Prayers of the People: Faith in Flames ~ The Day of Pentecost RCL Yr A

For Sunday, May 24, 2026, Readings: Acts 2:1-21, Ps 104:25-35, 37; 1 Corinthians 12:2b-13, Jn 20:19-23

  When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were altogether in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind... Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them ability... then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. [Acts 2:1-4, 21]

   O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all...You send forth your Spirit, and they are created…Bless the Lord, O my soul.  [Psalm 104: 25a, 31a, 37a] 

  Now there are a variety of gifts but the same Spirit...but it is the same God that activates all of them in everyone...To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good...the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. For just as the body is one and has many members of the body, though many are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free... [1 Cor 12:4a, 6b-7, 11]

   When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you. After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” [John 20:19-23]

 

     Fifty Days after Easter, Ten Days after the Ascension, comes Pentecost, the feast of Holy Spirit: the Birth Day of the Christian Church. The word Pentecost comes from the Greek for "fiftieth" and carries much ancient history and tradition along with its place on the Christian calendar. The fiftieth day after Passover, on the Jewish calendar, is the ancient feast of Shavuot* [shah-vote or shah-vwote] Though not explicitly named in the Hebrew Bible, in Judaic tradition Shavuot is considered to be the day on which the Torah was revealed by God to Moses who then gave it to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Shavuot may perhaps be another reason the disciples of Jesus were gathered. Being together, comforted by a familiar and venerable ritual, they waited for the unknown sign promised by the resurrected Jesus in his final in-person teachings.

    Remember, that in just in the prior month and a half, the disciples had experienced a confusing “Last Supper,” the arrest, trial, and violent execution of Jesus, his resurrection, various appearances to them, his ascension, and their own grief, fear, and uncertainty at these inexplicable turns of events. Here they are gathered together again without quite knowing what was next or when. Suddenly a sound like a violent wind followed by tongues of fire resting on them, as they began speaking in multiple languages, of course they were bewildered, astonished, and amazed! From that day their ministry began in earnest, taking Christ's message far and wide.

    Today we are blasé. We know the story too well; we are immune to the thrill and amazement of it. The churches are packed at Christmas and Easter yet come Pentecost, all seems routine even if a "Festival Eucharist" is celebrated. Of course, Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter are all critical to our Christian history. We can't have gotten to this point at all without Christ's birth, death, and resurrection. But it was the arrival of the Holy Spirit, on that Pentecost, that fired up the Apostles. That was the moment that sent them around the known world proclaiming Christ, converting, and making the way for us to be the Church here, now, more than 2,000 years later. Without that Pentecost, would we still know about Christmas, Good Friday, or Easter? 

    It is in these current times with fear, frustration, anger, and intolerance swirling around in ever more intense and too often violent levels, that we must take the time to stop and read the texts with new understanding, a fresh awareness of what it must have been like for those in that Upper Room. From the devastation of the Crucifixion, to the confusion and the wonder of the resurrection, to the joy of his return among them, and then suddenly mystified by his ascension, now, only 10 days after his final leaving...they are waiting...and wondering...for what they are unsure.          

   For us, today is the day to move beyond merely knowing the story. Today is the day of knowing that the Spirit IS within US ~ to be as awe-struck, and dazzled and even as flabbergasted, or its Hebrew equivalent, as the Apostles ~ and to be reinvigorated and excited.  God’s grace, and the love and Salvation of Christ is ours. THIS IS the day that the LORD has made! Let us truly rejoice and be glad and joy-filled, and alive in it! After all, what else is faith for?

    On this fiftieth day after Easter, let us accept and welcome the extraordinary gifts and abilities bestowed on us, as in Paul’s 1^st Letter to the Corinthians, chosen for and unique to each of us. Let us be eager and enthusiastic in embracing all that a true life of faith calls us to be and to do, to live fully in the belief in Christ that we claim to have. Let us strive to be all that Jesus and his imperfect disciples have shown us that we can be. We, too, celebrate, with our Jewish heritage, the giving of the Law on Sinai as our rules of life, transformed by Jesus into the Greatest Commandment [see Matthew 22:37-39]. 

