Good Evening Beloved Ones!
Happy Friday and the beginning of our vigil, retreat, and reflection weekend. It's a beautiful day on the land of the Chumash. Today was one very busy day! Today we remember and celebrate the feast day of Alexander Crummell. This is about how to celebrate his day and weekend as featured on FB by The Rt. Rev. Diane Jardine Bruce- Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles:
Please don't forget that this Sunday, September 12, is UBE (Union of Black Episcopalians) Sunday....
UBE Sunday 2021
Honoring Our Saint:
The Reverend Alexander Crummell
Sunday, September 12, 2021
(First Sunday following September 10)
On Sunday, September 12, we celebrate the life and legacy of our notable saint, The Reverend Alexander Crummell. We also designate this day as UBE Sunday to commemorate the racial justice ministry of this organization which was an outgrowth of the Rev. Crummell’s advocacy.
We encourage you to observe UBE Sunday on September 12 by remembering the life of The Reverend Alexander Crummell. Provided below are liturgical resources you may use on September 12 or on any other Sunday where you are reflecting on racial reconciliation.
Help further the ministry and mission of the Union of Black Episcopalians by taking up a special offering, donating your plate offering for September 12, or making a one-time gift from your discretionary fund. Donations may be made online at the UBE website (www.ube.org) or by mailing a check – earmarked UBE Sunday – to Union of Black Episcopalians, 3737 Seminary Road, PMB #121, Alexandria, Virginia, 22304.
For more information about Father Crummell, please view the video below featuring the interim rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Washington D.C., the Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart. Rev. Fisher-Steward recorded this video as part of the UBE Churchwide Revival that took place the last week in July. This video tells the story of the congregation Father Crummell led in Washington and the amazing legacy Father Crummell leaves behind through his dedication to education, service, and the empowerment of black people. 2021 Remembering Alexander Crummell told by The Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart, PIC St. Lukes' DC:
For Liturgical Resources for UBE Sunday 2021:
For a half-page bulletin insert for UBE Sunday 2021: https://files.constantcontact.com/.../7ee3133e-05a1-40f4...
For a full-page bulletin insert for UBE Sunday 2021:
Go to this link to find the Lectionary Page profile of Father Alexander Crummell: http://www.lectionarypage.net/LesserFF/Sep/Crummell.html
Here are a few of Alexander Crummell's quotes to meditate upon.
"If you are to be leaders, teachers, and guides among your people, you must have strength. No people can be fed, no people can be built up on flowers." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"Let our posterity know that we their ancestors, uncultured and unlearned, amid all trials and temptations, were men of integrity." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"The greatness of peoples springs from their ability to grasp the grand conceptions of being. It is the absorption of a people, of a nation, of a rare, in large majestic and abiding things which lifts them up to the skies." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"Strive to make something of yourself, then strive to make the most of yourself." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"We should let our godliness exhale like th odor of flowers. We should live for the good of our kind, and strive for the salvation of the world." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"Those too impressed with material things cannot hold their place n the world of culture; they are relegated to inferiority and ultimate death." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"We read the future by the past." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"Labor is the fruit of civilization, not the basis of it." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"Color is nothing, anywhere. Civilized condition differences men, all over the globe." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"It is only by closing the ears of the soul, or by listening too intently to the clamors of the sense, that we become oblivious of their utterances." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
"All real success springs from that inward might which we exert upon society." ~ Alexander Crummell
Read.
Pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
Now let us ponder on the theme of foundation.
