"When you keep the porch light on for the prodigal child, you do what God does every single moment." ~ Max Lucado
Good Evening Dear Ones!
Happy Self-Care Saturday! Tonight we make vigil and pray. Nothing more, nothing less. So Walk With Me On Our Journey Family let us begin.
Come let us worship. Let us light our candles or turn on our porch lights and make sacred vigil and hold sacred space one to another.
Light of the World Phos hilaron
Light of the world, in grace and beauty,
Mirror of God’s eternal face,
Transparent flame of love’s free duty,
You bring salvation to our race.
Now, as we see the lights of evening,
We raise our voice in hymns of praise;
Worthy are you of endless blessing,
Sun of our night, lamp of our days.
Psalm 134 Ecce nunc
Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, *
you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.
Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; *
the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
Psalm 141:1-3,8ab Domine, clamavi
O LORD, I call to you; come to me quickly; *
hear my voice when I cry to you.
Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, *
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Set a watch before my mouth, O LORD,
and guard the door of my lips; *
let not my heart incline to any evil thing.
My eyes are turned to you, Lord GOD; *
in you I take refuge.
Tonight as we make vigil and pray let us remember that we must carry the light into the dark places:
We light carry God's light into the world with:
Our love
Our prayers and thanksgivings
Our shout outs and appreciations.
Our Hands, feet, arms,
Being a soft place in which to fall
Our willingness to learn about other people's point of view.
Open hearts.
Laughter
Joy
Acceptance
Compassion
Mercy
With our willingness to listen.
With out judging.
Hearts afire with love for God.
Share what you have.
Smile
See everyone as a family member when we look into their eyes.
Be open!
Be kind!
Be just!
Be the person that Jesus and God want you to be!
Speak kindly with loving and gentle words
Think before you speak.
Use your sense of humor wisely some of our family members may not know when you are teasing!
Let us think up more ways as we meditate on what it means to shine God's light in the dark places!
First say this The Light of Christ (God) in me Reflects the Light of Christ (God) in You!
Second say this The Love that God Gave Me I give to You. Give that Love to others!
We light carry God's light into the world with:
Our love
Our prayers and thanksgivings
Our shout outs and appreciations.
Our Hands, feet, arms,
Being a soft place in which to fall
Our willingness to learn about other people's point of view.
Open hearts.
Laughter
Joy
Acceptance
Compassion
Mercy
With our willingness to listen.
With out judging.
Hearts afire with love for God.
Share what you have.
Smile
See everyone as a family member when we look into their eyes.
Be open!
Be kind!
Be just!
Be the person that Jesus and God want you to be!
Speak kindly with loving and gentle words
Think before you speak.
Use your sense of humor wisely some of our family members may not know when you are teasing!
Let us think up more ways as we meditate on what it means to shine God's light in the dark places!
First say this The Light of Christ (God) in me Reflects the Light of Christ (God) in You!
Second say this The Love that God Gave Me I give to You. Give that Love to others!
Let us light our candles and be at prayer. We pray that as we enter into the remainder of this Lenten season we may seek to know God more deeply. We pray that we may love God, our neighbors/family members, and ourselves more fully. We pray that we may continue to love our enemies and stop the hate that is infecting God's fragile and Broken World. We pray that we may endeavor to be God's Children by being CALM ( Compassionate, Accepting, Loving, and Merciful) We pray that we may take up our crosses and join the Jesus Movement with Love Energy and ever widening heart homes. We lift up all God's children who are in vulnerable and dangerous situations. We lift up these our prayers to God and remember the words of St. Francis of Assisi :
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.
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.
Dear God in the silence and your light we hear your voice calling us to love, serve,and give thanks.
In the silence and your light O God,we pray that peace will prevail upon this your fragile and broken world.
In the silence O God, help us to realize that wherever we plant our feet, take a breath, and live that is holy ground for a holy people.
In the silence and your light O God, we pray for all of our family members who are in need of healing of body, mind, and spirits.
In the silence and your light O God, , help us to be still and know that You are God.
In the silence and your light O God, , we pray for the needs of the least of these that we may come into their lives without fear but quietly, gently, and with compassion.
In the silence and your light O God, listen for you walking in your Cathedral of Life at the time of the evening breeze.
In the silence and your light O God, give us loving and joyful hearts that are enlivened and on fire for you!
