Prayers of the People: WWYD? 3rd Sunday in Lent, '17 Yr A

For Sunday, March 19, 2017, 3^rd Sunday after Epiphany, Year A, Readings: Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42

       Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?"...The LORD said to Moses...I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so the people may drink." [Exodus 17:2b, 5a, 6a]

       Come, let us sing to the LORD, let us shout for joy to the Rock of our Salvation. [Psalm 95:1]

       Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. [Romans 5:1-3]

      Jacob's Well was there and Jesus tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well...A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."...The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God...he would have given you living water....God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." [John 4:6a, 7a, 9-10, 24]

       In this Gospel reading, Jesus is traveling in a part of the country where no respectable Jew would strike up a conversation with one of those people, who is of all things, also a woman! The Samaritans were not happy with the rebuilding of the Temple after the Jews returned from exile in Babylonia, partly because it centralized the worship of God in Jerusalem. Also it seems the Jews would neither eat nor drink with Samaritans - perhaps it was the Jewish purity laws, we don't actually know that or what other issues divided them. But this passage - while highlighting Jesus' willingness to have this conversation and to offer the coming time when worship for all will be very different for the true believers - also underscores many of the issues of the other in our current life and times. 
       Differences in culture, dress, religion, food and drink, accents, even among those of our own nation - not to mention skin color - separate us, narrowing our human experiences, creating deep and ancient, or at least very old prejudices, handed down through generations without explanation or understanding. The Hatfields and McCoys of life and legend in our land, for one example. The layers of mistrust continue to deepen and solidify, turn to un-examined hate, and all too often, violence. Us vs. Them, is a prevailing human issue - if you're one of them you cannot be one of us; we can't discuss the whys and wherefores because understanding each other might taint what we've been taught to believe and our beliefs have been sustained by the continual distraction and propaganda from those who profit from our divisions. 

       WWYD? What Would You Do - if you were desperately thirsty in a place you don't feel you belong in, or your car broke down in a strange location, or you witnessed someone unlike you being harassed or worse?  How have we fostered the isolating of ourselves and the marginalizing of others by what we have done and by what we have left undone* because in the communal desert of our own making, we falsely believe that it keeps us being us and them away from us which makes everything better for us? I have to put myself in time out now and then to examine my reactions and the in-my-head responses to think and wonder why I am for it or against it, whatever it is and to whom it is directed and by whom I accept as my authority on the matter. Lent is a moment to think about our desert moments in life. Is God in Jesus my Living Water for consolation, hope, compassion, and love of my neighbor as if s/he is myself, or just the One I blame and complain to? Jesus told the Samaritan woman that God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. 
       What WILL You Do to find the spirit and truth of God, the Creator of ALL life in all its shapes, forms, cultures, colors, genders, genomes, and faiths?

*from the Confession in the Book of Common Prayer pg 360:

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of Grace and Peace, drive us from the desert of discouragement we lead ourselves into by our wayward hearts and selfish grumblings. Guide us back to the saving water from the Rock of Faith that washes away all fear, anguish, and uncertainty. 

                                                Lord of Living Water                                      

RESPONSE:             Quench the thirst of our souls

~ O God of Grace and Peace, transform and inspire the hearts and minds of the leaders of this World, this Nation, and this Community to turn their efforts into a cooperative spirit of common purpose for the health, safety, and prospering of all Your people everywhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Lord of Living Water

                                                Quench the thirst of our souls

                                               

~ O God of Grace and Peace, pour Your love and enduring hope into those who are seriously ill, desperately poor, or victimized by violence, and strengthen all who minister to their needs.  We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Lord of Living Water

                                                Quench the thirst of our souls

           

~ O God of Grace and Peace, bathe the hearts of the mournful with Your healing mercy as those who have departed this life now dance with joy in the fountains of eternity with You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Lord of Living Water

                                                Quench the thirst of our souls

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

                                                Lord of Living Water

                                                Quench the thirst of our souls

           

~ O God of Grace and Peace, refresh the spirits of those anointed for leadership for Your Church. May their faith in You course so strongly in their hearts that they are sustained, renewed, and energized by the courage of their convictions. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Lord of Living Water

                                                Quench the thirst of our souls

                                                                                                        

