Part III of Reflecting on the Sermon on The Mount! It's all about "The Law and the Prophets"

Good Evening and Early Morning Dear Ones!


Sorry this is late but my back and eyes were a bit tired from attending 6 + webinars and loads of screen time.  Tonight we continue to reflect on the Sermon on the Mount! Here are the previous blogs for your reference. 
Part I A Time To Reflect Upon the Beatitudes

Part II Reflecting on the Sermon on The Mount: It is more than just the Beatitudes!

 Our Gospel reading is this:

Matthew 5:17-19
The Law and the Prophets
17 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. 18For 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. 19Therefore, 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.

Questions for y/our journaling and our weekly research project.

Where do you see the words "The Law and the Prophets"?

What is "The Summary of the Law"?

A few gentle quotes to meditate upon.

"Community cannot for long feed on itself; it can only flourish with the coming of others from beyond, their unknown and undiscovered brothers." ~ Howard Thurman

"Listen to the long stillness:
 New life is stirring
 New dreams are on the wing
 New hopes are being readied:
 Humankind is fashioning a new heart
 Humankind is forging a new mind
 God is at work.
 This is the season of Promise" ~ Howard Thurman


"There's nothing you can do that's more important than being fulfilled. You become a sign, you become a signal, transparent to transcendence; in this way, you will find, live, and become a realization of your own personal myth." ~ Joseph Campbell

"Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost." ~ Dalai Lama

"Yet it is in this loneliness that the deepest activities begin. It is here that you discover act without motion, labor that is profound repose, vision in obscurity, and, beyond all desire, a fulfillment whose limits extend to infinity." ~ Thomas Merton

"As long as anyone believes that his ideal and purpose is outside him, that it is above the clouds, in the past or in the future, he will go outside himself and seek fulfillment where it cannot be found. He will look for solutions and answers at every point except where they can be found- in himself." ~ Erich Fromm

"Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Love alone is capable of uniting living beings in such a way as to complete and fulfill them, for it alone takes them and joins them by what is deepest in themselves." ~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

"Every Christian is chosen-chosen for similar deeds, namely: to be with the Lord, through unceasing remembrance of Him and awareness of His omnipresence, through the preaching and fulfillment of His commandments, and through a readiness to confess one's faith in Him. In those circles where such a confession is made, it is a loud sermon for all to hear." ~ Theophan the Recluse


Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf


The first great commandment was to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, might, mind and strength; and the second was like unto it, to love our neighbor as ourselves. And the best way in the world to show our love for our neighbor is to go forth and proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, of which He has given us an absolute knowledge concerning its divinity.

Heber J. Grant

Come let us worship:

Joseph Barth: A Grace

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

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires
known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the
thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy
holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great
commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments
hang all the Law and the Prophets.


Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting
up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.    Psalm 141:2

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

Worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness; let the whole earth
tremble before him.    Psalm 96:9

Yours is the day, O God, yours also the night; you established
the moon and the sun. You fixed all the boundaries of the
earth; you made both summer and winter.    Psalm 74:15,16

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches
me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall.    Psalm 16:7,8

Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep
darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night;
who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out upon
the surface of the earth: The Lord is his name.    Amos 5:8


If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light
around me turn to night," darkness is not dark to you, O
Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to
you are both alike.    Psalm 139:10,11

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me
will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the 
truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is 
faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all 
unrighteousness.    1 John 1:8,9

Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the 
heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us with confidence draw 
near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and 
find grace to help in time of need.    Hebrews 4:14,16

Jesus said, "The first commandment is this: Hear, O Israel: 

The Lord your God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your 

God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your 

mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love 

your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment 

greater than these."    Mark 12:29-31

Morning Prayer For Fellow-Prisoners 

by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

O God, early in the morning I cry to you.

Help me to pray

And to concentrate my thoughts on you;

I cannot do this alone.

In me there is darkness,

But with you there is light;

I am lonely, but you do not leave me;

I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;

I am restless, but with you there is peace.

In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;

I do not understand your ways,

But you know the way for me.

O Heavenly Father,

I praise and thank you

For rest in the night;

I praise and thank you for this new day;

I praise and thank you for all your goodness

and faithfulness throughout my life.

You have granted me many blessings;

Now let me also accept what is hard from your hand.

You will lay on me no more than I can bear.

You make all things work together for good for your children.

Lord Jesus Christ,

You were poor and in distress, a captive and forsaken as I am.

You know all man’s troubles;

You abide with me when all men fail me;

You remember and seek me;

It is your will that I should know you and turn to you.

Lord, I hear your call and follow;

Help me.

