Good Evening Beloved Ones!
Happy Sabbath of the Third Sunday in Lent Year B! When we celebrate Christmas every year we see Jesus as the meek and mild babe but today we see him angry angry and driving out the money changers in the Temple. These two images help us to see Jesus in His totality as both divine and human. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit finally have had enough of the abuse of power, the abuse of the poor, and the abuse of the human family, and the abuse of creation. It doesn't take rocket science to know that righteous anger is sometimes necessary to be the energizing force for change. Today is the 56th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma and the March across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. How many of us remember and know about this day? If we don't I would suggest we get to know about the details. Here are a few resources to help us get started:
For The First Time In 56 Years, A 'Bloody Sunday' Without John Lewis
A History of Injustice Calendar
+++
Tonight we lift up our voices in prayer and song as we begin our time of worship with the words of Lift Every Voice and Sing by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson
Till earth and heaven ring
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on till victory is won
Bitter the chastening rod
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died
Yet with a steady beat
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered
Out from the gloomy past
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast
God of our silent tears
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way
Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light
Keep us forever in the path, we pray
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee
Shadowed beneath Thy hand
May we forever stand
True to our God
True to our native land
Our native land
God spoke these words and said, ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.’Exodus 20:1
The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart O God you will not despise.Psalm 51:17
Create in me a clean heart O God: and renew a right spirit within me.Psalm 51:10
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.Ephesians 4:32
Jesus said: ‘I am the living bread which came down from heaven; whoever eats of this bread, will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.’John 6:51
We do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.Matthew 4:4
Unless a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it remains a single grain; but, if it dies, it yields a rich harvest.John 12:24
Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.Galatians 6:14
If we claim to be sinless, we are self-deceived, and strangers to the truth. If we confess our sins God is just, and may be trusted to forgive our sins, and cleanse us from every kind of wrong.1 John 1:8, 9
As part of our time together let us take time to remember this blog from many years ago:
Dear Family of Love!
Happy Self-Care and Sabbath Rest Weekend! I hope everyone is enjoying your retreat. Everyone knows that we are in the midst of Bridge Week and now it is time to take a holy walk across the bridge not quite all the way but halfway. Why halfway you ask? The answer is as simple as it is complex. Taking a walk on a bridge and meeting in the middle requires courage and faith. When we do the virtual bridge crossing you will understand why. Are you ready to take a holy walk across the bridge? Are you ready to meet your family members halfway? Do you have your set of tools that we used at the beginning of the week? If not here they are:
In order to build bridges we also need to have these tools at the ready:
Kindness
Gratitude for the gifts our family members bring to the table
Common ground
A willingness to not travel down a negative pathway.
A willingness to change our attitudes that keep us from being united.
A heart home that is ever expanding and going deeper.
A pair of well tuned listening ears and a mouth that is able to be silent and not talk over people.
Arms that are ready to embrace and welcome.
Feet that are ready to run and help when our family members are in crisis.
Hands that are willing to soothe, comfort, serve, and grasp our brother's and sister's hands.
Eyes that are able to see and reflect God.
A voice that is comforting and reassuring.
A smile to radiate God's Light and Love to the world.
Courage and faith to meet our family members half way.
Courage to lay aside our preconceived thoughts about our family members.
The ability to respect the dignity of every human and living being.
Strength to be able to go against society's norms when necessary.
To boldly Go where Jesus is sending us!
To join in the Jesus Movement or if you aren't Christian, The Movement of Love and Justice and CALM(Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy).
The courage to tear down walls that divide us.
Arroyo Hondo Bridge Near Gaviota California off the 101 Freeway. Commonly called Vista Point.
An introductory note: For this virtual bridge crossing we use the words person(s) or issue(s) not as a slight, but as a way for all of us to be able to place our own names in the blanks or if you aren't ready keep them this way.
