People's Prayers

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Prayers of the People: Palms and Passion, Last Sunday in Lent Yr C

For Sunday, March 20, 2016, Palms and Passion, Last Sunday in Lent, Yr C, Readings: Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Ps 150, Philippians 2:5-11,
Luke 22:39-23:49-56

[Jesus said] "Go into the village...and as you enter you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden... [Luke 19:29a]

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself...humbled himself... [Philippians 2:5-7a,8a]

Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed [the people] again, but they kept shouting, Crucify, crucify him. A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death...But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he

should be crucified; and their voices prevailed." [Luke 23:20-23]

Then a servant-girl, seeing [Peter] in the firelight, stared at him and said, "This man was also with [Jesus]." But he denied it saying, "Woman, I do not know him.] A little later someone else on seeing him said, "You also are one of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not!" Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, "Surely this man was also with him...But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about!" [Luke 22:56-60a]

From the symbolism of the colt/donkey [humility and peace rather than a steed of victory and power], the significance of the palms and cloaks [a sign of highest honor], to our knowing how this week will end, Palm Sunday in its exuberance of procession and the viciousness of the Passion is far more than merely the Sunday before Easter. The tone is set for the journey through Holy Week and in these times of political machinations and murders, violence and betrayal, crowd manipulation and wrangling, I must pay closer attention. It is time for me to acknowledge the moments of my own betrayal of Jesus through denial in thought, word, action, or plain inaction. Turning away from the unpleasant, the insincere, and especially the dangerous may be safer and less stressful in the short run, but, going with the flow by participation or neglect, reaps far more tyranny than standing up to oppression.

Dr. Martin Luther King said, "A time comes when silence is betrayal." That time came for Peter, that time is now for us.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ Christ of Earth and Heaven, in a few short days Your joy-filled entry into Jerusalem to riotous exultations turned to riotous hate-filled betrayal, mirroring the political manipulation of un-informed minds in our own day. Reveal to us the power of love and responsibility we have because of Your sacrifice for us.

Jesus, our Lord, our Messiah

RESPONSE: Our lives, our hope must be in You

~ Christ of Earth and Heaven, let us stand firmly rooted in Your Gospel and call to account all who hold or seek office in the governments of this Earth, this Country, and this Community for the principles of justice, mercy, and peace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Jesus, our Lord, our Messiah

Our lives, our hope must be in You

~ Christ of Earth and Heaven, deliver into wholeness those who suffer through illness, depression, or addiction, and renew the energy of all who provide support. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

Jesus, our Lord, our Messiah

Our lives, our hope must be in You

~ Christ of Earth and Heaven, lift the hearts of all who mourn as those we love are transformed through their joyful and jubilant welcome into gracious eternal life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Jesus, our Lord, our Messiah

Our lives, our hope must be in You

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

Jesus, our Lord, our Messiah

Our lives, our hope must be in You

~ Christ of Earth and Heaven, refresh the hearts and souls of all who are chosen to enliven and encourage our faith that together we find and enter the holy temple of God. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Jesus, our Lord, our Messiah

Our lives, our hope must be in You

The Celebrant adds: Lord God in Christ, permeate our skin, our tissue, and our bones with the magnitude of Your teaching in earthly life, Your sacrifice in horrific death, and the significance of Your glorious resurrection, that we may live humbly, serve You, and bring You into all that we do. We ask in the name of You who redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us, who together with our Creator is 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.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Prayers of the People: Nard Enough, 5th Sunday in Lent, Yr C

For Sunday, March 13, 2016, 5th Sunday in Lent, Year C, Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21, Ps 126, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8

Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters...Do not remember the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth... [Isaiah 43:16, 18-19a]

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed. [Psalm 126:4]

For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things...in order that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. [Philippians 3:8b-9]

Six days before the Passover...Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. [John 12: 1a,3]