O Holy Spirit,

Give me faith that will protect me

from despair, from passions, and from vice;

Give me such love for God and men

as will blot out all hatred and bitterness;

Give me the hope that will deliver me

from fear and faint-heartedness.

Amen.

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.

O Gracious Light    Phos hilaron

O gracious light, 

pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, 

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, 

and our eyes behold the vesper light, 

we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,

O Son of God, O Giver of Life, 

and to be glorified through all the worlds.

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.

SLOW US DOWN…YET ALSO - Anonymous

Slow us down, O God. Ease the pounding of our hearts by the quieting of our minds;

Yet also, wake us up. Shake the complacency out of our souls by opening our minds to the cry of the wounded, the refugees wandering without homes, the homeless at home, and the children who starve.

Steady our hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time;

Yet also, quicken our steps with a vision of the urgent action now required to cure the causes of stunted growth, premature death, battered women, and abused children.

Give us, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills;

Yet also, alert our eyes not to the comforting illusion of constancy divorced from change, but rather to such sharp reality as deep poverty surrounding us at home and abroad.

Break the tensions of our nerves and muscles with the soothing mu sic of the singing streams;

Yet also, give us, amid the calm days of our years, souls which are prepared to cope with the confusion necessarily occurring amidst new creation in the cities, towns, and the countries of the earth.

Help us to know the magical, restoring power of sleep;

Yet also, break the chains of euphoria deluding us to think that we are acting responsibly when we do no more than listen to music which protects our feet from marching.

Remind us of the fable of the hare and the tortoise, that we may know that there is more to life than increasing its speed;

Yet also, remind us of the fable of the astrologer who fell plumb to the bottom of a well, not seeing his feet while reading the sky.

Slow us down, O God, and inspire us to send our roots deep into the soil of life’s enduring values, that we may grow more surely toward the stars;

Yet also, wake us up, so our eyes may see the people around us and our arms may be open to embrace the suffering who cry.

Psalm 134

We your servants bless you, O God, 

as we stand by night in your house.

We lift up our hands towards the holy place, 

and give you thanks and praise.

Bless us from all places where you dwell, 

O God, creator of the heavens and the earth.

The following prayer is a Lenten prayer from the Iona Community that is seasonally timeless.

We believe that God is present

in the darkness before dawn;

in the waiting and uncertainy

where fear and courage join hands,

conflict and caring link arms,

and the sun rises over barbed wire.

We believe in a with-us God

Who sits down in our midst

to share our humanity.

We affirm a faith

That takes us beyond the safe place

into action, into vulnerability.

and into the streets.

We commit ourselves to work for change

and put us on the line;

to bear responsibility, to take risks,

live powerfully and face humiliation;

to stand with those on the edge;

to chose life

and be used by the Spirit

for God’s new community of hope.

Amen

Hymn 1

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.

Hymn 2

Be still and know that I am God. 

Be still and know that I am God. 

Be still and know that I am God.

I am the God that healeth thee. 

I am the God that healeth thee.

I am the God that healeth thee.

In thee, O God, I put my trust. 

In thee, O God, I put my trust. 

In thee, O God, I put my trust.

From The Resistance Prays!

My children, our love must not simply be words or mere talk - it must be true love, which shows itself in action and truth.

- 1 John 3:18, the Inclusive Bible



Spirit of Life and Love,

Be with us in this time, as people suffer, as parents grieve, as violence rages. Be with us who feel the pain of loss, who feel anger at injustice.

Be with the oppressed and change the heart of the oppressor, for we know that both are joined in their humanity, no matter how often we forget it.

Help us remember the hope we had, the hope we have, and the hope we will have; help us remember joy in the midst of sadness, success in the midst of challenge, and good things in the midst of bad.

Help us to be better people, to work for better things, and to create a better world.

Amen.

Rev. Christian Schmidt, via the Unitarian Universalist Association
+++



We remember these words

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
Posted 20 June 2016 on Facebook

I have a dream that we will wake up and be the country our fore-fathers and fore-mothers dreamed it would be. A country where Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy are not only talked about but practiced every nano second of the day.
A country where our elected officials wake up and understand that they work for us not big corporations, lobbies, and organizations that truly do not care about our citizenry. A country where we can feel safe without weapons and know that we don't have to fear people who are different from us. A country where freedom of religion is inclusive and not exclusive. A country where we can live authentically and not be forced back into the closet. A country where we listen with open minds and hearts. A country that really cares about the least of these. A country where each person is educated and knows the history of all the people in our country and especially the histories of the Native Americans, LGBTQIA, African Americans, Latin Americans, Slavery, Muslims, and every diverse group of people who came to this country. A country where our succeeding generations have a place to call home, a place where they don't have to fear, a place where they can live in peace, love and diversity. A country where we are building bridges of understanding and not putting up walls that divide. Just a few rambling thoughts. I love you!

