Prayers of the People: The Baptism of Jesus 1st Sunday after Epiphany '17 Yr A

For Sunday, January 8, 2017, Baptism of Jesus, First Sunday after Epiphany, Year A, Readings: Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17

     Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.  

[Isaiah 42:1]

      The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!” [Psalm 29:9]

      He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead.  All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” [Acts 10:42-43]

     And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

[Matthew 3:16-17]

        

      For many Christians, though not all, Baptism is a Sacrament, a Rite of Initiation, a formal adoption into the Christian faith. A simple definition is that the word comes from a hybrid of Latin and Greek and literally means "washing." John, who baptizes Jesus in today's Gospel reading, used it as a sacrament in his messianic rituals and it has roots in the Jewish tradition as a ritual of purification.

            Depending on usual practice for different denominations, there may or may not be infant baptism sometimes called Christening, or there may be no baptism for anyone at all. In those churches that do baptize, baptism may be by immersion - standing in water while water is poured over the upper body, submersion - one's whole body being dipped under and out of the water three times, aspersion, or affusion ~ with aspersion as the sprinkling of the water and affusion as pouring water over the head. As there are many methods, there are as many reasons given for and against the ritual that is sacred to some. 
       In this Gospel account, Jesus was baptized by a somewhat reluctant John who thought that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus prevails - as he does with the footwashing and Peter later on - and we are given the words of God who directly who announces, "This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Of course we don't know for certain if everyone present heard God, but isn't the warmth and satisfaction within all of us when we think about a moment (maybe exceedingly rare) when a parent announces pleasure or pride in us or for something we've done? Let it be so with us again, that we may please the One Parent who matters most! 
       The Baptism of Jesus is important, for one reason, as it marks the beginning of his ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, acknowledged by John, as the One who is Coming. Although free from sin, himself, he participates in a ritual of cleansing and repentance as a faithful Jewish man. Jesus rises for the first time from the waters of Baptism.  Let us walk with Him through to the time he rises again and beyond...

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, You are the Covenant God has made with us all; the wellspring of peace, the bright beacon of love that can reach into the darkest of hearts and blindest of eyes. Open our hearts and animate our wills to answer the call to follow and proclaim Your salvation to all. 

                                               

                                             Jesus, Fount of Living Water

RESPONSE:         We put our trust in You

~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, impart special graces to all who lead the governments of this World, this Country, and this Community, that they may work together, and with us, to serve in humility, seeking peace and equity for all. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                              Jesus, Fount of Living Water

                                                We put our trust in You

                                   

~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, shower Your healing mercies upon all those who are ill or filled with worry and dread, and infuse a spirit of hope for those who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                              Jesus, Fount of Living Water

                                                We put our trust in You

~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, for all in the midst of sorrow, grant solace in their hearts and joy in the memories of those well-loved now returned in glory to You, the Source of all Life. We pray especially for the repose of: add your own petitions

                                                              Jesus, Fount of Living Water

                                                We put our trust in You

~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                                              Jesus, Fount of Living Water

                                                We put our trust in You

           

~ Blessed Jesus, Beloved of God, speak to the souls of those who lead Your Church that they may guide us to whirl the oaks of faith and shake us from the wilderness of apathy in Your Name, with grace, wisdom and strength of spirit. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                              Jesus, Fount of Living Water

                                                We put our trust in You

                                                                                                        

The Celebrant adds:  Jesus, our Christ, You rose first from the Living Water of Baptism to bring New Life to God’s people. Raise us up in hope, cleanse us from sin, and walk with us until You rise again to carry us into eternity. We ask through the Holy Spirit, the Fire of our Faith, and the Creator of all that is, who together with You are One God, now and forever and ever. Amen.

Requests for prayers or meditations for this space or private use may be sent to 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.

