Prayers of the People: Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall ~ 3rd Sunday of Easter, '18 Yr B

For Sunday, April 15, 2018, 3^rd Sunday of Easter, Year B, Readings: Acts 3:12-19, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48

      And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you. [Acts 3:16]

      Many are saying, "Oh, that we might see better times!"...You have put gladness in my heart...for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety. [Psalm 4, 6a, 7a, 8b]

      You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins...Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. [1 John 3:5-6a,-7b] 

      ...Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you"...Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them,"Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." [Luke 24: 36b, 45-48]

         It must have been so much easier for the Disciples when Jesus was fully alive, again, and able to speak to and eat with them, answer their questions in person, and explain the plan. In those "simpler times" all they really had to deal with was fear for their lives in an adverse political climate, uncertainty in their futures, and the probable disbelief of what they were actually experiencing.

       So much for simpler times. There are so very many in today's world, even in this country, who are facing daily violence and persecution just for being who they are and what they believe in, without having Jesus visible in their midst, strengthening their faith that all would be well. And who of us are not unsure of our futures? 

       We, in the midst of the uncertainties of our current times, have not had the real-time experience of the Risen Christ just after his very public execution. We rely on the Scriptures to tell us how things were so that we also may believe as the original disciples did. And yet we may slide into some complacency given our familiarity of the readings. How can we bring those Scriptures alive and into our consciousness anytime, anywhere, any season? 

       The season of Eastertide is a good time (one of many!) to think about my relationship with Christ - what has it been, what do I want it to be, what concerns me about it? When I drift away, how do I turn back? We know the word Repent but it is such a bristle-y word - didn't we finish with it in Lent? Not quite. It's simple meaning is to turn toward. When I turn away from Christ, I need to turn toward him again, and in so doing, I am forgiven. How then to turn toward? Let me digress briefly...

      Many years ago on an Army base far away from here, a Roman Catholic Priest (a duly Commissioned Army Chaplain and Officer) raised more than eyebrows with his Sunday evening Masses as we sat around on the floor inside the darkened Sanctuary or wherever we could in what came to be a packed church, each of us with lighted votive candles in paper cups to light our holy space. He used the coffee table from his office as the altar and his stereo as the source of music. As he went through the Liturgy, he played and we sang, recordings of contemporary love songs. He told us that any love song can be a prayer to God. When it came time for Communion, it was passed from person to person via a dish with consecrated oyster crackers and in the background was Barbra Streisand's Evergreen. To this day, when I hear that song in particular, or get a package of oyster crackers with my restaurant soup, I'm instantly transported to a sacred space and the prayer that bubbles up into my head and heart.

     And what about that task to "Witness" and "Proclaim" that Jesus is about repentance and forgiveness, you ask?  Here's a quick first step, an easy prayer-form. Simply call out the name of Jesus and he's there, with you, immediately. That's it – and, you can even sing it! Pick out a love song in rock, soul, rap, heavy metal - whatever suits you. You might know the lyrics to that old James Taylor song: Just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I'll come running, to see you again! Click here to sing your prayer: James Taylor - You've Got a Friend and he'll be there, yeah, he'll be there. And what you feel inside will show outside and that will be your witness and your proclamation that leads you to turn toward Christ with strengthened faith, trust, and new life. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall!  

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, as You stood among the disciples then, You stand among us still, and call us together to the hope and love that will purify our souls. Release us from the doubts and temptations that lure us from Your presence, that we may dwell in spiritual safety and know we are forgiven.

                                                    O Lord, O God                                         

RESPONSE:                  Strengthen us in faith and trust

~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, in these times on this Earth, on the part of our elected, appointed, or self-declared leaders who would chart the course of our lives on our Planet, in our Nation, and in our Community, there is no room for indignity, dishonor, or inhumane action. Infuse them with wisdom, compassion and the ways of justice and mercy. Fill us with courage to hold You in our hearts as we hold them accountable. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God

                                                       Strengthen us in faith and trust

                                                      

~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, calm the fears and pain for all suffer through physical or mental illness, addiction or despair, and grant respite to those who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God

                                                       Strengthen us in faith and trust

             

~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, ease grieving hearts and minds with the knowledge and comfort that those who have joined You in the glory of Resurrection, now dwell in the eternal gladness and freedom of Salvation. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God

                                                       Strengthen us in faith and trust

~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God

                                                       Strengthen us in faith and trust

             

~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, the best of our leaders in Your Church today, as the Apostles in their time, give witness to the truth of Your words and the fullness of life in following You. Energize their message to charge us with their fervor that we may stride confidently into each day together, proclaiming You by thought, word, and action. We pray especially for: We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God

                                                       Strengthen us in faith and trust

             

The Celebrant adds:  God of the Beginning, the Now, and of all that is to Come, raise us as You raised our Christ, into the faithfulness of heart, mind, and soul that leads us to the better times, in the glory and the joy of everlasting life with You. We ask through the name of Jesus, our Risen Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Sanctifier, who reign together with You as One God, forever. Amen.

