A vigil for All Hallow's Eve , our Nation, and the World!

 

Happy All Hallow's Eve Family of Love,

We stand on the sacred land of our indigenous ancestors and animal and plant life. I live on the land of the Chumash tribe.

Tonight we begin our second triduum of the the year. The first was Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. This triduum (three day period) is dedicated to All Hallow's Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day.This triduum  gives us time to reflect on everyone who has lived and died, known and unknown. When I was attending Cal Poly I was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church San Luis Obispo. During that time I was in the choir and we sung a piece called "Let us now praise famous men!" from Sirach a.k.a. Ecclesiasticus ! Let us take a brief pause from our vigil for our nation and the world by reading this as a way to mark this triduum.

Sirach 44:1-14

Hymn in Honour of Our Ancestors *

44Let us now sing the praises of famous men,
our ancestors in their generations.
2 The Lord apportioned to them* great glory,
his majesty from the beginning.
3 There were those who ruled in their kingdoms,
and made a name for themselves by their valour;
those who gave counsel because they were intelligent;
those who spoke in prophetic oracles;
4 those who led the people by their counsels
and by their knowledge of the people’s lore;
they were wise in their words of instruction;
5 those who composed musical tunes,
or put verses in writing;
6 rich men endowed with resources,
living peacefully in their homes—
7 all these were honoured in their generations,
and were the pride of their times.
8 Some of them have left behind a name,
so that others declare their praise.
9 But of others there is no memory;
they have perished as though they had never existed;
they have become as though they had never been born,
they and their children after them.
10 But these also were godly men,
whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten;
11 their wealth will remain with their descendants,
and their inheritance with their children’s children.*
12 Their descendants stand by the covenants;
their children also, for their sake.
13 Their offspring will continue for ever,
and their glory will never be blotted out.
14 Their bodies are buried in peace,
but their name lives on generation after generation.

Now let us pray our opening vigil prayers for the nation and the world.

OCT 31 Pray for guidance

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up

in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties,

the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of

wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may

see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ

our Lord. Amen. 

For an Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers

and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of

this community) in the election of officials and representatives;

that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of

all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your

purposes; 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.

Come let us worship!

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.Thanks be to God.

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a

hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp to put it under a

bucket, but on a lamp-stand where it gives light for everyone

in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among

your fellow men, so that they may see the deed you do, and

give glory to your Father in heaven."    Matthew 5:14-16

It is not ourselves that we proclaim; we proclaim Christ

Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants, for Jesus' sake.

For the same God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine,"

has caused his light to shine within us, to give the light of revelation—

the revelation of the glory of God in the face of

Jesus Christ.    2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Let us pray

Grant us, Lord, the lamp of charity which never fails, that it

may burn in us and shed its light on those around us, and

that by its brightness we may have a vision of that holy City,

where dwells the true and never-failing Light, Jesus Christ

our Lord. Amen.

Festivals of Saints

Lord Christ, your saints have been the lights of the world

in every generation: Grant that we who follow in their

footsteps may be made worthy to enter with them into that

heavenly country where you live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen.

THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES - Anonymous

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

We light this candle of remembrance.

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

We light this candle of consecration.

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

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.

The Vision of Eliphaz the Temanite

Job 4:12-21

New Revised Standard Version

12 “Now a word came stealing to me,

    my ear received the whisper of it.

13 Amid thoughts from visions of the night,

    when deep sleep falls on mortals,

14 dread came upon me, and trembling,

    which made all my bones shake.

15 A spirit glided past my face;

    the hair of my flesh bristled.

16 It stood still,

    but I could not discern its appearance.

A form was before my eyes;

    there was silence, then I heard a voice:

17 ‘Can mortals be righteous before[a] God?

    Can human beings be pure before[b] their Maker?

18 Even in his servants he puts no trust,

    and his angels he charges with error;

19 how much more those who live in houses of clay,

    whose foundation is in the dust,

    who are crushed like a moth.

20 Between morning and evening they are destroyed;

    they perish forever without any regarding it.

21 Their tent-cord is plucked up within them,

    and they die devoid of wisdom.’

108    Paratum cor meum

 

1 My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; *

    I will sing and make melody.

 

2 Wake up, my spirit;

awake, lute and harp; *

    I myself will waken the dawn.