Prayers of the People: What's on your lips? Holy Name of Jesus Sunday '17 Yr A

For Sunday, January 1 , 2017,  Holy Name/Epiphany Sunday , Year A, Readings: Numbers 6:22-27, Psalm 8, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 2:15-21

      The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. [Numbers 24-26]

        O Lord our Governor, how exalted is your Name in all the world! [Psalm 8:10]

       Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend... [Philippians 2:5-11]

        The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen...After eight days had passed it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus... [Luke 2:20-21]

       This first day, the first Sunday, and the first week of the New Year, is filled with opportunities to celebrate. As we know it today, Holy Name Sunday, has also been known as the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus. In addition to Luke's Gospel for today, we have several naming accounts of this Holy Child - from Joseph's dream in Matthew 1:21, when God's angel appears dissuading him from dismissing Mary, and explaining that the son she will bear will be called Jesus, which means "God is salvation", and then following quickly on is Matthew 1:23 Emmanuel, which means God is with us, referring back to the Prophet Isaiah 7:14's prediction of the child of the virgin that will be called Immanuel.

        The approaching Feast of the Epiphany, will also be celebrated this week in western Christianity.

        This Sunday's naming focus gives us a moment to think about what is the power of a name. What does your name mean to you? Do you know your name's history, why it was given to you? How do you feel if someone mispronounces or misspeaks your name? That happens quite often to me and sometimes it can feel as if my name and I are unimportant, though I have learned to let it go, if with a silent sigh. Because of that, I try to remember preferred names and use them. And then, for me, there is nothing so touching and wonderful as hearing my name spoken by someone who loves me. 

        Using a name well creates a connection with another. It is more than mere identification, it is relational, even if only a brief encounter in a retail or service location. If someone is wearing a name tag, I will call them by name. If it is an unfamiliar kind of name for me, I'll ask how to pronounce it.           

        There is power in a name, and no more greater power in any name than in the name of Jesus. Sadly these two familiar syllables are, far too often, used in less than honorable ways. It has become a verbal football to throw around casually as an exclamation, or worse, even by some of us who profess to be faithful. 

        Here's an idea for a New Year's Resolution: START using the name of Jesus in only the most reverential tones. Think first, before bad habits kick in, and begin to use the name intentionally, as a prayer, as an invocation, as a meditation. Fr Richard Rohr says, "Prayer isn't primarily words; it's a place, an attitude, a stance." Let us use the Holy Name of Jesus as our place of holy introspection, our attitude of faith, our stance of firm - or at least firm-er - willingness to turn toward the Way that Christ beckons us to live. From Psalm 51 come the words: Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. I feel called to ponder, what's on my lips - will it create a clean heart and renewed spirit? Let me begin again with the power of and in the Holy Name of Jesus.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Jesus, God’s Bright Star, let us praise Your Holy Name to the highest heights as the most perfect and sacred word our lips, our thoughts, can form; it is at once a prayer, an inspiration, the intentional beckoning of our humbled souls to accept and live into Your Promise of Salvation.

                                                  Blessed Child, our Christ                           

RESPONSE:           May our lives reflect Your Glory

~ Jesus, God’s Bright Star, illuminate life’s righteous road of empathy, wisdom, and peace, and guide along it all who govern in our names on this Earth, in our Country, and in our Community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Blessed Child, our Christ   

                                                May our lives reflect Your Glory

                                               

~ Jesus, God’s Bright Star, in the glow of Your eternal Light, help us to see with new eyes those who are ill, lonely, homeless, or desperate, and find ways to provide needed love and help. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Blessed Child, our Christ   

                                                May our lives reflect Your Glory

           

~ Jesus, God’s Bright Star, as the grieving seek Your comfort, let us all rejoice for those we have loved  who now live again, radiant in the joy and peace of Your eternal life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Blessed Child, our Christ   

                                                May our lives reflect Your Glory

~ Jesus, God’s Bright Star, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                                Blessed Child, our Christ   

                                                May our lives reflect Your Glory

           

~ Jesus, God’s Bright Star, embrace the souls and hearts of those entrusted to bring us Your Word and Sacraments, as we walk together with renewed fervor in Your Holy Name. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Blessed Child, our Christ   

                                                May our lives reflect Your Glory

                                                                                                        

The Celebrant adds:  O Lord, our Governor Most Gracious, into this fullness of time You have sent our Messiah, woman-borne, to bless us and keep us, to be the Compass for our lives. Quicken our desire to follow Love’s pure Light and seek that bold path that leads us to Eternity. We ask through Jesus, our Redeemer Christ, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, who together with You are One God, now and forever. Amen.

Requests for prayers or meditations for this space or private use may be sent to 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.

