening round us shine, 
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine.

Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung, 
With undefilèd tongue, 
Son of our God, Giver of life, alone! 
Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.

Eternal Spirit, flow through our being and open our lips, 
that our mouths may proclaim your praise.

Let us worship the God of love. 
Alleluia, alleluia.

Approach
The angels of God guard us through the night,
and quieten the powers of darkness.

The Spirit of God be our guide
to lead us to peace and to glory.

It is but lost labour that we haste to rise up early, 
and so late take rest, and eat the bread of anxiety. 
For those beloved of God are given gifts even while they sleep.

Silence

My brothers and sisters, 
our help is in the name of the eternal God,
who is making the heavens and the earth.

Dear God, 
thank you for all that is good, 
for our creation and for our humanity, 
for the stewardship you have given us of this planet earth, 
for the gifts of life and of one another, 
for your love which is unbounded and eternal.

O thou, most holy and beloved, 

my Companion, my Guide upon the way, 
my bright evening star.


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.

Psalm 119: 17-24
Gimel Retribue servo tuo

17 Deal bountifully with your servant, *
that I may live and keep your word.

18 Open my eyes, that I may see *
the wonders of your law.

19 I am a stranger here on earth; *
do not hide your commandments from me.

20 My soul is consumed at all times *
with longing for your judgments.

21 You have rebuked the insolent; *
cursed are they who stray from your commandments!

22 Turn from me shame and rebuke, *
for I have kept your decrees.

23 Even though rulers sit and plot against me, *
I will meditate on your statutes.

24 For your decrees are my delight, *
and they are my counselors.

Hymn

Before the ending of the day, 
Creator of the world we pray, 
that you, with love and lasting light,
would guard us through the hours of night.

From all ill dreams defend our eyes, 
from nightly fears and fantasies; 
redeem through us our evil foe, 
that we no lasting harm may know.

O wisest Guide, grant all we ask,
fulfil in us your holy task, 
surround us with your love and care, 
and lead us on, your life to share.

All praise to God, sustaining us, 
redeeming and transforming us, 
thanksgiving in eternity, 
all praise, belovèd Trinity.



Isaiah 49:1-6

49 Listen to me, O coastlands,
   pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born,
   while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. 
2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
   in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
   in his quiver he hid me away. 
3 And he said to me, ‘You are my servant,
   Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’ 
4 But I said, ‘I have laboured in vain,
   I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord,
   and my reward with my God.’ 


5 And now the Lord says,
   who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
   and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord,
   and my God has become my strength— 
6 he says,
‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
   to raise up the tribes of Jacob
   and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
   that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’ 



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

I am the God that healeth thee. 
I am the God that healeth thee.
I am the God that healeth thee.

In thee, O God, I put my trust. 
In thee, O God, I put my trust. 
In thee, O God, I put my trust.


Galatians 3:26-29

26 for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. 27 As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring,* heirs according to the promise.


God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at my end, and at my departing.


Mark 12:1-12

12 Then he began to speak to them in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watch-tower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. 3 But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 4 And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. 5 Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” 7 But those tenants said to one another, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” 8 So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this scripture:
“The stone that the builders rejected
   has become the cornerstone;* 
11 this was the Lord’s doing,
   and it is amazing in our eyes”?’

12 When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So they left him and went away.

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 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

Liberating God, we thank you most heartily for the steadfast courage of your servant Pauli Murray, who fought long and well: Unshackle us from bonds of prejudice and fear so that we show forth your reconciling love and true freedom, which you revealed through your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Gracious God we come to you with weary bodies, minds and spirits this evening we know that when we come to you and in your presence that we will find rest, relaxation, and renewal.

We pray for those who are feeling despair and are alone. We pray that your comforting presence may abide with them.

We pray for all those who are in the hospital and ill and their families who sit a bedside. We pray for healing for all those who are ill in body, mind, and spirit,

We pray this night for all those who have entered eternal joy suddenly and we pray for their families who are at a loss and in grief. We remember especially___________________

We pray for the peace of the world and an end to terror and violence. We pray that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you O God.

We pray for those discerning vocations and new life paths! We pray that you O God will lead them to their true calling.

We pray for all those who have asked us to pray for and especially for ourselves! Help us to learn to love ourselves, our family members (Neighbors) , and you God more fully and without fear.

We pray that we may be more loving, accepting, to all of our brothers and sisters remembering that all means all and not some and we don't get to pick and choose who our family members are.

We lift up our prayers in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.