 

3 I will confess you among the peoples, O LORD; *

    I will sing praises to you among the nations.

4 For your loving-kindness is greater than the heavens, *

    and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

 

5 Exalt yourself above the heavens, O God, *

    and your glory over all the earth.

 

6 So that those who are dear to you may be delivered, *

    save with your right hand and answer me.

Let us pray. (Silence)

You, O Lord, have made us from the dust of the earth and to

dust our bodies shall return; yet you have also breathed your

Spirit upon us and called us to new life in you: Have mercy

upon us, now and at the hour of our death; through Jesus Christ,

our mediator and advocate. Amen.

The Valley of Dry Bones

The Valley of Dry Bones

37 The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. 3 He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath[a] to enter you, and you shall live. 6 I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath[b] in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath:[c] Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath,[d] and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” 10 I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.

11 Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. 14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.”

143    Domine, exaudi

 

1 LORD, hear my prayer,

and in your faithfulness heed my supplications; *

    answer me in your righteousness.

 

2 Enter not into judgment with your servant, *

    for in your sight shall no one living be justified.

3 For my enemy has sought my life;

he has crushed me to the ground; *

    he has made me live in dark places like those who

                             are long dead.

 

4 My spirit faints within me; *

    my heart within me is desolate.

 

5 I remember the time past;

I muse upon all your deeds; *

    I consider the works of your hands.

 

6 I spread out my hands to you; *

    my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.

 

7 O LORD, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; *

    do not hide your face from me

    or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.

 

8 Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning,

for I put my trust in you; *

    show me the road that I must walk,

    for I lift up my soul to you.

 

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD, *

    for I flee to you for refuge.

 

10 Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; *

    let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

 

11 Revive me, O LORD, for your Name's sake; *

    for your righteousness' sake, bring me out of trouble.

Let us pray. (Silence)

O God, you have called your people to your service from age to

age. Do not give us over to death, but raise us up to serve you,

to praise you, and to glorify your holy Name; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

The War in Heaven

Revelation 12:1-12

New Revised Standard Version

The Woman and the Dragon

12 A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pangs, in the agony of giving birth. 3 Then another portent appeared in heaven: a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. 4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, so that he might devour her child as soon as it was born. 5 And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule[a] all the nations with a rod of iron. But her child was snatched away and taken to God and to his throne; 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, so that there she can be nourished for one thousand two hundred sixty days.

Michael Defeats the Dragon

7 And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming,

“Now have come the salvation and the power

    and the kingdom of our God

    and the authority of his Messiah,[b]

for the accuser of our comrades[c] has been thrown down,

    who accuses them day and night before our God.

11 But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb

    and by the word of their testimony,

for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.

12 Rejoice then, you heavens

    and those who dwell in them!

But woe to the earth and the sea,

    for the devil has come down to you

with great wrath,

    because he knows that his time is short!”

Psalm 103:17-22

17 But the merciful goodness of the LORD endures for ever

                             on those who fear him, *

    and his righteousness on children's children;

 

18 On those who keep his covenant *

    and remember his commandments and do them.

 

19 The LORD has set his throne in heaven, *

    and his kingship has dominion over all.

 

20 Bless the LORD, you angels of his,

you mighty ones who do his bidding, *

    and hearken to the voice of his word.

 

21 Bless the LORD, all you his hosts, *

    you ministers of his who do his will.

 

22 Bless the LORD, all you works of his,

in all places of his dominion; *

    bless the LORD, O my soul.

Let us pray. (Silence)

O most merciful and mighty God, your son Jesus Christ was born

of the Blessed Virgin Mary to bring us salvation and to establish

your kingdom on earth: Grant that Michael and all your angels

may defend your people against Satan and every evil foe, and that

at the last we may come to that heavenly country where your

saints for ever sing your praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

We Praise You, O God Te Deum laudamus

We praise you, O God,

we acclaim you as Lord;

all creation worships you,

the Father everlasting.

To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,

the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:

Father, of majesty unbounded,

your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,

and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,

the eternal Son of the Father.

When you took our flesh to set us free

you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the sting of death

and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.

We believe that you will come to be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people,

bought with the price of your own blood,

and bring us with your saints

to glory everlasting.

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.