Prayers of the People: Special Delivery! ~ Christmas ~ '16 Yr A

For Saturday and Sunday, December 24^th and 25th, 2016, Christmas, Year A, Readings: Christmas Eve Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) Christmas Day Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12), John 1:1-14

       The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; 

those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined.   [Isaiah 9:2]

       How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, 

who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." [Isaiah 52:7]

photo by Christina Brennan Lee

      Sing to the Lord a new song...Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness  [Psalms 96: 1, 9a] 
       Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. [Psalm 98:1]

      For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly. [Titus 2:11-12]

       Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways...but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. [Hebrews 1:1-3]

       In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. [Luke 2:1]

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

He was in the beginning with God. 

All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. 

What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it...

And the Word became flesh and lived among us...full of grace and truth.

[John 1:1-5, 14]

      Life on this Earth is never without a time of darkness somewhere that is deeper than the sunless night sky. Many of us privileged to know the Merry and the Happy of Christmas firsthand have also known grief and hardship at this time of year, and troubling news reports bring so much more poignancy in the midst of this season of Glad Tidings. Yet the true Light is all around and, as we are told elsewhere in the Gospels, seek and you will find.        In the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day readings, there is ample evidence that we are to be swept up in the glory of the birth of Christ that shone all around and allow it to shine in and through us now. God's Word lives among us still and always. This Child's birth is a new birth for us all, a time, again, to throw off the curtains we have gathered around our souls, and awaken to a New Light. We, alone, cannot undo the ravages of war, hatred, loneliness, or hunger, but each of us in small and intentional ways can lighten the darkness for others and, in doing so, for ourselves. Beyond decorations and gift giving, let us each take heart, give heart, be the heart of Jesus. However trite it sounds it is nonetheless true that in a world filled with hundreds of languages, a smile translates the same in all. If a smile is all you have, give it frequently and unconditionally. If you have more, share more, equally without condition. It is time to begin anew with Christ Jesus. Meister Eckhart [13th century German theologian/mystic] said, "We are all meant to be mothers of God. God is always needing to be born."  There is no delivery more special than allowing Jesus to be born again within us. The beauty of holiness is ours, the fullness of grace and truth, if we but choose it to bring Him forth to a world never more in need than now. 

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of Light, at last Your Child is born for us, our Messiah is come, who is Christ the Lord! Your Promise is fulfilled, Your Word is made Flesh – our Good News of Great Joy is among us!

                                                              Glory to God in the Highest

                                   RESPONSE:  Send Peace on Earth for us all

~ O God of Light, grant wisdom and the will for righteous, equitable, and truthful action to those who govern on this Earth, in our Country, and in our Community; and the courage to us to be proactive for all who are oppressed. Let us pray in earnest for those who govern in our names, especially for: add your own petitions

                                                           Glory to God in the Highest

                                                           Send Peace on Earth for us all

                                               

~ O God of Light, with Your grace of healing and hope, brighten the long shadows for the ones among us who are seriously ill, addicted, or homeless; and strengthen the hearts of all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                           Glory to God in the Highest

                                                           Send Peace on Earth for us all

               

~ O God of Light, may the Luminous Presence of this Precious Child pierce the deep darkness for those who walk in grief, as our precious loved ones, who have passed through this life, now live again in the magnificent glory of Your everlasting Peace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                           Glory to God in the Highest

                                                           Send Peace on Earth for us all

~ O God of Light, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                                           Glory to God in the Highest

                                                           Send Peace on Earth for us all

               

~ O God of Light, renew the delight and wide-eyed wonder in Christ’s birth for the leaders of Your Church, our Shepherds in Your fields. Refresh us all as we go forth together, worshiping in the beauty of holiness, and singing a new song to the whole earth. We pray especially for:add your own petitions

                                                           Glory to God in the Highest

                                                           Send Peace on Earth for us all

The Celebrant adds:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty Savior, revive our souls with the awe and elation of children for Your Holy and Momentous birth. Anoint our hearts with gladness, so that our lives reflect Your imprint in every thought, prayer, and action.  We ask through the Holy Spirit, our Spiritual Breath, and the Eternal Creator, our Reason for Being, who together with You, are our One Holy and Eternal God, forever and ever. AMEN.

Requests for prayers or meditations for this space or private use may be sent to 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.