The tension is building as if in a novel. Every thought and phrase expressed reveals a clue to what is coming - if we didn't already know. Six days before Passover ~ time is running out. Jesus came to Bethany ~ a scant two miles' walk to Jerusalem. Mary anoints his feet with an expensive perfume made of nard and that sets off Judas and the Gospel writer is very clear about the thieving Iscariot's character and coming betrayal.
The fragrant nard itself is symbolic. It was customary for the household to prepare for the feet of the guests to be washed as a practical and hospitable welcome. This particular perfume was worth a fortune, maybe as much as or more than a year's wages for a worker and this gesture would have seemed quite excessive by normal standards. Of course this was far from a normal moment. Perhaps this was further fuel for Judas to pass on to the assassination plotters, the Chief Priest and Pharisees. But Jesus was clear that Mary's act of love meant more; it was a foreshadowing of his death and burial. The ritual of burial involved precious spices and oils and the anointing of the body always began with the feet.
We know what is coming. Those reclining and serving at table that night did not - save Judas. Yet there is much ahead in the short time Jesus has left. A seemingly small albeit extravagant moment at a gathering of friends, not so much in ordinary times, but it was nard enough to kick off a deadly series of events that changed the world forever. Pay closer attention in the coming readings. Even if very familiar, God is about to do a new thing again and there is much to hear, to learn, and to live.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ O Lord of the Way and the Path, release us from the false piety of mere righteousness in Your law, and awaken us to the freedom of knowing and living each day in Christ and the power of His Resurrection.

O God in Christ Jesus

RESPONSE: Help us to press on in Faith

~ O Lord of the Way and the Path, break down the walls of governments all over this world, this country, and this community, that we may disperse a contagious fragrance of peace, tolerance, justice, and mercy, to all people formed by You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O God in Christ Jesus

Help us to press on in Faith

~ O Lord of the Way and the Path, restore the fortunes of hope to all who are poor in body, mind, or spirit, and revitalize all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

O God in Christ Jesus

Help us to press on in Faith

~ O Lord of the Way and the Path, console those who weep and mourn, as those now returned to the prize of life in You, are celebrated with heavenly shouts of joy. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O God in Christ Jesus

Help us to press on in Faith

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

O God in Christ Jesus

Help us to press on in Faith

~ O Lord of the Way and the Path, enliven the hearts and souls of all who guide us on life’s journey toward eternity, that they may share with us the joy of being Christ's own, even in the darkest of times. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O God in Christ Jesus

Help us to press on in Faith

The Celebrant adds: God of Great Things, seal the wounds of our earthly life with the ointment of Your saving grace; let us be the spring of Your new work in Creation, and shoulder the sheaves of everlasting salvation. We ask through Jesus, our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, our Sanctifier, who together with You reign as One 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.

Monday, February 29, 2016

Prayers of the People: L ST and FOUND, 4th Sunday in Lent, Yr C

For Sunday, March 6, 2016, Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year C, Readings: Joshua 5:9-12, Ps 32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

The Manna ceased on the day [the Israelites] ate the produce of the land... [Joshua 5:12a]

Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away...Great are the tribulations of the wicked; but mercy embraces those who trust in the LORD. [Psalm 32:1, 11]

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away...
[2 Cor 5:17a]

But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found. [Luke 15:32]

The Israelites have finally arrived after wandering through the desert with the daily arrival of manna for sustenance. God brought them through, even after the transgressions of their ancestors, into a new life in the land of Canaan.
Paul tells us that when we find our way to Christ we are made new with the gift of the ministry of reconciliation and he entreats us to be reconciled to God.

And in Luke's Gospel we have the grumbling Pharisees and Scribes complaining of Jesus' dinners with sinners, so he told them the parable of the Father, Son, and Angry Brother, also known as the parable of the Prodigal Son. Yes, yes, we know it inside and out but given that it is still Lent, sacrifice a moment to thoughtfully revisit this ancient story.

Perhaps you had a role-play experience with it at some point and chose one of the 3 characters to live in. If not, try it out. Read as if you are the lowly son and discover his feelings of hunger, fear, regret, and whatever else you might name before and after he humbles himself to return home. Then read again as the welcoming father; know his tears of joy and relief at seeing his son appear in the distance. Once more, as the elder brother. Who of us cannot appreciate his feelings of betrayal, anger, jealousy. He's been steadfast and true and who gets the glory - spoiled little brother, that's who!

