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


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

Monday, November 26, 2018

Prayers of the People: Hope's on First ~ 1st Sunday of Advent '18 Yr C

For Sunday, December 2, 2018, 1st Sunday of Advent Yr C, Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Ps 25: 1-9, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21-25-36

       In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. [Jeremiah 33:15]

     To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul…I put my trust in you…let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes…Show me your ways and teach me your paths. [Psalm 25:1a, 2b, 3]

     Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. [1 Thessalonians 3:11]

   …my words will not pass away. Be on guard that your hearts are not weighed down with…the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly like a trap. [Luke 21:33, 34]

        Happy New Year! That is, a New Church Year. The liturgical season of Advent begins this Sunday in many denominations of Christianity. These four weeks are a time of soulful preparation through self-reflection, repentance, and the expectant waiting for the Nativity, the birth, of Jesus. It is a time for us to start over, to unburden our hearts from the weight of worldly worries, and to renew our commitment to a regular pattern of prayer, worship, and sincere Christian action. It is time to remember to answer the call to increase and abound in love for one another, to restore our faith, and to be ready for that day that will come for us all. If we are not alert, that day may arrive unexpectedly, like a trap, and catch us unprepared. Too often we are caught up in the earthly distractions of the tinsel and trappings, the busy and the bustling of celebrating as if THAT DAY, the one in which we are each called on account, will never happen. And yet, it most certainly will. Christ will come again – will I be ready?
        The word advent is from the Latin adventus which means coming, and we will mark each week by the lighting of a candle in an Advent Wreath with a prayerful reflection before the Liturgy (the Mass or the Service) begins. Each candle represents a theme from the readings of that week. Some people will also use an Advent Calendar to mark each day of the week with a special prayer or meditation on the theme. Advent is the opportunity to be more intentional about preparing for the arrival of Jesus, our Savior.
        This week’s theme is Hope. In yet another year that the lives of millions have been decimated across the world by torrential rains, earthquakes, horrific fires, and the devastating violence wrought by humans, it does give pause and perhaps a sharp inhalation of breath and wonder about what could be next. Never have we needed hope more than now.
        As in every liturgical season of the Church, each of our readings give us insight and instruction to ponder and enlighten us for the week ahead. This week Jesus tells us that his words will never pass away no matter what else happens. Through prayer and attention to our call, we will be ready to stand before the Son of Man. Our Hope truly is in the name and substance of the Lord, and, in our willingness to turn the thoughts and actions of our lives toward the light of God's presence now and to come. 
        It's definitely not easy to get back on the right course, especially at this time of year with all the false glitter that obscures our inner vision and diverts us from our good intentions. But our path forward begins to clear when we are sincere in our desire to dedicate our lives to Christ, and made easier in faith-filled communities earnest in preparation for his return. Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” We light this week’s candle of Hope to brighten the way ahead and to know that All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. [Psalm 25:9]  Hope is on first and we begin with the end in mind.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Gracious and Upright Lord, lift up our souls, our hearts, and our minds from the lowest valley of earthly worries to the highest vault of heavenly grandeur. Teach us the prayers, the patience, and the trust to stay alert, unafraid, and ready for our salvation through Christ.

                                                    Lord of Love and Faithfulness    
RESPONSE:                 Direct our way to You

~ Gracious and Upright Lord, bring gifts of truth, righteousness, and justice to those who govern across the breadth and depth of Your Creation, globally and locally, and let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Love and Faithfulness
                                                       Direct our way to You

~ Gracious and Upright Lord, soothe and heal all who suffer with chronic illness and those who have lost all hope, and grant respite and renewal to their caregivers. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Love and Faithfulness
                                                       Direct our way to You

~ Gracious and Upright Lord, comfort the bereaved with a foretaste of the glory of everlasting Salvation in which our loved ones live again and always. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Love and Faithfulness
                                                       Direct our way to You

~ Gracious and Upright Lord, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently… add your own petitions
                                                       Lord of Love and Faithfulness
                                                       Direct our way to You
             
~ Gracious and Upright Lord, quicken the energy and spirit of those anointed to deepen our faith on our journey together with strength of heart and love for all.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Lord of Love and Faithfulness
                                                       Direct our way to You
             