********

Song of SimeonNunc Dimittis

Praise be to God, I have lived to see this day.
God’s promise is fulfilled, and my duty done.

At last you have given me peace,
for I have seen with my own eyes 
the salvation you have prepared for all nations - 
a light to the world in its darkness, 
and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory be God, sustaining, redeeming, sanctifying, 
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. 
Amen.

A Prayer attributed to St. Francis

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

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to
generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.

Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21


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Good Night All! Time to Rest, Recover, and Renew! I love you and give thanks to God for you this day and always!

With love and peace,

Sara

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Part of De-Cluttering is also stopping the glorification of busy by cluttering our lives with activity. Here are a few suggestions from the blog I wrote 3 years ago.
Walk With Me On Our Journey's Suggestions for RRR (Resting, Relaxation, and Renewal)

Turn off all the electronic devices. Unplug
Make your home a spa
Candles, incense, aromatherapy
Play your favorite music ( Listening now to "Phantom of the Opera" as we speak)
Make it a PJ day or evening!
Go to a hotel and enjoy time away from home - Can you spell Staycation
Go to the movies
Explore new restaurants
Take a drive. Steve and I did the 'Sideways' movie map!
Tour your town's historical places
Sing in the shower
Have a date night with yourself or that special someone.
Pray Meditate, and have a conversation with God
Walk, hike, bike, boat!
Take a trip to a nearby city
Fall in love with being by yourself
Walk on the beach, smell the sea air!
Prayer walk
Walk a labyrinth
Sing loudly and lustily!
Take pictures outdoors and enjoy God's Cathedral of Life
Go to church
Don't forget about intimacy with your partner or spouse ! It is essential!
The list is endless! Be Creative, DON'T JUST DO, BE!

That should give you enough fodder for starters!

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Resources:

Book of Common Prayer

Enriching Our Worship

Satucket Lectionary Page

New Zealand Prayer Book

Metis Aboriginal Ministries

De-cluttering Day VII:A celebration of lives : The grieving process continues !

Good Evening Dear Family of God and Love!

Happy Thoughtful and Thankful Thursday! I love you and give thanks to God for you all! Today was one of those days in the de-cluttering arena where I was reminded safety first and and to go slow. I had a fall this morning and ended up with a bad bloody nose and a bruised toe. This reminded me not to be in a hurry. So we now pace ourselves. As I was going through all the clutter I found memories galore Memories of my parents, siblings, grand parents, and partner. Each thing I picked up I had to look at save or throw away. This isn't any easy task because sometimes we want to go back and spend time with our beloved ones and then I realized that keeping these items won't mean anything when I'm gone so it's best to discard and celebrate the lives and remember. We must remember that our loved ones possessions may connect us to them by they will never bring them back. There will come a time for each of us in our time of grief no matter how long or short that we must confront the issue of the stuff our loved ones have left behind. Instead of waiting to do this when we are made to downsize for various reasons let's do it when we have the energy and are emotionally healthy to do it. Jesus was right about possessions here are a few reminders:

Matthew 6:19-21 The Message (MSG) A Life of God-Worship 19-21 “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. Matthew 19:21 The Message (MSG) 21 “If you want to give it all you’ve got,” Jesus replied, “go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me.” Acts 4:32-33 The Message (MSG) 32-33 The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.

Tonight we are celebrating the feast day of St. Peter and St. Paul . The lessons come from Satucket Lectionary page. At the bottom we will have their biographical sketch. Peter and Paul knew something about de-cluttering from laying down old lives, fishing nets, persecution, perceptions, and their inner beings making changes to serve God and the least of these and spreading the God News and doing God work at the peril of their very lives. This is why de-cluttering is transformative and spiritually necessary for us at such a time as this. Here is my prescription for us all when we see old items of meaning that need to go especially letters, read, remember, recycle, and rest assure that these memories may not belong to you but to others.Don't feel guilty of letting go of them.

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

Pause, reflect and breathe.

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

Let us enter our time of prayer and make sanctuary wherever we are, for we are in God's presence and we are the holy people of God.

You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but citizens together with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19

God is Spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:24

Let the righteous rejoice * in the presence of God. Let the righteous rejoice in the presence of God. Let them be merry and joyful: In the presence of God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Let the righteous rejoice in the presence of God. V. Their sound has gone out into all lands: R. And their message to the ends of the world.