The Israelites seemed lost but were always known by God. Yet they must have felt a sense of being "found" when the travel ceased and the new homeland blossomed into food and settlement. We are new again and again when we return to Christ and repent of our sins - not in despair but in the joy of finding wholeness and feeling true of heart. And the Father, Son, and Elder Brother - we have each been all three in one way or another. Let us remember it knowing that God always welcomes us home and always celebrates our return, no matter how many times we wander off as if on our own. And in the darkest times of life amid loss, regret, or hopelessness, God always knows us and forgives us. God is never the one who leaves. Even when we can't forgive ourselves, we are forgiven and redeemed by God - if God can forgive me, who am I not to forgive myself? But we must remember that we cannot find what we do not look for. Seek and the L ST will soon be FOUND and everything old [will have] passed away.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ O God of Mercy, remind our souls of Your eternal, loving Presence and patience. Whether we are lost in the darkness of life, or too immersed in its treasure, You wait for us to turn in Your direction, and rediscover our true selves in You.

Most Faithful Lord

RESPONSE: Your forgiveness always awaits our return

~ O God of Mercy, renew a right spirit of peace, justice, and humanity in ourselves and in all who lobby, legislate, and rule, throughout this World, this Country, and our Community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Most Faithful Lord

Your forgiveness always awaits our return

~ O God of Mercy, restore the hope and wholeness of those who are trapped in the urgencies of serious illness, addiction, or homelessness, and re-double the compassion of all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

Most Faithful Lord

Your forgiveness always awaits our return

~ O God of Mercy, repair the heartfelt wounds of those who mourn, as all of Heaven celebrates and rejoices at the arrival of those who died on earth, and now live again for all eternity. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Most Faithful Lord

Your forgiveness always awaits our return

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

Most Faithful Lord

Your forgiveness always awaits our return

~ O God of Mercy, help us to find refreshment in the fellowship of faith, and walk with those You have called to Your service. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Most Faithful Lord

Your forgiveness always awaits our return

The Celebrant adds: God of the Lost and Found, kindle our desire to reconcile ourselves in Christ as a new creation, and spare us from all that we think we deserve. Grant us the willingness to seek, find, and above all, trust in Your enduring embrace. We ask through Jesus, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Sanctifier, who together with You, are One God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Prayers of the People: What's the Manna? 3rd Sunday in Lent, Yr C

For Sunday, February 28, 2016, 3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C, Readings: Exodus 3:1-15, Ps 63:1-8, 1Cor 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9

There the angel appeared to [Moses] in a flame of fire out of a bush...the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed...When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush..."...Remove your sandals...for the place you are standing on is holy ground." [Exodus 3:2, 4b, 5b]

My soul clings to you, your right hand holds me fast. [Psalm 63:8]

[O]ur ancestors...all ate the same spiritual food and all drank...from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ...Do not become idolaters as some of them did... [1 Corinthians 10:1b, 3b, 4b, 7a]

"Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did"..."A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener...Cut it down!" [The gardener] replied, "Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down."
[Luke 13:2-3, 6-7b, 8]

Jesus seems to have a thing for fig trees. In Mark 11 and Matthew 21 he curses a fig tree that wasn't bearing fruit when he was ready to eat, and in each case it withers. But in his parable here in Luke, the gardener prevails against the owner's wishes to have the fruitless tree cut down, at least temporarily. Of course we don't know what happened the next year, but it is a story ripe for thought. Jesus begins by telling his audience that just because some Galileans suffered doesn't mean they were worse people than others and reminds the listeners - and us - to repent and be saved from their fate. This particular fig tree hasn't borne any fruit and yet the gardener pleads for another chance to save it. That tree may only have the one more year but God's patience with us is never-ending, at least, until THE end.

Paul reminds us that God gave those who Moses brought out of Egypt all the spiritual food and drink they needed and yet, though filled with God's grace and goodness, many failed God through sin and were struck down.

To borrow again from Mark and Matthew, we do not know the day or the hour that God will come for us. Lent seems a perfect time to listen, to hear, and to do a little digging and gardening within ourselves. Jesus, the fruit of Mary's womb, is our own Spiritual Food, the Manna from Heaven in our own lives. Repent - turn toward God, again. Be fruitful and God's grace and favor will multiply within us.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ God, our Creator, before birth You seeded us with Your Divine Plan, and provided us with the spiritual food to bring us to full flower. Guide us from the weeds of worldly complacency to bear the fruit of Your love for all we meet.