"We cannot build up the idea of the apostolate of the laity without the foundation of the liturgy." ~ Dorothy Day
"Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance." ~ Saint Augustine
"The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty." ~ Zig Ziglar
"The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid." ~ Thomas a Kempis
"When you have a spiritual foundation, you look at poverty differently then." ~ Dennis Banks
"Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility." ~ Saint Augustine
"Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues." ~ Confucius
"In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery and death." ~ Anne Frank
"I firmly believe in the rule of law as the foundation for all of our basic rights." ~ Sonia Sotomayor
"The Cross did not happen to Jesus: He came on purpose for it. He is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." ~ Oswald Chambers
"In the mirror of your mind all kinds of pictures appear and disappear. Knowing that they are entirely your own creations, watch them silently come and go. Be alert, but not perturbed. This attitude of silent observation is the very foundation of yoga. You see the picture, but you are not the picture." ~ Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
"I simply can't build my hopes on a foundation of confusion, misery and death... I think... peace and tranquillity will return again." ~ Anne Frank
"In the mirror of your mind all kinds of pictures appear and disappear. Knowing that they are entirely your own creations, watch them silently come and go. Be alert, but not perturbed. This attitude of silent observation is the very foundation of yoga. You see the picture, but you are not the picture." ~ Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
"I simply can't build my hopes on a foundation of confusion, misery and death... I think... peace and tranquillity will return again." ~ Anne Frank
"Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Let us engage in the "Be Stills".
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
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.
Let us add our Metta Prayer!
Lovingkindness (Metta) Prayer
May "all beings" be happy, healthy and whole.
May they have love, warmth and affection.
May they be protected from harm, and free from fear.
May they be alive, engaged and joyful.
May "all beings" enjoy inner peace and ease.
May that peace expand into their world and throughout the entire universe.
This prayer is traditionally done for successively wider circles of caring, with “all beings”replaced appropriately. The first round would be for yourself, then those closest to you, then those who you feel neutral toward, then those with whom you have difficulties, and continuing outward until it includes all beings.
Let us begin with our new mindfulness passages:
Let us breathe in peace.
Let us breathe out worry.
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.
The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh: A Litany for Peace
As we are together praying for Peace, let us be truly with each other.
Silence
Let us pay attention to our breathing.
Silence
Let us be relaxed in our bodies and our minds.
Silence
Let us return to ourselves and become wholly ourselves.
Silence
Let us be aware of the Source of Being common to us all and to all that is.
Silence
Evoking the presence of the Great Companion, let us fill our hearts with our own compassion—towards ourselves and toward all living beings.
Silence
Let us pray that all living beings realize that they are all nourished from the same Source of Life.
Silence
Let us pray that we ourselves cease to be the cause of needless suffering.
Silence
Let us pray that we may live in a way which will not needlessly deprive other living beings of air, water, food, shelter, or the chance to live in health.
Silence
With reverence for Life and with awareness of the sufferings that are going on around us, let us pray for the establishment of peace in our hearts and on earth.
Now let us continue with the Daily Examen.
And this prayer from The Arusha Call To Discipleship
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of life in all its diversity and beauty. Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, we praise you that you came to find the lost, to free the oppressed, to heal the sick, and to convert the self-centred. Holy Spirit, we rejoice that you breathe in the life of the world and are poured out into our hearts. As we live in the Spirit, may we also walk in the Spirit. Grant us faith and courage to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus: becoming pilgrims of justice and peace in our time. For the blessing of your people, the sustaining of the earth, and the glory of your name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of life in all its diversity and beauty. Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, we praise you that you came to find the lost, to free the oppressed, to heal the sick, and to convert the self-centred. Holy Spirit, we rejoice that you breathe in the life of the world and are poured out into our hearts. As we live in the Spirit, may we also walk in the Spirit. Grant us faith and courage to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus: becoming pilgrims of justice and peace in our time. For the blessing of your people, the sustaining of the earth, and the glory of your name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.
1. Become aware of God’s presence.
This is the time when we become aware of our breathing and grounding ourselves. Let us use the "Peace be stills".
Inhale
Hold
Exhale gently.
Pause and repeat!
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.
Repeat two more times.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.
__
More help from Ignatian Spirituality
Let us come together in God's presence and in the presence of one another to make vigil and pray.
Never forget to show kindness,
to share what you have with others.
These are the sacrifices which God approves.
Well we know that it was no perishable stuff,
like gold or silver, that bought our freedom.
The price was paid in precious blood, the blood of Christ.
Standing firm in God’s counsel
The powerful oppress me without cause,
but my heart stands firm in awe of your word.