The Supplication

For use in the Litany in place of the Versicle and Collect which follows

the Lord's Prayer; or at the end or Morning or Evening Prayer; or as a

separate devotion; especially in times of war, or of national anxiety, or of

disaster.

O Lord, arise, help us;

And deliver us for thy Name's sake.

O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have

declared unto us, the noble works that thou didst in their

days, and in the old time before them.

O Lord, arise, help us;

and deliver us for thy Name's sake.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy

Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

O Lord, arise, help us;

and deliver us for thy Name's sake.

V. From our enemies defend us, O Christ;

R. Graciously behold our afflictions.

V. With pity behold the sorrows of our hearts;

R. Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people.

V. Favorably with mercy hear our prayers;

R. O Son of David, have mercy upon us.

V. Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ;

R. Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord

Christ.

The Officiant concludes

Let us pray.

We humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon

our infirmities; and, for the glory of thy Name, turn from us

all those evils that we most justly have deserved; and grant

that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and

confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness

and pureness of living, to thy honor and glory; through our

only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

 

For Social Justice

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us

grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace

with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,

help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our

communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy

Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with

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

William Scarlett: For Democracy

Maker of the stars and Master of the nations of the earth, we pray for the future of all countries engaged in the audacious, ever changing, ever challenging experiment of democracy.. May we never grow weary of out task because of its difficulties. Grant us faith in humanity and confidence that truth will triumph in free and open encounter. We seek flexibility of mind and a willingness to try new experiments, so that we may create the conditions which make us free and equal, enhance human dignity and self-resect, and establish a fair measure of economic security for our people. Bind upon each of us a sense of our individual accountability to You, that we may do what is just, rising above prejudice to make the good of all our aim. So shall we take our place with those who labor that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth, but will express the living common faith of the human family.

For Social Service

Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served

but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give

themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom,

patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the

suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him

who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus

Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

OCT 27 Pray for the nation

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your

glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our

country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may

use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus

Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one

God, for ever and ever. Amen.

OCT 28 Pray for every human heart

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every

human heart and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that

barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds

cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OCT 29 Pray 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.

OCT 30 Pray for these times of conflict

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the

midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another

without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual

forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

A 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.

FOR SOUND GOVERNMENT

For this season, we encourage you to pray this litany every day. You

might also consider praying the Great Litany, beginning on page 148

of The Book of Common Prayer.

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we

may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to

other nations of the earth.

Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors

of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority,

grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our

laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and

foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to

fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and

integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to

accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they

may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for

the well-being of our society; that we may serve you

faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.

For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted

as head above all. Amen.

In your presence O God, we come together as one family of love. Give us courage to lay down the weaponry of hate and find common ground.

In your presence O God, take all the gunk in our lives that prevent us from truly serving you and the least of these.

In your presence O God, give us courage to discern where you are sending us and help us to respond accordingly with "Here I am send me"!

In your presence  O God, make us truly the Beloved Community intent upon serving you and our family members with CALM (Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy) 

In your presence O God, help us to stand fast and ready to speak truth to power and seek out ways to be the change you want to see in the world.

In your presence O God, may we feel and know your love for us so that we may serve others. 

In your presence O God, we offer these our prayers________________________________

In your presence O God we lift up these our prayers to you in the name of your only begotten Son Jesus. Amen.

A Prayer For World Peace -Dr. Jane Goodall

We pray to the great Spiritual Power in which

we live and move and have our being.

We pray that we may at all times

keep our minds open to new ideas and shun dogma;

that we may grow in our understanding of the nature of all living beings

and our connectedness with the natural world;

that we may become ever more filled with

generosity of spirit and true compassion and love for all life;

that we may strive to heal the hurts that we have inflicted on nature

and control our greed for material things, knowing that

our actions are harming our natural world and the future of our children;

that we may value each and every human being

for who he is, for who she is,

reaching to the spirit that is within,

knowing the power of each individual to change the world.

We pray for social justice,

for the alleviation of the crippling poverty

that condemns millions of people around the world

to lives of misery - hungry, sick, and utterly without hope.

We pray for the children who are starving,

who are condemned to homelessness, slave labor, and prostitution,

and especially for those forced to fight, to kill and torture

even members of their own family.

We pray for the victims of violence and war,

for those wounded in body and for those wounded in mind.