Jesus, Manna of our Souls

RESPONSE: Let us cling to You in our repentance

~ God, our Creator, plant our feet deeply in Your Holy Ground that we may not be consumed by the idolatry of political rhetoric that blazes out of control. For all who govern in this world, in this nation, and in this city, or seek to, help us to chart a course out of the wasteland of inhumanity and injustice. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Jesus, Manna of our Souls

Let us cling to You in our repentance

~ God, our Creator, tend the needs of all who are suffering with constant pain, debilitating anxiety, or other life-altering issue, and revive the spirits of their caregivers. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

Jesus, Manna of our Souls

Let us cling to You in our repentance

~ God, our Creator, heal the hearts of those who grieve, as those we have sent home to You now reap the rewards of faith-filled living. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Jesus, Manna of our Souls

Let us cling to You in our repentance

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

Jesus, Manna of our Souls

Let us cling to You in our repentance

~ God, our Creator, we offer our thanksgiving for those anointed as the gardeners of our spiritual growth. Grant them the tools to nurture our roots, as we open ourselves to allow Your work within us to sprout. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Jesus, Manna of our Souls

Let us cling to You in our repentance

The Celebrant adds: Lord of the Eternal Harvest, again and again You give us chances to till the ground of our being, freely prune the sin from our hearts, and repent. Speak to us from within so we may hear again and choose true life with You. We ask through Jesus, our Master Gardener, and the Holy Spirit, our Spark of Life, who together with You reign as One God, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Prayers of the People: Fear Less, Brood More, 2nd Sunday in Lent, Yr C

For Sunday, February 21, 2016, 2nd Sunday in Lent, Year C, Readings: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Ps 27, Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35

The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom then should I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life, of whom then should I be afraid? [Psalm 27:1]

Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me...For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ...Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven... stand firm in the Lord...

[Philippians 3:18a, 19-20a, 4:1b]

Jerusalem, Jerusalem...How often I have desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and you were not willing! [Luke 13:34b]

The Psalmist reminds us of the confidence we can have in God and the comfort we can take in not being fearful in the ordinary moments of life or in the extraordinary, as God is the light in our darkness and our strength in all parts of life.

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," or so said Charles Caleb Colton [1780-1832], an Eton-educated English cleric. And from that perspective, Paul's admonition to imitate him certainly seems boastful and vain. Rather, Paul's true intention is for us to follow his example and model our lives ~ as much as possible ~ on Christ.

Jesus speaks to the possibly well-intentioned Pharisees in a foreshadowing of the three days to come. He tells the city of Jerusalem that she has disappointed him in her unwillingness for her children to be gathered as a hen gathers her brood under his wings. These readings are a reminder for us, in this renewing season of Lent, to be less fearful in our everyday life and not be seeking God in the stuff of earth. Let us willingly gather under the wings of Christ, and be a holy brood awaiting the Blessed one who comes in the name of the Lord.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ O Lord, our Light and our Strength, help us to release ourselves from the fears of earthly concerns, and give witness in our human lives to You, in whom we place our trust.

O Christ, our Savior

RESPONSE: Conform our desire to stand firm in You

~ O Lord, our Light and our Strength, in these wearying times of worldly strife, help us temper our anxieties and boldly speak of peace and justice before the leaders of this world, this nation, and this community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O Christ, our Savior

Conform our desire to stand firm in You

~ O Lord, our Light and our Strength, sustain the faith and hope of all who suffer from the torment of chronic illness, severe addiction, or desperate life circumstance, and fortify the energies of those who provide support. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

O Christ, our Savior

Conform our desire to stand firm in You

~ O Lord, our Light and our Strength, calm the waves of grief for all who are in mourning and fill their hearts with ceaseless joy for those who have reached the shores of Heaven’s eternal splendor. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O Christ, our Savior

Conform our desire to stand firm in You

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

O Christ, our Savior

Conform our desire to stand firm in You

~ O Lord, our Light and our Strength, inspire and enliven the hearts and souls of all who bring us the message and healing of Your Word and Sacraments. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