In the silence and your light O God, we give thanks for all of your goodness and mercy and offer our thanks______
In the silence and your light O God we pray for the troubled areas of the world and for all refugees, captives, political prisoners, victims of human trafficking, and violence in its many forms.
In the silence and your light O God, we pray for all who are mourning the losses of loved ones or any kind of loss. We pray that they may gradually accept silence as cleansing and healing and not something to run away from.
In the silence and your light O God, help us to rely and put our trust in your love, grace, mercy, and inclusion.
*In the silence and your light ,O God, help us at this time of year to tune out all the unnecessary hype and consumerism this holiday season brings. May we celebrate these holidays well and give us courage to put the true meanings of these holy and special days back into practice.
In the silence and your light O God, we add our additional prayers for ourselves and on behalf of others especially____________
In the silence and your light O God, we lift up these our prayers to your Only Son Jesus the Christ our redeemer, healer,reconciler, brother, master, and friend, Amen.
* This intercession may be used anytime there are holidays with unnecessary hype and consumerism. Psalm 103:1–4(5–8)9–12
Benedic, anima mea
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, *
and all that is within me, bless his holy Name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, *
and forget not all his benefits.
3 He forgives all your sins *
and heals all your infirmities;
4 He redeems your life from the grave *
and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness;
[5 He satisfies you with good things, *
and your youth is renewed like an eagle's.
6 The Lord executes righteousness *
and judgment for all who are oppressed.
7 He made his ways known to Moses *
and his works to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, *
slow to anger and of great kindness.]
9 He will not always accuse us, *
nor will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *
nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, *
so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, *
so far has he removed our sins from us.
Micah 7:14–15,18–20
Shepherd your people with your staff,
the flock that belongs to you,
which lives alone in a forest
in the midst of a garden land;
let them feed in Bashan and Gilead
as in the days of old.
As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt,
show us marvellous things.
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity
and passing over the transgression
of the remnant of your possession?
He does not retain his anger for ever,
because he delights in showing clemency.
He will again have compassion upon us;
he will tread our iniquities under foot.
You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea.
You will show faithfulness to Jacob
and unswerving loyalty to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our ancestors
from the days of old.
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
Luke 15:11–32
Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
“Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”
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.
Let us meditate upon these quotes that respond and reflect upon tonight's Gospel reading. Let us read, pause, reflect, and pray and hold each quote in our hearts for a space.
"I have come to know a God who has a soft spot for rebels, who recruits people like the adulterer David, the whiner Jeremiah, the traitor Peter, and the human-rights abuser Saul of Tarsus. I have come to know a God whose Son made prodigals the heroes of his stories and the trophies of his ministry." ~ Philip Yancey
"I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found." ~ Henri Nouwen
"Love never reasons, but profusely gives,
Gives, like a thoughtless prodigal, its all,
And trembles then, lest it has done too little." ~ Hannah More
"Jesus disclosed that God is compassionate. Jesus spoke of God that way: "Be compassionate, as God is compassionate." Compassion is the primary quality of the central figures in two of his most famous parables: the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. And Jesus himself, as a manifestation of the sacred, is often spoken of as embodying compassion." ~ Marcus Borg
"Grace is the celebration of life, relentlessly hounding all the non-celebrants in the world. It is a floating, cosmic bash shouting its way through the streets of the universe, flinging the sweetness of its cassations to every window, pounding at every door in a hilarity beyond all liking and happening, until the prodigals come out at last and dance, and the elder brothers finally take their fingers out of their ears." ~ Robert Farrar Capon
"The pattern of the prodigal is: rebellion, ruin, repentance, reconciliation, restoration." ~ Edwin Louis Cole
"The difference between mercy and grace? Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance. Grace gave him a feast." ~ Max Lucado
"The forgiveness of God is gratuitous liberation from guilt. Paradoxically, the conviction of personal sinfulness becomes the occasion of encounter with the merciful love of the redeeming God. "There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting..." (Luke 15:7). In his brokenness, the repentant prodigal knew an intimacy with his father that his sinless, self-righteous brother would never know." ~ Brennan Manning
Let us pray using Prayers for Today:Services for Congregational Worship
AND GIVE YOU THANKS
O God, our true life, in whom and by whom all things live, who by Your spirit commands us to seek You, and are ever ready to be found; to know You is Life, to serve You is freedom, to praise You is the joy and happiness of the soul. I praise You and give thanks for Your greatness.
