Good Evening Beloved Community!
It is Porch Light Prayer Vigil Time and our first weekend retreat for the month of August. This weekend we decide what our personal social justice actions will be and the forms they will take. For many weeks we have spent time in quiet discernment and journalling, now is the time to act. You need not share it with the group because God knows what is in your heart. Tonight we meditate upon
selected quotes using the form we have been using since Wednesday: Read quote, Pause, Reflect, and Pray. Our lessons come from the Common of Saints on the Mission of the Church that give us our directions. Our vigil will begin with the Litany of Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh following our meditation time. So let us begin by meditating upon the "Peace be's"
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Now let us meditate upon these quotes:
"Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself." ~ Harvey Fierstein
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"To help us bring benefit to others through our words and actions, it is useful to cultivate an attitude of sympathetic joy in others’ achievements and good fortune. This attitude is a powerful antidote against envy, which is not only a source of unnecessary suffering on the individual level but also an obstacle to our ability to reach out and engage with others." ~ Dalai Lama
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"Spiteful words can hurt your feelings but silence breaks your heart." ~ C. S. Lewis
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"If love is in our hearts, every thought, word, and deed can bring about a miracle. Because understanding is the very foundation of love, words and actions that emerge from our love are always helpful." ~ Nhat Hanh
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak." ~ Audre Lorde
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"...love is our true nature. When we do not express love in our words and actions it is like honey hidden in a rock." ~ Mata Amritanandamayi
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." ~ Elie Wiesel
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"When you create a soul, plant the seeds of love with your thoughts, words, and actions . The soul flourishes among the flow-ers of love." ~ Revathi
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"A voice is a human gift; it should be cherished and used, to utter fully human speech as possible. Powerlessness and silence go together." ~ Margaret Atwood
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby, and by the laws of this land. Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people regardless of station, race, or calling." ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"If I sit next to a madman as he drives a car into a group of innocent bystanders, I can't, as a Christian, simply wait for the catastrophe, then comfort the wounded and bury the dead. I must try to wrestle the steering wheel out of the hands of the driver." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"Silence in the face of evil is evil itself." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"Without community, there is no liberation." ~ Audre Lorde
Reflect.
Pray.
"Your silence will not protect you." ~ Audre Lorde
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
Let us make vigil:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but citizens together with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17, NRSV
But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!” - Numbers 11:29
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
Joseph Barth: A Grace
We give thanks for Being;
We give thanks for being here;
We give thanks for being here together.
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.
THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
Lest we forget the great traditions of freedom and faith which are the heritage of humanity; lest we forget the pioneers, the statesmen, the bridge builders, the artists; and lest we forget You, the God of our fore bears who is our God also:
We light this candle of remembrance.
For the hope of a better world, in which righteousness and peace shall prevail among the people of the earth, and to create which is the task of the generations in which we stand, as well as for the courage and faith we shall need if we are to carry on this unfinished work:
We light this candle of consecration.
May the flame upon the altar of free faith shine in our hearts al ways, reminding us of the dark places to which we may carry light and strengthening us in every moment of doubt and discouragement with unwavering faith in You whom we serve and whose we are.
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
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.
As we light our candles tonight let us be mindful of all who suffer various forms of anxiety and are afraid to ask for help. Tonight as we pray let us prayerfully and lovingly encircle one another with a prayer quilt of CALM ( compassion acceptance love and mercy) and that we may feel the warmth of this quilt when ever we need it. God give us courage to lean on and learn from each other. God help us to find ways to show and be love to the unlovable and marginalized and yes even our enemies too. God we pray that we may deepen our relationship with you and each other. Help us to hear your voice at the very depths of our souls and in the voices of others whom you have brought into our lives for a reason. Let us hold the virtual Light of Christ to one another this night and say" The Light of Christ in Me, Recognizes the light of Christ in You!" and The Love that God gave Me I give to you and my neighbor. Holy and loving God help us remember that Love patience, and understanding and peaceful nonviolent protests are the keys to affect change in this fragile and broken world.
God of compassion, you have reconciled us in Jesus Christ who is our peace: Enable us to live as Jesus lived, breaking down walls of hostility and healing enmity. Give us grace to make peace with those from whom we are divided, that, forgiven and forgiving, we may ever be one in Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns for ever, one holy and undivided Trinity. 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.
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 living and departed,remembering especially these courageous ones tonight we add and speak the name of Blaze Bernstein:
Jesus.
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)
Psalm 23 Dominus regit me
1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Reflect.
Pray.
Let us make vigil:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but citizens together with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17, NRSV
But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!” - Numbers 11:29
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
Joseph Barth: A Grace
We give thanks for Being;
We give thanks for being here;
We give thanks for being here together.
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.
THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
Lest we forget the great traditions of freedom and faith which are the heritage of humanity; lest we forget the pioneers, the statesmen, the bridge builders, the artists; and lest we forget You, the God of our fore bears who is our God also:
We light this candle of remembrance.
For the hope of a better world, in which righteousness and peace shall prevail among the people of the earth, and to create which is the task of the generations in which we stand, as well as for the courage and faith we shall need if we are to carry on this unfinished work:
We light this candle of consecration.
May the flame upon the altar of free faith shine in our hearts al ways, reminding us of the dark places to which we may carry light and strengthening us in every moment of doubt and discouragement with unwavering faith in You whom we serve and whose we are.
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
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.
As we light our candles tonight let us be mindful of all who suffer various forms of anxiety and are afraid to ask for help. Tonight as we pray let us prayerfully and lovingly encircle one another with a prayer quilt of CALM ( compassion acceptance love and mercy) and that we may feel the warmth of this quilt when ever we need it. God give us courage to lean on and learn from each other. God help us to find ways to show and be love to the unlovable and marginalized and yes even our enemies too. God we pray that we may deepen our relationship with you and each other. Help us to hear your voice at the very depths of our souls and in the voices of others whom you have brought into our lives for a reason. Let us hold the virtual Light of Christ to one another this night and say" The Light of Christ in Me, Recognizes the light of Christ in You!" and The Love that God gave Me I give to you and my neighbor. Holy and loving God help us remember that Love patience, and understanding and peaceful nonviolent protests are the keys to affect change in this fragile and broken world.
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.
"Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love?' These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will be many fruits, here in this world and the life to come." - Henri Nouwen
"We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust. We must dissent from a nation that has buried its head in the sand, waiting in vain for the needs of its poor, its elderly, and its sick to disappear and just blow away. We must dissent from a government that has left its young without jobs, education or hope. We must dissent from the poverty of vision and the absence of moral leadership. We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better." ~ Thurgood Marshall
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.
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.
+++
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
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.
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.
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 living and departed,remembering especially these courageous ones tonight we add and speak the name of Blaze Bernstein:
Jesus.
The early followers of Jesus who spread the God News and Good News to a broken world.
Heather Heyer
Our country's early fighters for liberty.
The civil rights martyrs
The marchers in Selma
The Martyrs of Japan, New Guinea, and all who spoke out and risked their faith.
The underground railroad
The Abolitionists
Chief Seattle
The civil rights martyrs
The marchers in Selma
The Martyrs of Japan, New Guinea, and all who spoke out and risked their faith.
The underground railroad
The Abolitionists
Chief Seattle
Greta Thunberg
Martin Luther King Jr.
Stephen Biko
Martin Luther
Galileo
Those who fought at Wounded Knee
The Saint Patrick's Battalion
Vida Dutton Scudder
St. Francis of Asissi
Bernard Mizeki
Elie Wiesel and Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Moses
Susan B. Anthony
Rosa Parks
The early suffragettes
Terry Waite, Canon Andrew White
Black Elk
Festo Kivengere
Nelson Mandela
Malala
Anne Frank
Raoul Wallenberg
Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, William Wilberforce, John Newton, Alex Haley, ROOTS
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Oskar Schindler
The Albanian Muslims who Saved the Jews in World War II
Johnathan Myrick Daniels
Florence Li Tim Oi
The Dalai Lama
Sacheen Littlefeather
Harvey Milk
Mahatma Gandhi
Oscar Romero
Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin
The Trail of Tears
The Righteous Gentiles
Madame C.J. Walker
Margaret Sanger
Gabby Giffords
The Orlando 49
Stonewall Martyrs
Ryan White, Arthur Ashe
Matthew Shepard
Malcolm X, Mohammed Ali, Salam Al Maryati,
Cesar Chavez
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Katherine Lee Bates, Marie Curie, The Philadelphia 11, Barbara Harris, Katharine Jefferts Schori
Seneca Falls Convention
Martin Luther King Jr.