God of all love we come together tonight to accept your call to light our candles and pray. We pray this night to be loving towards one another. We pray this night for guidance in how we can best serve you in the world. We pray that we may be more giving of ourselves to others. We pray that we may be able to be hopeful and hope-filled to this fragile and broken world. We pray that we may shine your light and help people out of the dark places they find themselves in. We pray that we may be supportive in what ever decisions people make,  We pray for the least of these who struggle with the day to day issues of living. We pray that everyone will be lovingly included and not excluded and invisible. We pray that we may be peacemakers and children of God. We pray that we may "Strive for justice, and respect the dignity of every human being"* We pray that we may build bridges and tear down walls. We pray for the courage to speak truth to power. We pray for an end to hatred, violence and terror. We pray that we may use our voices not to hurt but to heal. We pray this night that we all may be one and that we may continue to pray for_________, and all places where terror and violence have occurred even when the media fails to report it. May we all be one with those who mourn and stand vigil for the peace of the world and in the places where there is danger. God we lift up these prayers to you with hurting hearts, open hands up lifted, with loving care and voices. Amen.

They Cast Their Nets

They cast their nets in Galilee
just off the hills of brown;
such happy, simple fisherfolk,
before the Lord came down.


Contented, peaceful fishermen,
before they ever knew
the peace of God that filled their hearts
brimful, and broke them too.


Young John who trimmed
the flapping sail,
homeless in Patmos died,
Peter, who hauled the teeming net,
head-down was crucified.


The peace of God, it is no peace,
but strife closed in the sod,
Yet let us pray for but one thing—
the marvelous peace of God. 

87 Fundamenta ejus

1 On the holy mountain stands the city he has founded; *
the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

2 Glorious things are spoken of you, *
O city of our God.

3 I count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me; *
behold Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia:
in Zion were they born.

4 Of Zion it shall be said, "Everyone was born in her, *
and the Most High himself shall sustain her."

5 The Lord will record as he enrolls the peoples, *
"These also were born there."

6 The singers and the dancers will say, *
"All my fresh springs are in you."

Ezekiel 34:11-16

11 For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 12 As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.

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.

2 Timothy 4:1-8

4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favourable or unfavourable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5 As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 

A Song of the Heavenly City

Revelation 21:22-26, 22:1-4

I saw no temple in the city, *

for its temple is the God of surpassing strength and the Lamb.

And the city has no need of sun or moon to light it, *

for the glory of God shines on it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

By its light the nations shall walk, *

and the rulers of the world lay their honor and glory there.

Its gates shall never be shut by day, nor shall there be any night; *

into it they will bring the honor and glory of nations.

I saw the clean river of the water of life, bright as crystal, *

flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

The tree of life spanned the river, giving fruit every month, *

and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of nations.

All curses cease where the throne of God and the Lamb stands,

and all servants give worship there; *

there they will see God’s face, whose Name shall be on their foreheads.

John 21:15-19

15  When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ 16 A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ 17 He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ 19(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’

We Praise You, O God Te Deum laudamus

We praise you, O God,

we acclaim you as Lord;

all creation worships you,

the Father everlasting.

To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,

the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:

Father, of majesty unbounded,

your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,

and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,

the eternal Son of the Father.

When you took our flesh to set us free

you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the sting of death

and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.

We believe that you will come to be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people,

bought with the price of your own blood,

and bring us with your saints

to glory everlasting.

Litany of the Saints chant

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

A Prayer attributed to St. Francis (BCP) 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.

Here is a selection of Byzantine Music from which to reflect with: 

Praise the Lord From the Heavens

Dear Jesus may we become transformed and transfigured to do your will and that we may walk as children of  the light.

Jesus, may we always be able to feel your presence wherever we are and may we always recognize Your gentle tap on our shoulder or butterfly in the stomach or a joy-filled heart.

Jesus, feed us each day with the Bread of Heaven and may we drink from the Waters of Eternal  life that continually hydrates us.

Jesus, may we continually have our eyes fixed on you and follow the path that you have set for us in our daily life.

Jesus, may we see you in all of our family members who may not be the ones we have met yet. We pray for all refugees, strangers, captives. political prisoners, those who seek to divide, those who hate, those who are not able to see or move past the phobias, and isms.

Jesus, we pray for peace in the world where there seems to be a  lack of it. We pray for peace in Your homeland and wherever there is a lack of peace.

Jesus, may we ever be grateful for all the blessings of this life an give thanks with an overflowing heart.

Jesus, we pray for________________

Jesus, help us to have each other's backs and love more fully each and every breath that we take.