The Celebrant adds:  LORD of Heaven and of All the Earth, Christ among us is the proof of Your love for us and the model for how to live as an inclusive community of faith. Let us now do the work to rid the world of prejudice and hate by reconciling ourselves with others, planting seeds of kindness and tolerance, and returning real or perceived insults and injuries with forgiveness. We ask this through Jesus, the Rock of our Salvation, and the Holy Spirit, the Sustainer of our souls, who live and reign with You, One God, Fount of all that is infinite and eternal.  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: Box of Chocolates or Can of Worms? 2nd Sunday in Lent, '17 Yr A

for Sunday, March 12, 2017, 2^nd Sunday in Lent, Year A, Readings: Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17 

      So Abram went, as the LORD had told him... [Genesis 12:4a]

      I lift my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come? My help comes from the LORD; the maker of heaven and earth. [Psalm 121:1-2]

      Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness...For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham...through the law but through the righteousness of faith. [Romans 4:3b, 13]

      If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?...For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. [John 3:12, 16]

            Just what is Faith? In secular terms it can be defined as belief in something without evidence, confidence in something or someone, a specific set of religious beliefs... The linguistic roots of the word are loyalty and trust. Blind Faith is often seen as lacking in understanding or perception, acceptance without question, even an unwillingness to question for fear of confusion. Yet what is faith without examination? How do I know if I have faith, enough faith, the right kind of faith - is it enough to accept what the priest, minister, rabbi, guru, televangelist tells me? It must have been easier for Abram who became Abraham - God said "Go" and he went. God told Abraham (later on) to sacrifice his son Isaac, and he prepared to do just that.   

         Prophets of Old and Theologians from then til now from every type, kind, sect, or denomination of religion or personal practice with "religious" overtones, have been doing the hard work of study and interpretation in order that we might understand our own level of faith when we listen to sermons, read a daily meditation, or just believe because. Paul, in his various letters, has clarified and confounded what it means to have faith. In the 11th chapter of his letter to the Hebrews he outlines the meaning of faith by giving examples of the actions of those who believed. But we know from the study of plain ol' history, that people of faith - Christians, Jews, Muslims, or any group outside and contrary to the plans of a ruling authority, have suffered - and continue to suffer - mind-boggling inhuman tortures. That alone is enough to dispel, for me, the notion of a magic God who is in complete control and relieves me of any responsibility to think or question. But even when I'm attempting to discern the difference between faith and superstition, myth and history, doctrine and dogma, the only thing I'm certain of is uncertainty as to the specifics of how, when, where, why I'm here and the planet/universes/cosmos exists - that said, I am certain that there are forces beyond my comprehension at work. Scientific, sure; Divine, I think so but I am wary of creating God in my own image, making it easier for me to accept or dismiss depending upon my mood on a given day. It's been said that if I can define God, that god is too small.  I am also sure that living either in unfailing faith or with total lack thereof is impossible for anyone who awakens in the morning. It's hard work, this faith stuff, an epic rabbit hole. If I ask for proof am I not doubting?  If I don't see it can I believe it? Ask Thomas (John 20:24-29).

      So, one conclusion is that faith, at best, is a conundrum. What it may be for you is likely not what it is for me - and as one tries to explain or merely understand, it may be described either as a box of chocolates or a can of worms. I know what I prefer but on the other hand, chocolate makes everything taste better, especially in Lent. 

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O LORD, our Maker and our Help, sustain us in our flawed and uncertain attempts in faith, that we may be intentional in our efforts and earnest in our desire to live in this life as preparation for eternal life with You.

                                                God of All that is                                         

RESPONSE:           Deliver us from doubt

~ O LORD, our Maker and our Help, we implore You to guide the leaders of all governments across this Earth, this Nation, and this Community to genuine clarity of judgment and sincere charity of spirit. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God of All that is

                                                Deliver us from doubt

                                               

~ O LORD, our Maker and our Help, we lift our eyes to You and ask relief for those who are ailing in body, mind, or spirit, for Your encouragement for all who will take their first breath and those who will take their last, and for respite for those who give care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                God of All that is

                                                Deliver us from doubt

           

~ O LORD, our Maker and our Help, comfort grieving hearts with a foretaste of the joy and celebration now enfolding those who have crossed over into new life, forever abiding in You. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                God of All that is

                                                Deliver us from doubt

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

                                                God of All that is

                                                Deliver us from doubt

           

~ O LORD, our Maker and our Help, nourish all who lead Your Church with the unchangeable Truth of Your Presence within and without, as they guide and walk with us toward Salvation through Christ. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God of All that is

                                                Deliver us from doubt

                                                                                                        

The Celebrant adds: Living and Eternal God, You promise us life unending and love without limit for the mere price of our enduring faith. Instill in us a willingness to examine, deepen, and expand our faith in these reflective days of Lent and beyond in any and all lands to which we are called. We ask this through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and Your Holy Spirit, our Sanctifier, who live and reign with You, One God, now and for evermore.  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: Jesus, Resistor; First Sunday in Lent '17, Yr A

