Tuesday, June 18, 2019

A time to make vigil and pray and then take care of ourselves in quiet contemplation.




Good Evening Dear Ones!

Happy Take Care Tuesday! Today has been a very full day. That means a simple blog and a time to just be. So let us begin.

Please take time for our new daily moment of silence for those who have been affected by violence. Let us begin.


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.

Let us come together into this sacred circle of love and unity.

Joseph Barth: A Grace

We give thanks for Being;
We give thanks for being here;
We give thanks for being here together.


From the Arusha Call to Discipleship:

Loving God, we thank you for the gift of life in all its diversity and beauty. Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, we praise you that you came to find the lost, to free the oppressed, to heal the sick, and to convert the self-centred. Holy Spirit, we rejoice that you breathe in the life of the world and are poured out into our hearts. As we live in the Spirit, may we also walk in the Spirit. Grant us faith and courage to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus: becoming pilgrims of justice and peace in our time. For the blessing of your people, the sustaining of the earth, and the glory of your name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.



“*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 HanhGood Citizens: Creating Enlightened Society

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the
Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

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
A Smudging Prayer
 Creator, our Father in heaven, we come to you as your children. We confess that we are weak and broken images of you. We pray for the forgiveness and healing you give in Jesus Christ. May his Spirit clean our spirits, minds, hearts, and bodies. We pray that your Holy Spirit will help us to worship in spirit and truth. We pray in the name of Jesus, so that his Spirit will carry our prayers to you. Amen.


IN LAK’ECH


Tú eres mi otro yo.
You are my other me.


Si te hago daño a ti,
If I do harm to you,


Me hago daño a mi mismo.
I do harm to myself.


Si te amo y respeto,
If I love and respect you,

Me amo y respeto yo.
I love and respect myself.
Luis Valdez
We pray for all who came to the window today for food and humanity: We speak their names in love: Rick, Jerome, Erica, Luzanna, Brenda, Joshua, Alex, Marco, Ed, Kitty, Juan, Lolita, Rick 2, Miguel and those who are known only to God. 
We pray especially for Brenda who is coping with anemia and unemployment.


Psalm 134 Ecce nunc
1 Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, *
you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.
2 Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord; *
the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
Diversity is what makes unity possible, especially with love in our hearts! #RespectTheDignityOfEveryHumanBeing!


Let us spend a moment and reflect on this before we begin our time together in prayer and reflection. 
Let us begin!
Let us Sow Seeds of:
C= Compassion
A= Acceptance
L= Love
M = Mercy

Let us speak in words that are:
C= Comforting
A= Appreciative
L= Living and Loving
M= Mindful and Matter

Let our deeds be:
C= Caring and Compassionate
A= Admirable
L= Life giving
M= Mannerly

Let us choose to live a life of Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy. Let choose to speak in words that are courageous, amiable, enLightening, Mannered, and Make sense and don't harm or divide. Let our deeds be all these things.


Vigil I 

God we  Light our candles virtually and form a circle of unity and light to form a family truly who are compassionate, accepting, loving, and merciful.





God we pray this night that we may seek to love you, our family members, enemies, neighbors, and ourselves anyway even when we do not feel like it.

God we pray that we may draw together in a circle of love even when we haven't had the energy to do so. Give us the courage to do it anyway.

God we pray that we may build bridges and tear down walls and meet each other half-way and walk together as a beginning. Let us seek to walk together wherever we are on the bridge and path as long as we do it together anyway.

God we pray that we may kind to one another regardless how we feel. Gently tap us on the shoulder to do it anyway.

God we pray that we may learn what it means to be truly family members and serve and care for the least of these and do it anyway.

God we pray this night that we may be encircled with a prayer quilt of love and that we may shine our lighted candles towards each other's faces and see your love in their eyes.

God let us pray for all of our family members through out the world and draw them into this holy circle where they will feel loved, accepted, have universal human rights, dignity and be freed from terror, bigotry, abuse, and hatred. May we help our family members who are afraid to join the circle of CALM by taking their hands gently and with a comforting embrace with encouragement be drawn in and not be made to feel invisible.

God encircle our hearts, hands, spirits, lives, and each other as we shine your light to all in this fragile and broken world. Amen. 
We pray for all who are remembered on our Vigil Wall of Remembrance: Eldri, Layleen, and Zoe.


116 Dilexi, quoniam

1 I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of
my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever
I called upon him.

