Good Evening Beloved Ones!
Happy Sabbath Day! I hope everyone had a good one! Tonight we light our candles and turn on our porch lights and make vigil and pray. Let us enter our heart homes and spend sacred time with God. So let us begin.
A friendly reminder "Take care of your health, that it may serve you to serve God." ~ Saint Francis de Sales
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
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.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Pondering these quotes today!
"To give thanks in solitude is enough. Thanksgiving has wings and goes where it must go. Your prayer knows much more about it than you do." ~ Victor Hugo
"By my monastic life and vows I am saying no to all the concentration camps, the aerial bombardments, the staged political trials, the judicial murders, the racial injustices, the economic tyrannies, and the whole socioeconomic apparatus which seems geared for nothing but global destruction in spite of all its fair words in favor of peace." ~ Thomas Merton
"Solitude is the furnace of transformation. Without solitude we remain victims of our society and continue to be entangled in the illusions of the false self." ~ Henri Nouwen
"Monastic life thus became a living protest against the secularization of Christianity, against the cheapening of grace." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness." ~ George MacDonald
"Solitude is the place of purification." ~ Martin Buber
"Solitude is a way to defend the spirit against the murderous din of our materialism." ~ Thomas Merton
"Anything that doesn't lead us to that - to better know and serve God - is a waste of time." ~ Charles de Foucauld
"I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~ Helen Keller
"The curse should no longer rest upon the world itself, but upon that which is sinful in it, and instead of monastic flight from the world the duty is now emphasized of serving God in the world, in every position in life." ~ Abraham Kuyper
"Martyrdom does not consist only in dying for one's faith. Martyrdom also consists in serving God with love and purity of heart every day of one's life" ~ St. Jerome
"Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily." ~ Saint Francis de Sales
"We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and private: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship." ~ C. S. Lewis
"In Benedictine spirituality, work is what we do to continue what God wanted done....God goes on creating through us. Consequently a life spent serving God must be a life spent giving to others what we have been given." ~ Joan D. Chittister
"We serve God by serving our fellow man; kids are suffering from malnutrition. People are going to the fields hungry. If you are a Christian, we are tired of being mistreated." ~ Fannie Lou Hamer
"Being 'poor in spirit' (a Christian virtue) means being detached from things - being able to possess goods without being possessed by them. It means putting people ahead of possessions - and seeing material things only as instruments for serving God and the needs of others." ~ James Stenson
"We shall never want to serve God in our real and secret hearts if He looms in our subconscious mind as an arbitrary Dictator or a Spoil-sport, or as one who takes advantage of His position to make us poor mortals feel guilty and afraid. We have not only to be impressed by the "size" and unlimited power of God, we have to be moved to genuine admiration, respect, and affection, if we are ever to worship Him." ~ John Bertram Phillips
"It is impossible to serve God without serving one another." ~ Alistair Begg
"I do not know how to love God except by loving the poor. I do not know how to serve God except by serving the poor.... Here, within this great city of nine million people, we must, in this neighborhood, on this street, in this parish, regain a sense of community which is the basis for peace in the world." ~ Dorothy Day
"The world of men has forgotten the joys of silence, the peace of solitude, which is necessary, to some extent, for the fullness of human living. Man cannot be happy for long unless he is in contact with the springs of spiritual life which are hidden in the depths of his own soul. If man is exiled constantly from his own home, locked out of his spiritual solitude, he ceases to be a true person." ~ Thomas Merton
Come let us worship.
The righteous will be remembered for ever: the memory of the righteous is a blessing. Psalm 112:6; Proverbs 10:7
"Love God, serve God; everything is in that." ~ Clare of Assisi
When anyone is united to Christ, there is a new world; the old order has gone, and a new order has already begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17
"He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands." ~ Benedict of Nursia
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
"Listen and attend with the ear of your heart." ~ Benedict of Nursia
You Lord will surely comfort your people. You will make their deserts like Eden, their wastelands like a garden. Joy and gladness will be found among them, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. Isaiah 51:3 (adapted)
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.
