Prayers of the People: Difficult Simplicity 4th Sunday after Epiphany '17 Yr A

For Sunday, January 29, 2017, 4th Sunday of Epiphany, Year A, Readings: Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12

        [God] has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? [Micah 6:8]

       Lord, who...may abide upon your holy hill? Whoever leads a blameless life...does what is right...speaks the truth from his heart...[with] no guile upon his tongue...does no evil to a friend ...does not heap contempt upon his neighbor...in his sight the wicked is rejected...honors those who fear the Lord...he has sworn to do no wrong...does not take back his word...does not give his money in hope of gain...does [not] take a bribe against the innocent... 
[Psalm 15]

      But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. [1 Corinthians 1:27-29]

      When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: "Blessed are..." [Matthew 5:1-12]

      The Sermon on the Mount, is recorded in Matthew as the first public act of Jesus and we will follow this first sermon for the next several weeks. This week we hear the Beatitudes in concert with the words of Micah, the Psalmist, and Paul speaking to the church in Corinth, all giving an outline and direction in the ways in which to follow God as God wills and, from the Gospel, to become fully Christian. 
     These Beatitudes, or state of blessedness, are qualities of life that describe what we are to actively work toward as we humbly submit ourselves to the will of God. These eight Beatitudes are not describing eight different groups of people, but rather the states of being that we each may manifest within our lives, the attributes of true discipleship. They name our blessings and the corresponding reward for faithfulness. Jesus lets us know we are blessed in the first part of his sermon so that we are uplifted. As his teachings continue, we know we will be enfolded and sustained by these blessings whenever life turns difficult as long as we are doing all we can to live into the spirit of these states of being.
      As I ponder all the readings for this week, I want to experience the message of God, the Psalmist, Paul, and Jesus and actively improve the areas in my life that need some remedial work in doing justice, letting go of contempt for others, recognizing my weaknesses, and being more constructive in peace-making, among all the other ideals listed.  
      The instructions we are given in these readings are quite simple at first glance. Do this, do that, and all will be well except that these directions seem to be more about being than doing, attitude more than activity but both are necessary. Salvation would be so easy to attain if only simplicity wasn't so difficult.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God on High, Source of All Life, refine and purify our hearts that we may recognize our blessings, choose to be and do with our lives as You require, and walk with You as the embodiment of justice, kindness, and humility.

                                               

                                                Lord of Hope and Joy

RESPONSE:             Strengthen our trust in You

~ O God on High, Source of All Life, attend to those who present themselves in the temples of government in our World, in our Country, and in our Community.  Fill their souls with Your wisdom, truth, and mercy, and divert them from paths of war, greed, and inhumanity. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Lord of Hope and Joy

                                                Strengthen our trust in You

                                               

~ O God on High, Source of All Life, we ask for Your healing for all who are seriously ill, anxious, or exhausted, and for those who tend to their needs. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Lord of Hope and Joy

                                                Strengthen our trust in You

           

~ O God on High, Source of All Life, turn us from grief as those we mourn are set now free in everlasting peace and a new life in the fullness of Your Salvation and Glory. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Lord of Hope and Joy

                                                Strengthen our trust in You

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

                                                Lord of Hope and Joy

                                                Strengthen our trust in You

           

~ O God on High, Source of All Life, grant continuous discernment, wisdom, and prophetic understanding to those who guide Your Church, and to us who worship within it. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Lord of Hope and Joy

                                                Strengthen our trust in You

                                                                                                        

The Celebrant adds:  Holy Lord of the highest Mountains and the lowest Valleys, draw us close to experience Your Presence in each moment, in our success and in our failing, as we strive to seek Your favor and follow Your will in all that we are and all that we do. We ask through the blessings of Christ Jesus, our Redeemer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our Counselor, who together with You are our One God, now and through eternity.  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: Go Fish, 3rd Sunday after Epiphany Yr A '17

For Sunday, January 22, 2017, 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, Year A, Readings: Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 5-13, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, 
Matthew 4:12-23

     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]

    The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then should I fear...Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. [Psalm 27:1a, 10]

    Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. [1 Corinithians 1:10]

    As [Jesus] walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers...casting a net into the sea ~ for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." ...Jesus went throughout Galilee...proclaiming the good news of the kingdom... [Matthew 4:18-19, 23]

     Sometimes, even the smallest amount of good news feels like a small ray of light in the darkness that fosters the hope that things will get better. Sometimes, even that tiny beam of light is very difficult to find and only on faith ~ shaky as it can be ~ will we find the ability to keep moving forward into the always unknown. Isaiah and the Psalmist remind us that the Light is always there even when we feel lost in the shadows. 