                                                            

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: Keeping the Dream, Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

For Wednesday, April 4, 2018, On the 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., 
at the Episcopal Church of Sts Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington, DE  SsAM.org

Readings: Psalm 137:1-6, Jeremiah 31:1-6, Psalm 139:1-11, Audio from Dr King’s speech: “Loving Your Enemies”, 
Matthew 5:1-11  

italicized words are quoted from Dr. King and gathered from various sources

          Untold billions of words have been written about this man for whom there are no all-encompassing or adequate adjectives. I will not pretend that I have anything further to add except to say that in all the research I have done in preparing the following, the resonance and relevance of his words ring as clear, and prescient, and as necessary to our own time as when he spoke them in his. We were blessed that he lived among us. We ARE blessed to have him still in the presence of his words. 

We are charged with and MUST Keep the Dream Alive! 

Dear Martin, with your words...

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, as we come before you painfully aware of our inadequacies and shortcomings, we ask You to break the spell of that which blinds our minds. Purify our hearts, that we may see You and transform Your cosmic energy into constructive force that becomes a glowing daybreak of freedom and justice for all Your people everywhere.

                                          Most Gracious and All Wise God

RESPONSE:       Keep us constant, unwise and untimely in the work of Justice

~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, For all of us today – citizens and public officials alike – white and black, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, Protestants, Catholics, Jews and gentiles, let us build together a world where none shall prey upon the weaknesses of others, where greed and poverty shall be eliminated, where success is founded upon service, and an honor given for nobleness alone. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                           Most Gracious and All Wise God

                                           Reconcile and unite us in a great fellowship of love

~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, grant courage and faith, for all in times of trial, that in turning to You, we can all make the transition from “Let this cup pass from me” to “nevertheless.” We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

             

                                            Most Gracious and All Wise God

                                            Lift us from the fatigue of despair to the buoyancy of hope

~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, our earthly life is a prelude to a glorious new awakening, and death is an open door that leads us into eternal life. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                             Most Gracious and All Wise God

                                             We commend our loved ones to Your eternal daybreak of joy

~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, we pause in this moment remember the life and work of Your Servant, our Brother, Martin, and to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                             Most Gracious and All Wise God

                                             In all we do guide us to seek that which is high, noble, and Good

~ God of Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness, bestow special blessings upon those who give their lives in service to You, leading us as we learn to rise out of the tensions of modern life, live in the world, and yet above it, live in the tension, and yet beyond it, and to accept ourselves and the realities of the life You have given us to live also in Your service. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                            Most Gracious and All Wise God

                                            Help us be the Light and the Love that drives out Darkness and Hate

             

The Celebrant adds:  O God, in these turbulent days when fear and doubt are mounting high, give us broad visions, penetrating eyes, and power of endurance. Help us to work with renewed vigor for a warless world, for a better distribution of wealth, and for a brotherhood that transcends race or color. We ask through Christ Jesus, our Living Redeemer; the Holy Spirit, Counselor of our Souls; who together with You are our One God, now and forever. Amen.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: Rising to New Heights 2nd Sunday of Easter, Yr B '18

For Sunday, April 8, 2018, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year B, Readings: Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133, 1 John 1:1-2:2, John 20:19-31

     With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and a great grace was upon them all. [Acts 4:33]

     Oh how good and pleasant it is, when brethren live together in unity! [Psalm 133:1]

     ...if we walk in the light, as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us all from sin. [1 John 1:7]

     But Thomas...was not with them when Jesus came....[and] he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in his side, I will not believe..." [Jesus] said to him, "Have you [now] believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." [John 20:24, 25b, 29]