Hymn
Hail, gladdening Light, of God’s pure glory poured,
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,
Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest,
The lights of evening round us shine,
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine.
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung,
With undefilèd tongue,
Son of our God, Giver of life, alone!
Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.
134 Ecce nunc
1 Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, *
you that stand by night in the house of the Lord.
2 Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord; *
the Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.
Let us light our candles and enter into God's loving presence as we meditate, make vigil, and be at prayer!
INVOCATION -St. Augustine
O Love of God, descend into my heart;
Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling,
And scatter there Your cheerful beams.
Dwell in the soul that longs to be Your temple;
Water that barren soil overrun with weeds and briars
And lost for lack of cultivating.
Make it fruitful with Your dew.
Come, dear Refreshment of those who languish;
Come, Star and Guide of those who sail amidst tempests.
You are the Haven of the tossed and shipwrecked.
Come now, Glory and Crown of the living,
As well as the Safeguard of the dying.
Come, Sacred Spirit;
Come, and make me fit to receive You.
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES (Anonymous Prayers)
Lest I forget the great traditions of freedom and faith which are the heritage of humanity; lest I forget the pioneers, the statesmen, the bridge builders, the artists; and lest I forget You, the God of our forebears who is our God also: I 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: I light this candle of consecration.
May each flame upon the altar of freedom’s faith shine in our hearts always, reminding us of the fearful places to which we may carry light and strengthening us in moments of doubt and discouragement with unwavering faith in You whom we serve and whose we are.
WALK WITH JOY - From Prayers for Today
O God, who turns into morning the shadows of the night; may we be children of the light and of the day. Enlighten our reason, make clear our conscience, and purify our affections. We give ourselves to You this day, praying that we may be so governed by You that faithless distrust and all evil thoughts may be driven from our minds; that we may walk with joy in the light of Your countenance.
YOU HAVE LOVED US FIRST -Soren Kierkegaard
Great Companion, You have loved us first.
May we never forget that You are love,
So that this sure conviction might triumph in our hearts
Over the whirling of the world,
Over the inquietude of the soul,
Over the anxiety for the future,
Over the fright of the past,
Over the distress of the moment.
May this conviction discipline our soul
So that our hearts might remain faithful and sincere
In the love which we bear to all those we love as ourselves.
IN LAK’ECH
Tú eres mi otro yo.
You are my other me.
Si te hago daño a ti,
If I do harm to you,
Me hago daño a mi mismo.
I do harm to myself.
Si te amo y respeto,
If I love and respect you,
Me amo y respeto yo.
I love and respect myself.
Luis Valdez
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.
You Lord will surely comfort your people. You will make their deserts like Eden, their wastelands like a garden. Joy and gladness will be found among them, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. Isaiah 51:3 (adapted)
This week’s Rule reflection From the Northumbria Community
We are called to be available to others through participation in His care and concern for them by praying and INTERCEDING for their situations in the power of the Holy Spirit
Psalm 112:1-9, [10]
Beatus vir
1 Hallelujah!
Happy are they who fear the Lord *
and have great delight in his commandments!
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, *
and their righteousness will last for ever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *
the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.
5 It is good for them to be generous in lending *
and to manage their affairs with justice.
6 For they will never be shaken; *
the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.
7 They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *
their heart is right;
they put their trust in the Lord.
8 Their heart is established and will not shrink, *
until they see their desire upon their enemies.
9 They have given freely to the poor, *
and their righteousness stands fast for ever;
they will hold up their head with honor.
10 The wicked will see it and be angry;
they will gnash their teeth and pine away; *
the desires of the wicked will perish.
Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12]
Shout out, do not hold back!
Lift up your voice like a trumpet!
Announce to my people their rebellion,
to the house of Jacob their sins.
