Make us channels of your peace O God.

Good Evening Dear Brothers and Sisters!


Happy Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Today we celebrate a man who went through a life transformation. He was a rich person, party animal, and then God got a hold of him and he became a monk and a founder of a religious order The Franciscans. We too can go through a life transformation. I am no longer into consumerism and am really enjoying holy poverty and mostly holy silence. If you are in my house all you hear are the house noises and the sounds of the out doors. Today we pray that God will make us channels of God's peace.  This morning I did a Morning Prayer and Healing Liturgy and we are going to use this format tonight  for our worship. We will be using the Prayer of St. Francis multiple times tonight.

Let us light our candles and pray the pray the prayer that is attributed to him:

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.


Let us meditate upon the San Damiano Cross:


Prayer before the San Damiano Crucifix

Most High, glorious God enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me true faith, certain hope and perfect clarity, sense and knowledge that I may carry out Your Holy and true command.
- Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi to discern God’s will

Psalm 148:7–14
Laudate Dominum

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, *
you sea-monsters and all deeps;
8 Fire and hail, snow and fog, *
tempestuous wind, doing his will;
9 Mountains and all hills, *
fruit trees and all cedars;
10 Wild beasts and all cattle, *
creeping things and winged birds;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, *
princes and all rulers of the world;
12 Young men and maidens, *
old and young together.
13 Let them praise the Name of the Lord, *
for his Name only is exalted,
his splendor is over earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up strength for his people
and praise for all his loyal servants, *
the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Hallelujah!

Jeremiah 22:13–16

Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness,
and his upper rooms by injustice;
who makes his neighbours work for nothing,
and does not give them their wages;
who says, “I will build myself a spacious house
with large upper rooms”,
and who cuts out windows for it,
panelling it with cedar,
and painting it with vermilion.
Are you a king
because you compete in cedar?
Did not your father eat and drink
and do justice and righteousness?
Then it was well with him.
He judged the cause of the poor and needy;
then it was well.
Is not this to know me?
says the Lord.

Canticle 12
A Song of Creation Benedicite, omnia opera Domini
Song of the Three, 35–65
.
Invocation
Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.
In the high vault of heaven, glorify the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.

I. The Cosmic Order
Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.
Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and summer, glorify the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.

Galatians 6:14–18

May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule-- peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

II. The Earth and Its Creatures
Let the earth glorify the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains
and hills, and all that grows upon the earth

sing praise and give honor for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *

O whales and all that move in the waters.

All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *

sing praise and give honor for ever.

Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *

and all you flocks and herds.

O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *

sing praise and give honor for ever.

Matthew 11:25–30

Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

III. The People of God
Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.
You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.
Doxology
Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; *
sing praise and give honor for ever.
In the high vault of heaven, glorify the Lord, *
sing praise and give honor for ever.

Collect of the day

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. 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.

                   A Prayer for Our Time and for the Earth

(A Word to the Church from the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops)

Dear God, Creator of the earth, this sacred home we share;
Give us new eyes to see the beauty all around and to protect the wonders of creation.
Give us new arms to embrace the strangers among us and to know them as family.
Give us new ears to hear and understand those who live off the land
and to hear and understand those who extract its resources.
Give us new hearts to recognize the brokenness in our communities
and to heal the wounds we have inflicted.
Give us new hands to serve the earth and its people
and to shape beloved community.
For you are the One who seeks the lost,
binds our wounds and sets us free,
and it is in the name of Jesus the Christ we pray.
Amen.

Let us pray together the Canticle of Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord!
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing.

To You, alone, Most High, do they belong.
No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all Your creatures,
especially through my lord Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and You give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!
Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;
in the heavens You have made them bright, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
and clouds and storms, and all the weather,
through which You give Your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Water;
she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom You brighten the night.
He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth,
who feeds us and rules us,
and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of You;
through those who endure sickness and trial.

Happy those who endure in peace,
for by You, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Bodily Death,
from whose embrace no living person can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Happy those she finds doing Your most holy will.
The second death can do no harm to them.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks,
and serve Him with great humility.

Let us hear the words of this prayer in the song as written and sung by John Michael Talbot.

Brother Sun and Sister Moon- John Michael Talbot

Let us pray!

