Good Evening Beloved Community!
Happy Monday! Today I had to travel to San Luis Obispo to have CT scans of my neck and chest to find out what is up with my parathyroid glands and possibly begin getting ready for surgery. I took the bus. Taking the bus saves you money, conserves energy, reduces your carbon footprints etc, and is a good opportunity to pray along the way. From the beginning as you board to the time you reach your destination you are at prayer. I suggest this form of prayer be done regularly. When ever we aren't driving but are on planes, trains, buses, ferries, automobiles, I suggest we use this time for prayer. Today I found that I could pray for many things. These will be genus of our prayer time tonight. Whenever you are in the CT scanner it remembering "The Peace Be Stills" helps too. That is where we begin.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Peace be still.
Peace be
Peace.
Peace be still
Peace be.
Peace.
Inhale
Hold your breath
Breathe
Repeat as necessary.
Our opening sentences come from Coretta Scott King and Mahatma Gandhi who we remember today.
We have a lot more work to do in our common struggle against bigotry and discrimination. I say "common struggle" because I believe very strongly that all forms of bigotry and discrimination are equally wrong and should be opposed by right-thinking Americans everywhere. Freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation is surely a fundamental human right in any great democracy, as much as freedom from racial, religious, gender, or ethnic discrimination.
A small group of determined and like-minded people can change the course of history.
It is time to light our candles and pray and meditate upon God's God News. Let us join together in a holy and healing circle of love and sanctuary and hold space for one another.
If God lights the candle, none can blow it out.
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.
Aw we light our candles let us be at prayer in unity and love with one another and our family members throughout the world. May we seek to find common ground with our brothers and sisters and let them know that they are loved and we see God in each of their faces.
Psalms 64, 65
Exaudi, Deus
1 | Hear my voice, O God, when I complain; * |
| protect my life from fear of the enemy. |
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2 | Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, * |
| from the mob of evildoers. |
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3 | They sharpen their tongue like a sword, * |
| and aim their bitter words like arrows, |
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4 | That they may shoot down the blameless from ambush; * |
| they shoot without warning and are not afraid. |
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5 | They hold fast to their evil course; * |
| they plan how they may hide their snares. |
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6 | They say, “Who will see us? |
| who will find out our crimes? * |
| we have thought out a perfect plot.” |
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7 | The human mind and heart are a mystery; * |
| but God will loose an arrow at them, |
| and suddenly they will be wounded. |
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8 | He will make them trip over their tongues, * |
| and all who see them will shake their heads. |
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9 | Everyone will stand in awe and declare God’s deeds; * |
| they will recognize his works. |
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10 | The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and put their trust in him, * |
| and all who are true of heart will glory. |
Psalm 65
Te decet hymnus
1 | You are to be praised, O God, in Zion; * |
| to you shall vows be performed in Jerusalem. |
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2 | To you that hear prayer shall all flesh come, * |
| because of their transgressions. |
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3 | Our sins are stronger than we are, * |
| but you will blot them out. |
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4 | Happy are they whom you choose |
| and draw to your courts to dwell there! * |
| they will be satisfied by the beauty of your house, |
| by the holiness of your temple. |
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5 | Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness, |
| O God of our salvation, * |
| O Hope of all the ends of the earth |
| and of the seas that are far away. |
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6 | You make fast the mountains by your power; * |
| they are girded about with might. |
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7 | You still the roaring of the seas, * |
| the roaring of their waves, |
| and the clamor of the peoples. |
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8 | Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at your marvelous signs; * |
| you make the dawn and the dusk to sing for joy. |
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9 | You visit the earth and water it abundantly; |
| you make it very plenteous; * |
| the river of God is full of water. |
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10 | You prepare the grain, * |
| for so you provide for the earth. |
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11 | You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; * |
| with heavy rain you soften the ground and bless its increase. |
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12 | You crown the year with your goodness, * |
| and your paths overflow with plenty. |
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13 | May the fields of the wilderness be rich for grazing, * |
| and the hills be clothed with joy. |
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14 | May the meadows cover themselves with flocks, |
| and the valleys cloak themselves with grain; * |
| let them shout for joy and sing. |
Hebrews 11:1-12 (NRSV)
Now Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”
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.
John 6:27-40 (NRSV)
Jesus answered the people, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”
A Song of God’s Love
1 John 4:7-11
Beloved, let us love one another, *
for love is of God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, *
for God is Love.
In this the love of God was revealed among us, *
that God sent his only Son into the world,
so that we might live through Jesus Christ.
In this is love, not that we loved God but that God loved us *
and sent his Son that sins might be forgiven.
Beloved, since God loved us so much, *
we ought also to love one another.
For if we love one another, God abides in us, *
and God’s love will be perfected in us.