    On this Birthday of the Church**, let us begin again to live as Children of God, using the language of love with each other and especially with those who aren't so lovingly inclined. Christmas is wonderful, and lovely, and blessed. Easter is fragrant and joyful, but with Pentecost comes the true gift that brings fire to our souls and lifts our life's journey to a new level with our Faith in Flames!

 

*As an insight for Shavuot, and a parallel for Pentecost, an alternative reading given for today is from the Book of Numbers 11:24-30 which says, in part: So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord, and he gathered seventy of the elders of the people…Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. [Numbers 11:24-25]  

**As the Birthday of the Church, Pentecost marks the official beginning of the ministry of the Apostles beyond their local area and into the world at large. The descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of fire imbued, instilled, and infused them, and each of us, by extension, with extra-ordinary gifts to bring the message of Christ to everyone. This day is known as Whitsun/Whitsunday in Ireland and the United Kingdom, a name descending from a Gaelic celebration of medieval or perhaps even more ancient times, often wearing whit or white robes.

~~For an Additional Pentecost Reading: see John 7:37-39

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Most Holy Spirit, Breath of God, fill our souls with Your sacred fire and the gifts that it brings into us, onto us, and through us, to fuel our desire for faith-filled living and moving and being the Church-in-Action, in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord.  

                                                       Spirit of Grace and Glory

RESPONSE:                Fall afresh on us

~ Most Holy Spirit, Breath of God, set our tongues alight to speak in the fervent language of Your Truth to the leaders of this Earth, this Country, and this Community, as the voice of those crying in the continuing wilderness of racism, poverty, intolerance, violence, and injustice. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of Grace and Glory

                                                       Fall afresh on us                                                      

~ Most Holy Spirit, Breath of God, lighten the burden of pain for those who are weakened in body, spirit, and soul; and ease the worry of all who give comfort and care. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add your own petitions 

                                                       Spirit of Grace and Glory

                                                       Fall afresh on us         

~ Most Holy Spirit, Breath of God, soothe the weary hearts of those who struggle in the midst of grief, as You carry those who have left us, into the loving and eternal arms of Jesus. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of Grace and Glory

                                                       Fall afresh on us

~ Most Holy Spirit, Breath of God, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of Grace and Glory

                                                       Fall afresh on us                 

~ Most Holy Spirit, Breath of God, grant an extra measure of Your gifts to those who lead us in Your Church, as they steadfastly strive to guide our spiritual journey through the trials of our times. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of Grace and Glory

                                                       Fall afresh on us                        

 

                                                         

The Celebrant adds: God of Creation, Redemption, and Wisdom, though we are many, we are one body in the one Spirit, all equal yet unique by Your design. Set our hearts ablaze again, to seek Your will, keep Your Commandments, and use our earthly lives for the common good of all. We ask through Jesus, our Redeemer Christ; and the Holy Spirit, our Wisdom Source; who together with You reign as One God, now and for eternity. Amen. 

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: Lifted Up Not Beyond ~ Sunday after the Ascension*, 7th Sunday of Easter ’26 RCL Yr A

For Sunday, May 17, 2026, Readings: Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36; 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11; 

John 17:1-11

 

 [Jesus] replied..."It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. [Acts 1:7-8a]

 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them be merry and joyful...Blessed be God! [Psalm 68:3, 36b]
 
 Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith...God of all grace who has called you to eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. [1 Peter 4:7-9a, 10b, 11]
 
   Jesus looked up to heaven and said..."I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world...and they have received me and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf...And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world...Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one." [John 17:6a, 8b-9a, 11a]

   On this Sunday after Christ’s Ascension, the readings begin after the fact of the Ascension and end with the climax of the Last Supper. The prayer of Jesus in this Gospel reading from John, known by some biblical scholars as The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus, reveals some of his human nature as well as his divinity. Jesus prays to God to protect us now that he is leaving this world ~ we who were given to him by God and who remain in this world; and he prays for the unity of God’s people. Samuel Cruz, Assistant Professor of Church and Society at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, had this to say: "A prayer from Jesus asking for protection via unity of the church, provides a great source of comfort to his followers...[it] is powerful because it emerges from his personal experiences as a man...[as when] a parent prays for his or her child, we know that the motivations behind that prayer are deep and primal. Likewise, the deeply loving petition in our favor requested by Jesus is greatly treasured." The Apostles haven’t experienced the Crucifixion at this point, let alone the Resurrection or Ascension and they must have been confused at the very least. Yet as they reflected on these words later, as we do in our time, they offer hope and the soul-comfort of God’s steadfast protection.