God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Ishmael may we find unity with all of our family members in love, mercy, justice and peace. 
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We pray for all the war torn areas of the world and protection for all of our brothers and sisters.
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We pray for all who are living with mental illness. We pray that we may reach out and support with love and compassion to them and their caregivers.
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We pray for our family members who are ill that they may be healed of their illnesses.
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We pray for the least of these and all the wonderful things they bring to this world. We give thanks to God that they are reminders to all of our family members who need to be aware that not everyone is fortunate.
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

Give us strength to speak truth to power and keep doing it until Justice rolls down 
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

Take away all of our fears, hate, isolationism, and replace it with trust, love, and unity.
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We pray for all who are dying and have died today and entered into the Thin Places with Joy and gladness.
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We pray this night for all who travel that they may safely arrive at their destination.
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We pray for ourselves and on behalf of others
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We pray for all faith communities and leaders who enrich our lives each day. 
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We give thanks this night for _______________ and that we may put on an attitude of Gratitude
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We pray that we will awake refreshed, renewed, and re-created to do the work and service God is calling us to do.
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We pray for rain and the cleansing and healing of Your Creation.
God and maker of us All hear our prayer

We ask these our prayers in Jesus' most Holy Name. Amen.

Admonition of St Francis

Where there is charity and wisdom, 
there is neither fear nor ignorance.
Where there is patience and humility, 
there is neither anger nor disturbance.
Where there is poverty with joy, 
there is neither greed nor avarice.
Where there is rest and meditation, 
there is neither anxiety nor restlessness.
Where there is fear of the Lord to guard an entrance, 
there the enemy cannot have a place to enter.  
Where there is a heart full of mercy and discernment, 
there is neither excess nor hardness of heart.

John Rutter Mix- All things Bright and Beautiful 

Gracious and loving God of Love and the  makers of families. May we never take our families and those we love for granted.

Let us respond with : Make us channels of your peace O, God. 

We pray that we may learn what it means to Love our  Neighbor as ourselves.

We pray that we peace may prevail upon earth and among all of us who are part of the human family.

We pray  to you O God ,for the loving protection of all of our family members who are in danger.

We pray for all who are ill and are hospitalized and are afraid .We pray for their bodily healing and the banishment of all fears and anxieties.

We pray that as we become conservationists of  God's Cathedral of Life that we may also take time to provide for ourselves much needed self-care and be good stewards of our bodies, minds, and spirits.

We pray for all children who are facing many trials. 

We pray for all who mourn and grieve any loss that they may be comforted and given love and consolation.

We pray for all those who are receiving palliative and hospice care and all those who minister unto them.

We pray for all faith leaders who are in preparation for all the services in which they are called to lead and provide pastoral preaching  and care.

Today we remember the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi  and his words in pictures:

Lord God we lift up these our prayers to your Son Jesus Christ in His Most Holy Name. Amen.

A litany for healing may be added: (From the Book of Occasional Services - A Public Service of Healing)

Litany of Healing

Let us name before God those for whom we offer our

Prayers.

The People audibly name those for whom they are interceding.

A Person appointed then leads the Litany

God the Father, your will for all people is health and

salvation;

We praise you and thank you, O Lord.

God the Son, you came that we might have life, and might

have it more abundantly;

We praise you and thank you, O Lord.

God the Holy Spirit, you make our bodies the temple of your

presence;

We praise you and thank you, O Lord.

Holy Trinity, one God, in you we live and move and have

our being;

We praise you and thank you, O Lord.

Lord, grant your healing grace to all who are sick, injured,

or disabled, that they may be made whole;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

Grant to all who seek your guidance, and to all who are

lonely, anxious, or despondent, a knowledge of your will

and an awareness of your presence;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

Mend broken relationships, and restore those in emotional

distress to soundness of mind and serenity of spirit;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

Bless physicians, nurses, and all others who minister to the

suffering, granting them wisdom and skill, sympathy and

patience;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

Grant to the dying peace and a holy death, and uphold by

the grace and consolation of your Holy Spirit those who are

bereaved;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

Restore to wholeness whatever is broken by human sin, in

our lives, in our nation, and in the world;

Hear us, O Lord of life.

You are the Lord who does wonders:

You have declared your power among the peoples.

With you, O Lord, is the well of life:

And in your light we see light.

Hear us, O Lord of life:

Heal us, and make us whole.

Let us pray.

A period of silence follows

O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people;

in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion upon

us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O

lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and

Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Or this litany From Episcopal Peace Fellowship:

A Litany for Gun Violence

 Leader: We stand before this Wall of Injustice remembering all who have been harmed by gun violence, both intended and accidental. We lament that an American child is 12 times more likely to die by a bullet than are the children living in all twenty-five other industrialized nations combined. We acknowledge the deep pain and grief in our communities and nation. Will you commit to tear down the walls that divide us, and build-up the one human family, grounded in nonviolence, justice and love?

People: We will with God’s help.

Leader: We stand before this Wall of Injustice remembering all perpetrators and the families of those who commit acts of gun violence. We acknowledge that their lives are also devastated and their hopes dashed. For their sake and ours, will you pray for healing of the pain radiating from every act of violence?

People: We will, with God’s help.

Leader: We stand before this Wall of Injustice, united in our grief for the violent deaths of over 30,000 Americans by gunfire each year. Will you commit to prayer, study and action, ever hopeful that repentance and transformation will move us forward toward God’s peaceable kingdom?

People: We will, with God’s help.

Franciscan blessings

May God bless you with a restless discomfort

about easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,

so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger

at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears

to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish,

so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness

to believe that you really can make a difference in this world,

so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

Here is a slightly different version of the blessing . . .

May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts.

May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”  Micah 6:8 (From : A Franciscan Blessing) 

  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.

+++++

Good Night Dear Ones I love you! May we continue to hold sacred space and sanctuary in compassion, love, and acceptance and mercy always. 

Love and blessings,

Sara

Resources:

Book of Common Prayer

Lectionary Page

Walk With Me On Our Journey

A Heart For Justice

The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church - A Word to the Church

YouTube

Episcopal Peace Fellowship

Quote Sites for St. Francis' Prayers

Book of Occasional Services.

Book of Common Prayer

Satucket : Saint of the Day : St. Francis of Assisi

A time to rest gentle in God's arms and pray!

Good Evening Dear Ones!

Happy Take Care Tuesday! I hope everyone is getting the rest you need. Tonight we are going to try to keep it short so that we may rest gentle in God's arms and refresh , relax, and renew our spirits.  Let us begin by listening to a piece of mindfulness music and then be at prayer. 


Music Of Cathedrals and Forgotten Temples | 1-Hour Atmospheric Choir Mix

Let us light our candles, make vigil, and be at prayer. We continue to lift up the people of Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands  Florida, Texas, Marseille, Charlottesville, Edmonton, Mexico, and all other places where there has been disasters of any kind. 

Light of the World Phos hilaron

Light of the world, in grace and beauty,

Mirror of God’s eternal face,

Transparent flame of love’s free duty,

You bring salvation to our race.

Now, as we see the lights of evening,

We raise our voice in hymns of praise;

Worthy are you of endless blessing,

Sun of our night, lamp of our days

God we come to this night with our hearts and hands open as we light our candles and pray as we in the words of Psalm 141

 "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,

   and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. 

God may we come to you with a vision clear that this isn't a time of gimme, gimme, gimme or instant expectations but, with hearts full of prayers and thanksgivings not just for ourselves but on behalf of others and this world where there is great need. We pray that with our hands ready to serve you and the least of these we may find this a time of bridge building and peacemaking  We pray that with our open hands we may seek to use them as offerings of help, love, giving, and solace and our word for soothing of our souls, soulace*. We come to you as we lift up our hands in grateful thanksgiving and praise and that they may rise to the heavens in holy and enthusiastic joy and hope. We pray that we may extend our hands in peace to our enemies and those who hate us and offer to them a sign that we are here to build and not destroy. We lift these our prayers and place them in your loving and healing hands O God. We also present the Light of Christ to each other remembering these words as we close our time of prayer "The Light of Christ in Me recognizes the Light of Christ in You!"  We pray these prayers with hands and lights uplifted in Jesus most Holy Name. Amen.

*My word for the  calming of our souls!

71 In te, Domine, speravi

1 In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; *
let me never be ashamed.

2 In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; *
incline your ear to me and save me.

3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; *
you are my crag and my stronghold.

4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, *
from the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.

5 For you are my hope, O Lord God, *
my confidence since I was young.

6 I have been sustained by you ever since I was born;
from my mother's womb you have been my strength; *
my praise shall be always of you.

7 I have become a portent to many; *
but you are my refuge and my strength.

8 Let my mouth be full of your praise *
and your glory all the day long.

9 Do not cast me off in my old age; *
forsake me not when my strength fails.

10 For my enemies are talking against me, *
and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together.

11 They say, "God has forsaken him;
go after him and seize him; *
because there is none who will save."

12 O God, be not far from me; *
come quickly to help me, O my God.

13 Let those who set themselves against me be put to shame and be disgraced; *
let those who seek to do me evil be covered with scorn and reproach.

14 But I shall always wait in patience, *
and shall praise you more and more.

15 My mouth shall recount your mighty acts
and saving deeds all day long; *
though I cannot know the number of them.

16 I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord God; *
I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.

17 O God, you have taught me since I was young, *
and to this day I tell of your wonderful works.


18 And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, *
till I make known your strength to this generation
and your power to all who are to come.

19 Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens; *
you have done great things;
who is like you, O God?

20 You have showed me great troubles and adversities, *
but you will restore my life
and bring me up again from the deep places of the earth.

21 You strengthen me more and more; *
you enfold and comfort me,

22 Therefore I will praise you upon the lyre for your
faithfulness, O my God; *
I will sing to you with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.

23 My lips will sing with joy when I play to you, *
and so will my soul, which you have redeemed.

24 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness all day long, *
for they are ashamed and disgraced who sought to do me harm.


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.

Isaiah 60:1-5

60Arise, shine; for your light has come,
   and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 
2 For darkness shall cover the earth,
   and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
   and his glory will appear over you. 
3 Nations shall come to your light,
   and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 


4 Lift up your eyes and look around;
   they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
   and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. 
5 Then you shall see and be radiant;
   your heart shall thrill and rejoice,*
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
   the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”


― Teresa of Ávila


1 John 2:12-14


12 I am writing to you, little children,
   because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. 
13 I am writing to you, fathers,
   because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young people,
   because you have conquered the evil one. 
14 I write to you, children,
   because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
   because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young people,
   because you are strong
   and the word of God abides in you,
     and you have overcome the evil one.

A Song of the Wilderness
Isaiah 35:1-7,10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, *
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
It shall blossom abundantly, *
and rejoice with joy and singing.
They shall see the glory of the Lord, *
the majesty of our God.
Strengthen the weary hands, *
and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to the anxious, “Be strong, do not fear! *
Here is your God, coming with judgment to save you.”
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, *
and the ears of the deaf be unstopped.
Then shall the lame leap like a deer, *
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness *
and streams in the desert;
The burning sand shall become a pool *
and the thirsty ground, springs of water.
The ransomed of God shall return with singing, *
with everlasting joy upon their heads.
Joy and gladness shall be theirs, *
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away



Luke 7:11-17




11 Soon afterwards* he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. 12As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town.13When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ 14Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, ‘Young man, I say to you, rise!’ 15The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus* gave him to his mother. 16Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen among us!’ and ‘God has looked favourably on his people!’ 17This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.
A Song of the Spirit
Revelation 22:12-17

“Behold, I am coming soon,” says the Lord,
“and bringing my reward with me, *
to give to everyone according to their deeds.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, *
the beginning and the end.”
Blessed are those who do God’s commandments,
that they may have the right to the tree of life, *
and may enter the city through the gates.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you, *
with this testimony for all the churches.
“I am the root and the offspring of David, *
I am the bright morning star.”
“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride; *
“Come!” let each hearer reply!
Come forward, you who are thirsty, *
let those who desire take the water of life as a gift.


Let us be at prayer: 

O God, the shepherd of all, we give you thanks for the lifelong commitment of your servant John Raleigh Mott to the Christian nurture of students in many parts of the world; and we pray that, after his example, we may strive for the weaving together of all peoples in friendship, fellowship and cooperation, and while life lasts be evangelists for Jesus Christ, in whom alone is our peace; and who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 


We pray this night for all family members who have been made by God and are brothers and sisters of God and Abraham. We pray and seek to be loving and united as one.

We pray this night and in the daylight hours for peace in our hearts, lives country and the world.

May we live justly, be merciful, and walk with God with gentle and loving steps in humility and grace.

We pray for our family members who are ill that they may be healed comforted, and relieved of pain and suffering.

We pray for the banishment of hate, fear, indifference and cruelty.

We pray for all who are traveling and we remember especially those who are alone and afraid waiting in all transit areas.

We pray for all who mourn that they may be relieved and comforted.

We pray for all who are pre-grieving that they may find solace in you and their family members.

We pray for all who are dying and have made that sacred journey into the Thin Places where they may find joy, light and wholeness.

We offer our prayers for ourselves and on behalf  of others.

We give thanks and praise for all that you have done for us God. We offer our thanks to you this night with love , joy, and with grateful hearts.

We lay our bodies minds, and spirits and take our rest that we may greet the day with joy, love. and a willingness to serve you in your kingdom. We lift up our prayers in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.

Or these!

We pray for all the least of these and that we may lovingly respond to their needs. 

God we pray for the least of these and that we may lovingly respond to their needs. 

God hear our prayer.

God we pray for the poor who are struggling to survive and are in search of better lives.

God hear our prayer.

God we pray for widows and orphans that as they mourn they may grieve without fear and accept new normals with courage.

God hear our prayer.

God we pray for the homeless, hungry, and ill clad that they may be protected from harm and find safe shelter tonight.

God hear our prayer

God we pray for those who are living below the poverty line and lack basic services for living.

God hear our prayer.

God we pray for our family members who are ill in body, mind, and spirit.

God hear our prayer.

God we pray for our family members who have chronic illnesses that they may learn to manage their illnesses with courage and grace.

God hear our prayer.

God we pray for our family members who are suffering with memory disorders and those who care for them.

God hear our prayer.

God we pray for an end to the violence in our land and in our cities.

God hear our prayer.

God we pray for and end to terror and extremism that peace may prevail upon earth and that love, forgiveness, and mercy may reign.

God hear our prayer,

God we pray that justice may roll down and speak truth to power and that we may be voices for the voiceless.

God hear our prayer.

God we pray and give thanks for________________________

God hear our prayer.

God we pray that we may be able to live authentically and live our truths without fear.

God hear our prayer.

God we lift up these our prayers and thanksgivings to your only son Jesus. Amen. 

Or these

Tonight let us pray for the least of these and our family members who are feeling lost and alone.

Jesus, we come to you this night asking you to lift up the lonely, lost, and those who feel unloved and outcast. Help us to draw them into  your circle of love and fellowship where they will find peace and a loving family waiting for them.

Jesus, we pray for peace in the holy places where you walked, preached, healed, were there for those who  were outcast, blind, and not welcome in any town. We pray for peace in all of the Holy Land  and a return to holiness and we pray for the leaders of  Israel, Palestine, Syria, and Iraq that they may remember that they are all family members under Abraham and the awesome responsibility that comes with that.

Jesus, help us to be there for our family members even when it seems difficult to do so.

Jesus, heal all  of our family members who are ill and we name them now before you with love________________

Jesus, help us to grow in the Fruits of the Spirit and reap abundantly the harvest that you have planted.

Jesus, help us to sow seeds of faith, hope, and love and that we may may show these throughout our lives and  in our daily living.
Jesus, help us to be good stewards of God's Cathedral of Life.

Jesus, we pray for all refugees, strangers, immigrants of any kind and especially the unaccompanied children who have been set on a dangerous road to freedom.

Jesus, help us to be lights to this broken world and to each other.

Jesus, be with those who mourn  and we pray that we may follow your example of compassion, love, and yes even weep as you wept at the tomb of Lazarus.

Jesus, may we rest gentle in your arms this night and always .

We lift up these our prayers to in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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

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

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

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

Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always
protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow
the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.

(source: from Saint Clare)


Good Night All! Rest gentle in God's arms and be at peace! I love you!


Peace, love, and prayers !

Sara

Resources:
Enriching Our Worship
Satucket Lectionary for Lessons and our Saint of the Day: John Mott
YouTube
Walk With Me On Our Journey
In Lak' Ech -Luis Valdez