For seasons of bounty and of beauty, for nights of quiet sleep, for days of health, for the glory of the earth and its ministry to our need; I bless You, O God.
For all the generations before us who, through effort and pain, have wrought so that we might be heirs of liberty and truth and peace; I thank You, and pray that I may enter into this heritage.
For new hopes of fairer life and nobler freedoms that stir the hearts of many people today; I praise You, O God.
For the discipline that enriches, for the burden that strengthens, for the failure that is true success, and for the sorrow that enlarges the soul; I give thanks, O God.
For the soul, and its powers, for strong desires to fashion ourselves after Your likeness, and all our world into new orders of beauty and right; I rejoice and give You thanks, and to You be the honor and the glory, worlds without end.
DELIVER US
O God, the Source of all being and all joy: fill us with Your power.
From jealousy and envy, from unrighteous anger and an unforgiving temper: deliver us.
From all ambition and greed which bring want and distress to multitudes and shut us from the fullness of life: deliver us.
From an unquiet spirit, from despondency and gloom, and from forgetfulness of the manifold goods of life: deliver us.
O You who are the God of each and of all, who has breathed Your own Spirit into Your children and made us to be at one with each other as members of your family: enable us more fully to provide refuge for every human being.
Amid diversities of knowledge and of faith, may we be one in affection and in unreserved devotion to You.
WALK WITH JOY
O God, who turns into morning the shadows of the night; may we be children of the light and of the day. Enlighten our reason, make clear our conscience, and purify our affections. We give ourselves to You this day, praying that we may be so governed by You that faithless distrust and all evil thoughts may be driven from our minds; that we may walk with joy in the light of Your countenance.
LIVING UNITY
O God, in whom are calmness and peace, reconcile the dissensions which divide us from one another, and bring us into a unity of purpose which may bear some likeness to You, that we may be spiritually one, as well in ourselves as with each other, through that peace of Yours which makes all things peaceful, and through the grace and tenderness wherewith You are our Father and Mother forever.
LITANY OF LOVE
O God, the source of all being and all joy, let Your blessings be upon us, and fill us with Your love. From all jealousy and envy, from all unkindness, from offense given or taken, from unrighteous anger and an impatient spirit, from a hard and unforgiving temper, and from evil speaking, O God, deliver us.
From all ambition and greed which bring want and distress to multitudes and debase the bodies and souls of many, shutting from them the fullness of life, O God, deliver us.
From an unquiet and discontented spirit, from despondency and gloom, from doubts of Your boundless love, and from forgetfulness of the manifold goods of life, O God, deliver us.
Inspire in us that spirit which suffers long and is kind; which envies not; boasts not itself, is not puffed up; which does not behave unseemly, and seeks not its own. Grant us to be filled with the fullness of Your spirit.
Quicken in us that charity which is not easily provoked, which thinks no evil, which rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; which bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things; the charity which never fails; That so by Your grace we may establish good will upon the earth.
O God, the Father and Mother of us all, who has breathed Your own spirit into Your children and made us to be one with each other as members of Your household: enable us to make Your house a refuge for every wounded spirit, a home for every aspiring soul. Amid diversities of knowledge and of faith, may we be one in spirit, in affection, and in devotion to You.
+++++
Let us love one another and be the loving family God made us to be
Let us love one another.
Let us love one
Let us love
Be Still and Know that I am God
Be Still and Know that I am.
Be Still and Know.
Be still.
Be
Peace be Still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Let us love one another and be the loving family God made us to be
Let us love one another.
Let us love one
Let us love
Be Still and Know that I am God
Be Still and Know that I am.
Be Still and Know.
Be still.
Be
Peace be Still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Let us love one another and be the loving family God made us to be
Let us love one another.
Let us love one
Let us love
Be Still and Know that I am God
Be Still and Know that I am.
Be Still and Know.
Be still.
Be
Peace be Still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Let us love one another and be the loving family God made us to be
Let us love one another.
Let us love one
Let us love
Be Still and Know that I am God
Be Still and Know that I am.
Be Still and Know.
Be still.
Be
Peace be Still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Let us love one another and be the loving family God made us to be
Let us love one another.
Let us love one
Let us love
Be Still and Know that I am God
Be Still and Know that I am.