Stephen Biko
Martin Luther
Galileo
Those who fought at Wounded Knee
The Saint Patrick's Battalion
Vida Dutton Scudder
St. Francis of Asissi
Bernard Mizeki
Elie Wiesel and Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Moses
Susan B. Anthony
Rosa Parks
The early suffragettes
Terry Waite, Canon Andrew White
Black Elk
Festo Kivengere
Nelson Mandela
Malala
Anne Frank
Raoul Wallenberg
Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, William Wilberforce, John Newton, Alex Haley, ROOTS
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Oskar Schindler
The Albanian Muslims who Saved the Jews in World War II
Johnathan Myrick Daniels
Florence Li Tim Oi
The Dalai Lama
Sacheen Littlefeather
Harvey Milk
Mahatma Gandhi
Oscar Romero
Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin
The Trail of Tears
The Righteous Gentiles
Madame C.J. Walker
Margaret Sanger
Gabby Giffords
The Orlando 49
Stonewall Martyrs
Ryan White, Arthur Ashe
Matthew Shepard
Malcolm X, Mohammed Ali, Salam Al Maryati,
Cesar Chavez
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Katherine Lee Bates, Marie Curie, The Philadelphia 11, Barbara Harris, Katharine Jefferts Schori
Seneca Falls Convention
The Rev. Dr. James H. Cone
Louis Crew
Susan Russell
Mary Glasspool
Christine Jorgenson, Billy Tipton, Renee Richards
Sally Ride, Billy Jean King, Sheila Kuehl, Martina Navratilova
Your heroes of social justice.
Triangle Shirt Factory Fire.
Dorothy Day
Jane Addams
Christine Jorgenson, Billy Tipton, Renee Richards
Sally Ride, Billy Jean King, Sheila Kuehl, Martina Navratilova
Your heroes of social justice.
Triangle Shirt Factory Fire.
Dorothy Day
Jane Addams
Bishop Gene Robinson
The Victims of Lynching and Hate Crimes
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.
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:
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 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.
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 Family! I love you and give thanks to God for you this day and always. May we remember these words from one of my favorite hymns:
Take my life and let it be -Francis R. Havergal - The verses in bold let us change the pronouns to our and see how wonderful this makes us a community.
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
*Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
With love and blessings,
1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
96 Cantate Domino
1 Sing to the Lord a new song; *
sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.
2 Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; *
proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations *
and his wonders among all peoples.
4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *
he is more to be feared than all gods.
5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *
but it is the Lord who made the heavens.
6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *
Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!
7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; *
ascribe to the Lord honor and power.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; *
bring offerings and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; *
let the whole earth tremble before him.
10 Tell it out among the nations: "The Lord is King! *
he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity."
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy
before the Lord when he comes, *
when he comes to judge the earth.
13 He will judge the world with righteousness *
and the peoples with his truth.
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.
Isaiah 2:2-4
2 In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3 Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
A Song of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 36:24-28
I will take you from among all nations; *
and gather you from all lands to bring you home.
I will sprinkle clean water upon you; *
and purify you from false gods and uncleanness.
A new heart I will give you *
and a new spirit put within you.
I will take the stone heart from your chest *
and give you a heart of flesh.
I will help you walk in my laws *
and cherish my commandments and do them.
You shall be my people, *
and I will be your God.
Ephesians 2:13-22
13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16and might reconcile both groups to God in one body* through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.* 17So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.* 21In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22in whom you also are built together spiritually* into a dwelling-place for God.
A Song of Christ’s Goodness
Anselm of Canterbury
Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you; *
you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.
Often you weep over our sins and our pride, *
tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment.
You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds, *
in sickness you nurse us and with pure milk you feed us.
Jesus, by your dying, we are born to new life; *
by your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.
Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness; *
through your gentleness, we find comfort in fear.
Your warmth gives life to the dead, *
your touch makes sinners righteous.
Lord Jesus, in your mercy, heal us; *
in your love and tenderness, remake us.
In your compassion, bring grace and forgiveness, *
for the beauty of heaven, may your love prepare us.
Luke 10:1-9
10After this the Lord appointed seventy* others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. 3Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” 6And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.”*
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.
67 Deus misereatur
1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, *
show us the light of his countenance and come to us.
2 Let your ways be known upon earth, *
your saving health among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide all the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
6 The earth has brought forth her increase; *
may God, our own God, give us his blessing.
7 May God give us his blessing, *
and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.
++++
From the Resistance Prays. We have been asked to pray for Greta Thunberg who is traveling to a climate change summit in New York by sailboat.
God the lover of creation and of humanity, we give you thanks for the prophets throughout history who have shown us a better way to live. We give thanks especially for the inspiration and talents of Greta Thunberg and all who join her as defenders of our beleaguered home. Protect Greta in her travels and in the travails of teenagerhood, especially teenagerhood in the spotlight. And goad all of us to do our part to protect the earth that our young people are inheriting. In the name of the Firstborn of All Creation, we pray - Amen.
+++
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you, bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Wrapping ourselves in God's Loving arms with our prayers!
Let us visualize ourselves as being in God's loving arms seeking to know God better and feeling God's love encircling us. May we feel the love energy radiating from our heart homes outward to all of our family members around the world.
Let us lovingly pray for all of our family members tonight and consciously know that each one we pray for is a beloved Child of God.
May we all be loving and all be one.
God you are Love, help us to love and be more loving to all of our family members especially to those with whom there is division.
May we all be loving and all be one.
