Good Evening Dear Ones!
Happy Friday and Retreat time! Wow what a week! I have been attending meetings, serving at church,and being on the walking trail. I hope we all can de-compress this retreat weekend. Today is the celebration of The Ordination of Florence Li Tim-Oi, the first woman priest in the Anglican Communion, 1944. She was a trailblazer in many ways. This weekend we meditate on what it means to be a trailblazer and are we called to be one.But first let us engage in "The Be Stills".
Let us engage in the "Be Stills ".
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.
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Let us ponder these quotes:
"Often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us." ~ Helen Keller
"Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future." ~ Deepak Chopra
"If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader." ~ Dolly Parton
"Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts inevitably bring about right results." ~ James Allen
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead
"Unfortunately, pioneers will always pave the way with sacrifices." ~ Buzz Aldrin
"The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first." ~ Iyanla Vanzant
"Cherish your visions. Cherish your ideals. Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts. For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment, of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built." ~ James Allen
"You have to look at leadership through the eyes of the followers and you have to live the message." ~ Anita Roddick
"Woman must be the pioneer in this turning inward for strength. In a sense, she has always been the pioneer." ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh
"The only safe ship in a storm is leadership." ~ Faye Wattleton
"Harriet Tubman fought American slavery single handed and was a pioneer in that organized effort known as the Underground Railroad." ~ W. E. B. Du Bois
"A pilgrim is a wanderer with purpose." ~ Peace Pilgrim
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Come let us worship!
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
We call to mind your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. As your name is great O God, so is your praise to the ends of the earth. Psalm 48:9,10
Happy are those whose helper is the God of Jacob; whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, who keeps a promise for ever. Psalm 146:5,6
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 Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. Romans 5:5
My people, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you.’ Isaiah 41:8,9
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1,2
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
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and those who are afraid are not perfected in love. We love because God first loved us. If anyone says, I love God, and hates his brother or sister, that person is a liar; for those who do not love their brothers and sisters whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 1 John 4:18-20
Help us o God as we come and make time in this sacred circle of healing and love to find wisdom and the wonder and mystery of the sacred.
God of Love we come before you this night as one family in unity and love. We stand before you as your beloved children made in your image and likeness asking that we be empowered to stand with each other when we are the focus of bullying, bigotry, premeditated invisibility, or any action that creates rather than celebrates the diverse humanity that you have created. Help us stand and let our voices be loud, with urgency. Let us take our feet and march together as symbols as one family in courage and steadfast determination to be the change we want to see in the world. As we make vigil and pray this night let us continually remember your call to welcome all and respect the dignity of every stranger in our midst wherever they have come from. Let us also remember to pray for the rich diversity of all nations, faiths, and peoples.
Light of the World Phos hilaron
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
In Lak 'Ech by Luis Valdez
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
10 Ut quid, Domine?
1 Why do you stand so far off, O Lord, *
and hide yourself in time of trouble?
2 The wicked arrogantly persecute the poor, *
but they are trapped in the schemes they have devised.
3 The wicked boast of their heart's desire; *
the covetous curse and revile the Lord.
4 The wicked are so proud that they care not for God; *
their only thought is, "God does not matter."
5 Their ways are devious at all times;
your judgments are far above out of their sight; *
they defy all their enemies.
6 They say in their heart, "I shall not be shaken; *
no harm shall happen to me ever."
7 Their mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression; *
under their tongue are mischief and wrong.
8 They lurk in ambush in public squares
and in secret places they murder the innocent; *
they spy out the helpless.
9 They lie in wait, like a lion in a covert;
they lie in wait to seize upon the lowly; *
they seize the lowly and drag them away in their net.
Galatians 3:23-28
23 Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. 24Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. 25But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, 26for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. 27As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
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.
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 10:1-9
The Mission of the Seventy
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.”
A Song of Judith
Judith 16:13-16
I will sing a new song to my God, *
for you are great and glorious, wonderful in strength, invincible.
Let the whole creation serve you, *
for you spoke and all things came into being.
You sent your breath and it formed them, *
no one is able to resist your voice.
Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths, *
rocks melt like wax at your presence.
But to those who fear you, *
you continue to show mercy.
No sacrifice, however fragrant, can please you, *
but whoever fears the Lord shall stand in your sight for ever.