The Celebrant adds:  Most Holy Jesus, as we enter this season of preparation and waiting, fill us with Your forever words, and keep us open to Your Presence now and the promise of Your Coming. We ask through Jesus, Son of Man, and the Holy Spirit, Seat of Divine Wisdom, who together with You are 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


Monday, November 19, 2018

Prayers of the People: The Reign of Christ ~ 7th Sunday in the Season of Creation '18 Yr B

For Sunday, November 25, 2018, 7th Sunday in the Season of Creation, Readings: Colossians 1:15-20, Psalm 93, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37
      He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation…He is himself before all things and in him all things hold together. [Colossians 1:15a, 17]

     Your testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns your house, O Lord, for ever and for evermore. [Psalm 93:6]

     Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come…and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness…”I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God… [Revelation 1:4b, 5a, 8a]

     Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world…I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” [John 18:36a, 37b]


      We have arrived at the final Sunday in the Season of Creation (SoC) and also the Last Sunday after Pentecost in the Lectionary season, both of which celebrate Christ the King. Coming next we begin the Season of Advent, preparing for the birth of the Child in whom the fullness of God is pleased to dwell.
       The readings from Colossians and Revelation for this SoC Sunday are filled with mysterious and almost abstract descriptions that are difficult to comprehend for most modern, western minds. While they also maybe somewhat familiar to anyone who regularly reads the Christian [New] Testament and/or hears them read in a church setting, these words may seem irrelevant in the scheme of daily living in today’s world. How does one concretely grasp God, the Almighty who is and was and is to come, the Alpha and the Omega, from everlasting. Or, Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible God, the faithful witness, firstborn of all creation and also of the dead, ruler of the kings of the earth? Yet we, who would be counted as faithful Christians, should take heed and examine more closely. It is in this daily life in this time that we may easily lose track of our allegiances and settle in more with the temporary earthly powers than in the everlasting divine Kingship of Christ. Although Jesus says his kingdom is not from here, it is here and in this time and place where we encounter him, if we seek him, and if we choose to follow.
       For me, the crux of this Sunday’s lessons is the moment in John’s Gospel that Jesus tells Pilate that everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice [John 18:37b]. Are we listening? Do we hear it? Interestingly, what comes next is not in our appointed reading and I cannot understand why not! Maybe it is even more difficult for us to understand. In verse 38: Pilate asked him, "What is truth?" For us who endeavor to follow, Christ is our unearthly King in this world who shows us the way to the true unending Kingdom. The question for each of us is: to what truth do we choose to belong? The easy answer is: In him all things hold together; and then there is the hard part, faith in action.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O Lord on High, hold us together and keep us from collapsing in fear whenever we, Your restless multitude, tremble at earthly tumult from both human behavior and natural disasters. In our fleeting mortality turn us always to Christ in whose Kingdom we are forgiven and saved.

                                                    O Christ, our King                       
RESPONSE:                 Keep us in Your Truth

 ~ O Lord on High, for all who are governed by power or throne, by force or dominion, on our planet, in our country, and in our community, we implore You to infuse the wisdom, sanity, and humanity of Jesus into all who lead Your people. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Christ, our King
                                                       Keep us in Your Truth

~ O Lord on High, send healing grace to all who suffer in spirit, mind, or body, and compassion to all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       O Christ, our King
                                                       Keep us in Your Truth

~ O Lord on High, ease our grief as the souls of our cherished departed arise from earthly death into the ceaseless joy of Your Eternal Kingdom. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Christ, our King
                                                       Keep us in Your Truth

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

                                                       O Christ, our King
                                                       Keep us in Your Truth
             
~ O Lord on High, empower the spirits of those who lead us in Your Church, through Your Word and Sacraments, with the peace, unity, and truth of Christ’s all-encompassing love. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Christ, our King
                                                       Keep us in Your Truth
             
The Celebrant adds: Christ of All Peoples, our Faithful Witness, rescue us from the power of darkness and transform our anxieties into fruitful action. Keep us striving toward Your purpose by offering our labors to soothe the sufferings of humanity near and far. We ask through Jesus our Christ, the Firstborn of all Creation, and the Holy Spirit, the very Breath of Love, 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: Un-Earthly King ~ Last Sunday of Pentecost '18 Yr B