Be Still and Know.
Be still.
Be
Peace be Still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Let us love one another and be the loving family God made us to be
Let us love one another.
Let us love one
Let us love
Be Still and Know that I am God
Be Still and Know that I am.
Be Still and Know.
Be still.
Be
Peace be Still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Let us love one another and be the loving family God made us to be
We pray this night to God, for ourselves, our family members with hearts that are open to all with love and mercy.
We pray this night for the heartbroken and those who are in need of loving care.
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray this night for all caregivers who are being drained and need respite.
God create in us the will an compassion to serve others who are in need of our loving response to them.
We pray this night for all who are longing for love and companionship.
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray this night for all the least of these that we may be able to help them in anyway we can.
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray for all of our faith communities that we may learn from them with hearts and minds open to seek common ground.
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray this night for all who have died that they may rest in peace and rise in glory.
We pray this night especially for______________________________
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray that we may practice good conservation in the preservation of God's Cathedral of life.
We pray that we all may find soft places to fall and that they may be places of human and physical sanctuary.God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray, We pray, We pray and we pray some more for any tender concern that is on our hearts this night ________________
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray these our prayers this night for all refugees, migrants, victims of human trafficking and any and all forms of violence.
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We offer these our prayers in the name of Jesus. Amen.
We pray this night for the heartbroken and those who are in need of loving care.
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray this night for all caregivers who are being drained and need respite.
God create in us the will an compassion to serve others who are in need of our loving response to them.
We pray this night for all who are longing for love and companionship.
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray this night for all the least of these that we may be able to help them in anyway we can.
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray this night especially for______________________________
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray that we all may find soft places to fall and that they may be places of human and physical sanctuary.God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray, We pray, We pray and we pray some more for any tender concern that is on our hearts this night ________________
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We pray these our prayers this night for all refugees, migrants, victims of human trafficking and any and all forms of violence.
God create in us loving hearts to be truly family members one to another.
We offer these our prayers in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The Beatitudes - Matthew
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (5:3)
Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4)
Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10)
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (5:3)
Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4)
Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10)
Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
Christ Has No Body
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
For our Enemies (From the BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER)
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Teach me to listen, O God, to those nearest me, my family, my friends, my co-workers.
Help me to be aware that no matter what words I hear, the message is, “Accept the person I am. Listen to me.”
Teach me to listen, my caring God, to those far from me– the whisper of the hopeless, the plea of the forgotten, the cry of the anguished.
Teach me to listen, O God my Mother, to myself. Help me to be less afraid to trust the voice inside — in the deepest part of me.
Teach me to listen, Holy Spirit, for your voice — in busyness and in boredom, in certainty and doubt, in noise and in silence.
Teach me, Lord, to listen. Amen.
God we lift up these our prayers in the Name of your Son Jesus. Amen.
It is the God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:6-10
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Episcopal Church -Lenten Resources 2019
Sacred Ground -Episcopal Church
Christ Has No Body
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
For our Enemies (From the BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER)
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Teach me To Listen
by
John Veltri, S.J.
Help me to be aware that no matter what words I hear, the message is, “Accept the person I am. Listen to me.”
Teach me to listen, my caring God, to those far from me– the whisper of the hopeless, the plea of the forgotten, the cry of the anguished.
Teach me to listen, O God my Mother, to myself. Help me to be less afraid to trust the voice inside — in the deepest part of me.
Teach me to listen, Holy Spirit, for your voice — in busyness and in boredom, in certainty and doubt, in noise and in silence.
Teach me, Lord, to listen. Amen.
God we lift up these our prayers in the Name of your Son Jesus. Amen.
We close our time together with these prayers:
James Martineau: Prayer
A PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Eternal God, who commits to us the swift and solemn trust of life: since we know not what a day may bring forth, but only that the hour for serving You is always present, may we wake to Your instant claims, not waiting for tomorrow, but yielding today. Lay to rest the resistance of our passion, indolence, or fear. Consecrate the way our feet may go, and the humblest work will shine, and the roughest faces be made plain. Lift us above unrighteous anger and mistrust into faith and hope and charity, through steady reliance on You. So may we be modest in our time of wealth, patient under disappointment, ready for danger, serene in death. In all things, draw us to Yourself that Your lost image may be traced again, and we may be at one with You.