From today's reading from the Resistance Prays
"For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. These are the things you must insist on and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
-1 Timothy 4: 10-12
Yesterday's reading from The Resistance Prays
So Samuel reported all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen, and to run before his chariots; and he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his courtiers. He will take one-tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and his courtiers. He will take your male and female slaves, and the best of your cattle[a] and donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves; but the Lord will not answer you in that day.” - 1 Samuel 8:10 - 18
A Song of Our True Nature
Julian of Norwich
Christ revealed our frailty and our falling, *
our trespasses and our humiliations.
Christ also revealed his blessed power, *
his blessed wisdom and love.
He protects us as tenderly and as sweetly when we are in greatest need; *
he raises us in spirit
and turns everything to glory and joy without ending.
God is the ground and the substance, the very essence of nature;
*
God is the true father and mother of natures.
We are all bound to God by nature, *
and we are all bound to God by grace.
And this grace is for all the world, *
because it is our precious mother, Christ.
For this fair nature was prepared by Christ
for the honor and nobility of all, *
and for the joy and bliss of salvation.
Almighty God, who pours out your Spirit upon your sons and daughters: grant that we, following the example of your servant Florence Li Tim-Oi, chosen priest in your church, may with faithfulness, patience, and tenacity proclaim your holy gospel to all the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
From The Resistance Prays
Holy One,
Forgive us when we hide in the comfort of details
Forgive us when we obfuscate and deny
Allow us, instead, to be set free by the truth
Of racial privilege that still holds sway
Of racial oppression that still binds and scars
Out of the minutia, give us clarity and courage
So that we might live as you lived:
Loosening the chains, untying the cords
And breaking the yoke’s own system and sustenance
Holy One,
Let our truth telling guide the way
Toward the next right step
Toward our neighbor’s embrace
Toward your love and reign
Amen
Loving God, you are the solid rock on which we stand. You raise up prophets in every age to speak truth to power and to call to account those who have lost their way. Remind us of the power of our voices. Remind us that when we stand together, we can accomplish wondrous things. Help us to not be afraid to speak. Give us hope when we feel overcome with despair. Guide the consciences of those who hear the impeachment arguments in the US Senate, that they may hear our voices and be stirred to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
Lord God, almighty and most merciful, we give you thanks
for women and for men of great faith who know you as the righteous
defender of their cause. Hasten the day when all women everywhere will
enjoy the rights and privileges of gender equality and opportunity. Bless
all who labour hard to bend the arc of time toward the justice you will
for all your children. We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
— Archbishop Fred Hiltz -ACC
We begin our prayers remembering in love and solidarity the people of Standing Rock and all other communities that are seeking to protect the sacred land that is precious and in need of love and care. We pray for the Water Resisters who are seeking to preserve clean water and sacred lands. We pray for all indigenous peoples around the world who are struggling to survive and preserve their cultural, environmental, and religious heritage.
We pray for the elderly who are in need of compassion and comfort that they may not be forgotten and that with your help O God we may encircle them with a holy prayer quilt of love, warm, and care.
We pray for all our LGBTQIA family members who are yet again facing a time when their human rights and dignity are being threatened. Give us courage to help them and fight with them as allys and also as family members. We pray for universal human rights, acceptance, and equal protection.
We pray for those who are victims of human trafficking and modern day slavery. We pray that we may become abolitionists and have the courage to help lead these our family members out of bondage and fear.
We pray for children who are living in a world they do not understand and need to be protected by loving parents, askable teachers, and safe adults. Give us courage to help them and also be available if they are being bullied and abused.
We pray for refugees who are in need of safety, asylum, and forever homes. Give the governments around the world the courage to bring them in to their countries with open and loving hearts. We remember the Syrian Refugees and all others who are seeking understanding and compassionate sponsors and refugee agencies who will listen and not be prejudicial. We give thanks for Episcopal Migration Ministries and all other resettlement agencies who are helping refugees around the world.
We pray for all immigrants and those who are Dreamers who seek citizenship and compassionate immigration reform. We pray that no family will be separated and that our nation will understand the nature of families and show just empathy.
We pray for all of our Muslim, Native American, and all our brothers and sisters who are yet again finding themselves victims of people who do not understand their faith and culture. Help us to provide them with necessary love and support. Help us to educate others so that fear may subside and we may all be one family under one creator.
