Friday Focus: Meditating on Poverty

 

Good Evening Dear Ones !

Welcome to Friday Focus! We are meditating on poverty.It is fitting because we are celebrating the feast of Ephrem of Nisibis / Edessa So let us begin by pondering these quotes.

"Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings." ~ Nelson Mandela

"Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life . . ." ~ Nelson Mandela

"The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens." ~ Jimmy Carter

"In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of." ~ Confucius

"Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor." ~ James A. Baldwin

"A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"No man can worship God or love his neighbor on an empty stomach." ~ Woodrow Wilson

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." ~ Mother Teresa

"Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe." ~ Frederick Douglass

"Poverty is the worst form of violence." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! - I have as much soul as you, - and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you!" ~ Charlotte Bronte

"If the misery of the poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin." ~ Charles Darwin

"Poverty is everyone's problem. It cuts across any line you can name: age, race, social, geographic or religious. Whether you are black or white; rich, middle-class or poor, we are ALL touched by poverty" ~ Kathleen Blanco

"There's enough on this planet for everyone's needs but not for everyone's greed." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Live simply so that others may simply live." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Child labor and poverty are inevitably bound together and if you continue to use the labor of children as the treatment for the social disease of poverty, you will have both poverty and child labor to the end of time." ~ Grace Abbott

Let us  now turn to  our  mindfulness practices:

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.

Now let us continue with the Daily Examen.

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

Consciousness Examen

Reflections on the Examen

Examen Prayer Card

Ecological Examen

 A Litany for Peace - Thich Nhat Hanh

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.

Let us engage in a time of silence. Please get out your timers and set them for 20 minutes.

After the period of 20 minutes of mindfulness and our eyes being closed let us use this format for our time of prayer and breathing:

First breathe in the Holy Spirit and let your lungs expand with love and energy.
Exhale love and feel empowered with compassion and mercy.

God let our spirits be renewed this night and that we may rest and awaken to serve and worship God on the morrow.

Inhale the Holy Spirit, exhale love!

God we pray for all those who are ill that they may be healed that they may feel God's healing and life giving spirit.

Inhale the Holy Spirit , exhale love!

God we pray for peace in our hearts and in the world that all of our family members may be empowered to be peace makers and your children.

Inhale the Holy Spirit , exhale love!

God we pray for all those who have lost loved ones in the latest acts of terror. May we rise with the Holy Spirit's power and do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you O God and give voice to the voiceless!

Inhale the Holy Spirit, exhale love!

God we pray for an end to hatred, violence, division and terror from all who use these things against all your beloved children and the least of these. May their hearts be turned to love and live the true words of the Gospel and not the Gospel of Hate.

Inhale the Holy Spirit , exhale love!

Inhale the Holy Spirit , exhale love!

God we pray for all who died and those who mourn. Let those who mourn and those who have entered and are entering the Thin Places feel your gentle Spirit's love, compassion, and grace enfolding them.

Inhale the Holy Spirit , exhale love!

We add our prayers, thanksgivings, celebrations, and remembrances this night especially for________________

Inhale the Holy Spirit , exhale love!

Come Jesus! Come empower us! Receive these our prayers in your Name ! Amen.

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

Be still and know that God is Love.
Be still and know that God is.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be

Peace be still.

Peace be.

Peace.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be

Ubi Caritas

Where charity and love are, God is there.

Christ's love has gathered us into one.

Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.

Let us fear, and let us love the living God.

And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

Where charity and love are, God is there.

As we are gathered into one body,

Beware, lest we be divided in mind.

Let evil impulses stop, let controversy cease,

And may Christ our God be in our midst.

Where charity and love are, God is there.

And may we with the saints also,

See Thy face in glory, O Christ our God:

The joy that is immense and good,

Unto the ages through infinite ages. Amen.

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.

Calls to Worship From A New Zealand Prayer Book.

None of us lives and none of us dies for ourselves alone.
Living or dying we belong to the Lord.