For Sunday, March 5, 2017, First Sunday in Lent, Year A, Readings: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Psalm 32, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11

       Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and did not conceal my guilt. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin."  [Psalm 32:6-7]

      For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ...the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness... [Romans 5:15b, 17b]

      The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" [Matthew 4:3-4]

      

          Here we are at the First Sunday in* Lent, a season of prayer, reflection, and repentance. The word repent in Biblical Hebrew is represented by two verbs: to return and to feel sorrow. And in the post-Resurrection New Testament of Christianity, it can be defined as: to think differently after; a change of mind and heart. Our Forty Days of Lent, mirrors Moses’ time on Mt. Sinai and Jesus' time in the Wilderness. Unlikely as it is that many of us will find ourselves in an actual wilderness for these forty days, it still is a time to take ourselves away symbolically for a few minutes or more each day. We can look for ways to simplify our wants in this temporal life, to dig down into our deepest selves to find the living Presence of God in Christ within us, to seek and experience a change in mind and heart, to feel sorrow for our sins, and to return to living as God intends. It is far less about giving up some thing/habit/piece of chocolate or beer, and more about taking on a spiritual practice to discover again, or for the first time, what true life is all about and how to live it in an authentically Christian way.  

        Today's Gospel reminds us of Jesus' confrontation with the Devil.  How many of us would be able to resist all that was offered? And later he resisted the threats and attempts at political inducements and stood firm in the face of execution. Am I that strong, do I have to be?!   
        Resistance builds on itself and looks ahead rather than in the heat of a moment. When we summon the strength through the grace of God to resist even mild temptation, we invite the spiritual growth that gives us ever increasing strength and grace to resist more, and so, to grow into the Life in Christ that beckons us. Lent is the perfect time to examine the temptations and distractions, the emptiness of some activity in our lives, and discover, through prayer and reflection, meditation, etc., within small groups or on one's own, how we can bolster our ability to resist evils small and big and bigger. Whether through a Lenten study guide online or in hand, the practice of Morning and Evening Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer or another source, or the daily reading of Scripture, among many other ways, one small step after another begins the journey. The more we resist the glitter and lure of the temporary earthly delight, the less prone we will be to sliding into the cold chill of the shadows of sin, leaving behind the warmth and grace of God's embrace and the fortitude of Christ within us. Jesus, ultimate Resistor of temptation, give me strength.

* FYI: The Sundays in the Season of Lent do not “count” in the time span of 40 days which is why the heading is the Xst/th Sunday in Lent rather than of Lent. The Sundays of Epiphany or Advent do count in the time up to their Holy occasions, Christmas and Epiphany. The Sundays beyond the Epiphany and also Pentecost are noted as the ___ Sunday after.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O LORD, our God, persuade our souls to realize and accept the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness through Your Law and our Redemption by Christ. Let us praise You by our actions in faith.

                                              God of Mercy                                     

RESPONSE:             To You we confess and begin again

~ O LORD, our God, awaken the ability of those who hold leadership positions in our World, our Nation, and our Community, to forsake the temptations and vanity of the power of power, that they may govern with integrity, equity, and truth. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God of Mercy

                                                To You we confess and begin again

                                               

~ O LORD, our God, sustain the faith and dispel the despair of all who are chronically ill in body, mind, or spirit, and of all who attend to their needs. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                God of Mercy

                                                To You we confess and begin again

           

~ O LORD, our God, ground our grief in the hope of eternal life and joy, reunited with all who now live again in glory with You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God of Mercy

                                                To You we confess and begin again

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

                                                God of Mercy

                                                To You we confess and begin again

           

~ O LORD, our God, fortify and energize all who are anointed to bring us Your Word and Sacraments. As they  guide us in faith, we walk together toward wholeness in You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God of Mercy

                                                To You we confess and begin again

                                                                                                        

The Celebrant adds:  Most Holy Creator, You sent Jesus into a world of temptation, trial, and travesty, not so different than our world of today. Accepting obedience to Your Law, he triumphed over all the enticements, seductions, and illusions we face each day. As we begin our own 40 days of reflection and repentance, purify our hearts and fill us with eagerness to turn our lives always toward You. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Great High Priest, and the Holy Spirit, our Sanctifier, who reign with You, as our 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

Prayers of the People: Big Bright Cloudy Mountains, Last Sunday after Epiphany '17 Yr A

