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, May 25, 2020

Prayers of the People: Fire in the Souls ~ Pentecost Sunday '20 Yr A

For Sunday, May 31, 2020, Readings: Acts 2:1-21; Ps 104:25-35, 37; 1 Cor 12:3-13; 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 Corinthians 12:4a, 6b-7, 11]

      ...[Jesus] cried out, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the Scripture has said, 'Out of the believer's heart shall flow the living water.' Now he said this about the Spirit, which the believers were about to receive..." [John 7:37b-39a]


      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. On the Jewish calendar, this ancient feast is Shavuot and follows 50 days after Passover. Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai and perhaps is another reason the disciples were gathered. Being together, perhaps 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 previous month and a half, the disciples had experienced the arrest and violent execution of Jesus, his resurrection, various appearances to them, his ascension, and their own grief and 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 and tongues of fire resting on them, and speaking in multiple languages gave them more than good reason to be bewildered, astonished, and amazed! And then, 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. In "normal years" we pack the churches 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 pandemic times with fear, frustration, anger, and intolerance swirling around in ever more intense levels, that we can 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 suddenly bewildered by his ascension. And 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 to seek the feeling of the Spirit within us – to be as amazed and astonished and bewildered as the Apostles - and to be reinvigorated and excited.  We have the Spirit within us! And God’s grace, and the love and Salvation of Christ for the wanting of it. 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 from Easter, we are to know that we, too, are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are to accept and welcome the extraordinary gifts and abilities bestowed on us, chosen for and unique to each of us. To 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. We also 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 claim our heritage as children of God, equal one and all, and to use the language of love with each other and especially with those who aren't so lovingly inclined. It is in times such as these, as we strive to be all that Jesus has shown us we can be, that the Spirit gives us what we need to withstand the challenges. 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!

       *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. 



LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Most Holy Spirit, Breath of God, let us breathe deeply of 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 action, in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord.  

                                                         Spirit of Goodness 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 sickness, poverty, intolerance, and injustice. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of Goodness 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, if only at a distance. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of Goodness 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 Christ. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of Goodness 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 Goodness 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 valiantly strive to guide our spiritual journey through these trying and uncertain times. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of Goodness 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, that we may 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 Advocate; 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 edite 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  


Monday, May 18, 2020

Prayers of the People: The Rising ~ The Sunday after the Ascension, 7th Sunday of Easter '20 Yr A

For Sunday, May 24, 2020, Readings: Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36; 1Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11; John 17:1-11


Ascension by Eddie Calz
       [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 well after the fact and end with the climax of the Last Supper. The prayer of Jesus, in this Gospel reading from John, reveals some of his human nature as well as his divinity. 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-safety of God’s steadfast protection.
     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, has 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 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) and then next is Trinity Sunday.
      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 Living Jesus does care greatly for his followers then and now. For our part, let us return this great comfort by devoting ourselves to prayer 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, could easily devour our good intentions, carrying us away from what we are called to do in this life. With some prayer, discipline, and faith, with the presence of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, we, too, will be restored, supported, and strengthened to do the work for which we were created and called. And in the time set by God, we the many will be raised, in unity, to live eternally with the Ascended Jesus. Blessed be God! To God be the power forever and ever. AMEN!

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 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. 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 voices to pray aloud 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 other 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 Christ’s emissary, guiding us all to be as one 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, kindle our desire to seek the discipline to renew Your purpose for the life You have given us to live. Fortify our faith against the prowling temptations that would devour our fragile promises to the pursuit of eternal glory in Christ. We ask this through Jesus 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 as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com


Monday, May 11, 2020

Prayers of the People: Love IS the Answer ~ 6th Sunday of Easter '20 Yr A

For Sunday, May 17, 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 world, gave 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. While life is often difficult, God is with us throughout it all. Paul tells 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 1st Peter, the writer is comparing those whom God saved through Noah and the Ark as 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 Jesus speaks in John's Gospel this week are from the Last Supper after Jesus has washed the disciples' feet, tells the gathered of his coming betrayal, and Peter's denial. 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 don'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, we find another powerful reminder - the constancy of our ever-present God in Three Persons, Creator, Savior, Advocate.  And the truth is, when we actively work to build and keep a good conscience, recognize and call upon the Trinity within us, we are more and more able to relinquish the strong hold of earthly distractions along with its fears, and griefs.
      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 are called to walk through our human existence with our Creator, Jesus our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit of Truth, our Advocate; all are within us on the Way. As we love we are loved in each and every moment. So, as the saying goes, Love IS the answer, especially in salvation.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ God of All Creation, we live, we move, and have our being in You, who gave 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 hears our every prayer

~ God of All Creation, embolden and encourage us as we urge productive humanitarian and environmental actions 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 hears our every prayer
                                               
~ God of All Creation, deliver comfort and hope to all who are sick, anxious, or fearful, and to those who worry and attend to their needs. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Blessed be our God
                                                Who hears our every prayer
           
~ God of All Creation, we commend to Your eternal embrace all who have left this mortal life, and are now received into everlasting joy and glory in You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Blessed be our God
                                                Who hears our every prayer

~ God of All Creation, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions… add your own petitions

                                                Blessed be our God
                                                Who hears our every prayer
           
~ 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 hears our every prayer
                                                                                                        
The Celebrant adds: Living, Loving Creator, who holds our souls in life, free us from earthly fears and steady us on our journey to You, as we offer sacrifice and prayer for a good conscience and constant thanksgiving for the Resurrection of 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 as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com


Monday, May 4, 2020

Prayers of the People: The Heart of the House ~ 5th Sunday of Easter '20 Yr A

For Sunday, May 10, 2020, 5th Sunday of Easter, Year A, 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...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, 3b, 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 as 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 12, 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 deathThe more success the Apostles - Stephen among them - 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.
       Stephen's commitment to Jesus mirrors Jesus' commitment on the cross, and, Stephen asks for those who have 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. Aren’t the current quarantine protests, for and against, enough to worry about? Isn’t going to church (if only online) and/or praying regularly (mostly), and sending some money, enough of a commitment? We’re not 1st 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 this unsettling time of pandemic, 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 the 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 but Jesus is 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 him 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, 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 got 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 pure, spiritual milk that will nourish us all the way into salvation as we turn to Christ as the Heart of our House.

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:                    Oh 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 and quell inhumanity. 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 aloud for those in need… 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 other 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 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, 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 as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com