     Thomas, the ultimate skeptic, carries the load for those among us sometimes reluctant to admit to doubt about faith, questions about God, or a wonder about events recalled in the Bible. By the way, the other Apostles also doubted briefly [see Luke 24:1-12] - so we who have had our own doubts are all in good company. And the company we are in is also the point - those who knew Jesus in their own lifetimes came together as a faith community sharing joy, fellowship, and the necessities of life as followers before and after Christ's Resurrection. Then and in many succeeding generations, those we speak of as early Christians faced tremendous fear and the reality of vicious persecution as many Christians, and many members of other faith traditions, still do in our own day. The continuous re-telling and re-living of our story keeps us connected by remembering the why of our faith even in those moments of faint acceptance or unbelief.
      Easter, however, isn't merely a day or a season, it is meant to be our way of life, as Easter People. From the beginning of Advent we are preparing the way for and seeking the glory and joy of the Resurrection, achieved through the great sacrifice and pain that we have experienced through Holy Week and, Good Friday in particular. As we move from Easter Day, rising in faith, we are called to re-examine the manner in which we live our lives through our thoughts, words, and actions with and for everyone we meet. It is in fellowship that we remember, walk in, and reflect the light he himself is in, with peace and the Holy Spirit within us. 

        In these confusing and difficult times, let us work together to keep and dispense the message of Christ, Peace be with you, as we strive for unity and love wherever we are. Despite our often deep divisions, as well as our occasional doubts, through our companioning and fellowship with one another, God's truth within us, and living in Christ's name, we can rise to new heights of faith - undoubtedly! And oh how good and pleasant it is! 

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Holy Christ, our Lord and our Messiah, release us from the stifling darkness of the sin and doubt of our own making, to accept the cleansing of our souls by Your Resurrection, that bolsters our faith and fellowship in Your name, through every facet of life.

                                                       Jesus, Light and Peace of God

RESPONSE:                    Raise us to new heights in Faith

~ Holy Christ, our Lord and our Messiah, awaken Your great grace within all the lawmakers of our World, our Country, and our Community, and activate a deep desire to pursue unity in peace, health, and well-being, so that no one, anywhere, is further ravaged by war, poverty, or any desperate need. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Light and Peace of God

                                                       Raise us to new heights in Faith

                                                      

~ Holy Christ, our Lord and our Messiah, may Your healing touch of hope and love soothe and comfort all who are unwell in body, mind, or spirit, and all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Light and Peace of God

                                                       Raise us to new heights in Faith

             

~ Holy Christ, our Lord and our Messiah, You are Risen Indeed, as are all of our faith-filled departed, who now shine in the glory of life everlasting with You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions 

                                                       Jesus, Light and Peace of God

                                                       Raise us to new heights in Faith

~ Holy Christ, our Lord and our Messiah, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Light and Peace of God

                                                       Raise us to new heights in Faith

             

~ Holy Christ, our Lord and our Messiah, infuse Your anointed disciples with an abundance of spiritual oxygen, to fill us all with the fresh air of Your Presence within and among us, lifting our purpose daily, and carrying us on the current of Your limitless love. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Light and Peace of God

                                                       Raise us to new heights in Faith

             

The Celebrant adds:  Holy Jesus, Risen Lord, help us to see with new eyes, to love with new hearts, and to hope with new faith that we, as Easter People, open ourselves to new life, unburdened by doubt, radiating Your Light from within. We ask through You, our Glorious Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit, our soul’s Wisdom, who together with God, our Almighty Creator, live and reign now and forever. Amen.

        

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: Son Rise ~ Easter Day Sunday '18 'Yr B

For Sunday, April 1, 2018, Easter Sunday, Year B, Readings: Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, 

Mark 16:1-8

      Peter began to speak..."I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable..."[Jesus] commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead...everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. [Acts 10:34-35]

     Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his mercy endures forever....On this day the LORD has acted and we will rejoice and be glad in it. [Psalm 118:1, 24]

     For I handed on to you as of first importance...that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures... [1 Corinithians 15:3-4]

     As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. [Mark 16:5-6a]

        EASTER is here! Hallelujah!! Christ is Risen!!! Wherever you are on this planet whether bursting into Spring or slipping into Autumn, today our Salvation is assured through our faith in this Risen Lord of All. But what is it really all about, apart from one day – one church service? – of celebrating the Resurrection? Most of us will have participated in Easter celebrations many times so we are sure we know. I find myself, particularly this year, drawn to the words of Thomas Merton in his book The Sign of Jonas, "The grace of Easter is a great silence, an immense tranquility and a clean taste in your soul. It is the taste of heaven...a discovery of order above all order...a wine without intoxication, a joy that has no poison in it. Life without death..." Of course, there is always more to the story, but how do we discover it?

        There are four Gospel accounts of the death and resurrection of Jesus. This year we hear from the Gospel of Mark, which generally feels to me as a newspaper account, light in detail and flourish with just the basics. He says that the “women fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them..." after being told by a young man in a white robe that Jesus had been raised and they didn’t tell anyone because they were afraid.  

