Good Evening Beloved Ones!
My heart is broken. One of my mentors, friends, and colleagues in activism died suddenly on Friday. Kate Adams was a remarkable woman and sister Radical Lesbian Hippie who wasn't afraid to speak her mind and follow her heart dreams. This blog is dedicated to her and the quotes today are from James Baldwin who was a writer. Kate was an English professor and knew a lot about writing and reading many types of literature. If your public library isn't working on J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) then your community isn't thriving. Also this is a reminder that if you live in the United States, this is redistricting season and Kate was the at large member of our county's commission. Help draw the lines in your state, city, county, and school districts this year. Stop gerrymandering! These are your calls to action this week. So let us begin.
Call to remembrance, O Lord, your tender care
and the unfailing love
which you have shown from of old.
Do not remember the sins and offences of my youth:
but according to your mercy
remember me, Lord, in your goodness.
You O Lord are upright and good
therefore you show the path to those who go astray.
You guide the humble to do what is right,
and those who are gentle you teach your way.
All your ways are loving and sure
to those who keep your covenant
and your commandments.Psalm 25:5–9
"Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced." ~ James A. Baldwin
"I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain." ~ James A. Baldwin
"I can't believe what you say, because I see what you do." ~ James A. Baldwin
"One cannot deny the humanity of another without diminishing one's own." ~ James A. Baldwin
"You cannot fix what you will not face." ~ James A. Baldwin
"Ask any Mexican, any Puerto Rican, any black man, any poor person - ask the wretched how they fare in the halls of justice, and then you will know, not whether or not the country is just, but whether or not it has any love for justice, or any concept of it. It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have." ~ James A. Baldwin
"The place in which I'll fit will not exist until I make it." ~ James A. Baldwin
"People who treat other people as less than human must not be surprised when the bread they have cast on the waters comes floating back to them, poisoned." ~ James A. Baldwin
"Trust life, and it will teach you, in joy and sorrow, all you need to know." ~ James A. Baldwin
"It demands great spiritual resilience not to hate the hater whose foot is on your neck, and an even greater miracle of perception and charity not to teach your child to hate." ~ James A. Baldwin
"For nothing is fixed, forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock. Generations do not cease to be born, and we are responsible to them because we are the only witnesses they have. The sea rises, the light fails, lovers cling to each other and children cling to us. The moment we cease to hold each other, the moment we break faith with one another, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out." ~ James A. Baldwin
"The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in." ~ James A. Baldwin
"Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within." ~ James A. Baldwin
"Remember, to hate, to be violent, is demeaning. It means you're afraid of the other side of the coin -- to love and be loved." ~ James A. Baldwin
"... every human being is an unprecedented miracle." ~ James A. Baldwin
"The white man discovered the Cross by way of the Bible, but the black man discovered the Bible by way of the Cross." ~ James A. Baldwin
"I conceive of God, in fact, as a means of liberation and not a means to control others." ~ James A. Baldwin
"Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. I use the word "love" here not merely in the personal sense but as a state of being, or a state of grace - not in the infantile American sense of being made happy but in the tough and universal sense of quest and daring and growth." ~ James A. Baldwin
"This world is white no longer, and it will never be white again." ~ James A. Baldwin
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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Great beyond all question is the mystery of our religion;
Christ was manifested in the body,
vindicated in the spirit,
seen by angels.
Christ was proclaimed among the nations,
believed in throughout the world,
glorified in heaven.
Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.James 5:16
Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can it be seasoned? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.Mark 9:50
Walking in God’s path
Blessèd are those who are honest in their ways,who walk in the paths of God’s law.
Blessèd are those who treasure God’s wisdom,
who seek God with all their heart.
Those who do no evil deeds
are those who tread the way of justice.
Dear God, you have given command
that we diligently hold to your word.
May my ways be kept steadfast
on the narrow road of your love.
So shall I not be confounded
while I respect the whole of your counsel.