We pray for the multitudes of refugees, forced from their homes to alien places

through war or through the utter destruction of their environment.

We pray for suffering animals everywhere,
for an end to the pain caused by scientific experimentation,
intensive farming, fur farming, shooting, trapping,
training for entertainment, abusive pet owners,
and all other forms of exploitation
such as overloading and overworking pack animals,
bull fighting, badger baiting, dog and cock fighting and so many more.

We pray for an end to cruelty,
whether to humans or other animals,
for an end to bullying, and torture in all its forms.
We pray that we may learn the peace that comes with forgiving
and the strength we gain in loving;
that we may learn to take nothing for granted in this life;
that we may learn to see and understand with our hearts;
that we may learn to rejoice in our being.

We pray for these things with humility;
We pray because of the hope that is within us,
and because of a faith in the ultimate triumph of the human spirit;
We pray because of our love for Creation, and because of our trust in God.
We pray, above all, for peace throughout the world.

Respond if you like:  God help us to bind up the brokenhearted and love and care for the least of these.


God we come to you in prayer with spirits that are hungry for a deeper relationship with you and all of our family members.

We pray for our family members who are hungry for nourishing and life giving food. May their bodies be filled. We pray for all soup kitchens feeding programs food banks, and pantries.

 We pray for our family members who are in need of clothing. May we take time to give our old and usable clothing away for those that need it.

 We pray for our family members who are in need of shelter this evening and if they need to be out in the cold that they may be safely protected. 

 We pray for our family members who are in need of affection we pray that our prayers may encircle them with a virtual prayer quilt of love and compassion. May they feel our prayers as a holy hug and embrace.

 We pray for our family members who are seeking  relationships and that they may come to know that the most important relationships are with God and themselves.

 We pray for our family members who are  hungering for knowledge that education may be made affordable and that everyone will have places in which to learn and grow.

We pray for our family members who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness.

 We pray for our family members who are hungering for justice,equality human rights, dignity, and respect.

 We pray for our family members who are hungering for CALM (Compassion Acceptance Love and Mercy)

We pray for our family members who are hungering for peace and Peace of Mind.

We pray for our family members who have come to us with their prayer requests remembering especially__________________.

Prayer for World Peace - Sister Joan Chittister, OSB
Great God, who has told us
"Vengeance is mine,"
save us from ourselves,
save us from the vengeance in our hearts
and the acid in our souls.

Save us from our desire to hurt as we have been hurt,
to punish as we have been punished,
to terrorize as we have been terrorized.

Give us the strength it takes
to listen rather than to judge,
to trust rather than to fear,
to try again and again
to make peace even when peace eludes us.

We ask, O God, for the grace
to be our best selves.
We ask for the vision
to be builders of the human community
rather than its destroyers.
We ask for the humility as a people
to understand the fears and hopes of other peoples.

We ask for the love it takes
to bequeath to the children of the world to come
more than the failures of our own making.
We ask for the heart it takes
to care for all the peoples
of Afghanistan and Iraq, of Palestine and Israel
as well as for ourselves.

Give us the depth of soul, O God,
to constrain our might,
to resist the temptations of power
to refuse to attack the attackable,
to understand
that vengeance begets violence,
and to bring peace--not war--wherever we go.

For You, O God, have been merciful to us.
For You, O God, have been patient with us.
For You, O God, have been gracious to us.

And so may we be merciful
and patient
and gracious
and trusting
with these others whom you also love.

This we ask through Jesus,
the one without vengeance in his heart.
This we ask forever and ever. Amen

THE SACRAMENT OF SILENCE - Herbert F. Vetter

In the silence, O God, You constantly surround our growing life.

We know You in the silence of the healing wound, the muteness of tenderness, the quiet growth within the sleeping child, the unspoken bonds uniting friend and friend, the still intensity of meditation, the soundless splendor of our changing seasons.

We know You in the sacred silence of our bodies: the secret movement of the hidden cells, the noiseless restoration of the tissues’ balance, the unheard ebb and flow within each artery and vein.

We know You in the magic silence of our minds: the mystery of memory, retaining after-images of childhood, youth, and later years; the miracle of imagination, whereby we behold our visions of the city unattained; the marvel of attention, when the mind is focused to absorption on some needful task.