It is the God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:6-10
Diann Neu: Blessed Be Our Hands
Blessed be the work of our hands.
Blessed be these hands that touch life.
Blessed be these hands that nurture creativity.
Blessed be these hands that hold pain.
Blessed be these hands that embrace with passion.
Blessed be these hands that tend gardens.
Blessed bed these hands that close in anger.
Blessed be these hands that plant new seeds.
Blessed be these hands that harvest ripe fields.
Blessed be these hands that clean, wash, mop, scrub.
Blessed be these hands that become knotty with age.
Blessed be these hands that wrinkle and scar from doing justice.
Blessed are these hands that reach out and are received.
Blessed are these hands that hold the promise of the future.
Blessed be the works of our hands and hearts.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
now and for ever. Amen.
or the alternative form from A New Zealand Prayer Book.
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:
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.
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.
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.
now and for ever. Amen.
Lord,
it is night.
The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.
It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.
The night is dark.
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives
rest in you.
The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.
The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.
In your name we pray.
Amen.
Creator God we pray that we may reflect your loving image in every family member we come in contact with even ourselves when we feel at our lowest.
God hear our prayers.
Creator God help us to re-learn how to be good stewards of your creation and help you heal the land and bring it back to health. May we always remember it is sacred land that doesn't belong to us.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God help us we pray to stop being selfish and learn to be selfless and care for your children, our family members without hidden agendas.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God remind us daily with that not so gentle taps on the shoulder when we fall short and need to go back to holy basics of being your children. Help us to practice humble repentance and heal our hearts that need extra expansion.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God we pray for all who are ill remembering _____________________.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God we pray that we may reflect your light and image to others each day by being compassionate, accepting, loving and merciful. May we remember always the least of these are not they but we.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God we pray for and end to violence, hatred, destruction, and all dark habits that seek only to divide and not unite.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God help us to be your COGs (Children of God) and make peace every day by being peace makers.
God hear our prayers.
We lift these our prayers in the Name of God the Creator, Jesus the Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit the Holy Comforter our Advocate and Guide. Amen.
or these
Loving and gracious God, we pray for peace in the world and that we may become peace makers and Children of God.
Gentle and compassionate God, we pray and remember all those who have died and those who are mourning.
Holy God, help us to remember and pray that we may always acknowledge the sacredness of life and that each day is holy.
Loving and creator God, we pray for children that they may be protected from harm.
God of many names we pray for strong bonds of love and friendship may grow among all faith communities.
God we pray for peace in our hearts, minds, and spirits as we prepare in the coming weeks Holy Week when we follow Jesus into Jerusalem, the Upper room, the foot of the Cross, and on Easter Morning at the entry of the Empty Tomb,
God of Health and healing, we pray for all those who are ill and those who are in need of healing. May we remember especially this night___________
God who loves us and includes us all we pray for all the least of these and that we may lovingly respond to their needs. Help us always to remember they are our family members too.
Loving God we lift these our prayers in the Name of Your Son Jesus. Amen.
God hear our prayers.
Creator God help us to re-learn how to be good stewards of your creation and help you heal the land and bring it back to health. May we always remember it is sacred land that doesn't belong to us.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God help us we pray to stop being selfish and learn to be selfless and care for your children, our family members without hidden agendas.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God remind us daily with that not so gentle taps on the shoulder when we fall short and need to go back to holy basics of being your children. Help us to practice humble repentance and heal our hearts that need extra expansion.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God we pray for all who are ill remembering _____________________.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God we pray that we may reflect your light and image to others each day by being compassionate, accepting, loving and merciful. May we remember always the least of these are not they but we.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God we pray for and end to violence, hatred, destruction, and all dark habits that seek only to divide and not unite.
God hear our prayers.
Creating God help us to be your COGs (Children of God) and make peace every day by being peace makers.
God hear our prayers.
We lift these our prayers in the Name of God the Creator, Jesus the Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit the Holy Comforter our Advocate and Guide. Amen.
or these
Loving and gracious God, we pray for peace in the world and that we may become peace makers and Children of God.
Gentle and compassionate God, we pray and remember all those who have died and those who are mourning.
Holy God, help us to remember and pray that we may always acknowledge the sacredness of life and that each day is holy.
Loving and creator God, we pray for children that they may be protected from harm.
God of many names we pray for strong bonds of love and friendship may grow among all faith communities.