Yet day after day they seek me
and delight to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness
and did not forsake the ordinance of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgments,
they delight to draw near to God.
“Why do we fast, but you do not see?
Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?”
Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day,
and oppress all your workers.
Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight
and to strike with a wicked fist.
Such fasting as you do today
will not make your voice heard on high.
Is such the fast that I choose,
a day to humble oneself?
Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush,
and to lie in sackcloth and ashes?
Will you call this a fast,
a day acceptable to the Lord?
Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
your vindicator shall go before you,
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.
If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
and your gloom be like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you continually,
and satisfy your needs in parched places,
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters never fail.
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to live in.
A Song of God’s Love
1 John 4:7-11
Beloved, let us love one another, *
for love is of God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, *
for God is Love.
In this the love of God was revealed among us, *
that God sent his only Son into the world,
so that we might live through Jesus Christ.
In this is love, not that we loved God but that God loved us *
and sent his Son that sins might be forgiven.
Beloved, since God loved us so much, *
we ought also to love one another.
For if we love one another, God abides in us, *
and God’s love will be perfected in us.
1 Corinthians 2:1-12, [13-16]
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the human heart conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.
Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny.
“For who has known the mind of the Lord
so as to instruct him?”
But we have the mind of Christ.
A Song of Faith
1 Peter 1:3-4,18-21
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, *
by divine mercy we have a new birth into a living hope;
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, *
we have an inheritance that is imperishable in heaven.
The ransom that was paid to free us *
was not paid in silver or gold,
But in the precious blood of Christ, *
the Lamb without spot or stain.
God raised Jesus from the dead and gave him glory *
so that we might have faith and hope in God.
Matthew 5:13-20
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
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.
Bonus Gospel
Mark 10:13-22
Jesus Blesses Little Children
13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ 16And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
The Rich Man
17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ 18Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19You know the commandments: “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honour your father and mother.” ’ 20He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.’ 21Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money* to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ 22When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
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.
Hymn
God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at my end, and at my departing.
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.
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.
Lord,
it is night.
The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.
It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.
The night is dark.
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives
rest in you.
The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.
The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.
In your name we pray.
Amen. (ANZPB)
Collects from A New Zealand Prayer Book and Book of Common Prayer for the 5th Sunday After Epiphany!
Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Collects
Merciful God,
in Christ you make all things new;
transform the poverty of our nature
by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Jesus our Lord,
you have taught us that judgment begins at the house of God;
save us from our self-satisfaction, rigidity and corruption,
so that we may stand ready to do your will.
Jesus, when you call us to challenge authority,
help us to follow closely your example,
that we may be ready to suffer for the truth,
and to give whatever glory there may be to God.
Reconciliation and Forgiveness
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.
A Collect for Peace
O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in
knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service
is perfect freedom: Defend us, thy humble servants, in all
assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy
defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through
the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
Matthew 5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Sermon on the Mount; The Beatitudes
5 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the [a]mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3 “[b]Blessed are the [c]poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the [d]gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through 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 on earth but yours.”
― Teresa of Ávila
God we pray that as we take time to go deeper into the silence may we find ourselves one with you.
God we pray that in the silence we may be still and know.
God we pray for peace in the world and that we may be peacemakers in our acts of silent prayers and quiet deeds.
God we pray for all who are ill that they may be healed according to your will.
God we pray for all our loved ones who are dying and especially those who have entered the Thin Places.
God we pray for all those who are living on the margins may we by your guidance O God serve them and see you reflected in their eyes.
God we add our own prayers and thanksgivings especially ___________________________
God we pray this day for an end to violence of any kind.
God we pray for all those who were single, widowed, divorced on Valentine's day that they may find peace in their hearts and in your time find love and meaningful relationships again.
We lift up these our prayers in the name of Jesus your Son, Amen.
or these
God you fixed the night and the day may we find energy during the day and rest at night.