    At the Ascension, the Divinely Human Christ takes his leave of this earthly plane while the apostles watch him be lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight. As it says in the Apostles and Nicene Creeds: he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 

    The Feast of the Ascension is one of the five major markers in the Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus. The others are his Baptism, Transfiguration, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. The Ascension is also one of the essential elements of Christian creeds and one of the significant mysteries in the life of Christ. The bodily Ascension into heaven is also understood by some as the expression of Christ's two natures: divine and human. The mythology, the mystical, and the mysterious all combine to fuel the fires of discussion, disagreement, and theological divides across generations and denominations. Typically observed on the 6th Thursday, or 40 days, after Easter, it precedes Pentecost Sunday, 50 days after Easter. Pentecost is the end of Eastertide. Next is Trinity Sunday, which begins our Liturgical Season of the Sundays after Pentecost.

    The Living Jesus cares greatly for his followers then and now. For our part, let us return this great comfort by devoting regular times for ourselves to pray as the apostles did while waiting for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon them. Let us follow Peter's instructions to cast all our anxiety on God because our adversary, the devil, even in the form of seemingly benign earthly temptation, myth, or fantasy, could easily devour our good intentions, carrying us away from what we are called to do in this life.

    Building our faith in the continuing presence of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit within and around us is a life-long process with moments of solid belief and wavering  with regular individual and communal prayer as a personal/spiritual discipline**, and when we recognize that we each are also Disciples of the Living Christ, we, too, will be restored, supported, and strengthened to do the work for which we were created and called ~ to love one another as we are to love ourselves. As Jesus was lifted up, he is never beyond our reach. Let us be glad and rejoice…be merry and joyful…Blessed be God!

*The Gospel for the Feast of the Ascension is Luke 24:44-53

**The Root and Meanings of Discipline ~ Discipline is a scary word for many of us so here is a brief look at the word itself from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary. Let’s move ourselves to the first few definitions and leave the 13^th century behind: Discipline comes from discipulus, the Latin word for pupil, which also provided the source of the word disciple (albeit by way of a Late Latin sense-shift to “a follower of Jesus Christ in his lifetime”). Given that several meanings of discipline deal with study, governing one’s behavior, and instruction, one might assume that the word’s first meaning in English had to do with education. In fact, the earliest known use of discipline appears to be punishment-related; it first was used in the 13th century to refer to chastisement of a religious nature, such as self-flagellation.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of All Grace, You were, You are, and You will always be with us. Jesus brought us to know You, to cast our anxiety upon You, and to receive the protection of Your steadfast love. Let us be humbled and rejoice in Jesus, our Christ, who is Your Glory revealed.   

                                               O Christ, Ascended                                             

RESPONSE:        Restore, Support, and Strengthen us

~ O God of All Grace, instill integrity, dignity, and strength of character in the political leadership on this Earth, in this Nation, and in our Community. Steer and steady them on the course of principled and moral justice for all Your people everywhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O Christ, Ascended

                                                Restore, Support, and Strengthen us   

~ O God of All Grace, rest Your healing spirit upon all who are coping with life-threatening or chronic illness, and energize those wearied by giving care and love. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                O Christ, Ascended

                                                Restore, Support, and Strengthen us             

~  O God of All Grace, gladden our hearts knowing that those we love who have left our lives, are now risen with all the Saints into the eternal heart of the Living Jesus. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                O Christ, Ascended

                                                Restore, Support, and Strengthen us   

~ O God of All Grace, we pause in this moment to offer You our personal heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                                O Christ, Ascended

                                                Restore, Support, and Strengthen us                        

~ O God of All Grace, revitalize the leaders of Your Church with the spiritual energy, wisdom, and faith-filled hearts, open to the challenges of being an emissary of Christ, guiding us all to be as one body to do Your work in this world. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O Christ, Ascended

                                                Restore, Support, and Strengthen us   

                                                                                              