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.
Let us pray,
Prayers on the Bus
God we pray for all of us who are traveling today that we may travel safely and reach our destination enfolded in your loving arms.
God, we pray for all who live, work, and visit this community that they may find loving and radical hospitality.
God we pray for all who are in a hurry that they may receive a gentle tap on the shoulder from you to slow down and be safe.
God we pray for all the farmworkers who are laboring in your vineyards to keep our communities fed and nourished. We pray especially that all farmworkers may have safe working conditions and that they may not be affected by dangerous pesticides, unclean water, and may be able to have safe water and places for respite.
God we pray for all the homeless who find shelter in places off the roads, in brush covered shelters,, those who hitch hike, and especially those who travel from town to town seeking resources and shelter.
God we pray for conservation of your planet and that we may reduce our carbon footprints and preserve your Cathedral of Life.
God we pray for all those who rest in the many cemeteries we see along the route that they may rest in peace and rise in glory. We pray for all who continue to mourn the loss of loved ones in the past, present, and future. We pray for loving comfort.
God we pray for all those who are seeking medical care nearby and far away and esepecially all who practice the arts of medicine and healing.
God we pray for all who work on our roadways remembering the road repairers and the Highway Patrol. We pray for all first responders and traffic safety workers.
God we pray for all water protectors and especially those who are seeking to protect our fisheries, oceans, lakes, and aquifers.
God we pray for all our surrounding governments and leaders that they may do Justice, Love mercy, and walk humbly with you.
God we add our prayers and thanksgivings now______________
God help us to remember that life is a journey not a destination.
God we lift up these prayers in the Name of Jesus whom we follow on the Way of Love and as memebers of His Beloved Community. Amen.
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.
God our rock and refuge: keep us safe in your care and strengthen us with your grace, that we may pray to you faithfully and love one another boldly, following the example of Jesus, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives for ever and ever. Amen.
(source: Veronese Sacramentary)
Jesus, you are the way through the wilderness: show us your
truth in which we journey, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit bein us the life that draws us to God. Amen.
(source: F.B. McNutt, The Prayer Manual [London: Mowbray, 1961], p. 29,
adapted)
62. 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.
Christ Has No Body. Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks. Compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. - Teresa of Avila
Together we say the Pilgrims ' Prayer:
"St James, Apostle
Chosen among the first
You were the first to drink
The Cup of the Master
And you are the great protector of pilgrims;
Make us strong in faith
And happy in hope
On our pilgrim joumey
Following the path of Christian life
And sustain us so that
We may finally reach the glory of God the Father. Amen
The Wisdom of God
the Love of God and the Grace of God
strengthen youto be Christ’s hands and heart in this world, in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.
(source: Celtic)
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 Beloved Community. May we live our lives on a journey trusting that we may lean on God and where God is calling us to. Let us remember we are the Beloved Children and Family of God and Love. I love you and may you travel well in your sleep and remember our Celtic blessings and morning prayer:
God to enfold me,
God to surround me,
God in my speaking,
God in my thinking.
God in my sleeping,
God in my waking,
God in my watching,
God in my hoping.
God in my life,
God in my lips,
God in my soul,
God in my heart.
God in my sufficing,
God in my slumber,
God in mine ever-living soul,
God in mine eternity.
(Ancient celtic oral traditions - carmina gadelica)
May the blessing of light be on you - light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you like a great peat fire,
so that stranger and friend may come and warm himself at it.
And may light shine out of the two eyes of you,
like a candle set in the window of a house,
bidding the wanderer come in out of the storm.
And may the blessing of the rain be on you,
may it beat upon your Spirit and wash it fair and clean,
and leave there a shining pool where the blue of Heaven shines,
and sometimes a star.
And may the blessing of the earth be on you,
soft under your feet as you pass along the roads,
soft under you as you lie out on it, tired at the end of day;
and may it rest easy over you when, at last, you lie out under it.
May it rest so lightly over you that your soul may be out from under it quickly; up and off and on its way to God.
And now may the Lord bless you, and bless you kindly. Amen.
Scottish Blessing
If there is righteousness in the heart,
If there is righteousness in the heart,
there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character,
there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home,
there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
there will be peace in the world.
So let it be.
(Scottish Blessing)
I arise today
Through a mighty strength:
God's power to guide me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's eyes to watch over me;
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to give me speech,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to shelter me,
God's host to secure me.
(first millenium - bridgid of gael)
I love you and give God thanks for you this day and always!
Peace, love, prayers, and blessings,
Sara
Resources:
Walk With Me On Our Journey
Celtic prayers and blessings
A to Z quotes
E Common Prayer
Enriching our Worship
Online Book of Common Prayer
Quote Sites for Prayers
