Prayers of the People: Speak Up, 10th Sunday after Pentecost

for Sunday, August 17, 2014, 10th Sunday after Pentecost, Readings: Gen 45:1-15, Ps 133: 1-6, Romans 11: 1-2, 28-32; Mt 15:10-28

      It is definitely not my job to decide who is the right type to be chosen, that is all God's domain and God chooses even those I don't think are right. But it is my job to speak up and out, loudly and with conviction, persistently and continuously to God and to everyone else whenever a wrong must be righted, a truth must be told, and a life must be saved. Giving voice to our faith, speaking the good of our hearts through the opening of our mouths, let us do our jobs to care for our children and, for anyone who is a child of God. Let the crumbs fall where they may.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of Immutable Mercy, in an us and them world, You choose everyone as Your beloved. Grant us the inner peace and self-assurance to see others as ourselves, and know they, too, are fully and completely Yours, and never, ever discarded.
 

                               Jesus, Son of God, Master of The Table

RESPONSE:    You gather us All and from our hearts, let our mouths speak out in Faith

~ O God of Immutable Mercy, help us find the ways to reach the minds and hearts of the leaders of this world, our country, and our community so that as Your people, we can all live together as kindred souls in unity. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                           Jesus, Son of God, Master of The Table

                           You gather us All and from our hearts, let our mouths speak out in Faith

                       

~ O God of Immutable Mercy, with Your precious oil of love and comfort, anoint those caught in the pit of despair, illness, and pain, and preserve the health and patience of those who give care. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                           Jesus, Son of God, Master of The Table

                           You gather us All and from our hearts, let our mouths speak out in Faith

~ O God of Immutable Mercy, allay the pain of the grieving and give peace to their aching hearts. Their loved ones are received with the ecstatic grace of everlasting life in You and so we pray especially for: add your own petitions
 

                           Jesus, Son of God, Master of The Table

                           You gather us All and from our hearts, let our mouths speak out in Faith

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

                           Jesus, Son of God, Master of The Table

                           You gather us All and from our hearts, let our mouths speak out in Faith

~ O God of Immutable Mercy, we ask an extra measure of blessing for our clergy for the innumerable ways they care for us and work to strengthen our faith in You. As they teach us how to listen and understand all that You intend in our lives, help us show our thanks and gratitude for theirs. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                           Jesus, Son of God, Master of The Table

                           You gather us All and from our hearts, let our mouths speak out in Faith

The Celebrant adds:  LORD of Blessing, LORD of Life, please show us the way to each other, as we, Your children, struggle with the wars and discords among us. We ask Your special grace through Jesus, our Redeemer, and, the Holy Spirit, our Soul Guide, who with You, are One God, now and forever.   Amen.



 

Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Meditation Moments: I See It!

When one door closes, another opens: but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.         ~Alexander Graham Bell* [1847-1922]

Well, admittedly over the years there have been quite a few closed doors that I have gazed at longingly, regretfully, sadly, even wantonly, and one or two I still peek back at over my shoulder. But I do work at keeping my feet moving forward and eventually my heart and head catch up. At the moment, I see a door that has opened and beckons me. The sign on it reads clearly:

V A C A T I O N

and I am heading straight for it!  No major travel plans this year, mostly a few day trips here and there, a little catching up with some this and that which may inspire some future writing, but the highlight is having a whole week with my (aged 9 1/2) Favorite Oldest Granddaughter all to myself and we will have some memorable adventures!   

 

SO, Dear Reader, I'm taking a little time off from just the everyday posting. The Prayers of the People will still arrive weekly and I expect to be back more regularly by mid-September, if not sooner. In the meantime, scroll back through and check out some posts you may have missed.  And please let me know if you have any suggestions for future Meditation Moments. And who knows, I may interrupt myself if I feel so inspired. 

 

BIG THANKS to all of you who have commented, emailed, requested prayers, and shared what I've written!  Stay tuned, and until then, this link's for you:  See You in September







*Alexander Graham Bell - as if you didn't know - is credited with inventing the first practical telephone. But maybe you weren't aware that he was a Scotland born inventor, engineer, and innovator, and both of his parents were profoundly deaf spurring  his scientific interest in hearing devices and elocution. He developed many other inventions in the fields of optical telecommunications, hydrofoils, and aeronautics, among others.  He later regarded the telephone as an intrusion in his scientific work and refused to have one in his study.  Bell was a founding member of the National Geographic Society in 1888.  


Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Meditation Moments: WWNMD?

I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death. ― Nelson Mandela* [1918-2013] 

Well, God, 
        If I'm planning a self-indulgent pity party of the poor me variety and the world news isn't enough to divert me, then it's time to read Mandela. All the usual descriptors apply - inspiring, heroic, determined, etc. - and, he ascended to heights well above anything that seemed remotely possible. So, Creator of Excessively Amazing People, could I have just a touch of what You gave Madiba? His own words certainly say more than mine can and I need to read them often. His life story is the very definition of hope. Will You please nudge me when I'm slowly sinking into my own stuff? (although a nudge might not be enough - sometimes I need You to shove me into the next room) 
        I need to be more optimistic, even if I have to work hard to achieve it. Nelson is a tremendous role model - he was flawed, brilliant, and tenacious. It's comforting to know that even he had his dark and doubtful moments - he was no saint but a real flesh and blood person. We all have our trials in life but rare is the example of such perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity. And because of his story, I can walk a bit more briskly into the face of whatever comes. I can change my address to Hope Street and, in addition to wondering What Would Jesus Do to decide my next course, I can add What Would Nelson Mandela Do to the equation. I don't pretend to have any real idea what either one would actually do, but at least with the inspiration of both, I have a head start into moving forward with my "head pointed toward the sun."  amen.


*Nelson Mandela, revolutionary, politician, philanthropist, duly democratically elected first black President of South Africa after 27 years of imprisonment for sedition, treason, and sabotage. If you do not know his story - why not? Look it up!




Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Meditation Moments: Changing the Pray-er

The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.
                         ― Søren Kierkegaard [1813-1855]

Dear God, Almighty, Everlasting, and Eternal ~
           Of course I want to influence You. Of course I want You to do what I want You to do. Of course I'm not happy when things don't go my way. Sometimes I get angry. I'm human; it's my nature. SO, if I walk away in anger and blame, am I just acting as a spoiled child who is never satisfied? 
           But eventually I stop and I remember. I have Free Will. I have choices. I can choose to use prayer to demand, require, and exert an ultimatum for a requested outcome and be frustrated and angry when it doesn't come to pass. Or I can exclaim "Thank God!" when something good happens as a cursory nod for the expected. 
           I can also choose to pray through conversation with You to express my wants, needs, and desires, as well as my hopes and fears. When I pray without expecting You to fix or give something in return, I feel less agitated, perhaps no less in need or want, but more comforted from merely knowing You are present, listening, aware. The nature of my prayer becomes a visit with a trusted and cherished Friend who embraces my heart, soothes my soul, and is simply present and available whatever the outcome. And within the visit, through the prayer, I am transformed. I am calmer, I am more composed, and I am ready to work through all that life brings. I, the Pray-er, am changed. amen.  
           



*Søren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic and wrote extensively on Christian Ethics, psychology, and the philosophy of Religion.  He often focused on personal choice and commitment, and, the art of Christian love.


Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Meditation Moments: Decisions on the 8s

If the world were merely seductive, 

that would be easy. 

If it were merely challenging, 

that would be no problem. 

But I arise in the morning
torn between 

a desire to improve the world and 

a desire to enjoy the world. 

This makes it hard to plan the day.

                               ― E.B. White* [1899-1985]




SO:
Volunteer at the Shelter - or - beach day?
Art exhibit - or -  go meet with legislators?
Join Peace Corps - or - theater subscription?

         Well, things aren't quite that cut and dried, are they?  Surely, Creator of Humans and Nature, there is room for all things under the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars. And I do recognize how fortunate I am in even having such choices in my life. The difficulty is that I really do want to make the world a better place but, to be honest, I'm not a willing candidate for martyrdom - should I feel guilty? I do participate with time, energy, and a bit of money in causes that are important to me and I do find time to enjoy the fruits of Your Creation - family, friends, and even solitude. 
         Guide me as I search for the insight to do as I am able where I am needed most, and, the ability to discover the balance between giving of myself and giving to myself. I'll work on beginning and ending each day in prayer - and a bit in the middle as well - and then, maybe, the timing of when to do what will be revealed, without having to shake the Magic 8 Ball for answers.  amen.