The Celebrant adds: Holy God of Power and Glory, rekindle our desire to renew Your purpose in ourselves for the life You have given us to live and fortify our faith against the prowling temptations that would devour our fragile promises to You. We ask this through Jesus, the Christ, our Ascended Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit, our Sacred Sanctifier; who live and reign with You, One God, forever and ever.  Amen.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: Clearly, Comfortably, and Certainly ~ 6th Sunday of Easter '26 Yr A

For Sunday, May 10, 2026 Readings: Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:7-18, 1 Peter 3:13-22, 

John 14:15-21

  The God who made the world and everything in it...gives to all mortals life and breath...From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth...so that they would search for God...though indeed he is not far from each one of us. [Acts 17:24a, 25b-26a, 27]

   Bless our God...who holds our souls in life...who has not rejected my prayer, nor withheld his love from me. [Psalm 66:7a, 8b, 18b]

   Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear...And Baptism...now saves you - not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ... [1 Peter 3:13-14a, 21]

   Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of Truth...You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you." [John 14:15-18]

   This week's readings begin with reminders of the work of God in Creation, Who, in addition to making the entire world and unknown numbers of universes, gave each of us life and breath and holds our souls in life. God is known to us if we open ourselves to discover God’s Presence within us. While life is often difficult, God is with us through it all.

    Paul is recorded in the reading from ACTS telling the Athenians ~ and now us ~ the obvious, God doesn't need anything as God is the Creator who made everything. Furthermore, part of God's plan is for us to search for and discover God within and around us.

   In the reading from 1^st Peter, the writer is comparing those whom God saved through Noah and the Ark when they were safe upon the water and Baptism, which this prefigured and now saves us as an appeal for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus.

   The words of Jesus we are given this week are from the part of John’s Gospel known as The Farewell Discourse that Jesus gave at the Last Supper after washing the disciples' feet. The Discourse in John’s chapters 14-17 gives information and instruction to the gathered. We know well of Jesus telling the gathered of the coming betrayal, and Peter's denial. But ~ there is much more to this conversation. In last week's passage, Jesus says Do not let your hearts be troubled and this week he tells of asking God, on our behalf, for another Advocate who is within us, the Spirit of Truth. He reassures the disciples, who didn't yet understand at this point ~ and we who do now know what was to come ~ that he will not leave us orphaned; we will see him again. 

   When we combine these passages and the ones ahead toward and on the Feast of Pentecost, we find another powerful reminder ~ the constancy of our ever-present God in Three Persons: Creator, Redeemer, Advocate. And the truth is, when we actively work to build and keep a good conscience, which always includes the times of our failures and repentance, when we increasingly remember and call upon the Trinity within us, we are more and more able to relinquish, even if never quite completely, the strong hold of earthly distractions along with its fears and griefs, its anger and frustrations.

   The Gospel this week begins with Jesus saying If you love me, you will keep my commandments. It ends with They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.

   We each are called to walk through our human existence with the Creator of Everything; with Jesus, our Redeemer; and with the Holy Spirit of Truth, our Advocate; all are within us on the Way. Knowing we are each loved in each and every moment is the understanding of and the reminder to give love, AND especially to allow ourselves to receive love, even in, with, and in spite of the most difficult of our encounters in life through our own actions, and among God’s own People. We know that Jesus has told us in Matthew, Mark, and in Luke that the greatest commandment is to love God and to LOVE our Neighbors AS WE LOVE OURSELVES!  Time to revisit how we care about and for our selves and how that informs our attitudes about and actions toward others. Far from easy much of the time, yet as the saying goes, Love IS the answer ~ inside and out, Clearly, Comfortably, and Certainly, without Contradiction!

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ God of All Creation, we live, we move, and have our being in You, who gave all of us life and breath. You overlook our ignorance and never withhold Your love. Quicken our desire to turn toward You, repent for things done and left undone, and pledge our love and obedience to Your Commandments.

