Prayers of the People: Wading into The New First Day 1st Sunday after the Epiphany '18 Yr B

For Sunday, January 7, 2018, 1^st Sunday after Epiphany, Year B, Readings: Genesis: 1-5, Ps 29, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11

        In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light...And there was evening, and there was morning, the first day. [Genesis 1:1-3, 5b]

     Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness...The LORD shall give strength to his people; the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace. 

[Psalm 29:2, 11]

      Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them... [Acts 19:4-5, 6a]

      In those days Jesus came from Nazareth...and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." [Mark 1:9-11]

        How fitting it seems to begin the New Year with the reading from Genesis 1 about Creation's First Day, with light overcoming darkness and wind across the waters. Then the Gospel of Mark detailing the baptism of Jesus which is considered the First Day for his official ministry, with the Holy Spirit arriving as a Dove and the Voice of God proclaiming Jesus as God's Son. 

        Given all that the Scripture of Advent gave us of John's instructions to prepare the way, and now John baptizing the one who is more powerful than himself, I find it curious that Baptism has such varied practices across the breadth of Christianity. For some denominations it is an obligating sacrament, for others a rite of initiation and adoption into the Christian faith, some require it to participate in certain rituals of worship, or reception into a specific sect. Baptism is required by some and deemed unimportant by others. Many believe that infant Baptism is necessary whenever possible, many others do not. Some may offer it to older children or teens and adults for admission into a particular congregation whether or not one has been baptized elsewhere. And as many reasons for it, opposed to it, or neutral, there are many ways to achieve it.  With water considered a channel for holiness there is 

aspersion (sprinkling), affusion (pouring), or immersion (total or partial, standing or kneeling, or complete submersion). And for those who find themselves wishing they had been baptized but were not for whatever reason, there is the Baptism of Desire - that is, if you want it, you have it. John, in Mark's Gospel, and Paul, in the reading from Acts, are clear that through Jesus we will also be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 

        We are called by Jesus to follow Him, officially baptized or not, so why not start again at the beginning of this new year and the symbolic beginning of his ministry? A new day begins. The words of an old Negro Spiritual say it best. God will trouble the water - stir it up - so we can see the right place to enter the path:  

Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children,
Wade in the water
God's a-goin' to trouble the water

Look over yonder, what do you see?
God's a-goin' to trouble the water
The Holy Ghost a-coming on me
God's a-goin' to trouble the water

      From the waters of Creation, to the waters of Birth and Baptism, Christ is our bridge over waters troubled and calm and it is He who comes to set our souls ablaze with the infusion of the Holy Spirit. Whether baptized by water, desire, or faith, before now or not, it is time to be refreshed and renewed as we begin our own ministry again. Come on in, this "water" is fine! Let us bathe in the Light of Christ and the Fire of the Holy Spirit! Welcome to the New First Day.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Almighty Creator, in the Beginning, You brought forth light from the formless void and darkness on the First Day. From the waters of Birth and Baptism, Jesus came forth as our new Beginning, a radiant light to dispel the shadows in our souls. Let this be a new First Day, as we accept Baptism in the power of the Holy Spirit, by answering the call to serve Christ in others and ourselves.

                                                      Spirit of the Living God                                                      

RESPONSE:               Fall afresh on us all

~ Almighty Creator, strengthen us to carry Your voice over the troubled waters of political oppression, injustice, and greed. Give us the words to speak of compassion, and humanity, be heard and cause positive action in the halls of government throughout this Earth, in our Country, and in our Cities and Towns. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of the Living God

                                                       Fall afresh on us all

                                                      

~ Almighty Creator, calm the hearts and minds of all who are unsettled by illness, physical challenge, or addiction, and bring rest to those who provide for their comfort. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of the Living God

                                                       Fall afresh on us all

             

~ Almighty Creator, we, too, treasure and celebrate all who have gone ahead and are now risen in the beauty of holiness in Your eternal life. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of the Living God

                                                       Fall afresh on us all

~ Almighty Creator, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of the Living God

                                                       Fall afresh on us all

             

~ Almighty Creator, refresh and grant special blessings to all who lead us in Your church, as we journey together seeking Your holy will. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Spirit of the Living God

                                                       Fall afresh on us all

             

The Celebrant adds:  Holy LORD of Power and Glory, release us from the turbulence of the doubt and fear we allow within us, and guide us to a new dawn of faith and hope, quenching our spiritual thirst in the living waters of Christ’s Baptism. We ask this through Jesus, Your Beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit, our Fount of Wisdom, who together with You reign as One God, now and forever.  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: The Right WORD Now and Always, First Sunday after Christmas '17 Yr B