God we pray for peace in our hearts, minds, and spirits as we prepare in the coming weeks Holy Week when we follow Jesus into Jerusalem, the Upper room, the foot of the Cross, and on Easter Morning at the entry of the Empty Tomb,
God of Health and healing, we pray for all those who are ill and those who are in need of healing. May we remember especially this night___________
God who loves us and includes us all we pray for all the least of these and that we may lovingly respond to their needs. Help us always to remember they are our family members too.
Loving God we lift these our prayers in the Name of Your Son Jesus. Amen.
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
In the Evening
O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows
lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is
hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.
Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest,
and peace at the last. Amen.
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
In the Evening
O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows
lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is
hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.
Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest,
and peace at the last. Amen.
According to the riches of God’s glory, may you be strengthened with the might through the Holy Spirit in your inner being, and may Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with the fulness of God.Ephesians 3:16-19
Closing Prayer
Creator God, you call us into relationship with others as co-creators of the world we inhabit. We see the damage done to this fragile earth and all who reside within it, and we want to change it. Show us the ways to simplify our physical lives in ways that will broaden our souls, magnify our interconnectedness, and strengthen our bond to you. All this we ask through the one who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessing, light, and glory surround us
and scatter the darkness of the long and lonely night.
++++
Good Night Dear Ones! I love you! Take time for a breather with the following mindfulness exercises this week before we take our rest and reflect during our weekend retreat.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Joseph Barth: A Grace
We give thanks for Being;
We give thanks for being here;
We give thanks for being here together.
++++
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that God is Love.
Be still and know that You are Love.
Be sill and know that I Am Love.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Slowly inhale.
Hold.
Slowly exhale
Pause. Count to 10.
Breathing Exercises with Thich Nhat Hanh
“*Breathing in, I know this is my in-breath.
Breathing out, I know this is my out-breath.*
It's very simple, but very effective. When we bring our attention to our in-breath and our out-breath, we stop thinking of the past; we stop thinking of the future; and we begin to come home to ourselves...Don't think this practice doesn't apply to you. If we don't go home to ourselves, we can't be at our best and serve the world in the best way... Our quality of being is the foundation for the quality of our actions.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of my whole body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of my whole body.*
Breathing mindfully brings us back to our bodies. We have to acknowledge our bodies first because tension and suffering accumulate in the body. Breathing in this way, we create a kind of family reunion between mind and body. The mind becomes an embodied mind.
...We can't do our best if we don't know to release the tension and pain in ourselves.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of the tension in my body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of the tension in my body.*
When we look at the suffering around us, at poverty, violence, or climate change, we may want to solve these things immediately. We want to do something. But to do something effectively and ethically, we need to be our best selves in order to be able to handle the suffering...
*Breathing in, I am aware of a painful feeling arising.
Breathing out, I release the painful feeling.*
This is a nonviolent and gentle way to help our bodies release tension and pain. It is possible to practice mindful breathing in order to produce a feeling of joy, a feeling of happiness. When we are well-nourished and know how to create joy, then we are strong enough to handle the deep pain within ourselves and the world.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh, Good Citizens: Creating Enlightened Society
The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh: A Litany for Peace
As we are together praying for Peace, let us be truly with each other.
Silence
Let us pay attention to our breathing.
Silence
Let us be relaxed in our bodies and our minds.
Silence
Let us return to ourselves and become wholly ourselves.
Silence
Let us be aware of the Source of Being common to us all and to all that is.
Silence
Evoking the presence of the Great Companion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion—towards ourselves and toward all living beings.
Silence
Let us pray that all living beings realize that they are all nourished from the same Source of Life.
Silence
Let us pray that we ourselves cease to be the cause of needless suffering.
Silence
Let us pray that we may live in a way which will not needlessly deprive other living beings of air, water, food, shelter, or the chance to live in health.
Silence
With reverence for Life and with awareness of the sufferings that are going on around us, let us pray for the establishment of peace in our hearts and on earth.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Joseph Barth: A Grace
We give thanks for Being;
We give thanks for being here;
We give thanks for being here together.
++++
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that God is Love.
Be still and know that You are Love.
Be sill and know that I Am Love.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Slowly inhale.
Hold.
Slowly exhale
Pause. Count to 10.