Prayers of the People: Going and Coming, 4th Sunday of Advent '16 Yr A

For Sunday, December 18, 2016, 4^th Sunday of Advent, Year A, Readings: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

       Therefore the Lord himself will  give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. [Isaiah 7:14]

       Restore us, O Lord God of Hosts; show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. [Psalm 80:7]

       ...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to call him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 
[Matthew 1:20b-22]

      The Season of Advent is nearly over again. As the waiting time is going, the activity level in many households frenetically escalates in anticipation of the Coming. For young children, the anticipation of the coming is about Santa/Father Christmas, presents, colorful lights, sparkling decorations, and sugary delights. For many of us adults, the preparatory time is about the planning, the shopping, the baking, the cooking, and the celebration with friends and family. 
       Quite a few years ago, a gentleman playwright, as an Artist in Residence, wrote a Christmas musical play for the parochial elementary school my daughters attended - sort of Our Town [the classic small town America play by Thornton Wilder] meets the True Meaning of Christmas - and all of the several hundred students were in the play, with a few having key roles, of course. I regret to say that I cannot recall the exact name of the play, or the playwright's name, but the message remains clear to me. For the moment we'll call the play Emily's Birthday [Emily being the name of the central character in Our Town. If you don't know that play you can get a very quick summary by clicking here: "Our Town" summary ]. A very short description of the premise is that Emily's Birthday is a huge annual event. Emily, who has died, arrives, not quite realizing that she has died, to participate in the celebration of the anniversary of her birth. She finds a grand occasion in the entire town, with glittering decorations, large scale family meals, and many gifts being exchanged, all because it's Emily's Birthday! As we see her in her own family home with each family member happily greeting each other and everyone with "Happy Emily's Birthday," Emily realizes that no one is thinking of her at all, there is no gift for her, nor is there a place at the table for her. While I'm convinced that this message was directed more to us adults, the kids - without any blatant or obvious statement in the script - GOT IT: What is this Birth Day celebration really all about? It's time for all of us to "get it" again. 
       With but a few days left, let our going concern be more about the Coming. Emmanu-el, whose name means "God (El) is with us," who is our Christ ("anointed one/Messiah") Jesus, will shine His light upon us and we shall be saved. Let us revel in the Hope, the Peace, the Joy, and the Love that these four Sundays of Advent represent. And then let us truly celebrate by preparing ourselves for and remembering the significance, especially in these times, of the Birth of Jesus, the only true GIFT, God's Love Incarnate for our salvation. CHRISTmas is Coming!
  

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Emmanuel, Emmanuel, God with us, in these few days before our Holy Child is born, prepare us to be as Mary, a sacred vessel that carries You into our world, the conscious reflection of Your Exquisite Love in every thought and action of our lives.

                                               

                                                  O God of Hosts 

RESPONSE:         Restore our delight in Your Love

~ Emmanuel, Emmanuel, infuse those who govern in this world, in our nation, and in our community, with the compassion, tolerance, and mercy that are the hallmarks of Your birth and life. Encourage us to pursue justice and truth for every person on this Earth. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God of Hosts

                                                Restore our delight in Your Love

                                                               

~ Emmanuel, Emmanuel, free all who suffer from pain, loneliness, and fear, and renew the vitality of those who attend to their needs. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                O God of Hosts

                                                Restore our delight in Your Love

               

~ Emmanuel, Emmanuel, walk with those weighed down by sorrow until the time and place when suffering and grief are no more, and the joy of eternity embraces us all. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                O God of Hosts

                                                Restore our delight in Your Love

~ Emmanuel, Emmanuel, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                                O God of Hosts

                                                Restore our delight in Your Love

               

~ Emmanuel, Emmanuel, we lift up to You, all who lead us in Your Church, that they may always feel the depth of You in themselves and impart to us the mystery of Your breadth in our lives. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God of Hosts

                                                Restore our delight in Your Love

                                                                                                                                           

The Celebrant adds:  Dear God of Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Always, help us to set aside the frantic activity that distracts us, and quietly breathe into the present moment. Let us savor the anticipation with prayerful, expectant patience as we await our Messiah, the only true Gift of any season. We ask through Jesus, the Sacred Incarnation of Love, and the Holy Spirit, the Divine Repository of our Faith, who together with You are One God, Holy, Mighty, and Eternal. Amen.