        The drama seems a bit greater in Matthew who tells us there was an angel whose "appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow." He spoke to the women who then "left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy..." and Jesus met them.

       In Luke there were "two men in dazzling clothes" who said to the women "why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen." The women told the apostles but those words "seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them."  

       John tells us that Mary Magdalene arrived first and then ran to "...Simon Peter and the other disciple...and said to them, 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have laid him.'" It was some time after Peter and the "other disciple" looked in and saw the tomb empty before Mary had an encounter with "two angels in white" and was shortly after greeted by Jesus. 

        If you were asked to tell the story, which is closest to your memory? Listening to or reading different accounts of the same event can give us a fresh perspective and a new experience of the moment.

       Take some time this Easter season and read the Gospel accounts of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Reflect on what surprises you and what questions arise. Wonder, and try to decide, if one account speaks to you more than another and why? Or perhaps you'll mix and match the Gospel writers' accounts to arrive at your own version, visualizing yourself in the time and place. Whatever you do, ask yourself: So what? What does it all mean for my life today, tomorrow, and beyond? What will I do - or stop doing - as a result of reflecting on Christ's Death and Resurrection? 

      Merton also says, in He is Risen, “Christ is the Lord of a history that moves. He not only holds the beginning and the end in his hands, but he is in history with us, walking ahead of us to where we are going. He is not always in the same place…True encounter with Christ liberates something in us, a power that we did not know we had, a hope, a capacity for life, resilience, an ability to bounce back when we thought we were completely defeated, a capacity to grow and change, a power of creative transformation.” 

       I want to find that clean taste in my soul and that fresh joy, that creative transformation. I want to resurrect my faith and meet and be liberated by Christ beyond the tomb. While I must remember that the resurrection of Easter requires the Cross of Good Friday, with Christ moving with us and before us, our path, though not easy, will surely lead us into the eternal Easter of Salvation and life everlasting. 

                                                    

                                                      He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!  Alleluia!

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Christ Jesus, Risen Lord of All, the earth-bound tomb is empty! You are raised to the right hand of God from the temporary bindings of human death. You redeemed our souls that we may accept Your gift of new life and join You in the joy and glory of eternal salvation.

                                                       Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

RESPONSE:                  Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

~ Christ Jesus, Risen Lord of All, Your Death and Resurrection fulfilled the Scriptures as the Sacred Victim of political murder, being feared most by those whose political power was merely temporal and time-limited. Help us strive to remind those who now hold earthly power in our World, in our Country and in our Community, that God shows no partiality and all who believe and do right are acceptable and forgiven through You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

                                                       Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

                                                      

~ Christ Jesus, Risen Lord of All, lavish Your healing grace and glory on all those who are ill in body, mind, or spirit, and on those who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

                                                       Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

             

~ Christ Jesus, Risen Lord of All, by Your Sacrifice, mortal death has been vanquished and the ransom for sin has been paid for those we love, and we ourselves in time, who joyously enter perpetual life with You. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                       Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

                                                       Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

~ Christ Jesus, Risen Lord of All, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                       Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

                                                       Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

             

~ Christ Jesus, Risen Lord of All, we give You great thanks for the priests of Your Church who, in teaching, care, and humility, walk with us and lead us in this life, toward the fullness of Your Salvation in the next. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

                                                       Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

             

The Celebrant adds:  Son of God, our Savior Christ, You are the Word with God from the Beginning, Who is Beloved of God, and through Whom God is brought to each of us. Release us from our self-imposed tombs of sin, that we may transcend mortal desires, be stronger in faith, and lift our souls to You. We ask through You, our Living Lord; the Power of the Holy Spirit, and the Enduring Grace of the Almighty, who together are our One God, forever and ever. Amen.

   

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: Cheers, Jeers, and Chocolate Bunnies ~ Passion and Palm Sunday, 6th Sunday in Lent ~ 18 Yr B

For Sunday, March 25, 2018, Palm Sunday Year B, Readings: Mark 1:1-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16, Philippians 2:5-11, The Passion according to Mark

      Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" [Mark 11:9]

     Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. [Isaiah 50:8]

     But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD, I have said, "You are my God, my times are in  your hand... 

[Psalm 31:14-15a]

     Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus...and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:5, 11]

     Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." So when [Jesus] came [the betrayer] went up to him and said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. [Mark 14:44-45]

    [Peter] began to curse, and he swore an oath, "I do not know this man you are talking about." At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and wept. [Mark 14:71-72]

The Sunday of the Passion:

Palm Sunday

        The palms, the cloaks, and branches on the road, the cheering, exuberance, and the presumption by the press of people that Jesus was a prophet and a known miracle worker and, of course, the donkey ~ a symbol of peace, a warrior king would have ridden a horse ~ were all noticed by the Roman occupiers and, the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Council who had its own police force and trial court. 