Now my friends, all that is true, all that is noble,
all that is just and pure,
all that is lovable and gracious,
whatever is excellent and admirable:
with these let us fill our hearts,
and the God of heaven will be with us.

Because in the beauty of holiness you call us to worship you, and you have given faithful artists and writers to illumine our prayer from age to age.

We are children of God, so God has sent the Spirit into our hearts.Galatians 4:6

We are the body of Christ and individually members of it.1 Corinthians 12:27

Jesus said, ‘The bread of life is that which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world.’John 6:33

Through faith we are all children of God in union with Christ Jesus.Galatians 3:26

God has given us eternal life, and this life is in Jesus the Son. Anyone who has the Son has life.1 John 5:12

We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.2 Corinthians 4:18

Do not ask anxiously, What are we to eat? What are we to drink? What shall we wear? The whole world runs after such things. Set your heart and mind on God’s commonwealth and justice first, and all the rest will come to you as well. So do not be anxious about tomorrow. Today has enough problems of its own; tomorrow can look after itself.Matthew 6:31–34

Those who want to save their life will lose it; but those who lose their life for the sake of Christ and the gospel will save it.Mark 8:35

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and those who are afraid are not perfected in love. We love because God first loved us. If anyone says, I love God, and hates his brother or sister, that person is a liar; for those who do not love their brothers and sisters whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.1 John 4:18–20

I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what he has entrusted to me.
2 Timothy 1:12

I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow.Jeremiah 31:13

It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes; these have been redeemed from humanity as first fruits for God and the Lamb.Revelation 14:4

His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.Ephesians 4:11–12

We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world is crucified to us and we to the world.Galatians 6:14

Jesus said, ‘When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.’John 12:32

Know what is the hope to which God has called you, what are the riches of the glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of God’s power in us who believe.Ephesians 1:18–19

These are they who have put off mortal clothing and have put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God; now they are being crowned, and receive palms.2 Esdras 2:45

Andrew said, ‘Here are five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?’John 6:

You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but citizens together

with the saints and members of the household of God.

Ephesians 2:19

American Book of Common Prayer: For the Poor and Neglected (From Prayers for Today)

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. Amen.

From the Book of Common Prayer 1979

 For the Poor and the Neglected

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you

all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us

to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick,

and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those

who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow

into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for

our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.

 For the Unemployed

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer

want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this

land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find

suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment

for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 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 those who Influence Public Opinion

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many
voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where
many listen and write what many read; that they may do their
part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and
its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Victims of Addiction

O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look
with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost
their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of
your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset
them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to
those who care for them, give patient understanding and
persevering love. Amen.

Let us use this prayer from Howard Thurman:

I LAY BARE BEFORE YOU

The concern which I lay bare before You today is:

Whatever disaffection there is between me and those who are or have been very close to me—I would seek the root or cause of such disaffection, and with the illumination of Your mind, O God, to understand it.

I give myself to Your scrutiny that, whatever there may be in me that is responsible for what has happened, I will acknowledge.

Where I have wronged or given offense deliberately or without intention, I seek a face-to-face forgiveness.

What I can undo I am willing to try; what I cannot undo, with that I seek to make my peace.

How to do these things, what techniques to use, with what spirit—for these I need and seek Your wisdom and strength, O God.

Whatever disaffection there is between me and those who are or have been very close to me, I lay bare before You.

Anonymous Prayers

SUFFERERS

Dear God, who ever feels the pain of the world: we are grateful that You enfold all sick and suffering persons with Your love, that in the midst of pain we may find Your presence. We are thankful to family and friends, to doctors and nurses who seek to give health again in body and soul.

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.

Psalm 134 Ecce nunc

Behold now, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, *

you that stand by night in the house of the LORD.

Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the LORD; *

the LORD who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

Psalm 141:1-3,8ab Domine, clamavi

O LORD, I call to you; come to me quickly; *

hear my voice when I cry to you.

Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, *

the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Set a watch before my mouth, O LORD,

and guard the door of my lips; *

let not my heart incline to any evil thing.

My eyes are turned to you, Lord GOD; *

in you I take refuge.

God as we meet together this evening and light our candles let us be at prayer and by your loving grace be purified, empowered, fed and watered by the living waters that course through our veins.God cleanse our bodies, minds, and spirits as we begin another week and that we may continue to work towards reconciliation, unity, be made to live as CALM (Compassionate, accepting, Loving, and merciful ) beings. We pray this night for the courage to sit down with our many family members who may feel alienation, hatred, misunderstood, and feared. May we practice obedience as your servant St. Benedict and "listen with the ear of the heart!" May our hearts be open this week and be expanding to include more of our family members and even those with whom we find ourselves on the opposite side of the bridge. May we begin to walk towards each other and meet one another step by step until we meet half way and allow for your spirit to empower our hearts and not be afraid to show vulnerability and see you in each other's eyes. May we embrace each other and recognize that the heart beat we hear is from you as is beats out its special cadence of love, mercy, peace, and hope. We pray these and all other prayers this night on holy ground, prayed by your holy family , in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.

 or this!

God we light our candles tonight as we pray for our family members where there is much division, hatred, and fear. We pray that as we pray this list of these our family members we may come up with our own list of family members with whom we find ourselves divided and whom we should work towards inclusion, universal human rights, equality, equity, and equal protection under the law for all God's Children. We pray this night that we may  become the Compassionate, Accepting, Loving, and Merciful family members to all and including the following: 
LGBTQIA
Religious communities
The least of these
The mentally ill
African Americans
Muslims
Asian Americans
Native Americans
Hispanics 
Immigrants both undocumented and documented.
Refugees
Disabled
Women
Children 
May we seek to widen our tables, hearts, heart homes and community to accept them fully and that may we honor them as they honor us by their presence each day. We light our candles and say to each group on the list and our own "The Light of Christ in me Recognizes and Accepts the Light of Christ in you my brothers and sisters of _______________ We welcome you fully into the family of God and ask your forgiveness for any wrongs we have done to you and  in the name of Jesus. May we pray and strive to seek to know the Christ/ God in you as you seek to know the Christ/ God in us. We ask this in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.

Holy Spirit we welcome you into our hearts and into our lives this night as we light our candles. We pray that we may always feel your presence and empowering love energy and ready to accept God's call and follow where it leads without fear. We pray that we may not be afraid to step out and take risks and that with God's abiding love and help we may go boldly and spread God's Good News to this fragile and broken world.  We pray this night that we may serve the least of these with a heart filled with purpose and care. We pray that we may know that when God meant all God meant all and not some. We give thanks to God for God's inclusive love and radical hospitality that we are invited and encouraged to share with all of our brothers and sisters. We thank you for making us in your image and likeness O God with love and tender loving care. We give thanks for the diversity of peoples, faiths, and that we may remember we all must live together in peace, harmony, justice, and unity for the good of all. We love you God. We love our family members! We love ourselves ! Help us to follow  you as beacons of the Light of Christ and show the world that being a family member of God is awesome. We lift up these our prayers and thanksgivings and anything that is on our  minds and hearts this night. Amen. 

THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES

Lest we forget the great traditions of freedom and faith which are the heritage of humanity; lest we forget the pioneers, the statesmen, the bridge builders, the artists; and lest we forget You, the God of our fore bears who is our God also:

We light this candle of remembrance.

For the hope of a better world, in which righteousness and peace shall prevail among the people of the earth, and to create which is the task of the generations in which we stand, as well as for the courage and faith we shall need if we are to carry on this unfinished work:

We light this candle of consecration.

May the flame upon the altar of free faith shine in our hearts al ways, reminding us of the dark places to which we may carry light and strengthening us in every moment of doubt and discouragement with unwavering faith in You whom we serve and whose we are.