For Sunday, December 31, 2017, 1^st Sunday After Christmas, Year B, Readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 147, Galatians 3:23-25; 4-4-7; 

John 1:1-18

      For the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up...For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest... [Isaiah 61:11a; 62:1a]

      He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds...The LORD lifts up the lowly, but casts the wicked to the ground. [Psalm 147:3, 6]

     But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law...So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. [Galatians 4:4, 7]

     In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God...What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it...The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. [John 1:1-2, 3b-5, 17]

               The Gospel of John has marked differences from the other three Gospels which are known as the Synoptic Gospels because of their similarities to each other. John's emphasis might be thought of as more "theological" and contains material not in the other three and, in some cases, seemingly contradicting them. But the beauty of the mysterious opening, for me, is something to linger with and ponder. Jesus, the Word, was with God, and the Word was God...The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 

        The Word comes from the Greek, logos, and is usually defined - in theological terms - as Jesus. Once we understand who the Word is, then the Prologue [John 1:1] may be more easily comprehended in verse 14: the Word became flesh and lived among us. Jesus is the face of God, was with God from the beginning, and was sent to be among us to make God and God's will known. 

         In the 4th century, St. Athanasius said of Jesus, He became what we are that he might make us what he is. Paul tells us in Galatians that Jesus is faith revealed by God. Those who followed Jesus in his time and who influenced others who came after, have all tried to instruct us in ways to be more like him, our Christ, the Messiah. This Child, just born, is God's promise, God's Word, with flesh, blood, and a beating heart, like us, and that I can grasp and almost understand. Yet the mystery of God endures, for if we do think we fully understand God, Jesus, and the Spirit - the Triune God, the Holy Trinity - then our god is too small. 

         As the Church year unfolds we will soon be led through the woes of Lent and Holy Week until the glorious Resurrection. In the meantime, let us savor this moment of great Birth, and through all of the days to come let us also know that our Redeemer lives. If we relinquish ourselves to steadfast faith, however difficult at times, and allow ourselves to be open, Jesus is the light in our hearts that darkness cannot overcome. Jesus is the right WORD, now and always.

          

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, into this fullness of time You have sent our Messiah, woman-borne, to redeem us as Your own children. Let us rejoice with our whole beings, as heirs of Your eternal Kingdom, justified by faith, and proclaiming Christ’s grace and truth.

                                                      

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier God

RESPONSE:               May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, with the Spirit of the Son that You have sent into our hearts let us not keep silent. Grant us courage to speak without ceasing to lawful governments and to vengeful despots until righteousness, peace, and mercy prevail across our Earth, across our Country, and across our Communities, great and small. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier God

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

                                                      

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, refresh the bodies, hearts, and souls and give hope to all who suffer serious illness, despair, or fear, and to all who give love and support. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier God

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

             

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, dispel the darkness of grief as we remember and celebrate all who have gone ahead and now live again, complete in the radiant joy of Your eternal life. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier God

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier God

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

             

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, we give You gracious thanksgiving for those entrusted to bring us Your Word and Sacraments. Fill us all with unwavering faith that we may walk together as constant witnesses of Christ Jesus, our Saving Lord. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier God

                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

             

The Celebrant adds:  Holy Triune God: Lord, Word, & Spirit, we are created by You to be Your fertile soil in this world. Let us each, by word and example, sow seeds of forgiveness, hope, and salvation, by grace upon grace, now and in the life to come. We ask through Jesus, Your Word Made Flesh; the Holy Spirit, Your Sacred Breath; and our Almighty Creator, who, together, reign as One God, now and forever.  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: Time for THE Person of the Year, Every Year, Always, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day '17 Yr B

For Sunday, December 24, 2017, Christmas Eve, Year B, Readings: Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, John 1:1-14
For Monday, December 25, 2017, Christmas Day, Year B, Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1-12, John 1:1-14

  

         The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined. [Isaiah 9:2]

      And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" [Luke 2:13-14]

      He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. [Hebrews 1:3a]

      The grace of God appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions... [Titus 2:11-12a]

      The True light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world...And the Word was made flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. [John 1:9, 14]

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:

by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

[from The Nicene Creed, US Book of Common Prayer, p. 358] 

         It's time ~ join the Excitement, the Joy, the Wonder, the Thrill, again. Jesus Christ is born today! It's time ~ re-awaken the Spirit within, remember the Reason it begins, a new start, a fresh opportunity. It's time ~ NOW, to push into the unknown, painfully, frighteningly, but with great excitement to have the experience of our own birth as a New Creation in Christ.