For Sunday, February 26, 2017, 8^th/Last Sunday after Epiphany, Year A, Readings: Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9

       The Lord said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain... and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction...The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days... [Exodus 24: 12, 16a]

       For [Jesus] received honor and glory from God...We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven...So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the morning star rises in your hearts...no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 
[2 Peter 1:17a, 18a, 19, 21]

       Six days later, Jesus...led them up a high mountain...and he was transfigured before them and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white...While [Peter] was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" ...they fell to the ground...overcome by fear. But Jesus...touched them saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." [Matthew 17:1a, 2, 5, 6b, 7]

       The first reading and the Gospel for this Sunday make significant references to the cloud, first covering and settling on Mt. Sinai when Moses went up to receive The Law, and next, the cloud that overshadows those assembled on the Mount of Transfiguration and from which God spoke. These particular kinds of clouds, in which God is present, are known in Judaism as the Shekinah - a feminine Hebrew word for a name of God. It also translates to "settling or dwelling of the Divine Presence."
       In the Second Letter of Peter, we have an eyewitness account of Christ in the moment of Transfiguration, which has been called a foreshadowing of the Second Coming. Peter seeks to lay to rest all false teaching saying We did not follow cleverly devised myths in verse 16, and later implores us to be attentive...until the morning star rises in your hearts. 
       On Mt. Tabor (the traditional site of the Transfiguration), God speaks from the cloud that envelopes Jesus saying again, as at his Baptism, This is my Son, my Beloved, in whom I am well pleased; and adds in the Gospel account for the benefit and the chosen disciples - and us - listen to him! 

       The 13^th century Italian theologian Thomas Aquinas considered this miraculous moment as the greatest of the miracles of Jesus as it corresponds to the 5 most significant events in his life, the other 4 being: Baptism, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension.  It was at this moment, the Transfiguration of Christ, at the top of the mountain, that Human and Divine meet, when Jesus is the connector between heaven and earth, when the temporal and eternal spark a dazzling display of transcendent Majestic Glory, all in the sight of the chosen disciples who then bear witness to the prophecy confirmed. 
       Here, then, from upon those Big, Bright, Cloudy Mountains, is a simple yet complex formula for our human experience: Read and Listen. God wrote the Law on the stone tablets for our instruction and, given all the shining and dazzling glory, it is clear that we are urged to listen to Jesus until the day dawns and the morning star rises in our hearts. How perplexing for Moses, Peter, James, and John in their moments, and not always easy in our own. But Jesus tells us, do not be afraid. Let us go forward together in the Divine Presence of God in Christ.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of Light and Glory, upon Your Sacred Mountains you gave Moses the Law for our instruction and transfigured Your Beloved Son, Jesus, as our model for life. Rise in our hearts as the morning star, and enfold us in Your Holy Cloud of All-Knowing.

                                                Most Holy Lord

RESPONSE:             Let our prayers ascend to You

~ O God of Light and Glory, uncloud the minds and transform the hearts of the leaders of this Planet, this Nation, and this Community, that they will enable legislation with justice tempered with mercy for all. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Most Holy Lord

                                                Let our prayers ascend to You

                                               

~ O God of Light and Glory, embrace all who are seriously ill, weary, or anxious, and bless those give them strength of body and heart with their care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Most Holy Lord

                                                Let our prayers ascend to You

           

~ O God of Light and Glory, our Beacon of Hope in the dark times of mourning, give us comfort in knowing that the souls of those who have gone before us are now bathed in the dazzling glory of the Transfigured Christ. We pray especially for: add your own petitions  

                                                Most Holy Lord

                                                Let our prayers ascend to You

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

                                                Most Holy Lord

                                                Let our prayers ascend to You

           

~ O God of Light and Glory, rejuvenate and sustain those You have given to us as the leaders of Your Church, and help them remember that they may also follow and take refuge in Your wisdom and counsel.   We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Most Holy Lord

                                                Let our prayers ascend to You

                                                                                                        

The Celebrant adds:  O Lord our God, You enjoin us to “listen” to the Transfigured Christ who himself told us “do not be afraid.”  Disperse the clouds of our own making that we may hear the Radiant Christ in our hearts, and strive to follow Your Law with courage and conviction in community with one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus Your Beloved Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, 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

Prayers of the People: Persist with Love, 7th Sunday after Epiphany Yr A '17

For Sunday, February 19, 2017, 7th Sunday after Epiphany, Year A, Readings: Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18, Psalm 119:33-40, 1 Cor 3:10-11,16-23, Matthew 5:38-48