Jesus, help us to be your hands, feet, voices, in the world to serve and help heal the least of these.

May we always remember those who have lost loved ones and that we may come to their aid with love, compassion, and comfort.

We lay these our prayers at the feet of  Jesus the Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

or these:

For whom and what shall we pray?

God we pray that we may de-clutter all the junk that is hindering our relationship with you and our families?

God in your mercy,

Here our prayer.

God we pray for an end to all the junk that divides us and fails to unite us.

God in your mercy,

Here our prayer

God we pray that we might find our reliance upon you and not things and earthly possessions. 

God in your mercy,

Here our prayer

God we pray for an end to all forms of violence that there may be peace on the the Earth.

God in your mercy,

Here our prayer

God we pray for all who are ill and in need of healing of bodies, minds, and spirits remembering especially _______________

God in your mercy,

Here our prayer

God we pray for an end to _________________

God in your mercy,

Here our prayer

God we pray for the conservation of God's Cathedral of Life.

God in your mercy,

Here our prayer

God we pray and give thanks for __________________

God in your mercy,

Here our prayer

God we pray that the leaders of the nations and especially here at home may realize their duty is to lead and care for the least of these no matter who they are. We pray that they may truly practice and live by the words "Liberty and Justice for all!".

God in your mercy,

Here our prayer

God we lift up these our prayers to you O God.

God in your mercy,

Here our prayer

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more

than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to

generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.

Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21

Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always

protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow

the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.

(source: from Saint Clare)

The Summons

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Good Night Beloveds! I love your and  give God thanks this day for you and all that you do. Rest gentle and be renewed in body, mind, and spirit. May we all be transformed into new beings as we de-clutter our hearts from all the junk that separates us from God and each other. 

Today's de-cluttering suggestion: Have the talk with your aging family member or child about their old belongings (a.k.a. Junk) and  doing an occasional de-cluttering. Do it when you are healthy and in a good frame of mind. 

With love and blessings with a heart on fire with love energy to continue in God's service,

Sara

Today's Feast Day Info  St. Peter and St. Paul

Resources:

Book of Common Prayer

Book of Occasional Services

Enriching our Worship 1997

Satucket Lectionary Page

Walk With Me On Our Journey

YouTube for hymns

E-hymnal for Lyrics

De-Cluttering Day VI: I can see daylight! I feel hopeful and “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.”

Good Evening Dear Family of God and Love!

Happy Wednesday and De-Cluttering Day VI : Seeing Daylight ! Woo hoo! I'm beginning to see daylight on the floor and in drawers and safe walkways. I hope you are too. As people of faith we need to begin a daily process of de-cluttering of our spirits and releasing ourselves from all the things, yes things,situations, and anything else that is keeping us from being connected to the holy. We need to remember that the Worry/Sabbath Jar isn't just for Friday's anymore. Wee need to begin a daily de-cluttering of our mind, nervous systems, and unload unhealthy spiritual gunk that is keeping us from seeing daylight and hope. So take out your jars, journals, and boxes and start writing down those things that are cluttering up your spiritual, mental, and soul pathways and not letting God into your hearts and lives.  This is our project for tonight and tomorrow along with de-cluttering our table tops so that we can see daylight. Tonight we are going to have a prayer time with the lessons from the Feast day of Irenaeus of Lyons. (Click here to read all about him)

Stay with us, Christ, for it is evening.
 Make your Church bright with your radiance.

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

But following the only true and stedfast Teacher, the Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who did, through His transcendent love, become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself.
Irenaeus 


“The glory of God is the human person fully alive.”
Irenaeus 



 Psalm 145 Exaltabo te, Deus

1 I will exalt you, O God my King, *
2 Every day will I bless you *
3 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *
4 One generation shall praise your works to another *
5 I will ponder the glorious splendor of your majesty *
6 They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts, *
7 They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness; *
8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, *
9 The Lord is loving to everyone *
10 All your works praise you, O Lord, *
11 They make known the glory of your kingdom *
12 That the peoples may know of your power *
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; *
14 The Lord is faithful in all his words *
15 The Lord upholds all those who fall; *
16 The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, *
17 You open wide your hand *
18 The Lord is righteous in all his ways *
19 The Lord is near to those who call upon him, *
20 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; *
21 The Lord preserves all those who love him, *
22 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; *



Since it is impossible, without God, to come to knowledge of God, he teaches men through his Word to know God.
Irenaeus 



The Song of Hannah
1 Samuel 2:1-8
My heart exults in you, O God; *
my triumph song is lifted in you.
My mouth derides my enemies, *
for I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like you, *
nor any rock to be compared to you, our God.
Do not heap up prideful words or speak in arrogance; *
Only God is knowing and weighs all actions.
The bows of the mighty are broken, *
but the weak are clothed in strength.
Those once full now labor for bread, *
those who hungered now are well fed.
The childless woman has borne sevenfold, *
while the mother of many is forlorn.
God destroys and brings to life, casts down and raises up; *
gives wealth or takes it away, humbles and dignifies.
God raises the poor from the dust; *
and lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with the rulers *
and inherit a place of honor.