2 The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
I came to grief and sorrow.

3 Then I called upon the Name of the Lord: *
"O Lord, I pray you, save my life."

4 Gracious is the Lord and righteous; *
our God is full of compassion.

5 The Lord watches over the innocent; *
I was brought very low, and he helped me.

6 Turn again to your rest, O my soul. *
for the Lord has treated you well.

7 For you have rescued my life from death, *
my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.

8 I will walk in the presence of the Lord *
in the land of the livin

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

Revelation 7:13-17

13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?’ 14I said to him, ‘Sir, you are the one that knows.’ Then he said to me, ‘These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 
15 For this reason they are before the throne of God,
   and worship him day and night within his temple,
   and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. 
16 They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
   the sun will not strike them,
   nor any scorching heat; 
17 for the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd,
   and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’

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.

Luke 12:2-12

2Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 3Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops.


Exhortation to Fearless Confession

4 ‘I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. 5But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority* to cast into hell.* Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. 7But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

8 ‘And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; 9but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. 10And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how* you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; 12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.’
A Song of the Spirit
Revelation 22:12-17
“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord,
“and bringing my reward with me, *
to give to everyone according to their deeds.
39
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, *
the beginning and the end.”
Blessed are those who do God’s commandments,
that they may have the right to the tree of life, *
and may enter the city through the gates.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, *
with this testimony for all the churches.
“I am the root and the offspring of David, *
I am the bright morning star.”
“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; *
“Come!” let each hearer reply!
Come forward, you who are thirsty, *
let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.

Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your love in the heart of your holy martyr Bernard Mizeki: Grant unto us your servants a like faith and power of love, that we, who rejoice in his triumph, may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Vigil II

Let us vigil tonight in support of those who have the courage to speak truth to power and engage in non-violent protests.



God we pray for our brothers and sisters who have the courage to protest against the many troubling issues in this fragile and broken world.

We light one candle and ask for the courage to speak truth to power and follow the example of our brother Jesus who cleansed the Temple from the greedy money changers.



God, we pray for our brothers and sisters who had the courage to sit down and stay seated in response to the need for gun violence after many of the shootings in our country.

We light one candle,pray,  and sit down in solidarity of those who felt the need to not be moved regardless of the consequences.



God we pray for all who work to secure liberty and to affect change by doing petition drives and letter writing.

We light one candle and pray that we may have the courage to petition and write letters continually to affect change.



God we pray for all those who seek to do non-violent protest at military bases even when it is risky.

We light one candle and pray for all who take risks in protesting where it is not allowed or encouraged.





God we pray for those who work tirelessly for equality, justice, and for universal human rights.

We light one candle and pray that we may all may be one and that Justice may roll down and that we may ever seek to be CALM (Compassionate, Accepting, Loving, and Merciful)



God we pray for all protesters and change makers remembering especially these courageous ones tonight we add and speak the name of Heather Heyer:
1. Jesus. 
2. The early followers of Jesus who spread the God News and Good News to a broken world.
3. Our country's early fighters for liberty.
4. The civil rights martyrs
5. The marchers in Selma
6. The Martyrs of Japan, New Guinea, and all who spoke out and risked their faith.
7. The underground railroad
8. The Abolitionists
9. Chief Seattle
10 Martin Luther King Jr.
11, Stephen Biko
12. Martin Luther
13. Galileo
14. Those who fought at Wounded Knee
15. The Saint Patrick's Battalion
16. Vida Dutton Scudder
17. St. Francis of Asissi
18 Bernard Mizeki
19. Elie Wiesel and Dietrich Bonhoeffer
20. Moses
21. Susan B. Anthony
22. Rosa Parks
23. The early suffragettes
24. Terry Waite, Canon Andrew White
25. Black Elk
26: Festo Kivengere
27 Nelson Mandela
28 Malala
29. Anne Frank
30. Raoul Wallenberg
31. Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, William Wilberforce, John Newton, Alex Haley, ROOTS
32. Archbishop Desmond Tutu
33. Schindler
34. The Albanian Muslims who Saved the Jews in World War II
35 Johnathan Myrick Daniels
36, Florence Li Tim Oi
37 The Dalai Lama
38 Sacheen Littlefeather
39 Harvey Milk
40 Mahatma Gandhi
41 Oscar Romero
42. Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin
43. The Trail of Tears
44. The Righteous Gentiles
45. Madame C.J. Walker
46. Margaret Sanger
47. Gabby Giffords
48. The Orlando 49
49. Stonewall Martyrs
50. Ryan White, Arthur Ashe
51. Matthew Shepard
52. Malcolm X, Mohammed Ali, Salam Al Maryati,
53. Cesar Chavez
55. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Katherine Lee Bates, Marie Curie, The Philadelphia 11, Barbara Harris, Katharine Jefferts Schori
56. Seneca Falls Conference.
57. Christine Jorgenson, Billy Tipton, Renee Richards
58 Sally Ride, Billy Jean King, Sheila Kuehl, Martina Navratilova
59. Your heroes of social justice.
60. Triangle Shirt Factory Fire.
61. Dorothy Day
62 Jane Addams
63. Bishop Gene Robinson