I rejoice in your love
more than one who finds great spoils.
As for lies, I hate and abhor them,
but your law do I love.
Seven times a day do I praise you,
because of the justice of your way.
Great is the peace of those who treasure your wisdom,
nothing can make them stumble.
Dear God, I have looked for your saving health,
and followed your counsel.
Guide me in the path of your truth,
all the ways of my heart are open before you. Psalm 119:161–168
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.Colossians 3:12–15
It is the God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.2 Corinthians 4:6–10
Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.Philippians 4:8
For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old creation has gone, and now the new one is here. It is all God’s work. It is God who through Christ has won us back and given us a share in this work of reconciliation.2 Corinthians 5:17–18
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.Galatians 5:22, 23a, 25
Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for thse who abuse you. Do good and lend, expecting nothing in return; for God is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.
Be merciful as your father is merciful. Judge not and you will not be judged. Condemn not and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and it will be given to you; for the measure you give will be the measure you receive. From Luke 6:27-38
You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but citizens together
with the saints and members of the household of God.
Ephesians 2:19
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.
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:
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.
Gracious and loving God as we meet in community this evening to pray and light candles let us remember all of our family members who do not have community, family, where loving shoulders and soft places in which to fall are available. We pray for the lost, lonely, and afraid that they may be found and brought into the family of God and wrapped in a quilt of comfort. We pray for our family members who are refugees, asylum seekers, children in foster care, children who are seeking to be adopted and all who are waiting for their forever homes wherever that may be. We pray that we may practice radical hospitality and welcome all of our family members and especially the strangers who are in our midst. We pray that we may keep our eyes on all of our loved ones and pray that no one, not one will fall through the cracks. We pray that a community of CALM (Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy) may spring up around the world and especially where there is hatred, violence, terror, and division. We pray that peace, justice, and mercy may prevail upon Earth, that we may be peacemakers and called the Children of God. Amen.
Let us light our candles in memory and in honor of our beloved family members, past, present, and future.
Now let us form a circle in our hearts with love and say "The Light of Christ in Me, Recognizes the Light of Christ in you!" and the God of love who made me in God's image made you in God's image and love!
Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love?' These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will be many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.
Henri Nouwen
Confession of Need
Let us confess our need for God’s healing grace.
Silence
Together
Compassionate God,
we confess our weaknesses and our need for your
strengthening touch.
We confess that some illnesses stem from our own fault,
while others are beyond our control.
We turn to you, source of life,
and ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ
for the gifts of true healing and life in you. Amen.
Together
May the God of love visit us in our times of trial and weakness,
and raise us to newness of life, through Jesus Christ, in the
power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A Smudging Prayer From - (Smudging as a Christian Aboriginal Ceremony)
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
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
We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust. We must dissent from a nation that has buried its head in the sand, waiting in vain for the needs of its poor, its elderly, and its sick to disappear and just blow away. We must dissent from a government that has left its young without jobs, education or hope. We must dissent from the poverty of vision and the absence of moral leadership. We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better." - Thurgood Marshall
O God our shield and armor of light, whom we adore with all the angelic host: defend us from evil; watch over any who are in danger this night and give your angels charge over them; and grant that we may always rejoice in your heavenly protection and serve you bravely in the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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.
+++
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
Psalm 19:7-11
19 Cœli enarrant
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.
Sirach 39:6-11
6 If the great Lord is willing,
he will be filled with the spirit of understanding;
he will pour forth words of wisdom of his own
and give thanks to the Lord in prayer.
7 The Lord* will direct his counsel and knowledge,
as he meditates on his mysteries.
8 He will show the wisdom of what he has learned,
and will glory in the law of the Lord’s covenant.
9 Many will praise his understanding;
it will never be blotted out.
His memory will not disappear,
and his name will live through all generations.
10 Nations will speak of his wisdom,
and the congregation will proclaim his praise.
11 If he lives long, he will leave a name greater than a thousand,
and if he goes to rest, it is enough* for him.
A Song of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 36:24-28
I will take you from among all nations; *
and gather you from all lands to bring you home.