To prepare ourselves for this holy walk let us take time and practice our 'Be Stills"
Anglican Prayers for Safety
For Travelers
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole
creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve
those who travel [in particular __________]; surround
them with your loving care; protect them from every danger;
and bring them in safety to their journey's end; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Protection
Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and
prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the
attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the
changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be
defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Source: 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA)
Make sure your shoelaces are tied and that you are ready to walk this holy path. Imagine who you would like to meet halfway. Who is/are the person(s) that you are having trouble with? What is/are the issue(s) that keep you from being united? Now it is time to walk the holy pathway:
You may look around where you are walking or keep your eyes on the person(s) you will be meeting. Remember to breathe, remember to smile, remember to foster forgiveness in your mind and heart. How are you feeling at this very moment? Any desires to turn back ? Are you afraid? Do you feel God's presence abiding in you and surrounding your every step? Now we are just about halfway to our destination this is the time to let go of anything that you need to before you meet your family member who is a Child of God. Time for a mental Worry/Sabbath Box! Yes, friends we get to do that not just on Fridays! Let us now decide how we are going to greet the person. How would you like to be greeted? Like the Prodigal Son? Mary Magdalene at the Tomb when she met Jesus after His resurrection? Cautiously like Thomas? Quizzically, like Moses when he encountered God speaking from the Burning Bush? or are you going to greet by a simple handshake, gentle embrace, pat on the arm or shoulder. Maybe you aren't ready and all you can do is muster a smile and a gentle tone of voice. That is okay too! The moment has arrived, you are now in the presence of the person in the middle of the bridge. Start by a simple 'Hello!" and smile, engage in small talk for awhile. No need to solve all of your problems and differences today. This is the first meeting! This is when you get to see God in the person's face. This is when you begin putting into practice the Love of God, Neighbor( Family member, least of these, enemy, hater) and yourself. What is your body, mind, or spirit feeling like? Are you ready to return ? Did I forget that you needed to pack a pair of candles and a lighter? ( This is a virtual walk so we don't have to fear a wildfire during a drought condition) By the magic of this blog you now have candles and a lighter! This is what you will conclude your meeting with "The light of Christ/God in Me recognizes the Light of Christ/God in you! You light the candle and pass it to the person (s) they repeat the phrase back to you. Now you may pass the peace or some fond farewell greeting: The Peace of the Lord be always with you R: And also with you!
You may embrace, handshake, or do a gentle pat on the arm. Smile and wave as you leave. Walk at a slow pace, breathe, and enjoy God's Cathedral of life. How are you feeling? What are you thinking? Are you ready to do it again? In your time of small talk and before you left to return on your way did you make an effort to do another time of halfway meeting on the bridge?
Take time to use this meditation today, tomorrow, and in the days and weeks to come!
Happy Self-Care Saturday! It is now time for us to settle in and join together in our Virtual Candlelight Prayer Vigil. Tonight we pray for all of our family members who are homeless, hungry, and lacking proper clothing and shelter on this rainy night. We pray for all who work and minister to our most vulnerable family members who are staying in warming centers and shelters this night. We pray for our family members who are having to flee their homes and find their way into refugee camps and seek asylum. We pray for all who are in danger and need protection. We pray this night for the many aid agencies that come to the aid of our family members. We pray that we may be willing to minister to all people and say yes to God even if it means that we are challenged to be a voice for those who differ from us and those who haven't any voice. May we pray and consider wisely the words of the Prophet Isaiah-
And many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways And that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go forth from Zion And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war. 5Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
An additional time of prayer may be added!
God we pray for peace your broken world.
May peace and love prevail.
God we pray for women and children and the most vulnerable who are in danger or abuse.
May peace, love, and compassionate care prevail.
God we pray for our enemies and our enemies' family members who are caught in war's cross hairs.
May peace and love prevail.
God we pray for all refugees, captives, and all who are victims of human trafficking.
May they be set free to live in safety and may peace and love prevail.
God we pray for all of our leaders that they may stop legislating cruelty and be aware that when they are hurting another human or living being they are hurting and doing violence to you.
May justice roll down and may peace and love prevail
God we pray for all of us who are struggling to live out in the open as the beautiful children whom God has made. May we not be afraid to live authentically into our own truth.
May we have strength and courage to be ourselves and may peace, justice, equality, and love prevail.
God we pray for all who are ill in body mind and spirit may they be healed of all their infirmities!
May health and healing take place and may love and peace prevail in our bodies, minds, and spirits.