We know You in the hidden silence of our hearts: the never uttered depths of love between a man and a woman, a teacher and a student, a parent and a child; the art of being altogether for another; the faith restoring faith that someone else is utterly for you.

We know You in the fateful silences of faith. We know You in the sacrament of silence.

BENEDICTION

May we forever hope in the possibilities of life;
May we forever share the adventures of ideas;
May we know peace through not expecting the impossible;
May we know joy through helping what is possible come true.

   
The 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.

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.

May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our

Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of

the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you

may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his

sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and

ever.    Hebrews 13:20-21

Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls

around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Resist him, firm in your faith.    1 Peter 5:8-9a

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

The Wisdom of God

the Love of God

and the Grace of God

strengthen you

to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world,

in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.

(source: Celtic)

Good Night All! I love you! Tomorrow is November 1! But first don't forget your clock changing duty before you go to bed, if your state is one of those who do this. It's one hour back.

Love and blessings!

Sara

P. S. Don't forget to say Rabbit Rabbit when you wake up tomorrow.

Resources

A New Zealand Prayer Book

A Season of Prayer for An Election

Bible Gateway For NRSV and The Voice Reading Selections

Book of Common Prayer

Book of Occasional Services

Enriching our Worship 1

Prayers of Power

Satucket Lectionary 

Bonus Readings

Eve of All Saints:

34 Benedicam Dominum

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; *

his praise shall ever be in my mouth.

2 I will glory in the Lord; *

let the humble hear and rejoice.

3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; *

let us exalt his Name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me *

and delivered me out of all my terror.

5 Look upon him and be radiant, *

and let not your faces be ashamed.

6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me *

and saved me from all my troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, *

and he will deliver them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; *

happy are they who trust in him!

9 Fear the Lord, you that are his saints, *

for those who fear him lack nothing.

10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, *

but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.

11 Come, children, and listen to me; *

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 Who among you loves life *

and desires long life to enjoy prosperity?

13 Keep your tongue from evil-speaking *

and your lips from lying words.

14 Turn from evil and do good; *

seek peace and pursue it.

 

15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, *

and his ears are open to their cry.

16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, *

to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears them *

and delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted *

and will save those whose spirits are crushed.

19 Many are the troubles of the righteous, *

but the Lord will deliver him out of them all.

20 He will keep safe all his bones; *

not one of them shall be broken.

21 Evil shall slay the wicked, *

and those who hate the righteous will be punished.

22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, *

and none will be punished who trust in him.

 Wisdom 3:1-9

The Destiny of the Righteous

3But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,

and no torment will ever touch them.

2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,

and their departure was thought to be a disaster,

3 and their going from us to be their destruction;

but they are at peace.

4 For though in the sight of others they were punished,

their hope is full of immortality.

5 Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good,

because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;

6 like gold in the furnace he tried them,

and like a sacrificial burnt-offering he accepted them.

7 In the time of their visitation they will shine forth,

and will run like sparks through the stubble.

8 They will govern nations and rule over peoples,

and the Lord will reign over them for ever.

9 Those who trust in him will understand truth,

and the faithful will abide with him in love,

because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones,

and he watches over his elect.*

Revelation 21:1-4,22-27,22:1-5

The New Heaven and the New Earth

21Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

‘See, the home* of God is among mortals.

He will dwell* with them;

they will be his peoples,*

and God himself will be with them;*

4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.

Death will be no more;

mourning and crying and pain will be no more,

for the first things have passed away.’

22 I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26People will bring into it the glory and the honour of the nations. 27But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practises abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The River of Life

22Then the angel* showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life* with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants* will worship him; 4they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever

The Witch of Endor- From the BOS

1 Samuel 28:3-25

1 Samuel 28:3-25

The Voice

3 Remember, Samuel had died some time previously and had been mourned by all of Israel. He was buried in his hometown of Ramah, and his wisdom died with him.

Another important thing to know: Saul had ordered all of the mediums and any others who claimed to speak to the dead thrown out of Israel.

4 The Philistines gathered for war, and they made their camp at Shunem. Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa. 5 When Saul looked out over the forces of the Philistines, he was filled with fear and lost his confidence. 6 Saul asked the Eternal for guidance, but He did not give him an answer, neither in dreams nor by consulting the Urim nor through prophecy.

This is simultaneously one of Saul’s greatest offenses against God and one of the times when he is a sympathetic character. As he comes to battle the Philistines, he has been cut off from any contact with God. It must seem as though everyone conspires against him, that he is all alone in the world; so, against his own decree forbidding such a thing, he consults a medium who can speak to the dead, a dark practice according to Hebrew law.

Saul (to his servants): 7 Find me a woman, a spiritual medium—someone I can ask for guidance.

Servants: A spiritual medium lives in En-dor.

8 So Saul disguised himself in different clothes, and taking two men with him, he went to see this woman in the dark of night.

Saul: I need you to call up someone from the grave—I’ll tell you who—so I can ask him questions.

Medium of En-dor: 9 Don’t you know what Saul has decreed? You should know that he has thrown all the mediums and all others who speak for the dead out of Israel. Why are you asking me to risk my life?

Saul (swearing by the Lord): 10 Nothing bad will happen to you. I promise.

Medium of En-dor: 11 Whom do you want me to bring up from the dead for you?

Saul: I need to speak with the prophet Samuel.

12 The medium began her rituals, but when she began to see Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice, realizing that her customer was Saul.

Medium of En-dor: Why have you lied to me? You’re really Saul!

Saul: 13 Don’t be frightened. Nothing will happen to you. Just tell me, what do you see?

Medium of En-dor: I see someone who looks like a divine being rising out of the ground!

Saul: 14 Describe him for me.

Medium of En-dor: An old man is coming, wrapped in a robe.

Saul knew this was Samuel, and he dropped to the ground, putting his face to the floor.

Samuel (to Saul): 15 Why have you disturbed me by calling me up from the land of the dead?

Saul: I don’t know what to do! The Philistines have gathered against us, and the True God has turned His back on me. He won’t answer me in dreams or by prophecy, so I’ve summoned you for advice.

Samuel: 16 Saul, why do you ask me what to do since you know the Eternal One has turned against you and is now your enemy? 17 He has done to you exactly as He told you through me, for He has wrestled the kingdom away from you in order to give it to your neighbor, David. 18 You did not obey the Eternal One’s orders to be an agent of His wrath on Amalek. That is why He has brought these circumstances upon you today. 19 And that is not all. He will hand you and your kingdom over to the Philistines. Tomorrow you and your sons will be where I am. The Eternal One will hand your entire army over to the Philistines.

20 When Saul heard Samuel’s words, he collapsed to the ground in terror and weakness, for he had not eaten all day and all night. 21 The woman came to him, and she saw that he was filled with fear.

Medium of En-dor: Your servant has done what you asked. I have risked my life to do it. 22 Now, please, listen to your servant. Have something to eat before you go. Eat what I offer you, so you can leave with some strength.

Saul: 23 No, I won’t eat anything.

His servants joined her in urging the king to eat, and at last he listened to them. He rose from the ground and sat on the bed. 24 The woman took a fatted calf, slaughtered it, and prepared it. She took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread. 25 When the food was ready, she served it to Saul and his servants, and they ate it before they departed that night.

(It is appropriate that this lesson be read by a narrator, and by other readers

for Saul, the witch, and Samuel.)

 

Psalm 130

The Voice

A song for those journeying to worship.

1 From the depths of disaster I appeal to You, O Eternal One:

2 Lord, hear my cry!

    Attune Your ears to my humble prayer!

3 If You, Eternal One, recorded each offense,

    Lord, who on earth could stand innocent?

4 But with You forgiveness exists;

    that’s why true respect of You might flow.

5 So I wait for the Eternal—my soul awaits rescue—

    and I put my hope in His transforming word.

6 My soul waits for the Lord to break into the world

    more than night watchmen expect the break of day,

    even more than night watchmen expect the break of day.

7 O Israel, ground your hope in the Eternal.

    For in the Eternal lives the most loyal love,

    and with Him comes the most abundant redemption.

8 He will ransom Israel

    from all the sinful acts that stole you away.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Almighty and everliving God, you have made all things in your

wisdom and established the boundaries of life and death: Grant

that we may obey your voice in this world, and in the world to

come may enjoy that rest and peace which you have

appointed for your people; through Jesus Christ who is

Resurrection and Life, and who lives and reigns for ever and

ever. Amen.