I will sprinkle clean water upon you; *
and purify you from false gods and uncleanness.
A new heart I will give you *
and a new spirit put within you.
I will take the stone heart from your chest *
and give you a heart of flesh.
I will help you walk in my laws *
and cherish my commandments and do them.
You shall be my people, *
and I will be your God.
Mark 4:21-25
A Lamp under a Bushel Basket
21 He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? 22For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. 23Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ 24And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. 25For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’
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.
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.
Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your servant Alexander Crummell, whom you called to preach the gospel to those who were far off and to those who were near. Raise up in this and every land, evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. 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 andready help; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn 9
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 The Resistance Prays!
God who is resistance, allow us to see the unexpected savior in our midst, the ones who come and surprise us all with new hope, life, and a call to justice. Give us the courage to look beyond our small communities and embrace resistance in all its forms, even if it does not perfectly align with our values. Humble us, call us to action, and give us the wisdom to become active in the world that demands our hands, our feet, and our bodies in whatever manner is needed to bring an end to cruelty and empire. May it be so. Amen.
We close this night's vigil with the following classic prayers:
Holy God, G_D, Allah, Creator of the world and God of Many names who made us in you image and likeness we pray this night and light our candles in memory and witness to all who have died in any genocide and terrorist act our world has ever known. We light our candles and remember 9/11 ( the Women's holocaust in the Middle Ages, The Native Americans who walked the Trail of Tears and were killed by viruses brought to the New World, We pray for the Armenians who perished and The Great Holocaust that took the lives of 6,000,000 million Jews and others). We pray for the victims of modern day genocides in this era of terrorism and ethnic cleansing. We pray that we may look upon these our brothers and sisters who perished as a reminder of how easy it is to go down the slippery slope of hate, terror, fear, vengeance, and bigotry. We pray for peace in this fragile and broken world that we may be peace makers and truth tellers to our family members who do not know the history of these atrocities. We pray this night that we may stop the hate and new apartheid systems that infect the world. We pray that we may be compassionate, accepting, loving, and merciful. Let us always remember and never forget. Amen.
Everything Has Its Time
3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
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.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is
in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen.
The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3–12
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (5:3)
Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4)
Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10
The Light and Love of Christ I hold out to you is my promise that we are family one to another this day and always. The Light of Christ in Me , Recognizes the Light of Christ in you. We lift up these our prayers in Jesus most holy name. Amen.
These prayers may be added:
Here we light a single candle in-memorium
Tonight's meditation music is Diane Arkenstone - Kiva Ceremony or Ah Nee Mah-Ancient Voices- Full Album , Tonight take time to breathe and be at one with the holy and find peace, love, and listen for the still small voice. Take all the time you need. When you are ready, slowly begin to pray these words again.
Gracious Spirit, we come to you with heavy hearts in need of healing. We offer our tender beings to you for the healing of our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Gracious Spirit we pray this night for and end to bullying and persecution of our LGBTQ youth and adults who are not lovingly accepted in our family May we love them and make for them a soft place in which to fall.
Gracious Spirit, We pray for an end to domestic violence and abuse of men, women and children that all those who have been affected this way may find necessary help and safe shelter,
Gracious Spirit, we pray for our family members who are lonely, homeless, and hungry. May they find compassionate company, safe lodging, and be feed with good food.
Gracious Spirit, protect all of our immigrants, refugees,prisoners, captives, that they may receive necessary care, justice, secure shelters, be led to freedom and liberty.
Gracious Spirit we pray that we may be good stewards of God's Cathedral of Life and protect the land that God has given us. May we conserve and learn to live simply out of Gods's abundance.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for rain in the drought parched areas of the world and for our family members who are affected by severe weather.
Gracious Spirit, We pray for all those who are suffering from mental illness and depression and especially our family members who are feeling low in mind, spirit, and energy. Heal them and may they know that they are loved, precious, and accepted fully into God's Family.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for all of our family members who lost their lives on 9/11 and we remember those who continue to mourn their loss.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for our family members who may be contemplating taking their own lives may they courageously ask for help and feel your encircling love around them.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for our family members who are suffering from Ebola, the respiratory viruses, A.I.D.S. and any other illnesses that are life threatening.