*E.B. White, was an American writer for the New Yorker magazine and co-author of The Elements of Style, also known as Strunk and White. He is most famous for a series of children's books and in particular, Charlotte's Web.





Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayers of the People: Getting Our Feet Wet, 9th Sunday after Pentecost

for August 10, 2014, 9th Sunday after Pentecost, Readings: Gen 37:1-4, 12-28; Ps 105: 1-6, 44-45b, 16; Romans 10: 5-15; Mt 14:22-33

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.  Romans 10:12

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  Matthew 14:31-32

            Just as God is Lord of ALL, regardless of human categorization, Jesus calls - requires - us all to be out of the boat to get our feet wet in the realities of life's weather. Trust, faith, and heart will keep us from sinking as the beautiful feet of Jesus walk us toward the calm seas of the Good News.


LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of Everyone and All, You are the Constant who can calm our fears and guide us through the wind and storms of life. Remind us always to leave our boats and reach for You in seas both rough and calm.

 

                              Lord Jesus, our Refuge in Chaos and Peace

RESPONSE:   We seek Your strength and Your presence

~ O God of Everyone and All, let us not be complacent in this harsh world and allow our brothers, our sisters, and our children to languish in the slavery of war and poverty. We must prevail upon the leaders of our world, our country, and our community, to take the measures necessary to restore justice, mercy, and peace, to those who are suffering at home and elsewhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Lord Jesus, our Refuge in Chaos and Peace

                        We seek Your strength and Your presence

~ O God of Everyone and All, send Your tender mercies to those who are struggling with illness, pain, and anxiety, and renew the hope and stamina of those who provide them with care. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Lord Jesus, our Refuge in Chaos and Peace

                        We seek Your strength and Your presence

~ O God of Everyone and All, shelter and lift those sinking in the waves of grief with the comfort of knowing their loved ones are in Your loving embrace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

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

                        Lord Jesus, our Refuge in Chaos and Peace

                        We seek Your strength and Your presence

~ O God of Everyone and All, we give You thanks for those choosing and chosen to live their lives in service to You, and bringing us Your word and wisdom. Grant them spiritual vitality and smooth sailing through all the waters ahead. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                        Lord Jesus, our Refuge in Chaos and Peace

                        We seek Your strength and Your presence

The Celebrant adds:  Holy God, Creator of Earth, Sea, and Sky, invigorate our faith that we may walk with You in every port, on every path, and within our own hearts. Let us eagerly answer Your call with courage and conviction, through tempest and tranquility, through this life and the next. We ask this through Jesus, our Teacher and the Holy Spirit, our Shield, who together with You, live as our One God forever and ever. Amen.

Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.

Meditation Moments: Do I believe that?

I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer.
              ― Douglas Adams* [1952-2001]

Great Spirit of My Soul,

       I seem to ask that question quite a bit though I never seem to get a complete answer from myself. Other people seem very clear, even emphatic, about their beliefs and I often wish I could be. But the truth is, my answers keep changing, and, so, I often wonder why I wonder.

      One of the things about You of which I am certain is that there is You. Another is that You have many titles, many layers, and You are available to me in many, many ways.    

      But...there are the uncertain parts. Is there anything I'm required to believe? There sure are a lot of different ideas about You among people who get very upset, extremely angry, and even start wars if others disagree with them. If You are a Universal God, why do we have to fight about You? It's all in the details, I suppose - who made the rules and who shouts the rules out better. Are their rules all about loving You and each other, or control and manipulation by some earthly representative? 

       I learn more about who You are in my life through personal and communal prayer, by reading and talking about different faith traditions with others, and by looking at the lives of people I think are good models for my life. That helps me when those pesky questions arise. 

       Perhaps the God of those who fight, argue, and demand the most of others is smaller than You are and kept in a manageable box. Do I believe THAT? Why yes, yes I do.  amen.

*Douglas Adams, English born dramatist, humorist, and author, is best known for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a comedic science fiction series of books, tv, movies, computer games, and plays. 
     



Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.