God make us mindful of the needs of others and all those who we are having on our hearts at this very moment .
God thank you for calling all your creation into being and may we never take it for granted.
God we pray for all who are ill that they may be healed in body, mind, and spirit.
God take away all bitterness of hate and division so that we all may be one with you .
God give to us peace of mind, peace of heart, and peace of soul so that we may be better equipped to serve you and all our family members.
God make us ready to comfort and console those who are mourning and pre-grieving.
God help us know that love is the key to peace in this world and that we must learn to show, give, and be love to all of our family members even those who wish us harm.
God we add our own prayers and thanksgivings now________________.
God we lift up these our prayers in the name of Jesus your Son. Amen.
We conclude our sacred time with 5 Prayers from Thich Nhat Hanh by AwaKin.org
Five Prayers, by Thich Nhat Hanh
IN GRATITUDE, I BOW TO ALL GENERATIONS OF ANCESTORS IN MY BLOOD FAMILY.
I see my mother and father, whose blood, flesh, and vitality are circulating in my own veins and nourishing every cell in me. Through them I see my four grandparents. I carry in me the life, blood, experience, wisdom, happiness, and sorrow of all generations. I open my heart, flesh, and bones to receive the energy of insight, love, and experience transmitted to me by my ancestors. I know that parents always love and support their children and grandchildren, although they are not always able to express it skillfully because of difficulties they encounter. As a continuation of my ancestors, I allow their energy to flow through me, and ask for their support, protection, and strength.
IN GRATITUDE, I BOW TO ALL GENERATIONS OF ANCESTORS IN MY SPIRITUAL FAMILY.
I see in myself my teachers, the ones who show me the way of love and understanding, the way to breathe, smile, forgive, and live deeply in the present moment. I see the Buddha or Christ or the patriarchs and matriarchs as my teachers, and also as my spiritual ancestors. [...] I open my heart and my body to receive the energy of understanding, loving kindness, and protection from the Awakend Ones, their teachings, and the community of practice of many generations. I vow to practice to transform the suffering in myself and the world, and to transmit their energy to future generations of practitioners. My spiritual ancestors may have had their own difficulties and not always been able to transmit the teachings, but I accept them as they are.
IN GRATITUDE, I BOW TO THIS LAND AND ALL OF THE ANCESTORS WHO MADE IT AVAILABLE.
I see that I am whole, protected, and nourished by this land and all the living beings that have been here and made life worthwhile and possible for me through all of their efforts. I see Chief Seattle, Thomas Jefferson, Dorothy Day, Cesar Chavez, Martin Luther King, Jr., and all the others known and unknown. I see those who have worked hard to build schools, hospitals, bridges, and roads, to protect human rights, to develop science and technology, and to fight for freedom and social justice. I see myself touching my ancestors of Native American origin who have lived on this land for such a long time and know the ways to live in peace and harmony with nature, protecting the mountains, forests, animals, vegetation, and minerals of this land. I feel the energy of this land penetrating my body and soul, supporting and accepting me. I vow to cultivate and maintain this energy and transmit it to future generations. I vow to contribute my part in transforming the violence, hatred, and delusion that still lie deep in the consciousness of this society so that future generations will have more safety, joy, and peace. I ask this land for its protection and support.
IN GRATITUDE AND COMPASSION, I BOW DOWN AND TRANSMIT MY ENERGY TO THOSE I LOVE.
All the energy I have received I now want to transmit to my father, my mother, everyone I love, and all who have suffered and worried because of me and for my sake. I know I have not been mindful enough in my daily life. I also know that those who love me have had their own difficulties. They have suffered because they were not lucky enough to have an environment that encouraged their full development. [...] I want all of them to be healthy and joyful. I pray that all ancestors in my blood and spiritual families will focus their energies toward each of them, to protect and support them. I am one with those I love.
IN UNDERSTANDING AND COMPASSION, I BOW DOWN TO RECONCILE MYSELF WITH ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADE ME SUFFER.