      Paul is speaking to us in our own time through his letter to the Church in Corinth: be in agreement...no divisions among us...be united in the same mind and the same purpose and even more appropriate to now, he warns us not to divide Christ. How many Christian denominations out shout one another as the only source for the "true" message of Jesus? How incredibly difficult is it to heal divisions in political opinion let alone in religious? In these often dark and dreary times, in a world seemingly gone mad with violence in action and in words, we are called to put aside our ideological differences and follow the message of Christ's Gospel: love God, love our neighbors as ourselves, proclaim his Gospel, his good news of the kingdom, in all we do and say. 

      Jesus called the soon-to-be disciples away from their fishing boats and nets to follow him and become fishers of people. What does that mean for us? The fisher-folk that I know often start in the darkness of the early morning and insist on being quiet as they wait on the shore, wade into a stream, or move across the water in a small boat waiting for the bait to attract and catch the fish. Even in the darkest moments of life, let us each seek the Light within ourselves however faint and distant it seems. Let us allow ourselves to be reeled into the net that Jesus has set for us, as only when we ourselves are caught can we inhabit the Word, and begin to attract others to the splendid shore of Salvation. Oh, and we can be quiet yet open ~ we'll catch more, or lose more, by our ways and attitudes; we do not need to be eloquent, just sincere. Time again to follow Jesus, our Captain, with the help of the Holy Spirit, our Navigator. Time to go fish!  

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Jesus, our Light and our Salvation, grant us the desire to be proclaimers of Your Good News, to beckon the world to Your Shore, and to be among those caught up in the nets of Your Saving Grace and Glory.

                                               
                                                  Hear us, O Lord

RESPONSE:           Have mercy and answer us

~ Jesus, our Light and our Salvation, inspire and transform the wills of all who govern the peoples of this World, this Country, and this Community, to ensure the care of our planet and the well-being of all humanity through peace, equality, and sustenance. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Hear us, O Lord

                                                Have mercy and answer us

                                               

~ Jesus, our Light and our Salvation, heal the hearts, minds, and bodies of all who are ill, weary, or frightened, and give comfort to all who offer care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Hear us, O Lord

                                                Have mercy and answer us

           

~ Jesus, our Light and our Salvation, banish the gloom of bereavement for all who mourn, as You joyfully embrace those who live again in Your glorious and eternal paradise. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Hear us, O Lord

                                                Have mercy and answer us

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

                                                Hear us, O Lord

                                                Have mercy and answer us

           

~ Jesus, our Light and our Salvation, excite again the spirits of all who lead us in Your Church and exhort us to live in and carry forward the power of Your Cross in our lives. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Hear us, O Lord

                                                Have mercy and answer us

                                                                                                        

The Celebrant adds:  O God our Refuge and our Strength, endow us in our own day with faithfulness and fortitude to be united with one purpose and one mind as devoted messengers of Your Word and Sacrifice. We ask through Jesus, the Captain of our ship, and the Holy Spirit, our Navigator, who with You are our 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: Hide or Seek? 2nd Sunday after Epiphany, MLK '17 Yr A

For Sunday, January 15, 2017, 2nd Sunday of Epiphany, MLK  Yr A, Readings: Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-12, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42

   The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. [Isaiah 49:1b]

    He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. [Psalm 40:3a]

    ...just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you -- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift...He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Corinthians 1:6-7a, 8]

    "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"...The two disciples heard [John] say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following he said to them, "What are you looking for?" [John 1:29b, 37-38a]