For Sunday, November 25, 2018, Last Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Readings: 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-13, 14-19; Revelation 1:4b-8, 
John 18:33-37
    The God of Israel has spoken: One who rules over people justly…is like the light of the morning…But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away. [2 Samuel 23:3a, 6a]

    Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; let your faithful people sing with joy. [Psalm 132:9]

    Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come..."I am the Alpha and the Omega"... [Revelation 1:4b, 8]

   Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice. [John 18:37b]

        We have arrived at the Last Sunday after Pentecost, celebrating Christ the King. Coming next we begin the Season of Advent, preparing for the birth of the Child, who frees us from our sins.
        The reading from 2nd Samuel contains the last words of another King, David. The contrast of the just ruler with the godless is stark, explicit, and worthy of comparisons with our own lives. The just ruler, God has told David, is like the light of the morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning…Is not my house like this with God? God will help us all be secure and prosper. But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away…entirely consumed in fire…
         The passage from Revelation brings mysterious and almost abstract descriptions that are difficult to comprehend for most modern, western minds. While they also maybe somewhat familiar to anyone who regularly reads the Christian [New] Testament and/or hears them read in a church setting, these words may seem irrelevant in the scheme of daily living in today’s world. How does one concretely grasp Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, firstborn of all creation and also of the dead, ruler of the kings of the earth? Or the Lord God, the Almighty who is and was and is to come, the Alpha and the Omega. Yet we, who would be counted as faithful Christians, should take heed and examine these words more closely. It is in this daily life in this time that we may easily lose track of our allegiances and settle in more with the temporary earthly powers than in the everlasting divine Kingship of Christ. Although Jesus says his kingdom is not from here, it is here and in this time and place where we encounter him, if we seek him, and if we choose to follow.
         For me, the crux of this Sunday’s lessons is the moment in John’s Gospel that Jesus tells Pilate that everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice [John 18:37b]. Are we listening? Do we hear it? Interestingly, what comes next is not in our appointed reading and I wish that it was! Maybe it is even more difficult for us to fully understand. In verse 38: Pilate asked him, "What is truth?" For us who endeavor to follow, Christ is our unearthly King in this world who shows us the way to the true unending Kingdom. The easy question for each of us to answer is: To what truth do we choose to belong? The hard question and answer is: How do we live it?

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God Almighty, our Light and our Rock, keep us from collapsing in fear whenever we, Your restless multitude, tremble at earthly tumult from both human behavior and natural disasters. In our fleeting mortality turn us always to Christ in whose Kingdom we are forgiven and saved.

                                                       O Christ, our King         
RESPONSE:                 Keep us in Your Truth

~ O God Almighty, our Light and our Rock, we implore You to infuse the wisdom, sanity, and humanity of Jesus into all who govern Your people everywhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Christ, our King
                                                       Keep us in Your Truth

~ O God Almighty, our Light and our Rock, send healing grace to all who suffer in spirit, mind, or body, and compassion to all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       O Christ, our King
                                                       Keep us in Your Truth

~ O God Almighty, our Light and our Rock, ease our grief as the souls of our cherished departed arise from earthly death into the ceaseless joy of Your Eternal Kingdom. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Christ, our King
                                                       Keep us in Your Truth

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

                                                       O Christ, our King
                                                       Keep us in Your Truth
             
~ O God Almighty, our Light and our Rock, empower the spirits of those who lead us in Your Church, through Your Word and Sacraments, with the peace, unity, and truth of Christ’s all-encompassing love. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Christ, our King
                                                       Keep us in Your Truth
             

The Celebrant adds:  Christ of All Peoples, rescue us from the power of darkness and transform our anxieties into fruitful action. Keep us striving toward Your purpose by offering our labors to soothe the sufferings of humanity near and far. We ask through Jesus our Christ, the Faithful Witness, and the Holy Spirit, the very Breath of Love, 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


Monday, November 12, 2018

Prayers of the People: Our Roles as Stewards ~ 6th Sunday in the Season of Creation '18 Yr B

For Sunday, November 18, 2018, 6th Sunday in the Season of Creation, Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1a, 2, 4, 8-11; Psalm 116:10-17, 
Bishop John E. Hines*, Matthew 7:7-11

       So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, that you, O Lord, have given me…set it down before the Lord your God and bow before the Lord…[Deuteronomy 26:10]

      How shall I repay the Lord for all the good things he has done for me? [Psalm 116:10]