        Just as suddenly as the air fills with joy and gusto and glee, the week turns deadly and the same crowd's Hosannas turn to shouts of Crucify him!

        In the fast paced-hurry-up world we live in, some years ago the celebration of Palm Sunday and the commemoration that was Passion Sunday were combined into a one-Sunday rather than a two-Sunday observance. At first thought it seems a shame to shortcut the two experiences and yet, I think, it heightens the experience - if we let it - and highlights the stunning speed at which any and many of us can be manipulated into changing what we think we believe, and because of who is doing the telling to us, we want to believe whatever he/she/they say. 

       Yet, if attending church this Sunday, how much of the combined readings do we really hear, feel, or think about? The readings are long, even if acted out ~ am I listening or watching the clock, or writing my check for the collection, or thinking about the grocery list for Easter baskets and Easter Dinner and peeps, jelly beans and chocolate bunnies? 

       Am I willing to look at the world as it is now, how many times such crowd manipulating and political murders take place every day in my country and around the world? Am I willing to wonder what it is that I could possibly do about it? Or, might I even just consider who and what is Jesus to me? 

        My young grand-daughter loves singing a little happy-clappy ditty she learned in Vacation Bible School, "I am following Jesus" and the volume increases exponentially - as she also learned - with the line he changed my life forever. So, wise and self-proclaimed Christian grandmother that I think I am, the hard question for myself is how am I following Jesus? Has he changed my life forever - or, more to the point, have I let him? When have I betrayed and deserted him - or if that's too hard for me to acknowledge - when have I ignored him? Yes, Palms AND Passion today, and it's here all week! And, it's here every day that I choose to profess my faith in all that I think and do - uncomfortable, unpopular, but oh so redeeming. 

        Anticipating the Gospel events as they arise this week, I'll start over, re-read the lessons, pray with them, and seek the courage and confidence to live into and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God [Phillipians 2:11]. It is again time for me to look at each day in this Holy Week as a sincere period of reflection, penance, and re-commitment. There's no Easter without Good Friday, and when I am following Jesus - the real Jesus - my life does change, and the rising joy is palpable.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Jesus, Light of God, today we begin with Hallelujah and Hosanna and end with Hostility and Heartbreak. How quickly the crowds turn, prodded by wanton distortion of truth, political manipulation, and betrayal. Grant us the courage to listen, as if for the first time, as we walk the path to Your coming death, standing with You through it all, in our own day, never to deny that You are our Messiah, our Savior.

                                                Hosanna! Messiah!                                          

RESPONSE:             Our Strength and our Redeemer

~ Jesus, Light of God, embolden us to purposefully and earnestly engage the hearts and minds of the leaders of this world, this country, and this community, that we may confront and eliminate fear-mongering, treachery, and group oppression that leads to a cruel death like Yours. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Hosanna! Messiah!

                                                Our Strength and our Redeemer

                                               

~ Jesus, Light of God, enfold with Your loving arms, all who are ill, desperate, or hopeless, and all who worry and care for them. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                Hosanna! Messiah!

                                                Our Strength and our Redeemer

           

~ Jesus, Light of God, as You came to lead us all into the glory of eternal life, turn our grief into joy and comfort knowing those we mourn are alive with You now in everlasting peace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions 

                                                Hosanna! Messiah!

                                                Our Strength and our Redeemer

~ Jesus, Light of God, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                Hosanna! Messiah!

                                                Our Strength and our Redeemer

           

~ Jesus, Light of God, as we begin this sacred week, endow our spiritual leaders with extraordinary grace, that we may all be drawn together to let the same mind be in us that was in You, and dwell encircled by Your sacred, life-changing embrace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Hosanna! Messiah!

                                                Our Strength and our Redeemer

           

The Celebrant adds:  God of Mercy, guide our experience this day and the fullness of the week to come. Awaken our souls to know the times when we, too, have deserted and betrayed Jesus turning first to the ways of the world. Grant us the willingness to confess through our thoughts, words, and actions that Jesus Christ IS Lord, to the Glory of You, our God. We ask this through our Savior Christ, Your Holy and Sacrificial Son, and the Most Holy Spirit, Your Breath and Wisdom within us, who live and reign with You, One God, now and forever. Amen. 

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