         Fresh from his Baptism, Jesus is identified as the Lamb of God by John the Baptizer to two of his own disciples. As he is then followed by these men, Jesus turns and asks, What are you looking for? Andrew, one of those men, spends the day listening and then takes his brother Simon to Jesus saying, We have found the Messiah. Simon, now known to us as Peter, struggled often with the message of Jesus, but even in the face of enormous obstacles, defeats, trials and tribulations, he carried on and carried the message forward along with his brother Andrew and the others who joined them. Yet as I read or listen to the Scripture passages, two thousand+ year old events don't always have much of an impact on my daily thoughts and actions. However this question, What are you looking for?, caught my attention as we are now at the beginning of this new year, with a new political climate, and as we prepare to celebrate - some more than others - the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
         While the significance of the impact of Dr. King's work and words is undisputed, the echoes of his voice are slowly fading nearly 50 years after his death, a reason to be grateful to a Congress of the past that designated the anniversary of his birth as a Federal Holiday. And, it must be said, various groups were not, and still are not, a fan of this particular recognition, but it holds. Sometimes, as with Christmas and Easter, we are more likely to pay attention to a date on a calendar to be reawakened, to listen again and hear anew, to take a step forward.

         In times when certainty has been upended and the status quo is now status unsure, it is critical that we carry Dr. King's message forward to uphold people of all colors, creeds, national origin, sexual orientation, and for any reason that any one is targeted for oppression, brutality, bullying, and discrimination. We are all equal in the Eyes and Heart of God. And, as Dr. King said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."  Jesus, expanding on the traditional Judaic prayer, the Shema Yisrael, tells us in the Gospel of Mark [12:29-31], "The first commandment is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." Nowhere in either Dr. King's writings or in the words of Jesus does it say we have to "like" everyone. But it is clear from both, that we are to care, love, and protect others from hate and hateful acts, even if there is no thanks or even appreciation. But no good action is wasted and what we give out we will receive back. 
       What is your dream for this New Year - will you hide from whatever discomforting challenges may be ahead? Or will you seek opportunities to see yourself in others, step out and step up in uncertainty, and discover that part of yourself is actually what you're looking for?

click here for a short video of the I Have A Dream speech excerpt - Martin Luther King, Jr 1963

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of Compassion, You called us before we were born and named us in the womb. You gave us a new song and too often we sing it out of tune using our words instead of Yours. Help us to learn and live Your words and will, and keep Your Law in our hearts.

                                               

                                                Jesus, Lamb of God

RESPONSE:             Strengthen us to follow Your Words and Will

~ O God of Compassion, grant us the willingness to stand firm in the face of ruling authorities on this Earth, in our Country, and in our Community, to ensure that strength and power are not spent for vanity, but only to restore the dignity and well-being of every person on this planet. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Jesus, Lamb of God

                                                Strengthen us to follow Your Words and Will

                                               

~  O God of Compassion, send Your Holy Spirit to give hope and healing to all who are sick, troubled, or weary of this life, and to those who care for and about them. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Jesus, Lamb of God

                                                Strengthen us to follow Your Words and Will

~ O God of Compassion, lift the veil of tears from those who grieve, as Your Holy Lamb enfolds our loved ones in the grace, peace, and joy of Eternity. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Jesus, Lamb of God

                                                Strengthen us to follow Your Words and Will

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

                                                Jesus, Lamb of God

                                                Strengthen us to follow Your Words and Will

           

~ O God of Compassion, inspire all leaders of Your Church to know, feel, and share the dream of Your Servant, Martin, as we seek and serve the Christ in our midst and in every person inside and outside of our temples of worship. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Jesus, Lamb of God

                                                Strengthen us to follow Your Words and Will

                                                                                                        

The Celebrant adds:  Almighty God, as Jesus asks, “What are you looking for?” hasten our hearts to answer that we seek the courage to join the example of Your Servant, Martin Luther King, Jr., in his compelling certainty that together we can work for freedom from fear, oppression, and intolerance. Embolden us to carry this vision forward, to know and share the peace and freedom of Your Salvation. We ask through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and our spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit, who together with You, live and reign, our One God, today, always, 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: 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.