      For the essential question is not, “How shall the Episcopal Church grow?” - but rather, “How can the Episcopal Church be faithful?” For that is the heritage worth sacrificing for - worth passing on to our children and grandchildren. God forbid that they should come to a time and place unashamed of the Gospel, but ashamed of us. [Former Presiding Bishop John Hines] 
     Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. [Matthew 7:7]

       Any of us who attend church regularly and considers her- or himself as a “member” or a “parishioner” or a “congregant” has heard and understands what is meant by Stewardship. Inside the church much is needed in support of the staff, the worship, the physical plant, and all the elements of church (small “c”) that we Episcopals call time, talent, and treasure. Outside the walls the needs are greater in all manner of ways. All of us, each of us in our many ways are called by Our Lord to give of our selves, significantly, from what God has given us. Money, or treasure, of course, is what we hear as foremost on the list of needs and wants for inside and outside.
We also hear of Stewardship as an element to church growth. Bishop Hines wrote that while he would rejoice at a multitude of conversions, his hope was for a witnessing community of unquestioned integrity. Further, he says (to imagined groans from the Finance Chair and others), that the essential question is not, ‘How can the Episcopal [insert other denomination or faith community here] Church grow?’ but rather, ‘How can the Episcopal [other] Church be faithful?’ He tells us that if we want our heritage passed on to younger generations they should come to a time and place unashamed of the Gospel [emphasis added]. We do not want them ashamed of us for creating an exclusive place only for wielding power and influence and losing our way to Christ. 
The Rev. Eric Law, in his book Holy Currencies: 6 Blessings for Sustainable Missional Ministries, shows us a different way to think about the flow of currencies in our lives. Within the usual offerings of time, talent, and treasure is contained a breadth and depth of re-imagining and discovering our personal gifts for ministry that take us well beyond the scope of a seasonal directive (or harangue, in some cases). Stewardship - Missional Ministry - is not merely a specific program for a specific time of year, but rather it is a way of life
As John Wesley said, "Not, how much money will I give to God, but how much of God's money will I keep for myself?" And that equation works equally well with the other two elements of the stewardship trio: time and talent. I don't know what tomorrow will bring for my community, my country, or this world, but I will pray without ceasing for the faith, the energy, and mindset to be a continuously generous person, to be the Church [capital "C"] as a Christian in the world with many stewarding roles. A faith community builds us up and sends us out and needs our support in every way. The CHURCH is not inside a building, it is in whatever I and we do together, to be true, faithful witnesses as part of the Body of Christ by every thought, word, and action. It's no easy task but Jesus tells us to Ask, Search, Knock ~ Christ will answer and Christ IS the answer, our Steward in Chief. Just A.S.K.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O Lord our God, awaken us to the bounty of Your Creation that we may be grateful stewards of the sacred trust You have given us in the miracle of this earth and its treasures. Grant us the humility and humanity to value and celebrate all of our sisters and brothers in difference and in disagreement, with esteem and dignity, with love and generosity for all.

                                                    O God of Power and Wonder           
RESPONSE:                 Let us grow in faith and witness

~ O Lord our God, we offer our prayers for all who lead this World, this Country, and this Community by election, fiat, or inheritance. Inscribe their souls with a yearning for unquestionable integrity, global and local peace, and justice tempered with mercy for all the people in their charge. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O God of Power and Wonder
                                                       Let us grow in faith and witness

~ O Lord our God, nestle the aching, the fearful, and the desperate in Your loving embrace, and revitalize all who support their needs. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       O God of Power and Wonder
                                                       Let us grow in faith and witness

~ O Lord our God, grant us a foretaste of the joy and glory of Your Heavenly Kingdom as the gates open wide to receive our beloved who now live in the newness of Christ forevermore. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O God of Power and Wonder
                                                       Let us grow in faith and witness

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

                                                       O God of Power and Wonder
                                                       Let us grow in faith and witness
             
~ O Lord our God, quicken the spirits of those called and ordained to speak Your Words and celebrate Your Sacraments, inspiring us all to live lives of holy and selfless intention in this earthly life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O God of Power and Wonder
                                                       Let us grow in faith and witness
             