Breathing Exercises with Thich Nhat Hanh
“*Breathing in, I know this is my in-breath.
Breathing out, I know this is my out-breath.*
It's very simple, but very effective. When we bring our attention to our in-breath and our out-breath, we stop thinking of the past; we stop thinking of the future; and we begin to come home to ourselves...Don't think this practice doesn't apply to you. If we don't go home to ourselves, we can't be at our best and serve the world in the best way... Our quality of being is the foundation for the quality of our actions.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of my whole body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of my whole body.*
Breathing mindfully brings us back to our bodies. We have to acknowledge our bodies first because tension and suffering accumulate in the body. Breathing in this way, we create a kind of family reunion between mind and body. The mind becomes an embodied mind.
...We can't do our best if we don't know to release the tension and pain in ourselves.
*Breathing in, I'm aware of the tension in my body.
Breathing out, I'm aware of the tension in my body.*
When we look at the suffering around us, at poverty, violence, or climate change, we may want to solve these things immediately. We want to do something. But to do something effectively and ethically, we need to be our best selves in order to be able to handle the suffering...
*Breathing in, I am aware of a painful feeling arising.
Breathing out, I release the painful feeling.*
This is a nonviolent and gentle way to help our bodies release tension and pain. It is possible to practice mindful breathing in order to produce a feeling of joy, a feeling of happiness. When we are well-nourished and know how to create joy, then we are strong enough to handle the deep pain within ourselves and the world.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh, Good Citizens: Creating Enlightened Society
The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh: A Litany for Peace
As we are together praying for Peace, let us be truly with each other.
Silence
Let us pay attention to our breathing.
Silence
Let us be relaxed in our bodies and our minds.
Silence
Let us return to ourselves and become wholly ourselves.
Silence
Let us be aware of the Source of Being common to us all and to all that is.
Silence
Evoking the presence of the Great Companion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion—towards ourselves and toward all living beings.
Silence
Let us pray that all living beings realize that they are all nourished from the same Source of Life.
Silence
Let us pray that we ourselves cease to be the cause of needless suffering.
Silence
Let us pray that we may live in a way which will not needlessly deprive other living beings of air, water, food, shelter, or the chance to live in health.
Silence
With reverence for Life and with awareness of the sufferings that are going on around us, let us pray for the establishment of peace in our hearts and on earth.
With love and peace and blessings flowing.
Sara
Here is a bonus on how to take action;
This is the day that God has called us to stop the hate and all the negativity and reunite with each other as family members and yes that includes our enemies. Everyone is a beloved child of God.
How do we do this and what are the rules of the road?
As Maria says in "The Sound of Music" "Let's start from the very beginning!"
We must seek common ground and question our words, deeds, and thoughts towards each other . This is called self-examination!
We must recognize the holy in all people, places, places of worship, and in God's Cathedral of life.
We must walk like Jesus walked, Talk like Jesus talked, Love like Jesus loved. Forgive like Jesus Forgave.
We need to get a mirror and look at ourselves and see who God sees and who God made.
We need to look at ourselves and tell ourselves this "I love you!'
We need to begin to reacquaint ourselves with our family members and seek to not be estranged.
We need to show love for one another with generosity and care.
We need to begin to stop the hate and violence towards all our family members who differ from us.
We need to be practitioners of social justice, civil disobedience, and peaceful non-violent protest without fear and whenever necessary.
We need to model ourselves after God and Jesus and engage in radical love and hospitality towards everyone.
We need to choose our words and actions rightly.
We need to stop politicizing events such as 9/11 and come together as one.
We must sow seeds of Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy.
We must strive to respect the dignity of every human being.
We must strive to make peace and show those who do not know how to make peace the right way with love, justice, mercy, and humility.
We must learn to be one with one another without spite and without malice.
We must love!
This is the day that God has called us to stop the hate and all the negativity and reunite with each other as family members and yes that includes our enemies. Everyone is a beloved child of God.
How do we do this and what are the rules of the road?
As Maria says in "The Sound of Music" "Let's start from the very beginning!"
We must seek common ground and question our words, deeds, and thoughts towards each other . This is called self-examination!
We must recognize the holy in all people, places, places of worship, and in God's Cathedral of life.
We must walk like Jesus walked, Talk like Jesus talked, Love like Jesus loved. Forgive like Jesus Forgave.
We need to get a mirror and look at ourselves and see who God sees and who God made.