I shall thank you with unfeigned heart
as I learn to be guided by your Spirit.
I shall hold fast to your truths:
do not utterly abandon me.Psalm 119:1–7
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
From the rising of the sun to its setting my name shall be great among the nations, and in every place incense shall be offered to my name, and a pure offering; for my name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.Malachi 1:11
As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labours, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.2 Corinthians 6:4–10
A PRAYER FOR GOD’S LIGHT
Eternal God, shed your light on us who watch for you,
that our lips may praise you,
our hearts bless you,
and our lives glorify you,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
Always be joyful, pray continually;
give thanks, whatever happens.
There is nothing in death or life,
in the realm of spirits or superhuman powers,
in the world as it is or the world as it shall be,
in the forces of the universe, in heights or depths –
nothing in all creation
which can separate us from the love of God
which is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Love never comes to an end.
Today's opening sentences are focused on Loving Kindness as found in the scriptures:
Psalm 17:7
Wondrously show Your lovingkindness,
O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand
From those who rise up against them.
Psalm 36:10
O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Psalm 63:3
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
Psalm 69:16
Answer me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good;
According to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me,
Psalm 107:43
Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things,
And consider the lovingkindnesses of the Lord.
Hosea 2:19
“I will betroth you to Me forever;
Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice,
In lovingkindness and in compassion,
Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.
Psalm 40:11
You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.
Psalm 119:88
Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
Psalm 119:76
O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,
According to Your word to Your servant.
Psalm 51:1
For the choir director. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.
Psalm 119:149
Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your ordinances.
Psalm 26:3
For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,
And I have walked in Your truth.
Psalm 48:9
We have thought on Your lovingkindness, O God,
In the midst of Your temple.
Psalm 42:7-8
Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;
All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.
The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life.
Psalm 103:4
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Psalm 89:33
“But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him,
Nor deal falsely in My faithfulness.
Psalm 25:6
Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they have been from of old.
Psalm 89:49
Where are Your former lovingkindnesses, O Lord,
Which You swore to David in Your faithfulness?
Psalm 143:8
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
Psalm 92:2
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night,
Psalm 138:2
I will bow down toward Your holy temple
And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.
Psalm 40:10
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.
Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him.
Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and
I will refresh you. Matthew 11:28
God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son,
to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life. John 3:16
This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
1 Timothy 1:15
If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus
Christ the righteous; and he is the perfect offering for our
sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole
world. 1 John 2:1-2
‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,’ says the Lord. ‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart.’ Matthew 11:28–29
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.
God of compassion, you have reconciled us in Jesus Christ who is our peace: Enable us to live as Jesus lived, breaking down walls of hostility and healing enmity. Give us grace to make peace with those from whom we are divided, that, forgiven and forgiving, we may ever be one in Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns for ever, one holy and undivided Trinity. Amen.
Let us light our candles and be at prayer!
God we are privileged to come into your sanctuary each night to pray and give thanks and share community with one another. We are here to light candles to provide a pathway out of the darkness in our lives and those of others. We pray and give thanks for all the blessings you bestow upon us each and every day. We pray for our families who give us strength and emotional support. We pray this night that we may open our hearts with love to all the fragile ones and yes God we know that our enemies and those who hate us are fragile in a different way. We pray that they may turn away from violence and hate and that they may learn to love, listen, and seek to come together in unity. We know that fear triggers hate and violent action. We pray that everyone receives a good education where they live not only in school but in their faith communities so they may learn what is truly taught and not made up to incite violence, disunity, and hatred. We pray that violence of any kind may cease and that the only radicalization that takes place is that of Compassion, Acceptance, Love, Mercy and Hospitality where unity is fostered and brought into being. We pray this night for the least of these and that we may continue to seek your face in all of our family members. We pray these our prayers as we lift up our candles in a mirror and say "The Light of Christ in Me, recognizes the Light of Christ in you!' Let us be the light to your fragile and broken world and in the warmth of the light may it represent love in all of its hues and actions. May we feel its love energy radiating in all, through all, and to all. Amen.
