for November 16, 2014, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Readings:
[RCL] Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Ps 90:1-8, 9-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew
25:11-14
For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past and like a watch in the night. [Ps 90:4]
For those of us in the colder climes of the northern hemisphere, we see the fruits and leaves of the summer withering and fading, and they begin to drop to the ground as the darkness and cold of the winter approaches. It is a stark reminder of the frailty of living. Yet even in warmer regions we see the swift passing of ages through birthdays, Christmases, and merely through one month becoming another until it seems suddenly that a year has passed.
Just as the leaves, fruits, and flowers will send their genes and seeds to return in the spring, so must we be givers of life for the future of Christ's mission and ministry. Let us dig up our talents in all forms - money, time, and ability - and give generously that we may be God's true and faithful servants now and as the foundation for those that are coming behind us. As it has been said, "Stewardship is heart work." Let our hearts be filled through giving.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
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.
For those of us in the colder climes of the northern hemisphere, we see the fruits and leaves of the summer withering and fading, and they begin to drop to the ground as the darkness and cold of the winter approaches. It is a stark reminder of the frailty of living. Yet even in warmer regions we see the swift passing of ages through birthdays, Christmases, and merely through one month becoming another until it seems suddenly that a year has passed.
Just as the leaves, fruits, and flowers will send their genes and seeds to return in the spring, so must we be givers of life for the future of Christ's mission and ministry. Let us dig up our talents in all forms - money, time, and ability - and give generously that we may be God's true and faithful servants now and as the foundation for those that are coming behind us. As it has been said, "Stewardship is heart work." Let our hearts be filled through giving.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ Holy God, our Refuge and our Guide, although our
time on earth is as fleeting as a wisp of smoke there is time enough as we come
together to honor and worship You. For the generosity of life You have given to
us and those we love, for the earth and all of its treasures, let us be good
and faithful servants of Your Creation.
LORD of the Ages, teach
us to number our days
RESPONSE: Help us to apply our hearts to Your
wisdom
~ Holy
God, our Refuge and our Guide, let us not be complacent but encourage ourselves
and each other to be faithful to Your call and live unstained by the externals
of this world. We must also be active in our role as Your stewards by often
reminding the political leaders everywhere of their duty to prosper Creation
for everyone. We pray especially for:
LORD of the Ages,
teach us to number our days
Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom
~ Holy
God, our Refuge and our Guide, renew the strength of those who are suffering in
body, mind, or spirit so they may rest in hope. May they, and those who
minister to their needs, know You are with them on the path of life even in the
darkest of times. We pray especially for:
LORD of the Ages,
teach us to number our days
Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom
~ Holy
God, our Refuge and our Guide, may those who grieve this day feel Your blessing
return seven-fold for every tear that falls, and know that those who have
entered into Your glory, now rejoice for all eternity. We pray especially for:
LORD of the Ages,
teach us to number our days
Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom
~ Holy
God, our Refuge and our Guide, we pause
in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions,
silently or aloud…
LORD of the Ages,
teach us to number our days
Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom
~ Holy
God, our Refuge and our Guide, for the faithful stewards of Your Church, who
keep us on a spiritual track in daily life and guide us in living the mission
of Christ on earth, we give great thanks and prayerful gratitude. We pray
especially for:
LORD of the Ages,
teach us to number our days
Help us to apply our hearts to Your wisdom
The Celebrant adds: Creator of All that is
seen and unseen, grant us the vision to realize that as we seek to repay You
with our offerings, we also pay forward for the continuing legacy of Christ’s
love. We ask of You as we pray to You, through Jesus, our Savior, and the Holy
Spirit, our fount of Wisdom, who live and reign together with You, forever and
ever. 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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