Requests for prayers or meditations for this space or private use may be sent to 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.

Prayers of the People: Rosy Respite, Third Sunday of Advent Yr A

For Sunday, December 11, 2016, 3^rd Sunday of Advent, Year A, Readings: Isaiah 35:1-10, Ps 146:4-9, Luke 1:46b-55, James 5:7-10, 

Matthew 11:2-11

      The wilderness and dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice...like the crocus it will blossom abundantly...He will come and save you...A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way...the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return...and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. [Isaiah 35: 1-2a, 4b, 8a, 9b, 10a,b]

      My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant...he has remembered his promise of mercy... [Luke 1:46-48, 54b]

      Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. Strengthen your hearts for the coming of the Lord is near. [James 5:7a, 8b]

      Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A prophet?...Yes, I tell you...This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you'...among those born of women no one has risen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." [Matthew 11:7a, 9, 11]

       We light the 3^rd candle in the Advent Wreath as our anticipation and expectation of the birth of Jesus accelerates. But, there's a notable change. This week, instead of a penitential purple candle or a blue candle of hope, some Traditions use a rose colored (or pink) candle and perhaps even vestments and hangings. Why change color in the middle of the season? Advent, from its inception, was traditionally a penitential season, as is Lent, with somber readings and admonishments to fast and pray to be ready and worthy for Christ's coming. With the Revised Common Lectionary and newer scholarship, there has been more of an emphasis in remembering the Joy that is to come – which isn’t to say we should not also be prayerful or penitent as we wait!  

        Within the aspect of a strictly penitential season, all the candles, hangings, and vestments were Lenten purple, and the rose color was a symbol of a respite in the seriousness. There is, apparently, no truth to the rumor that Mary was secretly hoping for a girl. So let us, in the midst of the solemn and sedate, stop, breathe, and experience JOY for the coming Nativity. 

        Historically, the Latin name for this Sunday is Gaudete (gow-day-tay), Latin for “REJOICE!”.  It comes from an Introit (opening) of the Liturgy. We hear the Joy, the Rejoicing, the Hope and the excitement in the readings. We’ll be ransomed from sorrow and sadness, lifted up, beloved, and blessed. We still have to be patient, there’s still some time before THE DAY, but we can smile as we wait – our future in Christ is Rosy, indeed!

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of Jacob, Mary, and the Baptizer, strengthen our hearts and awareness of Your Presence in the comfortable times, and grant us prayerful patience through the desert moments in our lives, as we await the abundant blossoming of the Joy of Christ within us.

                                                   O Lord our God                                                

RESPONSE:         Set us upon Your Holy Way

~ O God of Jacob, Mary, and the Baptizer, guide the spirits of all who now, and soon will, hold political office in this world, our nation, and our community. May they embrace empathy and equity in governing, especially for the marginalized and oppressed peoples in our own streets and across Your whole Earth. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O Lord our God

                                                Set us upon Your Holy Way

               

~ O God of Jacob, Mary, and the Baptizer, bestow Your healing mercies upon all who are chronically ill, depressed, or in fearful life circumstance, and perseverance on those who love and give them care. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O Lord our God

                                                Set us upon Your Holy Way

~ O God of Jacob, Mary, and the Baptizer, refresh the hearts of all who mourn that their sorrow and sighs will flee away, as Heaven alights in joyful celebration for the arrival of all we hold so dear. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O Lord our God

                                                Set us upon Your Holy Way

~ O God of Jacob, Mary, and the Baptizer, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                                O Lord our God

                                                Set us upon Your Holy Way

               

~ O God of Jacob, Mary, and the Baptizer, be generous in blessing those who lead us in Your Church as they guide us toward the eternal Light of Christ. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O Lord our God

                                                Set us upon Your Holy Way

                                                                                                                                           

The Celebrant adds:  God of Majesty and Glory, look with favor and prepare us for the Coming of our Savior, who ransoms us through Your boundless mercy. Fill us with rejoicing that our own souls may also magnify and proclaim the greatness of Your love. We ask through Jesus, the Redeemer Christ, and the Holy Spirit of Truth, who together with You are One God, from the beginning, in the now, and forever shall be. Amen.

Requests for prayers or meditations for this space or private use may be sent to 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.