God we pray for our incarcerated family members.
I see the face of Jesus in all our family members and I love them.
God we pray for our family members who are on death row.
I see the face of Jesus in all our family member sand I love them.
God we pray for our family members who have been paroled and are seeking new lives.
I see the face of Jesus in all our family members and I love them.
God we pray for all our family members whose relatives have been incarcerated and feel lost, lonely, alone, and isolated.
I see the face of Jesus in all our family members and I love them.
God we pray for all our family members who have been victims of crime. Help us to be their soft places in which to fall and a gentle shoulder to lean on. We also extend this to our family members who have committed crimes as well.
I see the face of Jesus in all our family members and I love them.
God we pray for all our family members who serve in correctional facilities that they may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
I see the face of Jesus in all our family members and I love them.
God we pray for all our family members who have been victims of police violence and who have lost their lives. You may speak their names now______
I see the face of Jesus in all our family members and I love them.
For Prisons and Correctional Institutions
Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal:
Visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment.
Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance
and amendment of life according to your will, and give them
hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them
release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice.
Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them
humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming
brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison,
O Lord, we do for you, constrain us to improve their lot. All
this we ask for your mercy's sake. Amen.
For the Oppressed
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this
land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as
their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to
eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those
who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law
and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of
us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God we pray these words 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.
"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
"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
Let us pray the Smudging Prayer
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
EARTH PRAYER
THE SUNSET
Calm yourself, O my soul, so that God is able to rest in you, so that God’s peace may cover you.
Yes, You give us peace, O God, peace that the whole world can never take away.
O God,
You from whom all love comes;
You who holds back nothing but gives Yourself in love;
You who are love, so the lovers are only what they are through being
in You?
You who manifests what love is,
You who reminds us to love as we are loved;
You who are everywhere present and never without the works of love,
the acts of love?
How could anything rightly be said about love if You were forgotten,
O Love Eternal?
O God, forgive our rich nation where small children suffer from hunger quite legally.
O God, forgive our rich nation where toddlers and school children die from guns sold quite legally.
O God, forgive our rich nation that lets the rich continue to get more at the expense of the poor quite legally.
O God, help us never to confuse what is quite legal with what is just and right in Your sight.
Confession of Need
Minister and People
Let us confess our need for God’s healing grace.
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.
Minister
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.
John Baillie: The Heavy Laden
O God, we bring before You the burden of the world’s life:
All who are far from home and friends,
All who lie down hungry or cold,
All who suffer pain,
All who are kept awake by anxiety,
All who are facing danger,
All who toil, or keep watch while others sleep.
May they have a sense of Your presence that will turn their
loneliness into comfort and their trouble into peace.
American Book of Common Prayer: For the Poor and Neglected
Almighty God, we remember before You all poor and neglected persons,whom it would be easy to forget: the homeless and the destitute; the old and the sick who have none to care for them. May Your goodness rest upon them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow to joy; to lift up the downhearted and cheer them with hope. When they are perplexed and troubled, may Your presence save them from despair.
From The Resistance Prays
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. - Proverbs 29:2
May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country, let us choose love.
And during this time when we may not be able to physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen.
- written by Rev. Dr. William J Barber II
19 Cœli 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.
46 Deus noster refugium
1 God is our refuge and strength, *
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;
3 Though its waters rage and foam, *
and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
4 The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
5 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *
the holy habitation of the Most High.
6 God is in the midst of her;
she shall not be overthrown; *
God shall help her at the break of day.
7 The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
8 The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
9 Come now and look upon the works of the Lord, *
what awesome things he has done on earth.
10 It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire.
11 "Be still, then, and know that I am God; *
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth."
12 The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Acts 9:36-43
Peter in Lydda and Joppa
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas.* She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, ‘Please come to us without delay.’ 39So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
Luke 5:1-11
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
5Once while Jesus* was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ 5Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ 6When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. 7So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ 9For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ 11When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
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.