For the pillars of the earth are God’s *
on which the whole earth is founded.

Irenaeus of Lyons


The Virgin Mary, being obedient to his word, received from an angel the glad tidings that she would bear God.
Irenaeus

Proverbs 8:6-11

⁶ Hear, for I will speak noble things,
   and from my lips will come what is right; 
⁷ for my mouth will utter truth;
   wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 
⁸ All the words of my mouth are righteous;
   there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. 
⁹ They are all straight to one who understands
   and right to those who find knowledge. 
¹⁰ Take my instruction instead of silver,
   and knowledge rather than choice gold; 
¹¹ for wisdom is better than jewels,
   and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

Close your eyes and repeat the word peace until you feel relaxed and ready for prayer.


God, we come to you this night as tired, rattled, and emotionally fraught children in need of  a place of sanctuary. Help us we pray to light our candles and find our lives with you and resting peaceably in your arms as we offer these our prayers to you. We pray that all of us may take time to find sanctuary wherever we can. We pray for all of your children who are seeking a place of sanctuary after the events in any city where there is violence We pray that all places of sanctuary may be safe, peaceful, and away from the hustle and bustle of all things. We pray that in these places we may be able if we aren't able to, to live and be authentically who you have made us to be. We pray that We pray for sanctuaries for our family members who are refugees, on the margins, We pray that our countries and all nations may be a place of sanctuary for their residents and the aliens in their midst. We pray that this night all of those touched by violence remembering Istanbul and Orlando may find sanctuary. We pray for an end to all forms of violence, bullying, and verbal discord  We continue to pray for all of our chronically ill people who are in need of sanctuary  so that they may accept your healing O,God.  God let us light our candles and quiet our minds, hearts, and spirits so that we may enter into this time of sanctuary. God keep reminding us that even Jesus went across the lake to pray. We lift up these our prayers and lighten our hearts and may we find sanctuary within you O, God. Amen.

Or this vigil

God we are privileged to come into your sanctuary each night to pray and give thanks and share community with one another. We are here to light candles to provide a pathway out of the darkness in our lives and those of others. We pray and give thanks for all the blessings you bestow upon us each and every day. We pray for our families who give us strength and emotional support. We pray this night that we may open our hearts with love to all the fragile ones and yes God we know that our enemies and those who hate us are fragile in a different way. We pray that they may turn away from violence and hate and that they may learn to love, listen, and seek to come together in unity. We know that fear triggers hate and violent action. We pray that everyone receives a good education where they live not only in school but in their faith communities so they may learn what is truly taught and not made up to incite violence, disunity, and hatred.. We pray that violence of any kind may cease and that the only radicalization that takes place is that of Compassion, Acceptance, Love, Mercy and Hospitality where unity is fostered and brought into being. We pray this night for the least of these and that we may continue to seek your face in all of our family members. We pray these our prayers as we lift up our candles in a mirror and say "The Light of Christ in Me, recognizes the Light of Christ in you!' Let us be the light to your fragile and broken world and in the warmth of the light may it represent love in all of its hues and actions. May we feel its love energy radiating in all, through all, and to all. Amen.

Through a tree we were made debtors to God; so through a tree we have our debt canceled.
Irenaeus of Lyons

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.


Because of his boundless love, Jesus became what we are that he might make us to be what he is.
Irenaeus of Lyons

2 Timothy 2:22-26
22 Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant* must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, 25 correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 26 and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.*



He [Jesus] came to save all through himself; all, I say, who through him are reborn in God: infants, and children, and youths, and old men. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age . . . [so that] he might be the perfect teacher in all things, perfect not only in respect to the setting forth of truth, perfect also in respect to relative age
Irenaeus of Lyons

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



Jesus Christ, in His infinite love, has become what we are, in order that He may make us entirely what He is.
Irenaeus of Lyons

Luke 11:33-36
33 ‘No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar,* but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. 34Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness. 35Therefore consider whether the light in you is not darkness. 36If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays.’