I open my heart and send forth my energy of love and understanding to everyone who has made me suffer, to those who have destroyed much of my life and the lives of those I love. I know now that these people have themselves undergone a lot of suffering and that their hearts are overloaded with pain, anger, and hatred. [...] I pray that they can be transformed to experience the joy of living, so that they will not continue to make themselves and others suffer. I see their suffering and do not want to hold any feelings of hatred or anger in myself toward them. I do not want them to suffer. I channel my energy of love and understanding to them and ask all my ancestors to help them.
"All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well." ~ Julian of Norwich
"Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me." ~ Clare of Assisi
O God of love and mercy,
grant us, with all your people, rest and peace.
Let us bless The Lord, each other, and all living things that God has created.
Thanks be to God.
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Our Celtic gems from the Northumbria Community:
This week’s Rule reflection
We are called to be available for participation in MISSION of various kinds according to the calling and initiatives of the Spirit
Sunday – The Ita Compline
Ita, who died in about 570, was abbess of a women’s community in Killeedy, County Limerick in Ireland. She ran a school for boys where she taught:
ff
Faith in God with purity of heart; simplicity of life with religion; generosity with love.
Among those schooled by Ita was Brendan, who honoured her as his foster-mother and adviser. The Compline that follows is named after her because of its emphasis on examination of the heart, and the prayers of care and protection for each soul who crosses our path.
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)
The Sacred Three
to save
to shield
to surround
the hearth
the home
this night
and every night.
to save
to shield
to surround
the hearth
the home
this night
and every night.
* Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Test me and know my thoughts.
Test me and know my thoughts.
* See if there is any wicked way in me
and lead me in the way everlasting.
and lead me in the way everlasting.
O Father, O Son, O Holy Spirit,
forgive me my sins.
O only-begotten Son of the heavenly Father,
forgive.
O God who is one,
O God who is true,
O God who is first,
O God who is one substance,
O God only mighty,
in three Persons, truly merciful,
forgive.
forgive me my sins.
O only-begotten Son of the heavenly Father,
forgive.
O God who is one,
O God who is true,
O God who is first,
O God who is one substance,
O God only mighty,
in three Persons, truly merciful,
forgive.
* O God of life, this night,
O darken not to me Thy light.
O darken not to me Thy light.
* O God of life, this night,
close not Thy gladness to my sight.
close not Thy gladness to my sight.
* Keep Your people, Lord,
in the arms of Your embrace.
Shelter them under Your wings.
in the arms of Your embrace.
Shelter them under Your wings.
* Be their light in darkness.
Be their hope in distress.
Be their calm in anxiety.
Be their hope in distress.
Be their calm in anxiety.
* Be strength in their weakness.
* Be their comfort in pain.
* Be their song in the night.
In peace will I lie down, for it is You, O Lord,
You alone who makes me to rest secure.
You alone who makes me to rest secure.
* Be it on Your own beloved arm,
O God of grace, that I in peace shall awake.
O God of grace, that I in peace shall awake.
Be the peace of the Spirit
mine this night.
Be the peace of the Son
mine this night.
Be the peace of the Father
mine this night.
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.
mine this night.
Be the peace of the Son
mine this night.
Be the peace of the Father
mine this night.
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.
Today’s Meditation
Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart,
and try to love the questions themselves
as if they were locked rooms
or books written in a very foreign language.
Do not search for the answers, which could not be given to you now,
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps then, someday far in the future,
you will gradually,
without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.
Rainer Maria Rilke
++++
Good Night Family of Love! I love you!
With Love and Blessings,
Sara
Yesterday was the11th anniversary of my first sermon! Here it is!
The Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany
February 8, 2009
Good Morning and Peace to this House!