God we come to you to acknowledge that no one is invisible and that we as your children each have a special role to play in this fragile and broken world of ours. Help us to know that as COG (Children of God) we may help serve you by serving others by making the right changes we want to see in world. Help us ourselves to be the change we want to see in the world. May we always seek to be CALM (Compassionate, Accepting, Loving, and Merciful) even when the day's news cycles rattle our nerves. May our spirits be enlivened, our steps, quickened, and that we may feel your Living Water Coursing through our veins this night and forevermore. 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

 A 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.

Ecclesiasticus 31:3-11

3 The rich person toils to amass a fortune,

   and when he rests he fills himself with his dainties.

4 The poor person toils to make a meagre living,

   and if ever he rests he becomes needy.

5 One who loves gold will not be justified;

   one who pursues money will be led astray* by it.

6 Many have come to ruin because of gold,

   and their destruction has met them face to face.

7 It is a stumbling-block to those who are avid for it,

   and every fool will be taken captive by it.

8 Blessed is the rich person who is found blameless,

   and who does not go after gold.

9 Who is he, that we may praise him?

   For he has done wonders among his people.

10 Who has been tested by it and been found perfect?

   Let it be for him a ground for boasting.

Who has had the power to transgress and did not transgress,

   and to do evil and did not do it?

11 His prosperity will be established,*

   and the assembly will proclaim his acts of charity.

Psalm 68:11-18

11 The Lord gave the word; *
great was the company of women who bore the tidings:

12 "Kings with their armies are fleeing away; *
the women at home are dividing the spoils."

13 Though you lingered among the sheepfolds, *
you shall be like a dove whose wings are covered with silver,
whose feathers are like green gold.

14 When the Almighty scattered kings, *
it was like snow falling in Zalmon.

15 O mighty mountain, O hill of Bashan! *
O rugged mountain, O hill of Bashan!

16 Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountain,
at the hill which God chose for his resting place? *
truly, the Lord will dwell there for ever.

17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
even thousands of thousands; *
the Lord comes in holiness from Sinai.

18 You have gone up on high and led captivity captive;
you have received gifts even from your enemies, *
that the Lord God might dwell among them.

Job 18:1-11

Bildad Speaks: God Punishes the Wicked

18Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:

2 ‘How long will you hunt for words?

   Consider, and then we shall speak.

3 Why are we counted as cattle?

   Why are we stupid in your sight?

4 You who tear yourself in your anger—

   shall the earth be forsaken because of you,

   or the rock be removed out of its place?

5 ‘Surely the light of the wicked is put out,

   and the flame of their fire does not shine.

6 The light is dark in their tent,

   and the lamp above them is put out.

7 Their strong steps are shortened,

   and their own schemes throw them down.

8 For they are thrust into a net by their own feet,

   and they walk into a pitfall.

9 A trap seizes them by the heel;

   a snare lays hold of them.

10 A rope is hid for them in the ground,

   a trap for them in the path.

11 Terrors frighten them on every side,

   and chase them at their heels.

A Song of Lamentation

Lamentations 1:12,16; 3:19,22-24,26

Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? *

Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow,

Which was brought upon me, *

inflicted by God’s fierce anger.

For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears, *

for a comforter is far from me, one to revive my courage.

Remember my affliction and my bitterness, *

wormwood and gall!

The steadfast love of God never ceases, *

God’s mercies never end.

They are new every morning; *

great is your faithfulness.

“God is my portion,” says my soul, *

“therefore will I hope in God.”

It is good that we should wait quietly *

for the coming of God’s salvation.

Acts 4:32-37

32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). 37He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

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 9:38-41

38 John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone* casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.’ 39But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. 40Whoever is not against us is for us. 41For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

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 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 settings of the Lord's Prayer from A New Zealand Prayer Book.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours

now and for ever. Amen.Eternal Spirit,

Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,

Source of all that is and that shall be,

Father and Mother of us all,

Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!

The way of your justice be followed by the peoples

of the world!

Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!