We need to look at ourselves and tell ourselves this "I love you!'
We need to begin to reacquaint ourselves with our family members and seek to not be estranged.
We need to show love for one another with generosity and care.
We need to begin to stop the hate and violence towards all our family members who differ from us.
We need to be practitioners of social justice, civil disobedience, and peaceful non-violent protest without fear and whenever necessary.
We need to model ourselves after God and Jesus and engage in radical love and hospitality towards everyone.
We need to choose our words and actions rightly.
We need to stop politicizing events such as 9/11 and come together as one.
We must sow seeds of Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy.
We must strive to respect the dignity of every human being.
We must strive to make peace and show those who do not know how to make peace the right way with love, justice, mercy, and humility.
We must learn to be one with one another without spite and without malice.
We must love!
Help us as we remember and pray that these are necessary concepts as we go forward every year from this commemoration.
#WordsDeedsandThoughtsMatter
#WordsDeedsandThoughtsMatter
#LoveIsTheWay
#EveryoneIsABelovedChildOfGod
#RespectTheDignityOfEveryHumanBeing
#WeMustStriveToBeEmpathetic
#WalkTheWalkThatJesusWalked
#CallEachOthersBadBehaviorOut
#WeMustStriveToBeEmpathetic
#WalkTheWalkThatJesusWalked
#CallEachOthersBadBehaviorOut
Resources and Homework
Missed last weekend's vigils? Here are links:
Today's homework as we begin to work towards being good stewards of God's Cathedral of Life:
I challenge everyone whose church has Lenten Soup Suppers to bring your own cup, bowl, soup spoon,knife and maybe a cloth napkin every week and beyond. NO MORE SINGLE USE PRODUCTS.
Purchase metal soup spoons!
Beginning tomorrow and throughout the week please use Meditation 3. Please click on the link below.
Do you know how to be an effective recycler?
Did you go without a plastic straw today?
Consider how you can save money by going car free and reducing your carbon footprint.
Consider how you can reduce your dependence upon single use plastic.
Learn about: Industrial Christian Fellowship
During the season of Lent we will be returning to our meditation and mindfulness exercises so that we may calm our hearts and spirits and practice self-emptying. The quotes to ponder will be placed in the resources section with homework questions throughout the week. This is a time to journal our journey.
We continue to use our toolkit during Lent :
Worry Free Sabbath (Jar, Journal, Box) Work
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Bible of your choice or explore the different versions or translations with BibleGateway.com
Community resource directory
Church or social justice newsletter
Episcopal Church -Lenten Resources 2019
Sacred Ground -Episcopal Church
Sojourners
ReclaimingJesus.org
Matthew25Pledge.com
Watch this space as we join the Good Book Club and read Romans for the season of Epiphany!
Exodus 3:1-15
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
Jer. 6:9-15; 1 Cor. 6:12-20; Mark 5:1-20
A to Z Quotes
Book of Occasional Services
The Northumbria Community
Enjoy perusing these sites.
Today's Readings
Saturday in the Second Week of Lent
Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Daily:
Saints of the Day:
Almighty God, whose will it is to be glorified in your saints, and who raised up your servant Gregory the Illuminator to be a light in the world, and to preach the Gospel to the people of Armenia: Shine, we pray, in our hearts, that we also in our generation may show forth your praise, who called us out of darkness into your marvelous light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Tomorrow's readings:
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Exodus 3:1-15
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
Daily:
AM Psalm 93, 96; PM Psalm 34 Jer. 6:9-15; 1 Cor. 6:12-20; Mark 5:1-20
Saint of the Day Omitted this Year: St. Oscar Romero
Almighty God, you called your servant Oscar Romero to be a voice for the voiceless poor, and to give his life as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope: Grant that, inspired by his sacrifice and the example of the martyrs of El Salvador, we may without fear or favor witness to your Word who abides, your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen.
A teaser quotes for tomorrow, today!
"The ones who have a voice must speak for those who are voiceless." ~ Oscar Romero
"Each time we look upon the poor, on the farmworkers who harvest the coffee, the sugarcane, or the cotton... remember, there is the face of Christ." ~ Oscar Romero
Book of Common Prayer (bcponline.org)
Enriching our Worship 1 and 2
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Walk With Me On Our Journey
Metis Aboriginal Ministries
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