“He who was the Son of God became the Son of man, that man ... might become the son of God.” 
― Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies

A Song of Hosea
Hosea 6:1-3

Come, let us return to our God, *
who has torn us and will heal us.
God has struck us and will bind up our wounds, *
after two days revive us,
On the third day restore us, *
that in God’s presence we may live.
Let us humble ourselves, let us strive to know the Lord, *
whose justice dawns like morning light,
its dawning as sure as the sunrise.
God’s justice will come to us like a shower, *
like spring rains that water the earth.


The glory of God is a human being fully alive; and to be alive consists in beholding God.
Irenaeus of Lyons




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.


For where the church is, there is the Spirit of God, and where the Spirit of God, there is the church and all grace.
Irenaeus of Lyons


A Song of Our True Nature
Julian of Norwich

Christ revealed our frailty and our falling, *
our trespasses and our humiliations.
Christ also revealed his blessed power, *
his blessed wisdom and love.
He protects us as tenderly and as sweetly when we are in greatest need; *he raises us in spirit
and turns everything to glory and joy without ending.
God is the ground and the substance, the very essence of nature; *
God is the true father and mother of natures.
We are all bound to God by nature, *
and we are all bound to God by grace.
And this grace is for all the world, *
because it is our precious mother, Christ.
For this fair nature was prepared by Christ
for the honor and nobility of all, *
and for the joy and bliss of salvation.

Let us sit still and breathe.


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.

Let us spend time in silence and prepare ourselves to be God's voice in a broken world. 
silent. 


God of justice we pray that we may have courage to speak truth to power.

God of compassion we pray that we may love others not just in our words but in our deeds.

God of kindness we pray that we may use our voices to heal, comfort, and lovingly support.

God of peace we pray that we may use our voices as your beloved children to make peace and not wage war in this world.

God of all people, we pray that we may be the voices who seek to protect and serve the most vulnerable of our family members.

God of justice we pray that we may we have the courage to Stand Up, Step up, and Speak Up for all of your children who need us to act and not be 
silent. 

God of Love we pray that we may use the Love Energy that is within our Heart Homes to be your Light to the world. May we shine your light in dark places so that our family members may see and be guided away from the darkness that infects our world.

God of healing we pray that we may seek to use our voices to heal and not harm.

God of creation we pray that we may use our voices to speak for good conservation practices to heal and renew the face of the earth and respect all living things in your Cathedral of Live.

God of diversity, we pray that we may be voices of unity and that we may seek to come to know one another and respect the dignity of all beings.

God and creator of us all may we seek to follow the examples of Jesus and John the Baptist and speak, love, act, and pray and be mindful of the needs and concerns of others this day and always! 

God we offer our own voices in prayer and thanksgiving remembering____________________.

We lift up these our prayers in the name of Jesus the Good Shepherd whose voice we hear and who calls us all by our names. Amen. 

or these.


For whom and what shall we pray?

God we pray that we may de-clutter all the junk that is hindering our relationship with you and our families?
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer.

God we pray for an end to all the junk that divides us and fails to unite us.
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer

God we pray that we might find our reliance upon you and not things and earthly possessions. 

God in your mercy,
Here our prayer

God we pray for an end to all forms of violence that there may be peace on the the Earth.
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer

God we pray for all who are ill and in need of healing of bodies, minds, and spirits remembering especially _______________
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer

God we pray for an end to _________________

God in your mercy,
Here our prayer

God we pray for the conservation of God's Cathedral of Life.
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer

God we pray and give thanks for __________________
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer

God we pray that the leaders of the nations and especially here at home may realize their duty is to lead and care for the least of these no matter who they are. We pray that they may truly practice and live by the words "Liberty and Justice for all!".

God in your mercy,
Here our prayer

God we lift up these our prayers to you O God.
God in your mercy,
Here our prayer


Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to
generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.
Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21


Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always
protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow
the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.
(source: from Saint Clare)


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Good Night all ! I love you and give thanks to God for you this night and always. Your task before bed is to toss five items in the trash from your fridge that have gone bad or junk mail into the recycling bin. May you have a blessed rest with a de-cluttered mind and spirit and place in which you live, move, and just be. Remember we must try to keep all of our sanctuaries de-cluttered.

With love and blessings,
Sara


Resources:
Irenaeus quotes from the web
Satucket Lectionary page
Enriching Our Worship