       Speak to all the congregation... and say to them: You shall be holy for I the Lord your God am holy...You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge...but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. [Leviticus 19:1-2, 10, 18]

      Incline my heart to your decrees and not to unjust gain. Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless. [Psalm 119:36-37]

      Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells within you? ... God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.  [1 Corinthians 3:16, 17b]

      Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you...if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also...You have heard it said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate you enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...for if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?"  [Matthew 5:38, 39b, 43-44, 46]

      We come now to another segment of the Sermon on the Mount. Going far beyond the familiar Beatitudes, Jesus had much more to say in his gathering in the Galilee. This week Jesus reinterprets the Ten Commandments, not in opposition, but rather, by expansion. This is his new teaching that outlines our path to salvation. In expanding God’s own statement in Leviticus 19:18 to love your neighbor as yourself, we are commanded to care for God's people - “them” and “us”.  We are to love them, and by extension our selves, by not stealing, defrauding, reviling, slandering, hating, or taking vengeance, and so on. Love those who love us, but mostly love those who don't - our enemies, our persecutors, the evildoers. Turn the other cheek? Oh sure, and we’ll likely get slapped again! [for more on the context of what to do with your cheek and why clink on the link: Walter Wink on Turning the Other Cheek] 

      It seems that there is almost as much satisfaction in retaliation as there is in love, perhaps even more in current society when violent reaction by physical and/or social media smack-down is instantaneous and frequently viscious. How are we supposed to love everyone and not respond in kind to a disagreement, a threat, or a despicable action? Of course, loving is never free of pain or difficulty. However, we aren’t called to like our neighbors, or agree with every thought or opinion. Who in your life that you truly love – child, parent, spouse, friend – do you always like?

      American Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, writing in his book Life of Christ in 1958, speaks to our present times when he said: Why turn the other cheek? Because hate multiplies like a seed… And Gandhi said, An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. But the practical question remains, how do we love people we don't like and who don't like us? Perhaps we can start by at least accepting the concept if only because it’s what Jesus is telling us to do, and then work up to trying it. Paul reminds us that we each are God's Temple, that means so are they. It's a very tough sell, especially in these times of instant gratification by whatever means possible. But, if we only ever fight back, we dig in, and we never move out of the hole we dig deeper and deeper for ourselves and the world around us. It does not mean that we unequivocally accept all difficult or dangerous behavior passively. So, we MUST pray.....without ceasing….. and work, together, with and for each other on ways to respond as CHRISTians.

       This week's assignment: Love our neighbors as ourselves, turn our eyes from what is worthless, remember that we and those "others" are God's Temple; oh, and don't forget to turn the other cheek when slapped. Pray for the courage to persist with love in responding thoughtfully, positively, pro-actively, and practically, rather than react in haste, hate, and impulse.  Easy, right? Not. At. All.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Holy LORD, our God, You exhort us to love our neighbors, as if they were ourselves, with every action of our lives. Expand our willingness to see each other, and ourselves, as the living Temples of Your Spirit and Grace, by following the path of Your Commandments.

                                       O Christ, our Sure Foundation                                 

RESPONSE:             Incline our hearts to Your Teaching

~ Holy LORD, our God, infuse the marrow of every leader and member of government throughout our World, our Country, and our Community, with the ethical intent to do justice, to have mercy, and to govern with compassion, working together according to Your Way. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O Christ, our Sure Foundation

                                                Incline our hearts to Your Teaching

                                               

~ Holy LORD, our God, ease the distress for those who are sick, injured, or afraid, and for those who selflessly aid and comfort them.  We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                O Christ, our Sure Foundation

                                                Incline our hearts to Your Teaching

           

~ Holy LORD, our God, soften the grief for all who are bereft, as Your glorious gates receive our beloved, now joyfully alive again with You for all eternity. We pray especially for: add your own petitions 

                                                O Christ, our Sure Foundation

                                                Incline our hearts to Your Teaching

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

                                                O Christ, our Sure Foundation

                                                Incline our hearts to Your Teaching

           

~ Holy LORD, our God, we ask Your blessings on those who lead us in Your Church, that they may be revitalized and enlivened, as they enlighten us with the ways to turn, not merely the other cheek, but our entire being toward You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O Christ, our Sure Foundation

                                                Incline our hearts to Your Teaching

                                                                                                        

The Celebrant adds:  O God of Grace and Glory, be ever constant in Your presence and keep us ever faithful to our souls’ Foundation. Guide us toward having the charity of heart and the strength of character to be as giving of our love as we are eager to receive it. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

    

    

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