Your commonwealth of peace and freedom

sustain our hope and come on earth.

With the bread we need for today, feed us.

In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.

In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.

From trials too great to endure, spare us.

From the grip of all that is evil, free us.

For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,

now and for ever. Amen.

Pour out upon us, O Lord, that same Spirit by which your deacon Ephrem declared the mysteries of faith in sacred song; that with gladden hearts we too might proclaim the riches of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 

Eternal God, light of the world and Creator of all that is good and lovely: We bless your name for inspiring Ephrem and all those who with images and music and words have filled us with desire and love for you; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 Almighty God, you gave to your servant Ephrem special gifts of grace to understand and teach the truth as it is in Christ Jesus: Grant that by this teaching we may know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 A Song of Our True Nature

Julian of Norwich

Christ revealed our frailty and our falling, *
our trespasses and our humiliations.

Christ also revealed his blessed power, *
his blessed wisdom and love.

He protects us as tenderly and as sweetly when we are in greatest need; *
he raises us in spirit
and turns everything to glory and joy without ending.

God is the ground and the substance, the very essence of nature;
*
God is the true father and mother of natures.

We are all bound to God by nature, *
and we are all bound to God by grace.

And this grace is for all the world, *
because it is our precious mother, Christ.

For this fair nature was prepared by Christ
for the honor and nobility of all, *
and for the joy and bliss of salvation.

For Peace

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn

but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the

strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that

all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of

Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and

glory, now and for ever. Amen.

 For Peace Among the Nations

Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the

world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among

them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they

may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

For our Enemies

O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love

our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth:

deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in

your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 For Monastic Orders and Vocations

O Lord Jesus Christ, you became poor for our sake, that we

might be made rich through your poverty: Guide and sanctify,

we pray, those whom you call to follow you under the vows

of poverty, chastity, and obedience, that by their prayer and

service they may enrich your Church, and by their life and

worship may glorify your Name; for you reign with the Father

and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 For Church Musicians and Artists

O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in

heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through

art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on

earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty,

and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for

evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 A Prayer attributed to St. Francis

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is

hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where

there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where

there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where

there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to

be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is

in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we

are born to eternal life. Amen.

For the Human Family

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us

through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole

human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which

infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;

unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and

confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in

your good time, all nations and races may serve you in

harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ

our Lord. Amen.

SLOW US DOWN…YET ALSO - Anonymous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We believe that God is present

in the darkness before dawn;

in the waiting and uncertainty

where fear and courage join hands,

conflict and caring link arms,

and the sun rises over barbed wire.

We believe in a with-us God

Who sits down in our midst

to share our humanity.

We affirm a faith

That takes us beyond the safe place

into action, into vulnerability.

and into the streets.

We commit ourselves to work for change

and put us on the line;

to bear responsibility, to take risks,

live powerfully and face humiliation;

to stand with those on the edge;

to chose life

and be used by the Spirit

for God’s new community of hope.

Amen

Hymn 1

God be in my head, and in my understanding;

God be in my eyes, and in my looking;

God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;

God be in my heart, and in my thinking;

God be at my end, and at my departing.

Hymn 2

Be still and know that I am God. 

Be still and know that I am God. 

Be still and know that I am God.

I am the God that healeth thee. 

I am the God that healeth thee.

I am the God that healeth thee.

In thee, O God, I put my trust. 

In thee, O God, I put my trust. 

In thee, O God, I put my trust.

From The Resistance Prays!

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

- 1 John 3:18, the Inclusive Bible



Spirit of Life and Love,

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

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

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

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

Amen.

Posted 20 June 2016 on Facebook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

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

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

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

We pray and give thanks this day for_________________________________

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

or these

Let us pray!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



The Song of Simeon    Nunc Dimittis

Luke 2:29-32

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
    to go in peace as you have promised; 
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
    whom you have prepared for all the world to see: 
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
    and the glory of your people Israel. 


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

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


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

With love and prayers,

Sara


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