72 Deus, judicium

1 Give the King your justice, O God, *
and your righteousness to the King's Son;

2 That he may rule your people righteously *
and the poor with justice.

3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *
and the little hills bring righteousness.

4 He shall defend the needy among the people; *
he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *
from one generation to another.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *
like showers that water the earth.

7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; *
there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

8 He shall rule from sea to sea, *
and from the River to the ends of the earth.

9 His foes shall bow down before him, *
and his enemies lick the dust.

10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *
and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.

11 All kings shall bow down before him, *
and all the nations do him service.

12 For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *
and the oppressed who has no helper.

13 He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *
he shall preserve the lives of the needy.

14 He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *
and dear shall their blood be in his sight.

15 Long may he live!
and may there be given to him gold from Arabia; *
may prayer be made for him always,
and may they bless him all the day long.

16 May there be abundance of grain on the earth,
growing thick even on the hilltops; *
may its fruit flourish like Lebanon,
and its grain like grass upon the earth.

17 May his Name remain for ever
and be established as long as the sun endures; *
may all the nations bless themselves in him and call him blessed.
18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, *
who alone does wondrous deeds!

19 And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! *
and may all the earth be filled with his glory.
Amen. Amen.

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.

Ecclesiastes 9:11-18

11 Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favour to the skilful; but time and chance happen to them all. 12For no one can anticipate the time of disaster. Like fish taken in a cruel net, and like birds caught in a snare, so mortals are snared at a time of calamity, when it suddenly falls upon them.

Wisdom Superior to Folly

13 I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed important to me. 14There was a little city with few people in it. A great king came against it and besieged it, building great siege-works against it. 15Now there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16So I said, ‘Wisdom is better than might; yet the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heeded.’

17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded

   than the shouting of a ruler among fools.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war,

   but one bungler destroys much good.

The Song of Hannah
1 Samuel 2:1-8
My heart exults in you, O God; *
my triumph song is lifted in you.
My mouth derides my enemies, *
for I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like you, *
nor any rock to be compared to you, our God.
Do not heap up prideful words or speak in arrogance; *
Only God is knowing and weighs all actions.
The bows of the mighty are broken, *
but the weak are clothed in strength.
Those once full now labor for bread, *
those who hungered now are well fed.
The childless woman has borne sevenfold, *
while the mother of many is forlorn.
God destroys and brings to life, casts down and raises up; *
gives wealth or takes it away, humbles and dignifies.
God raises the poor from the dust; *
and lifts the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with the rulers *
and inherit a place of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are God’s *
on which the whole earth is founded

Matthew 5:17-19
The Law and the Prophets
17 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. 18For 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. 19Therefore, 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.

A Song of Christ’s Humility
Philippians 2:6-11

Though in the form of God, *
Christ Jesus did not cling to equality with God,
But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, *
and was born in human likeness.
Being found in human form, he humbled himself *
and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Therefore, God has highly exalted him *
and given him the name above every name,
That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, *
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, *
to the glory of God the Father.

Settings of the Lord's Prayer as found in 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.

or the alternative form.

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.

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your
inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by
your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For Survivors of Abuse and Violence

Holy One, you do not distance yourself from the pain of your

people, but in Jesus bear that pain with us and bless all who suffer

at others’ hands. Hallow our flesh and all creation; with your

cleansing love bring healing and strength to N.; and by your

justice, lift her/him up, that in the body you have given her/him,

she/he may again rejoice. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In Times of Personal Distress

Lord Christ, you came into the world as one of us, and suffered

as we do. As we go through the trials of life, help us to realize

that you are with us at all times and in all things; that we have

no secrets from you; and that your loving grace enfolds us for

eternity. In the security of your embrace we pray. Amen.

For a Child Who Dies by Violence

Loving God, Jesus gathered your little ones in his arms and

blessed them. Have pity on those who mourn for N., an innocent

slaughtered by the violence of our fallen world. Be with us as we

struggle with the mysteries of life and death; in our pain, bring

your comfort, and in our sorrow, bring your hope and your

promise of new life, in the name of Jesus our Savior. Amen.

or this

God our deliverer, gather our horror and pity for the death of

your child N. into the compass of your wisdom and strength, that

through the night we may seek and do what is right, and when

morning comes trust ourselves to your cleansing justice and new

life; through Christ our Savior. Amen.

or this

God, do not hide your face from us in our anger and grief for the

death of N. Renew us in hope that your justice will roll down

like mighty waters and joy spring up from the broken ground in a

living stream; through Jesus our Savior. Amen.