God you are Love help us to love and be more loving to the least of these. May we find ourselves seeking and seeing you and ourselves in their eyes.
May we all be loving and all be one.
God you are Love, help us to love and be more loving in our conservation of your Cathedral of Life and feel our inter-connectedness .
May we all be loving and all be one.
God you are Love, help us to love and be more loving to all of our family members who are ill and struggling in any way. We pray especially for________________________.
May we all be loving and all be one.
God you are love, help us to love and be more loving to all refugees, immigrants, victims of all forms of violence, human trafficking,the vulnerable and especially those who hate, harm, and abuse us.
May we all be loving and all be one.
God you are love, help us to love and be more loving with our voices as we speak truth to power and let justice roll down and be the voice of the voiceless. We pray that we may have courage to fight for universal human rights of all our family members.
May we all be loving and all be one.
God you are love, help us to love and be more loving to you O God, ourselves, and our family members.
May we all be loving and all be one.
God you are love, help us to love and be more loving and accepting of all your children and see you in them. We pray especially for the LGBTQ community who are continually fighting for recognition and full equality.
May we all be loving and all be one.
God you are loving, help us to love and be more loving as we pray and give thanks for_____________
May we all be loving and all be one.
God you are loving, Help us to be love, to love, and be more loving as we lift up these our prayers in the name of Jesus who is Love. and loves us. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
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 from the 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.
enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in
peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless us and keep us. Amen.
or this ending!
God we long to be in your presence and sit at your feet an learn how to be better at being your children.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long to live in a world where we can lovingly enfold all of your children and yes even our enemies and those who wish to do us harm.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long to feel your love, yet we know that you are loving us even when we don't feel it.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long for you to take away the pain and feel your consoling grace that some of us feel while we grieve and mourn any loss.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long to have you erase every worry we may have so that we may feel free of un-ease.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long for peace in our minds and this broken and fragile world.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long to live in a united world with love, mercy , and understanding.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long for an end to homelessness, hunger, and family members who do not have adequate clothing.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long for an end to all violence, abuse, injustice, terror, and human trafficking.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long for cures of the many illnesses that plague us and we pray especially for those who are ill remembering especially_______________________
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we pray these prayers in the longing of our hearts in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long to live in a world where we can lovingly enfold all of your children and yes even our enemies and those who wish to do us harm.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long to feel your love, yet we know that you are loving us even when we don't feel it.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long for you to take away the pain and feel your consoling grace that some of us feel while we grieve and mourn any loss.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long to have you erase every worry we may have so that we may feel free of un-ease.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long for peace in our minds and this broken and fragile world.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long to live in a united world with love, mercy , and understanding.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long for an end to homelessness, hunger, and family members who do not have adequate clothing.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long for an end to all violence, abuse, injustice, terror, and human trafficking.
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we long for cures of the many illnesses that plague us and we pray especially for those who are ill remembering especially_______________________
We pray this with love in our hearts and quiet minds.
God we pray these prayers in the longing of our hearts in the Name of Jesus. 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.
Lord,
it is night.
it is night.
The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.
In your name we pray.
Amen.
Amen.
After Worship
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honor and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The blessing of God, the eternal goodwill of God, the shalom of God, the wildness and the warmth of God, be among us and between us, now and always.
The divine Spirit dwells in us.
Thanks be to God.
Good Night All.
Here is our recipe for this retreat time:
Let us begin setting the stage for our retreat and get ready to make our home sanctuaries and heart home sanctuaries welcome and peaceful.
Breathing Exercises with Thich Nhat Hanh
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
“*Breathing in, I know this is my in-breath.
Breathing out, I know this is my out-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
Tonight let us sit quietly in quiet contemplation for as long as you'd like and then.
Take time to feel:
God's presence.
God enfolding you!
God loving you!
God consoling us if we are grieving,
God taking away all the worry,
God saying "Come to me and rest!",
God speaking in that wonderful "Still small voice of Calm" and reassurance,
God giving us guidance as to our future paths. Sit back relax and be at one with God!
Take time to feel:
God's presence.
God enfolding you!
God loving you!
God consoling us if we are grieving,
God taking away all the worry,
God saying "Come to me and rest!",
God speaking in that wonderful "Still small voice of Calm" and reassurance,
God giving us guidance as to our future paths. Sit back relax and be at one with God!
I love you all!
Love and prayers,
Resources:
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Book of Common Prayer
Walk With Me On Our Journey
Metis Aboriginal Ministries -Smudging Prayer
Luis Valdez- In Lak 'Ech
Enriching our Worship 1
Prayers of Power
New Zealand Prayer Book
A to Z Quotes
Lectionary Page
YouTube for musical Selections
Satucket Lectionary Page
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