We pray for all who have been victims of domestic violence and abuse. We pray that they may find shelter and support services that will give them care, solace, and the necessary therapies to begin the healing of wounds both physically and emotionally..
We pray for the homeless, the hungry, the ill clad that they may find shelter from the cold tonight and that they may be provided nourishing meals. We pray for all who work in shelters and we also pray that there may be a variety of shelters to meet their needs.
We pray for the widowed and orphans who continue to mourn the losses of family members. We pray that remaining family members may help them in any way that they can and keep loving connections even when times are tough.
We pray for the chronically ill and those who are disabled that they may receive the right medical attention and that they also may receive help from the departments of social services when they need them. We pray for adequate funding so that they may have good quality of life and not have to worry about financial hardship.
A Prayer attributed to St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is
in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen.
The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3–12
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
For Prophetic Witness in Society
Almighty God, whose prophets taught us righteousness in the care of your poor: By the guidance of your Holy Spirit, grant that we may do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in your sight; through Jesus Christ, our Judge and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For the Nation.
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
For Peace
Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquillity your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For Social Justice
Almighty God, who created us in your own image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For Social Service
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
The Second Song of Isaiah Quaerite Dominum
Isaiah 55:6-11
Seek the Lord while he wills to be found; *
call upon him when he draws near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways *
and the evil ones their thoughts;
And let them turn to the Lord, and he will have compassion, *
and to our God, for he will richly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, *
nor your ways my ways, says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, *
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as rain and snow fall from the heavens *
and return not again, but water the earth,
Bringing forth life and giving growth, *
seed for sowing and bread for eating,
So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; *
it will not return to me empty;
But it will accomplish that which I have purposed, *
and prosper in that for which I sent it.
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.
From A New Zealand Prayer Book:
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.
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.
now and for ever. Amen.
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.
LITANY OF LOVE (From -Prayers for Today- Harvard Square Library- Services for Congregational Worship)
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.
From- Walk With Me On Our Journey-
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.
Teach us love, compassion and honor ... that we may heal the Earth and heal each other." - Ojibwe
Christ be within us to keep us,
beside us to guard,
before us to lead,
behind us to protect,
beneath us to support,
above us to bless.
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From the Northumbria Community.
Today’s Meditation
The pure in heart shall see God. The seeing of Him will be the sign that we are like Him, for only by being like Him can we see Him as He is. But when we shall be fit to look Him in the face, God only knows. That is the heart of my hopes by day and my dreams by night. To behold the face of Jesus seems to me the one thing to be desired.
George MacDonald
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.
From- Walk With Me On Our Journey-
Holy, merciful, and loving God, we pray that we may continue to strive to follow your commandments to Love You, Our Neighbors, Our Enemies, and Ourselves.
Holy, merciful, and loving God, We pray that we may be peacemakers and become Your Children. Let peace prevail upon earth.
Holy, merciful, and loving God, we pray that we may be practice patience and learn the art of holy waiting.
Holy, merciful and loving God, we pray that we may set ourselves on a path of loving kindness so that we may carry your light and love to a fragile and broken world.
Holy, merciful, and loving God, we pray that we may learn holy generosity and give of our time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of the least of these. May we give from the heart and not for a need of recognition.
Holy, merciful, and loving God, we pray that we may continue to practice and live out your call to us in faithfulness. Help us to breathe when we become frustrated.
Holy, merciful, and loving God, we pray that we may cultivate a climate of gentleness to all living things and that we may walk humbly and tenderly upon this planet you have created.
Holy, merciful, and loving God, we pray that we may learn how to have self-control daily and not feel the need for an amassing of things, food, and all other possessions that lead us away from You and serving you and the least of these.
Holy, merciful, and loving God we pray that we may live out our lives in the Joy of the Fruits of the Spirit.
Holy, merciful and loving God we pray for________________
Holy, merciful and loving God we remember______________
Holy,merciful and loving God we give thanks for__________
Holy, merciful, and loving God we lift up these our prayers in the name of Jesus your son who is the personification of the Fruits of the Spirit. Amen.
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.
Teach us love, compassion and honor ... that we may heal the Earth and heal each other." - Ojibwe
Christ be within us to keep us,
beside us to guard,
before us to lead,
behind us to protect,
beneath us to support,
above us to bless.
+++++
From the Northumbria Community.
