Good Evening Dearly Loved Ones!
Happy Self-Care Saturday! I hope we are working to de-clutter or empty our minds, souls, and selves of all the gunk that is polluting us inwardly. Today has been my quasi-Sabbath day. I have been needing more rest and renewal as usual. So this is a brief blog where we get to spend more time in prayer and less time here reading. We are honoring Constance and her Companions. So let us begin!
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CONSTANCE AND HER COMPANIONS (From Satucket- Lectionary Page)
Sister Constance
(Photo from St. Mary's Cathedral, Memphis)
THE MARTYRS OF MEMPHIS (9 SEP 1878)
In 1878 the American city of Memphis on the Mississippi River was struck by an epidemic of yellow fever, which so depopulated the area that the city lost its charter and was not reorganized for fourteen years. Almost everyone who could afford to do so left the city and fled to higher ground away from the river. (It was not yet known that the disease was mosquito-borne, but it was observed that high and dry areas were safe.) There were in the city several communities of nuns, Anglican or Roman Catholic, who had the opportunity of leaving, but chose to stay and nurse the sick. Most of them, thirty-eight in all, were themselves killed by the fever. One of the first to die (on 9 September 1878) was Constance, head of the (Anglican) Community of St Mary.
by James Kiefer
[Note: a short, unpublished book about the epidemic written not long after it occurred is available from Project Canterbury.]
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Now let us begin relaxing our bodies by unwinding, breathing, doing some relaxation exercises that will make you feel de-stressed.
After this let us listen to this Ravi Shankar Chants of India or this Relaxation: Relaxing Nature Sounds and Tibetan Chakra Meditation Music for Relaxation Meditation
As we listen we begin to prepare to pray and give thanks for the days of our weekend of rest, relaxation, and renewal.
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 25:15-21
15 Turn to me and have pity on me, *
for I am left alone and in misery.
16 The sorrows of my heart have increased; *
bring me out of my troubles.
17 Look upon my adversity and misery *
and forgive me all my sin.
18 Look upon my enemies, for they are many, *
and they bear a violent hatred against me.
19 Protect my life and deliver me; *
let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you.
20 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, *
for my hope has been in you.
21 Deliver Israel, O God, *
out of all his troubles.
Job 16:6-9
6 ‘If I speak, my pain is not assuaged,
and if I forbear, how much of it leaves me?
7 Surely now God has worn me out;
he has* made desolate all my company.
8 And he has* shrivelled me up,
which is a witness against me;
my leanness has risen up against me,
and it testifies to my face.
9 He has torn me in his wrath, and hated me;
he has gnashed his teeth at me;
my adversary sharpens his eyes against me.
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.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, 4 who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ.
A Song of True Motherhood
Julian of Norwich
God chose to be our mother in all things *
and so made the foundation of his work,
most humbly and most pure, in the Virgin’s womb.
God, the perfect wisdom of all, *
arrayed himself in this humble place.
Christ came in our poor flesh *
to share a mother’s care.
Our mothers bear us for pain and for death; *
our true mother, Jesus, bears us for joy and endless life.
Christ carried us within him in love and travail, *
until the full time of his passion.
And when all was completed and he had carried us so for joy, *
still all this could not satisfy the power of his wonderful love.
All that we owe is redeemed in truly loving God, *
for the love of Christ works in us;
Christ is the one whom we love.
John 12:24-28
24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
27 ‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—“Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’
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.
We pray with special intention this evening for all those who are being or have been affected by severe wildfires, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose, and flooding in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and those affected by the 8.1 earthquake in Mexico. We pray for the Dreamers, LGBTQIA Community, all those affected by hatred, bigotry, and racism. We pray for an end to White Supremacy in all its forms. We remember this day the first responders and aid agencies serving everyone this day and always.
PRAYER (contemporary language)
We give you thanks and praise, O God of compassion, for the heroic witness of Constance and her companions, who, in a time of plague and pestilence, were steadfast in their care for the sick and the dying, and loved not their own lives, even unto death. Inspire in us a like love and commitment to those in need, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever.
For the sick
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those (or N., or NN.) for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
For Social Service
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Of the Holy Cross
Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Amen.
Common of Monastics and Professed Religious
O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through their poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servants Constance and Her Companions, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
O God, by whose grace your servants Constance and Her Companions., kindled with the flame of your love, became a burning and a shining light in your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Common of a Martyr
Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your love in the heart of your holy martyrs Constance and Her Companions.: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in her triumph may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
For Health of Body and Soul
May God the Father bless you, God the Son heal you, God
the Holy Spirit give you strength. May God the holy and
undivided Trinity guard your body, save your soul, and bring
you safely to his heavenly country; where he lives and reigns
for ever and ever. Amen.
For Doctors and Nurses
Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study
and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of
disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving Spirit,
that by their ministries the health of the community may be
promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. 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.
Christ Has No Body. by Teresa of Avila.
Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks. Compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Matthew 5:1-12New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Beatitudes
5 When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Prayers I wrote when I was receiving chemo!
Gracious Spirit we give thanks for all those who are completing cancer treatment and pray for those who are continuing their chemo or radiation treatments. We pray for minimal side effects and that they may have loving and compassionate medical teams. We pray for mindful caregivers who will lovingly support them.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for all who are grieving losses of any may we with God's help lovingly and with compassion step up care and meet their needs and knit a prayer circle of love around them.