God we pray for all who are in mourning over any kind of loss.
May love ,comfort and peace prevail in their hearts.
God we pray this night for all who are homeless, hungry, and ill clad.
May we lovingly respond to their needs and may they find shelter from the cold and nourishment for their bodies.
God we add our thanksgivings, thoughtful thoughts, and additional prayers________________
Let us lift these our prayers in the Name of Jesus, our brother, friend, savior, teacher, and healer. Amen.
Part II
Prayer of 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.
After our walk across the bridge we will meet together for a holy meal together where we will have a time of togetherness "in the breaking of bread and in the prayers". We will seek to learn from each other's differences by listening and celebrating our new life together as the one beautiful family of God/Love. Let us now come together and engage in the " Adapted Be Stills"
Let us repeat the prayer of St. Francis as we go deeper into this time of prayer and meditation. This prayer is suitable for building bridges and tearing down walls.
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.
Lord Jesus, as we approach the up coming week may we pray for peace in the world.
Jesus, give us the courage to become instruments of your peace and be "Lights of the World" and "The Salt of the Earth"
Jesus, grant us the wisdom to find out for ourselves the truth behind all the stories we read and see in social media and in the newscasts.
Jesus, we pray for the forgotten people in all the war torn areas of the world that our eyes may be opened and that we may have loving hearts to welcome them.
Jesus, give us we pray the energy to do the tasks no matter how large or how small you give us in service to you and in your Kingdom.
Jesus, we remember those who are on our hearts this night especially______________________
Jesus, protect all our family members around the world this night and 'Hide them under the shadow of your wings"
Jesus, keep reminding us that we are to be your hands, your feet, your voice, in the world. Give us by your example to never treat anyone as invisible.
Jesus, help us to be living and breathing Bibles by our love, compassion, mercy, words, deeds and remember the words of St. Francis of Assisi "Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words!"
Jesus, we remember all of our vulnerable family members who are lonely, lost, refugees, homeless, hungry, and all the least of these. Help us to remember that by caring and serving them we are serving you.
Jesus, heal all those who are mentally ill, PTSD, Memory problems, and all those who struggle with daily living. We remember all of our family members who are disabled.
Jesus, help us to know that we are one with you and God and that we may never be afraid to come to you and knock at the door. Help us always to be listening and seeking you in those moments of stillness and calm.
Jesus we pray our gratitude list and offer our thanks to you!
Come Lord Jesus and be among us this night and always. Amen.
Psalm 19
Caeli enarrant
1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2 One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3 Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,
4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.
5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again; *
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect
and revives the soul; *
the testimony of the Lord is sure
and gives wisdom to the innocent.
8 The statutes of the Lord are just
and rejoice the heart; *
the commandment of the Lord is clear
and gives light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean
and endures for ever; *
the judgments of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
more than much fine gold, *
sweeter far than honey,
than honey in the comb.
11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *
and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how often he offends? *
cleanse me from my secret faults.
13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
let them not get dominion over me; *
then shall I be whole and sound,
and innocent of a great offense.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be acceptable in your sight, *
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Then God spoke all these words:
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.
Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.
Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Prayer of Manasseh 1-2, 4, 6-7, 11-15
O Lord and Ruler of the hosts of heaven, *
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
and of all their righteous offspring:
You made the heavens and the earth, *
with all their vast array.
they tremble because of your power.
But your merciful promise is beyond all measure; *
it surpasses all that our minds can fathom.
O Lord, you are full of compassion, *
long-suffering, and abounding in mercy.
You hold back your hand; *
you do not punish as we deserve.
In your great goodness, Lord,
you have promised forgiveness to sinners, *
that they may repent of their sin and be saved.
And now, O Lord, I bend the knee of my heart, *
and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness.
I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, *
and I know my wickedness only too well.
Therefore I make this prayer to you: *
Forgive me, Lord, forgive me.
Do not let me perish in my sin, *
nor condemn me to the depths of the earth.
For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, *
and in me you will show forth your goodness.
Unworthy as I am, you will save me,
in accordance with your great mercy, *
and I will praise you without ceasing all the days of my life.