Who were you expecting to see in the pulpit today? Was it Deborah, Faye, Fr. Don, Brian, Vick, or Valerie? Surprise! God had something else in mind. He's brought me here today to be your preacher. I know it seems sudden but I've been following Isaiah's example by "Waiting on the Lord". This period has led me by God to now begin formally in St Peter's Community to discern a call to the Vocational Diaconate. One of these ways of trying a vocation is by preaching! Which is one of the many ways deacons serve and do ministry. With this in mind let us look to the Gospel of Mark for guidance and see what, healing ,serving, proclaiming the good news looks like in our own lives, at St. Peters, and in the heart o downtown Santa Maria and community at large.
Just a recap if you missed last week. In the Gospel of Mark we see Jesus and his disciples proclaiming the message in the synagogues, healing and Casting out demons and traveling around the area of Capernaum .
Jesus healed many people in the first chapter of Mark and it amazes me how He and the disciples hit the ground running! Remember we have 15 more chapters to go in Mark! When you are healed what is your response? My response is to Thank God for healing me and get going and do the business of God. How do we help heal each other here at St. Peter's? By prayer, a kind word, a touch of a hand, and by a warm embrace and many other ways! We also have the Holy Eucharist and Healing service on Wednesday's that contains a prayer circle and Holy Unction. I recommend it highly. How do we heal our neighborhood and community? By rolling up our sleeves and supporting our new outreach endeavors areas include: The Outreach Team, Missions, and Social Justice and our outreach coordinator- Joe Ardizzone. We also have to get rid of the demons of doubt and fear that have been holding us back for many years! It's okay to step out of our comfort zone! Ask God how you can be a healer and reconciler. He will be
happy to guide your steps and show you how. Just listen for his voice in prayer and by the people He sends you into your life.
How do you serve God in, your life, His Church and in the community at large? Take time to ponder what this looks like. Do you picture yourself doing what Jesus, the disciples, and Peter's mother-in-law did in the Gospel of Mark? In Mark's gospel we see people on the move and in service to God and each other. Peter's mother-in-law didn't stay in bed and rest after she was healed, she got up and served! Could you do this? I'm not sure many people would be able to do this, but with God's help and the help of our brothers and sisters we can! It's time for us to be on the move for Christ and serving him. There are many ways to do this here at St. Peter's please ask Deborah, Joe and any of the staff ministers they will be happy to help. You are needed ,wanted, and welcome here! How do we serve God In our community, the nation and the world? Please take a look around, opportunities for servic are everywhere. Those of us who are members of the Episcopal Public Policy Network have been reminded of this by our Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori who has released a Statement this week, on Attacks by" The Lord's Resistance Army "in the Sudan. Copies of this statement and, . ways for us to help, are available in the Narthex and in Parke Hall. Ask Sister Janet where she feels advocacy is needed. I am also available to help you fin your niche. Serving God is an Awesome and humbling experience! Serving God requires our bodies, minds, and spirits and as Sister Janet calls it "Heartitude!"
How do we proclaim the Good News? Jesus did it in the synagogues and other places. Proclaiming doesn't mean you have to be Bishop T.D. Jakes . Proclaiming the Good News is not just by word it is also by example! We need to become human bibles to a broken world and to each other. You don't have to be a person who can quote chapter and verse to be able to proclaim the Good News! Just live it! Show people that they are loved, that they belong here, are precious, that they matter to you ,and they matter to God, and they will never be alone or forsaken. Don't be afraid help heal our broken world, serve God and each other, and proclaim the good news! It's what we're all called to do not just deacons in training! In short and in more contemporary speak -we need to continually walk the walk and talk the talk and keep our feet on the way that leads to Christ not by ourselves, but together and with God's Help.
In closing,
I would like to share with you one of the prayers of Teresa of Avila, 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. AMEN.
The Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany
February 8, 2009
Good Morning and Peace to this House!
