for August 3, 2014, 8th Sunday after Pentecost, Readings: Gen 32: 22-31; Ps 17: 1-7, 16; Romans 9:1-5; Mt 14:13-21
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and all the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled... ~ Matthew 14:19b-20a
In last week's Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus used several parables to explain the Kingdom of Heaven to the disciples. In one he likened the Kingdom to "...yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened." [Mt 13:33] Is it too much to presume that the bread broken and blessed by Jesus and served by the disciples was made by one or more women? The Gospel this week tells us that "those who ate were about 5,000 men, besides women and children." [Mt: 14:21, emphasis added]
On July 29, 2014, the
Episcopal Church in the USA remembered and celebrates the 40th Anniversary of
the ordination of the first 11 courageous and barrier-shattering women. Besides all the men who
have gone before and come after, let us also remember and celebrate the
overlooked women in this Gospel, in the Church, in everyday life, who are the
bread-makers, the child-bearers, the mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces,
aunts, grandmothers, and, priests to us all. Let us use the yeast we are
given to leaven the world, especially the children, and raise everyone to new
heights of health, education, prosperity, and, love.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE,
PRAY
Leader: ~ O God of Abundance, when we wrestle
with all the issues, ideas, and dilemmas of everyday life, You feed our souls
through the words and actions of Jesus. If only we will listen, learn, and let our actions reflect Your message.
Jesus, Bread of Life
RESPONSE: Help us
to incline our ears to You and heed Your words
~ O God of Abundance, on this Earth with ample prosperity to
feed, heal, and care for its people, why are so many without so much? Help us
find ways to reach the conscience of the political and corporate leaders of the
world, of our country, and our community, so they fix their eyes on justice,
and turn from the menace of war to the humanity of peace. Let us work most particularly for the health
and safety of all of the world’s
children. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Jesus, Bread of Life
Help us to incline our
ears to You and heed Your words
~ O God of Abundance, sustain the hope for all among us who
suffer from chronic illness, injury, and anxiety, and bolster the energy of
their care providers. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Jesus, Bread of Life
Help us to incline our
ears to You and heed Your words
~ O God of Abundance, soften the pain of those who, in
sorrow, commend their loved ones to Your eternal care. We are soothed by
knowing that You receive with joy and open arms those we have newly sent ahead.
We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Jesus, Bread of Life
Help us to incline our
ears to You and heed Your words
~ O God of Abundance, we pause
in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions,
silently or aloud…
Jesus, Bread of Life
Help us to incline our
ears to You and heed Your words
~ O God of Abundance, we ask Your special blessings upon
those who are chosen to feed our souls through Your Word and Sacraments. Let
them experience Your loving embrace and support as they lead us ever closer to
knowing You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Jesus, Bread of Life
Help us to incline our
ears to You and heed Your words
The Celebrant adds: Lord
of Compassion and Sustenance, we come together in this community seeking our
spiritual fill from the broken pieces of the Eucharist. As
we receive this sacred Gift, grant us wisdom, courage, and fortitude to carry
You with us into our lives and the lives of all we meet. We ask for these
blessings through Jesus, Bread of Life; the Holy Spirit, Breath of Souls; who
together with You, Creator of Life and Souls, are the One God, forever and
eternally. Amen.
Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com 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. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.
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