Boisil, Prior of Melrose Abbey, died in 661. Bede described him as a ‘priest of great virtue and prophetic spirit.’ Boisil, on his first meeting with Cuthbert, who was to be his pupil, exclaimed, ‘Behold, the servant of the Lord!’ – recognizing the call of God on the young man’s life.If this Compline is being used in a group setting the * notation indicates a change of reader; words in bold are said all together; words in bold italic are said by each person in turn; and + indicates where you might make the sign of the cross.
+ (silently)
* O Lord, You will keep us safe
and protect us forever.
and protect us forever.
I am placing my soul and my body
in Thy safe keeping this night, O God,
in Thy safe keeping, O Jesus Christ,
in Thy safe keeping, O Spirit of perfect truth.
The Three who would defend my cause
be keeping me this night from harm.
in Thy safe keeping this night, O God,
in Thy safe keeping, O Jesus Christ,
in Thy safe keeping, O Spirit of perfect truth.
The Three who would defend my cause
be keeping me this night from harm.
* I call on You, O God,
for You will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
for You will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
* Show the wonder of Your great love,
You who save by Your right hand
those who take refuge in You from their foes.
You who save by Your right hand
those who take refuge in You from their foes.
* Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.
hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Lighten my darkness, Lord.
Let the light of Your presence
dispel the shadows of night.
Let the light of Your presence
dispel the shadows of night.
* Christ with me sleeping,
Christ with me waking,
Christ with me watching,
each day and each night.
Christ with me waking,
Christ with me watching,
each day and each night.
* Save us, Lord, while we are awake,
guard us while we are asleep;
that, awake, we may watch with Christ,
and, asleep, may rest in His peace.
guard us while we are asleep;
that, awake, we may watch with Christ,
and, asleep, may rest in His peace.
God with me protecting,
the Lord with me directing,
the Spirit with me strengthening
for ever and for evermore.
the Lord with me directing,
the Spirit with me strengthening
for ever and for evermore.
* In the name of the Father precious,
and of the Spirit of healing balm.
In the name of the Lord Jesus,
I lay me down to rest.
and of the Spirit of healing balm.
In the name of the Lord Jesus,
I lay me down to rest.
The peace of all peace
be mine this night
+ in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
be mine this night
+ in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Today’s Meditation
The pure in heart shall see God. The seeing of Him will be the sign that we are like Him, for only by being like Him can we see Him as He is. But when we shall be fit to look Him in the face, God only knows. That is the heart of my hopes by day and my dreams by night. To behold the face of Jesus seems to me the one thing to be desired.
George MacDonald
Yesterday,Today and Tomorrow's Prayers, Readings and Reflections from A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
Hospitality: Show unusual kindness
Acts 28:1-7 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Paul on the Island of Malta
28 After we had reached safety, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The natives showed us unusual kindness. Since it had begun to rain and was cold, they kindled a fire and welcomed all of us around it. 3 Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire, when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man must be a murderer; though he has escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were expecting him to swell up or drop dead, but after they had waited a long time and saw that nothing unusual had happened to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.
7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.
Psalm 46
Luke 14:12-24
Reflection
After the traumas and conflicts of the storm at sea, the practical care offered by the islanders is experienced as an unusual kindness by those washed up on the shores. Such kindness demonstrates our common humanity. The Gospel teaches us that when we care for those in distress we are showing love to Christ himself (cf. Matthew 25:40). Furthermore, when we show loving kindness to the weak and dispossessed we are attuning our hearts to the heart of God in which the poor have a special place. Welcoming outsiders, whether they be people of other cultures or beliefs, immigrants or refugees, is both to love Christ himself, and to love as God loves. As Christians, we are called to step out in faith and reach out with God’s all- embracing love, even to those we find difficult to love.
Prayer
God of the orphan, the widow and the stranger,
instil in our hearts a deep sense of hospitality.
Open our eyes and hearts when you ask us to feed you, to clothe you and to visit you. May our churches participate in the ending of hunger, thirst and isolation
and in overcoming barriers that prevent the welcome of all people. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus, who is present in the least of our sisters and brothers. Amen.
DAY 7
Conversion: Changing our hearts and minds
Acts 28:3-6
“Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire, when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘This man must be a murderer; though he has escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.’ He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were expecting him to swell up or drop dead, but after they had waited a long time and saw that nothing unusual had happened to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.”