Who were you expecting to see in the pulpit today? Was it Deborah, Faye, Fr. Don, Brian, Vick, or Valerie? Surprise! God had something else in mind. He's brought me here today to be your preacher. I know it seems sudden but I've been following Isaiah's example by "Waiting on the Lord". This period has led me by God to now begin formally in St Peter's Community to discern a call to the Vocational Diaconate. One of these ways of trying a vocation is by preaching! Which is one of the many ways deacons serve and do ministry. With this in mind let us look to the Gospel of Mark for guidance and see what, healing ,serving, proclaiming the good news looks like in our own lives, at St. Peters, and in the heart o downtown Santa Maria and community at large.
Just a recap if you missed last week. In the Gospel of Mark we see Jesus and his disciples proclaiming the message in the synagogues, healing and Casting out demons and traveling around the area of Capernaum .
Jesus healed many people in the first chapter of Mark and it amazes me how He and the disciples hit the ground running! Remember we have 15 more chapters to go in Mark! When you are healed what is your response? My response is to Thank God for healing me and get going and do the business of God. How do we help heal each other here at St. Peter's? By prayer, a kind word, a touch of a hand, and by a warm embrace and many other ways! We also have the Holy Eucharist and Healing service on Wednesday's that contains a prayer circle and Holy Unction. I recommend it highly. How do we heal our neighborhood and community? By rolling up our sleeves and supporting our new outreach endeavors areas include: The Outreach Team, Missions, and Social Justice and our outreach coordinator- Joe Ardizzone. We also have to get rid of the demons of doubt and fear that have been holding us back for many years! It's okay to step out of our comfort zone! Ask God how you can be a healer and reconciler. He will be
happy to guide your steps and show you how. Just listen for his voice in prayer and by the people He sends you into your life.
How do you serve God in, your life, His Church and in the community at large? Take time to ponder what this looks like. Do you picture yourself doing what Jesus, the disciples, and Peter's mother-in-law did in the Gospel of Mark? In Mark's gospel we see people on the move and in service to God and each other. Peter's mother-in-law didn't stay in bed and rest after she was healed, she got up and served! Could you do this? I'm not sure many people would be able to do this, but with God's help and the help of our brothers and sisters we can! It's time for us to be on the move for Christ and serving him. There are many ways to do this here at St. Peter's please ask Deborah, Joe and any of the staff ministers they will be happy to help. You are needed ,wanted, and welcome here! How do we serve God In our community, the nation and the world? Please take a look around, opportunities for servic are everywhere. Those of us who are members of the Episcopal Public Policy Network have been reminded of this by our Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori who has released a Statement this week, on Attacks by" The Lord's Resistance Army "in the Sudan. Copies of this statement and, . ways for us to help, are available in the Narthex and in Parke Hall. Ask Sister Janet where she feels advocacy is needed. I am also available to help you fin your niche. Serving God is an Awesome and humbling experience! Serving God requires our bodies, minds, and spirits and as Sister Janet calls it "Heartitude!"
How do we proclaim the Good News? Jesus did it in the synagogues and other places. Proclaiming doesn't mean you have to be Bishop T.D. Jakes . Proclaiming the Good News is not just by word it is also by example! We need to become human bibles to a broken world and to each other. You don't have to be a person who can quote chapter and verse to be able to proclaim the Good News! Just live it! Show people that they are loved, that they belong here, are precious, that they matter to you ,and they matter to God, and they will never be alone or forsaken. Don't be afraid help heal our broken world, serve God and each other, and proclaim the good news! It's what we're all called to do not just deacons in training! In short and in more contemporary speak -we need to continually walk the walk and talk the talk and keep our feet on the way that leads to Christ not by ourselves, but together and with God's Help.
In closing,
I would like to share with you one of the prayers of Teresa of Avila, 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. AMEN.
Resources Commonly Used
A to Z Quotes
Book of Occasional Services
Northumbria Community
Enjoy perusing this site.
Book of Common Prayer
Enriching our Worship 1 and 2
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Walk With Me On Our Journey
Metis Aboriginal Ministries
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