O Christ, our Savior

Conform our desire to stand firm in You

The Celebrant adds: O Lord our God, transform our willingness to be gathered as Your brood under Your wings and let us be steadfast in claiming heavenly citizenship for everyone, everywhere, in everyday life. We ask through Jesus, Your Beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Fire in our souls, who together with You, are One God, now and beyond eternity. Amen.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Meditation Moment: Fast Slowly, Ash Wednesday February 10, 2016 Yr C

For Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016, Readings: Joel 2:1-2,12-17, or Isaiah 58:1-12, Ps 103: 8-14, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

Look, you serve your own interest
on your fast day,
and oppress all your workers.
Look, you fast only to quarrel and to
fight
and to strike with a wicked fist.
Such fasting as you do today
will not make your voice heard on high.

Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break any yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the
hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into
your house...[Isaiah 58:3b-7]

Lent has arrived! So what!?

The palms from last Palm Sunday have been burned and for those who choose to receive, the imposition of ashes on foreheads is an outward and visible sign of our mortality - from dust we come and to dust we will return. Giving up chocolate or smoking or alcohol or desserts for the 40 days is great but, as we hear in films and TV, "What's your motivation?" The 40 days of Lent mirrors the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness deflecting the temptations of the devil and preparing for his ministry. Also the 40 years of Israelite wanderings being prepared for the reward of God in the Promised Land. Lent is time set aside for us to prepare for all that is to come in the life of Jesus, and, for what is to come in our own lives. It is a perfect time to re-examine our priorities, re-discover our faith and our humanity.
Fasting isn't merely about relinquishing favorite foods, but releasing ourselves from routinized unconscious behaviors, indifference to others, and stockpiling stuff for our earthly existence. Lent is the time to develop a new spiritual routine, spending a little time each day in prayer and meditation, learning more about what our faith truly means to us and finding new ways to express it without embarrassment.
Lent is the time to give up old habits, take on more vigorous spiritual activity and finding Christ-centered resources to help you with everyday life. And, it is time to pray, pray, pray. Many will not observe this time but for those who will: What will be the fast that you choose? Something symbolic or something significant? What will you give up and take on?
Life is short. Lent is shorter but can completely transform your life. Make your fast count in your own life and in the lives of others. Fast slowly and intentionally and consciously. When the Resurrection comes, it will be a new dawn for all of us!

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.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Prayers of the People: Back to the Basics, 1st Sunday in Lent, Yr C

For Sunday, February 14, 1^st Sunday in Lent, Year C, Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Ps 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13

Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the LORD your God has given to you and your house.
[Deuteronomy 26: 11]

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, abides under the shadow of the Almighty. He shall say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust. [Psalm 91:1-2]

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. For, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. [Romans 10: 12-13]

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil...Jesus answered him..."One does not live by bread alone...Worship the Lord your God and serve only him...Do not put the Lord your God to the test."
[Luke 4:1-2a,4b, 8b, 12b]

Temptation. A never-ending human predicament. Many of us face seemingly daunting temptations by food, drink, gambling, sex, drugs, online shopping, and so on, all the time, and while many of us work hard to avoid and overcome them, still as many give up and give way.
Jesus was tempted by the Devil with promises of earthly power and authority. But, of course, he was "full of the Holy Spirit" so it must have been much easier for him, yes? Perhaps, yet as fully human, we can assume that it was no picnic in the park for him.
Our "forty days" of Lent has begun. It is time for us to clean our spiritual house, examine our sense of purpose, know what gets in the way and what and who can help. Life can be very difficult, especially when we feel lost and alone in a cold and dark wilderness of sadness, pain, or rejection and/or over-indulgence of all that is not necessary for sustenance. Let's get back to the basics - God created me, Jesus loves me, the Holy Spirit is my advocate and there are a variety of like-minded communities providing understanding, empathy, and constructive opportunities for spiritual growth - Church is one of them. We hear from all the Scripture this week the resonating theme that God is always there as Creator, as Jesus, and as the Holy Spirit. Time for me to give up the self-serving petty moan and groan, take on a fresh awareness of the Presence of God, and pray for release of the old junk, and renewal of my faith. Even with all of that it is useful to remember You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need! [theology according to the Rolling Stones]

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ O Lord our God, lead us out of the wilderness of earthly temptations, and help us to seek simplicity in life as grace-filled human beings.