Gracious Spirit, heal and console all of our family members who have Cancer, Diabetes, and all autoimmune, and chronic illnesses. We pray for their caregivers.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for an end to terror and that as our nation is drawn into another conflict our prayers may rise for our President, Congress, and Troops, as they face the days ahead. May we knit a prayer circle of love around our country where we may sew seeds of love, hope, joy,justice, peace, acceptance,and mercy, and that hate, bigotry, and division may cease. May we all be one!
Gracious Spirit, may we add our prayers, thanksgivings, remembrances, and celebrations for ourselves and on behalf of others at this time.
Gracious Spirit we give thanks for all those who are completing cancer treatment and pray for those who are continuing their chemo or radiation treatments. We pray for minimal side effects and that they may have loving and compassionate medical teams. We pray for mindful caregivers who will lovingly support them.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for all who are grieving losses of any may we with God's help lovingly and with compassion step up care and meet their needs and knit a prayer circle of love around them.
Gracious Spirit, We pray for all children that they may be protected from abuse in its many forms, bullying, self doubt, violence, and that those who are in foster homes may find love and compassion and acceptance. We pray for all children needing a forever home that the right parental match may be found.
Gracious Spirit, encircle this world with love, peace, and unity. We pray for an end to violence and terror. May we make peace and show love to our family members who feel it necessary to harm and kill for extreme religious reasons. We pray for all who persecute those who aren't of their faith community. May we see God in all people and reflect God's light in our eyes to theirs.
Gracious Spirit, help us to learn to love ourselves and celebrate each moment that we live and move and just be,
Gracious Spirit, give us strength,courage and resilience to serve You, God, and Jesus in everything we do and may our lives be a shining light of love to the least of these and those who are feeling invisible and insecure.
Gracious Spirit, we lift up our hands in prayerful and celebratory praise this night as we offer our prayers, celebrations, remembrances, and thanksgivings for ourselves and on behalf of others in Jesus our Loving Redeemer's Name. Amen.
Gracious Spirit we give thanks for all those who are completing cancer treatment and pray for those who are continuing their chemo or radiation treatments. We pray for minimal side effects and that they may have loving and compassionate medical teams. We pray for mindful caregivers who will lovingly support them.
Gracious Spirit, we pray for all who are grieving losses of any may we with God's help lovingly and with compassion step up care and meet their needs and knit a prayer circle of love around them.
Gracious Spirit, We pray for all children that they may be protected from abuse in its many forms, bullying, self doubt, violence, and that those who are in foster homes may find love and compassion and acceptance. We pray for all children needing a forever home that the right parental match may be found.
Gracious Spirit, encircle this world with love, peace, and unity. We pray for an end to violence and terror. May we make peace and show love to our family members who feel it necessary to harm and kill for extreme religious reasons. We pray for all who persecute those who aren't of their faith community. May we see God in all people and reflect God's light in our eyes to theirs.
Gracious Spirit, help us to learn to love ourselves and celebrate each moment that we live and move and just be,
Gracious Spirit, give us strength,courage and resilience to serve You, God, and Jesus in everything we do and may our lives be a shining light of love to the least of these and those who are feeling invisible and insecure.
Gracious Spirit, we lift up our hands in prayerful and celebratory praise this night as we offer our prayers, celebrations, remembrances, and thanksgivings for ourselves and on behalf of others in Jesus our Loving Redeemer's Name. 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.
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)
Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always
protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow
the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.
(source: from Saint Clare)
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to
generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.
Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21
+++++
Good Night ! I love you ! May we rest gentle in God's arms !
Love and prayers united in compassion, acceptance, love and mercy,
Sara
Resources:
Satucket Lectionary
A to Z Quotes
New Zealand Prayer Book
Book of Common Prayer
Enriching our Worship volumes 1
Walk With Me On Our Journey
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