Prayers of the People: Branching Out, Second Sunday of Advent, Yr A

For Sunday, December 4, 2016,  Second Sunday of Advent, Year A, Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12

       A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. [Isaiah 11:1-2]

      May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another...May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:5a, 13]

      In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight...He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'" [Matthew 3:1-3, 11b]

       Isaiah begins this week's readings with: “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”  Having not grown up with a "Jesse Tree" tradition, the reading would usually zip through my ears with no particular impact until I decided to look deeper into this hint of family history.

     There's been a serious uptick in the field of genealogy over the last decade or so with online access to family records and even DNA kits that allow one to explore geographical heritage. Discovering the branches of one's family tree is fascinating, even addicting, and can also be frustrating when one limb is missing or the records stop short of fully revealing the information sought. Yet even the smallest detail can add depth and connectedness to the relationship with those who have gone before us. And so it is with the family tree of Jesus. 

      Jesse was the grandson of Ruth (of “whither thou goest, I will go” fame) and her husband, Boaz. We first hear of Jesse in the Book of Ruth [Ruth 4:13-18] as the son of their son, Obed. Jesse grows to be a farmer with eight sons [1 Samuel 16], the youngest of which is David who becomes King of the Israelites. It is through Jesse’s family tree that this root, this Branch, flowers into Jesus. 

     The secular spectacle of christmas [intentional lower "c"] has, for so many, replaced the spiritual celebration and worship in Christ's Mass with the frenzy of over-shopping, garish outdoor decorating with clashing colors of lights, and inflated cartoon characters on lawns that go flat in the morning, as a sort of metaphorical anti-climax.  

      Yet even in this environment Isaiah tells us that this ...root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples...Paul wants us to abound in hope, and the Gospel of Matthew brings us the very direct and not shy voice of John the Baptist. Jesus is indeed the reason for the season; the reason for our Christ-mas - our act of worship of the One we call Messiah, the Anointed Son of God.

      New Testament scholar, theologian, and author Marcus Borg tells us that Advent…is a season of anticipation, yearning and longing for a different kind of life and a different kind of world. In this second week of Advent, one way to prepare the way of the Lord is by contemplating: What kind of life, what kind of world am I longing for? Where is God, where is Jesus, in my family tree? Am I too far out on a limb or can I decorate my branch with hope, peace, and joyful anticipation? 

       

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Encouraging and Steadfast God, in restless anticipation, we await the flower of our Salvation that will bloom again from the Root of Jesse. Give us the courage to recognize and repent of our sins, and sweep away the debris of intolerance, despair, and judgment from our hearts and souls.

                                                               

RESPONSE:         Most Holy, Lord Christ

     Let us prepare the Way of Your Kingdom

~ Encouraging and Steadfast God, we pray for those who govern on this Earth, in our Country, and in this Community.  Grant them wisdom, good counsel, and knowledge, so that we all may live in harmony and peace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Most Holy, Lord Christ

                                                Let us prepare the Way of Your Kingdom

                                                               

~ Encouraging and Steadfast God, bless and heal all who are ill or downhearted that all their pain and distress may be relieved; and strengthen those who provide needed care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Most Holy, Lord Christ

                                                Let us prepare the Way of Your Kingdom

               

~ Encouraging and Steadfast God, teach us to give the gift of listening and comfort to all who mourn, as we lift up with thanksgiving, all who now live again with You in Eternal Glory. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Most Holy, Lord Christ

                                                Let us prepare the Way of Your Kingdom

~ Encouraging and Steadfast God, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                                Most Holy, Lord Christ

                                                Let us prepare the Way of Your Kingdom

               

~ Encouraging and Steadfast God, enfold and guide those who lead Your Church as they walk in faith with us, into uncertain, ever-changing tides and times.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Most Holy, Lord Christ

                                                Let us prepare the Way of Your Kingdom

                                                                                                                                           

The Celebrant adds:  O God of Harmony and Hope, open us to hear again Your call for repentance and conversion, to prepare ourselves for the Way of Truth and Mercy, with all the joy and peace of believing. We ask through Jesus, our Present and Coming Savior, and the Holy Spirit, the Fire of our Faith, who together with You are One God, now and forever. Amen.

Requests for prayers or meditations for this space or private use may be sent to 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.