Let us sing this song:
As we light our candles tonight!




We Are Marching in the Light of God

Tonight we will reflect on what is happening in our lives, the nation, and the world and asking ourselves how we can with God's and Jesus' help to help heal and bring peace to a broken world and for the reconciliation of the Family of God in love. Put on your favorite music or set the timer for 10 minutes and begin reflecting, resting, and center yourself in prayer.


Musical Selections:

I want Jesus to Walk With Me
Precious Lord Take My Hand 


Let us be at prayer

Jesus help us to go over to the other side and rest and pray with you.

We ask you Lord Jesus to come and tenderize our hearts and enliven our spirits to be the loving brothers and sisters to you and follow where you lead us.

Jesus show us the pathway to peace in our world. Help us to lay down our anger, suspicion, fears, and resentment of our family members whom we don't know very well.

Jesus we ask you to heal the many people on our prayer  list who are ill and have been newly diagnosed with cancer or any other disease. We remember them in our hearts and by name__________________

Jesus we pray for peace in the Middle East and all the holy places where you preached, healed, walked, and  made a difference in people's lives with your loving and accepting touch.

Jesus may we continually be at prayer for all of the 51 million + refugees who do not have a place to call home. Help us always to remember that you , Joseph, and Mary were refugees and went into the land of Egypt until the death of Herod.

Jesus we pray for all of your servants who are preparing for worship on Sunday. May they find the words to  amplify and enlighten the words of  Your Gospel Message.

Jesus we give thanks to you this day for_____________________
Jesus may we remember this day__________________________
Jesus may we celebrate with you this day these events in our lives and the lives of others especially____________
Jesus we give thanks to you this day for_________________________

Jesus we ask for forgiveness of our sins and help us lovingly forgive those who have harmed us and let go of the past and move forward.


Jesus give us loving and accepting hearts for all those who differ from us and may we see each person in God's world as reflection of You. May we always remember this 'The light of Christ in me recognizes the Light of Christ in you!' May we all be the light of the world and especially to this broken and violent world in which we live. May we sow seeds of peace and love wherever we go and live by your example.


Jesus may we with you comfort those who mourn the loss of loved ones and wrap our arms around them with prayer, love, compassion, and comfort.


Jesus we pray for all those who have died and are dying today remembering especially _____________ may they rest in peace and rise in glory.

Jesus  we pray for the least of these may we never look down on them but see you reflected in them. May we come to their aide and serve them.

Jesus may we never find ourselves too busy to help those in any need or want. May we and our faith families provide sanctuary for the least of these and never deprive any one of food, clothing, or shelter.

Jesus we lift up these our prayers to you in Your most Holy Name. Amen.

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.

The Lord’s Prayer or the alternative is said.
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.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Or
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.

The Song of Simeon Nunc dimittis
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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

God’s Blessing be with you,
Christ’s peace be with you,
the Spirit’s outpouring be with you,
now and always. Amen.
(source: Celtic)

What you hold may you always hold.
What you do, may you always do and never abandon.
But with swift pace, light step and unswerving feet,
so that even your steps stir up no dust,
Go forward, the spirit of our God has called you.(St. Clare)

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)
Good Night Dear Ones. I love you!
God's blessings and peace.
Sara
Resources
Metis Aboriginal Ministries
Enriching Our Worship
Book of Common Prayer 
Walk With Me On Our Journey
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Oremus Bible Browser
Prayers of Power
YouTube
Satucket Lectionary Page- Bernard Mizeki
Other Resources as Noted

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