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
God of grace and goodness,
you know that by reason of our frailty we cannot but fail;
keep us always under your protection
and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Perfect in us, Almighty God, whatever is lacking of your gifts: of faith, to increase it; of hope, to establish it; of love, to kindle it; that like your servant Lancelot Andrewes we may live in the life of your grace and glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the same Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
God of boundless energy and light: We thank you for the courage and passion of Wilson Carlile who, after the example of your Son, sought new ways to open your Church to diverse leaders as beacons of the Gospel of Christ. Quicken our hearts to give bold witness to Jesus Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For the Diversity of Races and Cultures
O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you
for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and
show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until
our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all
your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP)
For the Beauty of the Earth
We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of
earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains,
and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers.
We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may
safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue
to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation,
to the honor and glory of your Name, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP)
Let us continue with prayer: Please respond this way:
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these.
Beside the still waters we come to seek you God in the quietness of our being
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters we come to pray for peace in this fragile and broken world of yours
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters we pray for and end to all anxiety, fear, and worry that our minds and spirits may be still.
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters we pray for our neighbors all over the world that we may find unity and learn to love one another as dearly loved family members of Yours.
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters we come for respite, relaxation, rest, and renewal. We pray for calmness as we rest in your arms and never ending love and mercy.
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters we come to ask prayers for all our family members who are in need of healing and strength remembering___________________
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters we come seeking solace for those of us who are living through the long journey of mourning and grief.
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters we come praying for all the least of these and all who are affected by violence, terror, abuse, and everyone who is struggling through the world's calamities.
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters we give thanks for the lives who have entered eternal joy today and those who are in the midst of transitioning from this earthly life into a heavenly one.
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Comfort the dying with your enfolding and loving spirit.
Beside the still waters we pray for all who are lost, lonely, alone and seeking companionship. We pray that our hearts may be stilled as we wait. We pray that we may not lose heart and live boldly,yet gently alone.
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters we pray for _____________________
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters we give thanks for _______________
Veni Sancte Spiritus: Come Holy Spirit! Breathe in us New Life and Love Energy in us to do your will and serve the least of these
Beside the still waters may we journey over to the other side of the lake and offer our prayers in the quietness to Jesus . Amen.
We offer our humble and tender hearts to you O, God this night.
We pray and give thanks that you made forgiveness and love possible in this your fragile world.
We come to you with humility asking for forgiveness of all wrongs we have done this day. Help us to atone and be at one with you again.
We pray for all of our tender souled family members who are in need of our prayers and kind deeds.
We pray for peace in our hearts, minds, spirits, and in this world now more thank ever that we may become truly the Family and Children of God.
We pray this night for all who are ill and who are in need of healing of body, mind, and spirit.
We pray this night that we remember that wherever we plant our feet, look to the skies, touch with our hands, is holy. May we remember this holiness always.
We pray that we may always remember that every day is holy and that we must be aligned with you not just on Sundays.
We pray for all who are refugees,prisoners, captives, asylum seekers, and those who have been victimized by violence, terror, injustice, and abuse. We pray especially for all women and children who have been victims of human trafficking.
We pray that our hearts may be filled with love, joy, hope, and peace and hearts that are equipped for loving and forgiving all of our family members.
We pray for_______________________
We give thanks for__________________
We lift these our prayers heavenward and heartwards to you Jesus. Amen
let us your people know,
that at the heart of turbulence
there is an inner calm that comes
from faith in you.
Keep us from being content with things as they are,
that from this central peace
there may come a creative compassion,
a thirst for justice,
and a willingness to give of ourselves
in the spirit of Christ.
Amen. (ANZPB)
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
Sara
Resources
Book of Common Prayer Online
In Lak 'Ech- Luis Valdez
Walk With Me On Our Journey
A New Zealand Prayer Book
Other Resources as Noted
Oremus Bible Browser
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