Psalm 119:137-144 Matthew 18:1-6
Reflection
The locals realized that their judgment of Paul as a murderer was wrong, so they changed their minds. The extraordinary event with the viper enables the islanders to see things in a new way, a way which might prepare them to hear the message of Christ through Paul. In our search for Christian unity and reconciliation we are often challenged to rethink how we perceive other traditions and cultures. This demands an ongoing conversion to Christ in which the churches learn to overcome their perception of the other as a threat. As a result, our pejorative views of others will be cast away, and we will be drawn closer to unity.
Prayer
Almighty God,
we turn to you with repentant hearts.
In our sincere quest for your truth,
purify us from our unjust opinions of others
and lead the churches to grow in communion.
Help us let go of our fears,
and so better understand each other and the stranger in our midst. We ask this in the name of the Just One,
your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
DAY 8
Generosity: Receiving and giving
Acts 28:8-10
“
The father of Publius lay sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and
cured him by praying and putting his hands on him. After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. They bestowed many honours on us, and when we were about to sail, they put on board all the
provisions we needed”.
Psalm 103:1-5 Matthew 10:7-8
Reflection
This story is full of giving and receiving: Paul received unusual kindness from the islanders; Paul gives healing to the father of Publius and others; having lost everything in the storm, the 276 receive abundant provisions as they set sail. As Christians we are called to unusual kindness. But in order to give we must first learn to receive – from Christ and from others. More often than we realize, we are recipients of acts of kindness from people who are different from us. These acts also point towards the generosity and healing of our Lord. We who have been healed by the Lord are responsible for passing on that which we have received.
Prayer
God, giver of life,
we thank you for the gift of your compassionate love which soothes and strengthens us. We pray that our churches may be always open to receive your gifts from one another. Grant us a spirit of generosity to all as we journey together in the path of Christian unity. We ask this in the name of your Son
who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Good Night Beloved Ones! Enjoy taking time off the grid this weekend and spend time outside. I love you! I give thanks to God for you always. Don't forget to do your Worry Free Sabbath-Box, Journal, and Jar work. Remember to light your candles and turn on your porch lights tomorrow evening for our end of the month Saturday Prayer Vigil.
With love, peace, and blessings!
Sara
Resources:
A to Z Quotes
Book of Occasional Services
Northumbria Community
Satucket Lectionary Page (NRSV)
Book of Common Prayer
Enriching our Worship 1 and 2
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Walk With Me On Our Journey
Metis Aboriginal Ministries
This weekend let us meditate upon these synonyms of the word trailblazer.
Synonyms for trailblazer | as inmover and shaker
VIP
achiever
affluential
catalyst
doer
enterprising person
entrepreneur
generator
go-getter
heavy hitter
heavyweight
leader
lightning rod
man of influence
mover
palpable presence
pathfinder
player
presence
producer
spark plug
upstart
wheeler and dealer
whip
Synonyms for trailblazer | as in pioneer
colonist
colonizer
developer
explorer
founder
guide
homesteader
immigrant
innovator
leader
pathfinder
pilgrim
scout
settler
squatter
frontier settler
Synonyms for trailblazer | as in vagabond
wanderer
explorer
gypsy
haji
pathfinder
pilgrim
pioneer
rambler
rover
tourist
trekker
wayfarer
Synonyms for trailblazer | as in
point man
explorer
guide
leader
pathfinder
player
playmaker
point
scout
trailbreaker
Synonyms for trailblazer | as in trendsetter
initiator
innovator
pacesetter
stylist
Synonyms for trailblazer | as in rising star
VIP
achiever
affluential
catalyst
doer
dynamo
enterprising person
entrepreneur
generator
go-getter
heavy hitter
heavyweight
leader
lightning rod
man of influence
mover
palpable presence
pathfinder
player
presence
producer
spark plug
up-and-comer
upstart
wheeler and dealer
whip
Synonyms for trailblazer | as in up-and-comer
VIP
achiever
affluential
catalyst
doer
dynamo
enterprising person
entrepreneur
generator
go-getter
heavy hitter
heavyweight
leader
lightning rod
man of influence
mover
palpable presence
pathfinder
player
presence
producer
rising star
spark plug
upstart
wheeler and dealer
whip
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