For One Who has Killed

Holy God, we lift into the light of your justice N. [the one] who

has taken the life of your child N. Where our hearts are stone

return to us hearts of flesh; that grief may not swallow us up, but

new life find us through Jesus the crucified, with whom we are

raised by your power. Amen.

For Those Who Mourn

God of compassion and strength: keep safe the soul of your child

N., whose moment of pain and fear is past. Send your healing to

N. [and N.] and all who mourn, that their suffering may find

peace and resolution within your love, whose Spirit gives life in

Christ our Savior. Amen.

or this

Most loving God: the death of your Son has opened to us a new

and living way. Give us hope to overcome our despair; help us to

surrender N. to your keeping, and let our sorrow find comfort in

your care; through the name and presence of Jesus our Savior.

Amen.

or this

God, as Mary stood at the foot of the cross, we stand before you

with broken hearts and tearful eyes. Keep us mindful that you

know our pain, and free us to see your resurrection power

already at work in N.’s life. In your time, raise us from our grief

as you have raised N. to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our

Savior. Amen.

or this

Merciful God, you grant to children an abundant entrance into

your kingdom. In your compassion, comfort those who mourn

for N., and grant us grace to conform our lives to her/his innocence

and faith, that at length, united with her/him, we may

stand in your presence in the fullness of joy; for the sake of Jesus

Christ. Amen.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless 
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the 
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

Help us we pray to build bridges and tear down walls. Give us strength to truly to become peacemakers and your children.

God we pray for the least of these who are homeless, hungry, without sufficient clothing and we remember especially that these are our family members who need our compassion, acceptance, love, and mercy. 

God we pray for compassionate immigration reform as we remember all refugees . We pray that all families may be kept together and remember the children who were born here are beloved citizens.

We pray for freedom to practice our faiths with out fear and the need to divide and profile us by the faith(s) we practice.

We pray for an end to all forms of violence, terror, bullying and abuse both in action and in words.

We pray for peace, unity, and justice, and remember as in the baptismal covenant  in the BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER as one of the questions " Will you strive for justice and peace among all

people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

Help us we pray that we may lay down all weaponry of hate and division and be united in heart, mind, and spirit. 

We pray for seasonable weather and a respect and conservation of God's Cathedral of Life. We pray for help reducing our carbon footprints and solutions to global warming and climate change. We pray for the care of all of our animal kingdom and all endangered species. We pray for laws banning imported ivory and all wild game hunts.

We pray  for all victims of hate, bullying, abuse, human trafficking, and all who have died because of their sexual orientation and gender. 

We pray and give thanks this day for_________________________________

We lift up these our prayers in the name of  (Place your own deity of choice here) Amen. 

or these

Let us pray!

Dear God we sometimes cannot explain the unexplainable but that is when we must and need to have faith in you.  As we continue to walk with you on our journey may we have faith to put our feet on your holy ground and walk with love and purpose and  be your hands, feet, love, voice, arms and bodies in your world. Amen.
                                                   
           In Perfect Harmony a Prayer in the Key of Jesus- The Key of Jesus is  love!

Help us to walk, pray, think and love in the key of Jesus.

Help us to bring hope, make peace, give joy, and show love in the key of Jesus.

Lord help us to shine the light of Christ's love to the world in the key of Jesus.

Help us to be your grace and spirit filled  ministers and  tender and loving caregivers in the key of Jesus.

Help us to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you and in the key Jesus.

Help us to have compassion, be a comfort to those who are lonely, ill, hungry, and homeless in the key of Jesus.

Thank you Lord for your Son Jesus and your Cathedral of Life in which we live. 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.

Be still and hear the whisper of God in the Wind, in the waves, and in our hearts
Be still and hear the whisper of God in the Wind,in  the waves.
Be still and hear the whisper of God in the Wind.
Be still and hear the whisper of God.
Be still and hear the whisper.
Be still and hear.
Be still.
Be.

God is Love and where true love is,God himself is there!
God is Love and where true love is God himself is.
God is Love and where true love is God
God is Love and where true love is.
God is Love



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. 


The Wisdom of God
the Love of God
and the Grace of God
strengthen you
to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world,
in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.
(source: Celtic)

To God the Creator, 
who loved us first and gave this world to be our home,
to God the Redeemer,
who loves us and by dying and rising 
pioneered the way of freedom, 
to God the Sanctifier, 
who spreads the divine love in our hearts, 
be praise and glory for time and for eternity.


Good Night Dear Ones!  I love you. I give thanks for you this night. May God bless you always.

With love and prayers,

Sara


Resources
Prayers of Power
Book of Common Prayer
Satucket Lectionary
Oremus Bible Browser
Walk With Me On Our Journey
A to Z quotes
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Other Sources as Noted
Iona Community