                                              Blessed be our God

        RESPONSE:           Who holds our souls in life

~ God of All Creation, embolden and encourage us as we urge productive humanitarian and environmental actions and justice from the political leaders of our Nation, our Community, and our Planet, in the service of safety, mercy, and health for all. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Blessed be our God
                                                Who holds our souls in life                                             

~ God of All Creation, deliver comfort and hope to all who are sick, anxious, or fearful, to those who worry, and to their caregivers. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Blessed be our God

                                                Who holds our souls in life          

~ God of All Creation, we commend to Your eternal embrace all who have left this mortal life and live again in everlasting joy and glory in You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Blessed be our God
                                                Who holds our souls in life

~ God of All Creation, we pause in this moment to offer You our personal heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

                                                Blessed be our God

                                                Who holds our souls in life 

~ God of All Creation, lift and renew the spirits of all who lead us in Your church in these difficult days, that they may guide us all to a place of spiritual refreshment through Your Word, and by Your Love. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Blessed be our God

                                                Who holds our souls in life                                                                                                      

The Celebrant adds: Living, Loving Creator, Who holds our souls forever, free us from earthly distractions and fears, and steady us on our journey to You. Let us repent often, offer frequent prayers for a good conscience, and give constant thanksgiving for the Resurrection of our Christ. We ask through Jesus, our Living Savior; and the Spirit of Truth, our Holy Advocate; who live and reign with You, as One God, forever and ever.  Amen.

 

 

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: The Perfect Itinerary ~ 5th Sunday of Easter '26 RCL Yr A

For Sunday, May 3, 2026, Readings: Acts 7:55-60, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14

  While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died. [Acts 7:59-60]

  In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge…Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe….lead me and guide me...for you are my tower of strength...Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth. [Psalm 31:1a, 3a-b, 5b]

  Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation...Come to him, a living stone...and like living stones, let yourself be built into a spiritual house...you are a chosen race...God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. [1Peter 2:2 4a, 5a, 9a,b]

 Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe in me also...Jesus said to [Thomas], "I am the way, and the truth, and the life...If you know me, you will know my father also...Very truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these..." [John 14:1, 6a,b; 12a]

    We hear very little about Stephen in the lectionary even though he has the distinction of being Christianity's “First Martyr.” His story ~ there isn't a whole lot ~ is in the prior chapter and verses, with a few more words beyond his death. The Book of the Acts of the Apostles is Luke's summary account of the activities of the original 11, and the newer Apostles, from the Ascension of Jesus through Paul's final imprisonment in Rome. Stephen's story begins briefly in chapter 6:5 and carries through from 6:8 until 8:3 where we find Saul, who becomes Paul, ravaging the church because people lamented Stephen's death. The more success the Apostles became at attracting disciples to join them, even some of the priests, the angrier the High Priest and Council grew.  These Jesus-followers were a threat to their established order and especially their political power. They thought they had ended their woes when they fomented the political crucifixion of Jesus. And then those pesky followers kept growing in number. Another political murder was essential. It has never really ended; we just don't want to recognize it in our own time, and they never accomplish what the perpetrators expect.

     Stephen's commitment to Jesus mirrored Jesus' commitment on the cross when Stephen asked for those who stoned him to be absolved, as Jesus did. The recurring theme in all these readings for this Sunday, for me, is commitment. What is the state of my commitment to Christ? Should I be, need I be willing to be a martyr for Christ? Yes, no, maybe, sort of? Is death the only form of martyrdom? It’s not something we western Christians generally want to ponder. Isn’t going to church (even if usually online) and/or praying regularly (mostly), and sending some money to church or some good cause, enough of a commitment? We’re not 1^st century Israel after all and I liked the Good Shepherd story better.

    Jesus tells us not to let our hearts be troubled yet, especially in an unsettled local and global political and economic environment, it is troubling to wonder how I am supposed to be as a Christian. The messages from various denominations, not to mention some political factions, seem entirely contradictory to the message of Christ as I believe it. But it was the same in Jesus' time, and in many more times since, and this is where we hit and become the living stones on The Way. We cannot be certain that we believe as fully and completely and as well as we want to, or know as much as we think we’re supposed to. Yet knowing and living into the strong and true teachings of Jesus becomes that strong rock, that precious cornerstone that holds our spiritual house in place. When we truly turn our hearts and commit our spirits to him, when we speak our belief in his teaching through our words and actions, it will definitely be a very rocky road on more than a few occasions. It is by walking together in and as a community of faith, by continually exploring our own understanding of what we believe and why we believe it that our foundation is strengthened, and our hearts are un-troubled a little more each day. We will trip and fall, be ignored or outright rejected, we'll get a lot wrong, but if we have gotten this far on faith, it is because in our hearts we are becoming the living stones. Together we find the courage and the strength to proclaim the mighty acts of him who called each of us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Let us drink deeply of the soul-nourishing pure, spiritual milk as as we follow the perfect itinerary for which we were created, the path of Jesus, our Christ, and the Way to His Truth, for the fullness of this Life into the Next.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Jesus, our Stronghold, You are the Cornerstone of our spiritual house, the purest Milk for our spirits; our Way, our Truth, and our Life. Lead us into the fullness of God’s marvelous light, away from the deep darkness of sin.

                                                      O Lord, O God of Truth                                            

RESPONSE:               O Christ, our Rock and our Refuge

~ Jesus, our Stronghold, embolden us, and arouse the courage of Stephen within us to urge the political powers across this Nation, this Community, and this Planet, to employ compassion to quell violence, cruelty, and injustice. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God of Truth
                                                       O Christ, our Rock and our Refuge

~ Jesus, our Stronghold, un-trouble the hearts of all who are fearfully ill and, reinvigorate all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray for those in need. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God of Truth

                                                       O Christ, our Rock and our Refuge     

~ Jesus, our Stronghold, we give You praise and thanksgiving for receiving the spirits of those we love, who now dwell with You in the everlasting peace of God. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God of Truth
                                                       O Christ, our Rock and our Refuge

~ Jesus, our Stronghold, we pause in this moment to offer You our personal heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God of Truth

                                                       O Christ, our Rock and our Refuge                     

~ Jesus, our Stronghold, grant our anointed spiritual leaders ever-increasing fortitude, patience, and desire, to help us flourish as Living Stones, obedient to Your Word, with a firm foundation in faith. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God of Truth

                                                       O Christ, our Rock and our Refuge 

The Celebrant adds: Creator God, our Tower of Strength, shine Your face upon us that through our spiritual sacrifices, we may fully commit ourselves into the hands of Christ. As did Your servant Stephen, may we proclaim His mighty acts unashamed, hold no sins against others, and be acceptable in Your sight. We ask through Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior; and the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier of our souls; who live and reign with You, as One God, forever and ever.  Amen. 

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: Through the Open Gate ~ 4th Sunday of Easter '26 RCL Yr A

For Sunday, April 26, 2026, Readings: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10

 

   Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [Acts 2:42]

  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. [Psalm 23:1-2]
 
  But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps...When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten...by his wounds you have been healed...For you were going astray like sheep but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. [1 Peter 2:20b-21, 23, 24b-25]
 
   Jesus said, "...the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name...and the sheep follow him because they know his voice...Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep...Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. [John 10:2-3a, 4b, 7, 9]

   Psalm 23 is, most likely, the best-known piece of Scripture in the world among multiple religions, denominations, and sects, for the believers and for those who have no faith affiliation or belief. The origin is ascribed to King David, a shepherd in his youth, and even through many and various older and more modern translations, this psalm gives us the moving pastoral image, line-by-line, of the everyday activities of shepherds*, describing in detail how God cares for us. We heard this Psalm recently on the 4^th Sunday in Lent and may hear it again in a later reading during this Church year.

   It is also true that sometimes the familiar is so comfortable that we don’t really hear the phrasing as we repeat syllables by rote. Are we contemplating the meaning and call to personal response and action behind the words, whether in this Psalm or any Scripture reading in the Liturgy/Service? We must listen again with fresh ears, minds, and hearts. The beauty and comfort of the Shepherd in Psalm 23 is easily zoned in on while the other readings seem more easily left behind. But even this calming pastoral narrative comes with a price. We, who want to know ourselves as true and faithful Christians, must rouse ourselves from complacency, listen closely for the Voice that calls, and then follow in earnest and in confidence. All that we believe we "have" on this earthly plain is temporary, which is never clearer than in times of economic downturns and international conflicts.

   For Episcopalians/Anglicans, the reading from Acts this week is infused with one of the promises made by us or for us in our Baptismal and/or Confirmation Covenants: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers..."  The statements of belief and the promises of the Covenant are a quick refresher and guide to the basics of true Christian living, and always worth reviewing regularly, whether or not you are of this denominational heritage and practice. [for more information click here: 

BCPonline for the US version of the Book of Common Prayer - Holy Baptism - and scroll to pages 304-5 for the promises] 

  The rise of online Liturgy/Worship since COVID-19 lockdowns have made regular attendance available to many who are unable to participate in the usual in-person fellowship and the breaking and receiving of sacred bread. Prayer and the Apostles’ teachings are always available to us any time of day or day of the week through online streaming of services and sermons of Sundays and for many parishes that offer the Daily Office broadcasts of the prayers and readings for each weekday. For fellowship most of us can meet and greet each other in person and in many other ways by text, phone, a quick email, or online chat. As for the breaking of the bread, last week’s Gospel gave us a moment in the story of Jesus meeting two people on the road to Emmaus, after the Resurrection. It was when Jesus took bread and broke it at supper that the two disciples recognized who had been in their midst [Luke 24:30-31]. Whether we are able to receive the sacred Eucharist on a Sunday or weekday or not, for those of us who are fortunate to have several meals each day, let us endeavor to remember to say a brief prayer of gratitude for what we have as we sit down to eat, and for hope that others may also be able to receive.

   In the lesson from 1st Peter, we are given the difficult and all-too-current reminder that although we are to suffer what we must, as Jesus in his Passion, we are not to return abuse in kind. We are to realize that by the wounds of Jesus we are healed as we were going astray like sheep, but...have now returned...  

Somedays are easier than others with political fervor and terrible violence at a daily high pitch. Yet the Gospel of John this week also carries the Shepherd theme and comforts us with another serene image, that of Christ as the divine Gate to salvation in a safe and abundant pasture. 

   Let us not go astray like sheep but flock together through the Open Gate to dwell with the Lamb of God now in this life, and forever in the next. 

*I commend to you a charming and interesting little book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller, for an eye- and soul-opening look at the amazing connections between the Psalm's imagery and real-life sheep farming.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Shepherd of our Souls, our Holy Gate, Your calming pasture is always open for spiritual shelter and encouragement in this life each minute, each hour, each day. As You call us by name, kindle our desire to hear Your voice deep within us and follow Your call to salvation and abundant life, now and for ever.                                           

                                             By Your blood we are reconciled

  RESPONSE:                By Your wounds we are healed

~ Shepherd of our Souls, as you stood peaceably in front of the political authorities of Your mortal time, grant us courage and confidence to peacefully and persistently urge leaders of this Country, this Community, and this World, to legislate safety, economic compassion, peace and equity for all people. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                               By Your blood we are reconciled
                                               By Your wounds we are healed

~ Shepherd of our Souls, anoint the hearts, restore the hope, and give rest from anxiety to all who are suffering in any physical or emotional way, and also to those who risk their lives to give protection, rescue, treatment, and all other forms of care. We pray for those in need…  add your own petitions 

                                               By Your blood we are reconciled

                                               By Your wounds we are healed         

~ Shepherd of our Souls, we entrust the souls of all who have left this life to Your care, knowing that they now dwell in the light of Your House forever.  We pray especially for…  add your own petitions

                                               By Your blood we are reconciled

                                               By Your wounds we are healed 

~ Shepherd of our Souls, we pause in this moment to offer You our personal heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials…  add your own petitions

                                               By Your blood we are reconciled

                                               By Your wounds we are healed                   

~ Shepherd of our Souls, Your ordained representatives in our time lead us to Your Gate with glad and generous hearts. They strive by an increasing variety of ways to bring You to us, through the Apostles’ teaching and prayer, and continually evolving options for fellowship. Through Your goodness and mercy, grant them peace, comfort, and stamina to continue Your work among, with, and for us. We pray especially for…  add your own petitions

                                               By Your blood we are reconciled

                                               By Your wounds we are healed 

                                                                                                     

The Celebrant adds: O Lord our God, we are welcomed always into Your mystical pasture, to live and thrive on the Divine Bread of Life, Christ Jesus. Awaken us again, in these and all times, to follow You along the right paths and enter through this Holy Gate to abundant and eternal life, in Your glorious and infinite kingdom. We ask this through Jesus the Christ, our Shepherd and Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit, the Wisdom of our Souls; who together with You reign as One God, forever and ever.  Amen. 

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