The Celebrant adds: Loving, Patient God, grant us unashamed confidence in the Gospel to take on the mantle of servanthood in Your Name by the giving of our time, our abilities, and our support of others. We ask for guidance to repay all we have been given, to search for our designated purpose to fulfill our vows, and the willingness to knock on the door of Eternal life through our sacrifice of Thanksgiving. We beseech You our Redeemer Christ, our Counselor Spirit, and our Creator Lord, who together are One God, now and through all Eternity. 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: Birthpangs ~ 26th Sunday after Pentecost '18 Yr B

For Sunday, November 18, 2018, 26th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Readings: 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Hebrews 10:11-14, 15-18, 19-25; Mark 13:1-8

        [Hannah] said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” 
[1 Samuel 1:18a]

    …there is no Rock like our God…for the Lord is a God of knowledge and by him actions are weighed. [1 Samuel 2:2b, 3b]

     Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together...but encouraging one another... [Hebrews:10:24-25]

    Many will come in my name…and they will lead many astray…When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place…This is but the beginning of the birthpangs. [Mark 13:6, 7a, 8c] 

   Hannah’s pain was deep over many years at the inability to bear a child. Yet she continued to faithfully pray through her tears and distress and was finally given a son by God. Perhaps our prayers will seem to be unanswered when we don’t get what we most desire ~ the health of a loved one, or peace in the family. Yet Hannah’s words Let your servant find favor in your sight are the words of faith for us to embrace. We cannot know the mind of God, but we can be assured that our minds and are hearts are not hidden for the Lord is a God of knowledge and by him actions are weighed. And though we are judged, God grants us forgiveness and salvation though Christ.
     The Christian life is not intended to be a solitary journey. Even Jesus had his companions along the way and has told us he’s in our midst whenever two or three – or more – are gathered [Mt 18:20]. We, too, are to be companions in, with, and through Christ, sometimes following, sometimes leading, but often together in a supportive, encouraging, spiritually renewing community. It is through such a community of prayer, worship, and relationship, that we stay connected and are reminded of the faithfulness of God to those who are faithful to God.
     The path of Christ is no easy walk. He tells us to beware of those who claim to be him as they will lead us astray. There will be hardships, rumors of wars and wars, earthquakes and famines. It’s all too easy to be fearful with the speed of news of disasters around the world and nearby. But such times are the beginning of birthpangs, birth of the coming again of the glory of Christ. It is all in God’s time, beyond our comprehension. Do not be alarmed, Jesus says and the writer of Hebrews tells us to have the confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us…by our faith we are cleansed in body and in heart so Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. Let us keep faith in practice and in hope. Birthpangs are just the beginning of the fresh, new life that awaits. 

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O Lord Most High, You call us in every time and place to encourage one another with generous hearts, true and wise, in the full assurance of our faith, awakened to the brightness of the everlasting life to come.


                                                    O God our Rock and our Strength           
RESPONSE:                 May we find favor in Your sight

~ O Lord Most High, we offer our prayers for all who lead this World, this Country, and this Community by election, fiat, or inheritance to know that You are a God of knowledge who weighs all actions. Inscribe their souls with a yearning for integrity, global and local peace, and justice tempered with mercy for all the people in their charge. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O God our Rock and our Strength
                                                       May we find favor in Your sight

~ O Lord Most High, nestle the aching, the fearful, and the desperate in Your loving embrace, and revitalize all who support their needs. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       O God our Rock and our Strength
                                                       May we find favor in Your sight

~ O Lord Most High, grant us a foretaste of the joy and glory of Your Heavenly Kingdom as the gates open wide to receive our beloved who now live in the newness of Christ forevermore. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O God our Rock and our Strength
                                                       May we find favor in Your sight

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

                                                       O God our Rock and our Strength
                                                       May we find favor in Your sight
             
~ O Lord Most High, quicken the spirits of those called and ordained to speak Your Words and celebrate Your Sacraments, inspiring us all to live lives of holy and selfless intention in this earthly life. We We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O God our Rock and our Strength
                                                       May we find favor in Your sight
             

The Celebrant adds:  Loving, Patient God, grant us unashamed confidence in the Gospel to take on the mantle of servanthood in Your Name in unwavering hope. Show us the righteous path of life, as we strive to set the needs of others above our own, unswayed and undeterred by false prophets who would lead us astray. We ask though Christ, our Great High Priest; the Holy Spirit, our Counselor; and our Creator Lord, who together are One God, now and through all Eternity. 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