Gracious Spirit, We pray for all children that they may be protected from abuse in its many forms, bullying, self doubt, violence, and that those who are in foster homes may find love and compassion and acceptance. We pray for all children needing a forever home that the right parental match may be found.
Gracious Spirit, encircle this world with love, peace, and unity. We pray for an end to violence and terror. May we make peace and show love to our family members who feel it necessary to harm and kill for extreme religious reasons. We pray for all who persecute those who aren't of their faith community. May we see God in all people and reflect God's light in our eyes to theirs.
Gracious Spirit, help us to learn to love ourselves and celebrate each moment that we live and move and just be,
Gracious Spirit, give us strength,courage and resilience to serve You, God, and Jesus in everything we do and may our lives be a shining light of love to the least of these and those who are feeling invisible and insecure.
Gracious Spirit, we lift up our hands in prayerful and celebratory praise this night as we offer our prayers, celebrations, remembrances, and thanksgivings for ourselves and on behalf of others in Jesus our Loving Redeemer's Name. Amen.
Or these
Gracious Spirit, we come to you with heavy hearts in need of healing. We offer our tender beings to you for the healing of our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Gracious Spirit we pray this night for and end to bullying and persecution of our LGBTQ youth and adults who are not lovingly accepted in our family May we love them and make for them a soft place in which to fall.
Gracious Spirit, We pray for an end to domestic violence and abuse of men, women and children that all those who have been affected this way may find necessary help and safe shelter,
Gracious Spirit, we pray for our family members who are lonely, homeless, and hungry. May they find compassionate company, safe lodging, and be feed with good food.
Gracious Spirit, protect all of our. Dreamers, immigrants, refugees,prisoners, captives, that they may receive necessary care, justice, secure shelters, be led to freedom and liberty.
Gracious Spirit we pray that we may be good stewards of God's Cathedral of Life and protect the land that God has given us. May we conserve and learn to live simply out of God's abundance.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for rain in the drought parched areas of the world and for our family members who are affected by severe weather.
Gracious Spirit, We pray for all those who are suffering from mental illness and depression and especially our family members who are feeling low in mind, spirit, and energy. Heal them and may they know that they are loved, precious, and accepted fully into God's Family.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for all of our family members who lost their lives on 9/11 and we remember those who continue to mourn their loss.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for our family members who may be contemplating taking their own lives may they courageously ask for help and feel your encircling love around them.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for our family members who are suffering from Ebola, the respiratory viruses, A.I.D.S. and any other illnesses that are life threatening.
Gracious Spirit, heal and console all of our family members who have Cancer, Diabetes, and all autoimmune, and chronic illnesses. We pray for their caregivers.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for an end to terror and that as our nation is drawn into another conflict our prayers may rise for sound governance that will lead to the care of its citizenry. May we knit a prayer circle of love around our country where we may sew seeds of love, hope, joy,justice, peace, acceptance,and mercy, and that hate, bigotry, and division may cease. May we all be one!
Gracious Spirit, may we add our prayers, thanksgivings, remembrances, and celebrations for ourselves and on behalf of others at this time.
Gracious Spirit we lift up our prayers in the Name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
Or these
Come Holy Spirit, calm our hearts, minds, and physical selves that we may feel your enlivening and empowering presence.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for peace in this troubled and broken world of ours and in ourselves.
Gracious Spirit, as we approach God's day of Sabbath may we prepare ourselves in heart and mind to meet Jesus in the breaking of the bread, the cup of salvation, and by drinking from the well of the Water of life that never runs dry.
Gracious Spirit, help us to give ourselves permission to take rest, do self-care, and honor God by entering into that weekly Sabbath Rest.
Gracious Spirit, give us courage to serve the least of these and become their loving and compassionate brothers and sisters.
Gracious Spirit, heal all those who are ill in body, mind, and spirit.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for the protection of those who travel .
Gracious Spirit, may we ever seek to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
Gracious Spirit, encircle all those who are dying and who have died. Enfold you loving arms around the departed and give loving comfort to those who mourn. May we lovingly enfold them as well.
Gracious Spirit, as the night has fallen and we shall soon be at rest we pray with special intention for ourselves and especially our family members who have asked us to pray for their concerns especially___________________
We add any other prayers, celebrations, remembrances, and thanksgivings here. We pray these prayers in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.
May the blessing of the God of Abraham and Sarah, and of Jesus
Christ born of our sister Mary, and of the Holy Spirit, who broods
over the world as a mother over her children, be upon you and
remain with you always. Amen.
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Good Night Dear Family of Love. I love you! May you rest secure in the knowledge that you are loved, accepted, matter, and are precious to God and to me. I give thanks to God for you this day and always.
Love,peace, Joy, and blessing to the brim and overflowing!
Sara
Resources:
Satucket Lectionary for lessons and our Saint of the Day: Constance and Her Companions.
Book of Common Prayer
Enriching our Worship
Walk With Me On Our Journey
YouTube - for meditation music
Quote site for- Christ has no body
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