For all the powers of heaven sing your praises, *
and yours is the glory to ages of ages. Amen.
John 2:13-22
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
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.
The Lord’s Prayer or the alternative is said. 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.
Or
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.
Collects of the Day
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP)
Lord, help us to see:to see what is eternally good and true,
and having seen, to go on searching
until we come to the joys of heaven.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. (ANZPB)
1 If the Lord had not been on our side, *
let Israel now say;
2 If the Lord had not been on our side, *
when enemies rose up against us;
3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive *
in their fierce anger toward us;
4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *
and the torrent gone over us;
5 Then would the raging waters *
have gone right over us.
6 Blessed be the Lord! *
he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *
the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the Name of the Lord, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for all of our family members this night who are in our hearts and on our minds especially_________________.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all lives who are touched by abuse and violence.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all those whose hearts are hardened and feel the need to act violently.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all family members of the animal kingdom that are facing being endangered and extinct.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all of our personal wounds that have kept us from moving on and living lives well lived.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all of those who are mourning losses of family members and pets. We remember especially those who have lost children.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all children who are suffering from any untimely disease that keeps them from enjoying childhood.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all of our family members with whom we might be estranged. May we lovingly be united once again with them.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of your Cathedral of Life and that we might be good stewards of the Earth you made.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all hearts and heart homes who are facing loneliness during yet another upcoming holiday season.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all divisions that we may be one.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all who have had surgery that they may receive healing and recover fully.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all who are homeless, hungry, and ill-clad that they may find warm shelter, nourishing food, and warm and comfortable clothing.
Gracious and loving God,we pray for the healing of all nations where there are warring factions and terror that peace may prevail upon earth.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all faith communities that they may find common ground rooted in love.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all the hate and rancor in this world.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of all those who are feeling isolated and outcast that they may feel accepted and loved as the beautiful people whom you created that they may see as you see them.
Gracious and loving God, we pray for the healing of anything that is being brought to mind this night remembering especially__________________________
Gracious and loving God we pray in the name of Jesus,Your Son. Amen.
The Song of Simeon Nunc dimittis
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free * to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, * whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, * and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. |
BENEDICTION - Herbert F. Vetter
May we forever hope in the possibilities of life;
May we forever share the adventures of ideas;
May we know peace through not expecting the impossible;
May we know joy through helping what is possible come true.
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)
++++++
Good Night Dear Family of Love. I love you! May you feel God's Love and comfort enfolding you this night! I give God thanks for you this night and always!
With love, peace, and harmony in my heart-home for you always,
Sara
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.
I found this Lenten Litany written by Joyce Rupp and it says the right things.
Lenten Litany
When loved ones experience pain and suffering . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When illness, aging, or chronic pain diminish our joy . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When doubts arise and confusion fills our minds . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When others fail us or refuse to forgive us for our failings . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When we stumble and stray from the path of goodness . . . Remind us that your love is with us.
When death separates us from those we love dearly . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When financial problems threaten our security . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When depression or loneliness returns again and again . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When broken relationships seem unmendable . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When our faith strengthens and gives us courage . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When the precious gift of life is recognized and appreciated . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When unexpected kindness and caring comes our way . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When optimism stirs in our hearts and springtime returns . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
When the peace of Christ calms our anxiety and softens our sadness…Remind us that your love is with us.
When we realize that our loving presence can make a difference…Remind us that your love is with us.
When the joy of Easter permeates our hearts . . .Remind us that your love is with us.
~by Joyce Rupp~
from Out of the Ordinary
THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES -Anonymous
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.
Let us confess our sins to God.
Silence may be kept.
Minister and People
God of all mercy,
we confess that we have sinned against you,
opposing your will in our lives.
We have denied your goodness in each other,
in ourselves, and in the world you have created.
We repent of the evil that enslaves us,
the evil we have done,
and the evil done on our behalf.
Forgive, restore, and strengthen us
through our Savior Jesus Christ,
that we may abide in your love
and serve only your will. Amen.
Absolution
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all your sins
through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.
Amen.
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.
IN LAK’ECH
our Father in heaven,
we come to you as your children.
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.
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 everlast ing 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment