A moment of contemplation for yourself or on behalf of others on everything from the life-altering to the mundane.


Prayer: A conversation with The Higher Other who lives within each of us. An invitation to vent, to re-think, to ask, and to rest.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Prayers of the People: The Ultimate Oil Treatment, 4th Sunday in Lent

for Sunday March 30, 2014, Readings: 1 Sam 16: 1-13, Ps 23, Eph 5:8-14, Jn 9: 1-41

The ritual of Anointing is as ancient as human life itself. This symbolic rite is still known across all cultures, religions, and ethnicities in every corner of the Earth. Perfumed oil has been used to establish and confirm a monarch, to welcome a guest, to mark a child as Christ's own forever, to promote physical and spiritual healing of the sick, exile demonic possession, and to honor the body of one who has died. Some practices use herbal pastes, scented water, and even yogurt.  
      The name "Christ" derives from the Greek word Χριστός (Khristós)   meaning "The Anointed One." 
       Beyond the sacramental, spiritual, and symbolic, as a universal ceremonial from the beginning of time, perhaps it is that the act of anointing taps something primal in us and deeply connects us to all who have gone before and all who are yet to come. Our comfort from  and to the ages.  


LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

LEADER: ~ Eternal Shepherd, our One True Light, You chose David in his youth and us from our births knowing our full potential. You see beneath the surface of our flesh and know the hidden longings of our souls. Lead us out of the blindness of self-pride to the clarity of eyes opened to life in You.

                             Anoint our eyes to see You more clearly.
RESPONSE:  Anoint our hearts to follow You more nearly.

~ Eternal Shepherd, our One True Light, illuminate the paths of justice and mercy that the leaders of this world might follow. Awaken their inner vision to see themselves as You see them, so they may begin to shepherd their own flocks with integrity and principle. We pray especially for: add your own petitions.

                      Anoint our eyes to see You more clearly.
                      Anoint our hearts to follow You more nearly.

~ Eternal Shepherd, our One True Light, attend those who are suffering with physical or emotional trials and calm those who give them care. Enfold them with Your radiance and grant them the peace of Your green pasture while they heal. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                       Anoint our eyes to see You more clearly.
                       Anoint our hearts to follow You more nearly.

~ Eternal Shepherd, our One True Light, we long for those who have left us to live in Your House forever. Let Your promised comfort embrace all who are weeping in the shadow of grief. We pray especially for all those who have been lost in earthly tragedies on land, on the sea, and in the air, and for: add your own petitions

                        Anoint our eyes to see You more clearly.
                        Anoint our hearts to follow You more nearly.

~ Eternal Shepherd, our One True Light, exhilarate the spirits of those who guide Your Church so they may lead us on our journey to You and we may all be released from sin and darkness. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                          Anoint our eyes to see You more clearly.
                          Anoint our hearts to follow You more nearly.

The Celebrant adds: Timeless, abiding, immutable Pastor, Your goodness and mercy overflows our cup of life when we choose the blessings You set before us. Grant our eyes to open and our hearts to see the table of Love You have prepared for us. We ask this through Jesus our Savior and the Spirit of all that is Holy, who live and reign with You, one God, forever and ever. Amen.




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