      We each carry the fertile seed, the Divine Spark within us ~ Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, Atheist, Agnostic, Oblivious, Naughty, or Nice. We each choose how the Spark drives us - we tend, nurture, anticipate or ignore, abuse, or perhaps deny that innermost part of ourselves. But now, what was is gone. As with infants, we move into new light, new sound, uncertainty, anxiety, and every day is a new beginning. Even if we have tried before, distraction, disinterest, life circumstances may have stopped our momentum. Yet we, too, are called as part of the Good Tidings of Great Joy that is Christ the Lord! We are the Reason he was born to us. Let the Joy and Peace of now begin with me and let me, with you, carry Christ forward into this Day, into our lives, into all the Earth.

      It's time! Hallelujah!

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, You come at last, full of grace and truth. Let our joy be unbounded for the arrival of our Glorious Child, One in Being with God and the Holy Spirit, who redeems and claims us for the work of Heaven on Earth.

                                                  Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!                                    

RESPONSE:                       Peace on Earth to All

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, remain within us and give us strength, as we give voice to Your truth in all places of political, elected, and authoritarian power throughout this World, this Nation, and this Community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven

                                                   Peace on Earth to All

                                                      

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, we ask You, who were homeless as you entered this world, to enfold all who are homeless, hungry, sick, and downhearted, that they may feel Your loving embrace on this Day of Days. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions 

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven

                                                   Peace on Earth to All

             

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, lift up our hearts in the joy and the hope of the Love that never ends, as we remember and celebrate all who have left the woes of this earthly plain to live forever, deep in the heart of God. We pray especially for: add your own petitions 

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven

                                                   Peace on Earth to All

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven

                                                   Peace on Earth to All

             

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, excite the hearts of all who lead us in Your church with the blaze of heaven that fires each of us with the imagination and inspiration to embark anew on a Spirit-filled life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven

                                                   Peace on Earth to All

The Celebrant adds: Most High Lord Jesus, the Word, the Imprint, the Incarnate Grace of God sent to live among us, we sing to You a new song of rejoicing. Let each breath we take draw You into ourselves, that we may give out Your glory and praise in all that we are, and all that we do. Guide us, guard us, goad us to live Your divine will. We ask through You, Prince of Peace, and through the Holy Spirit, who together with Almighty God, from the beginning, live and reign as One, now and forever. 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: The Son Outshines the Sun 4th Sunday of Advent Yr B

For Sunday, December 24, 2017, 4^th Sunday of Advent, Year B, Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Canticle 15, Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55); 

Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38

      Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you. [2 Samuel 7:3]

      My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior; for he has looked with favor upon his lowly servant. 

[Canticle 15/Luke 1:46-48]

      ...the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery...now disclosed, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! [Romans 16:25b-26]

      The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And...you will bear a son, and you will name him Jesus...For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." [Luke 1:26-38]

          And we still wait on this 4th Sunday of Advent, but the wait is much shorter than usual with the rare convergence of Advent 4 and Christmas Eve on the same date, and Christmas Day only a few hours beyond. The excitement and anticipation build as always at this time, but do we truly know why we are waiting? Or are we merely complacent in the midst of the excitement and sparkle of the lights and music and holiday-making? Are we filled with anxious questions such as: do we have that thing, or the other, or the stuff we need for the company, is the wrapping done, what time is it, when are they coming, when are we going? Of course those of us fortunate to have those lists and gatherings and events should enjoy it all. Yet, let us take a breath, and stop for more than just a moment to re-evaluate what our coming Christ-Mass is all about. 

       To say Jesus is the Reason for the Season sounds casually trite and indeed it isn't altogether true in a non-Christian context. In the 4th century, the newly Christian Emperor, Constantine, appropriated the Winter Solstice festivals of the sun and other deities from pagan religious traditions - the Celts and Egyptians for two examples - for the wholly Christian commemoration of Christ's birth. Perhaps he assumed that if they're going to party anyway, he would mandate a different reason. After all, none of the birth narratives in the Bible tell us a date or even a season when Christ was born. December 25th became the official date for the celebration everywhere in the Church under Pope Julius I not long after Constantine's decree. [By the way, the December Winter Solstice only applies in the northern hemisphere.] But after well over 2 millennia, the whole world is accustomed to "Christmas" on December 25th, though I suspect there are still quite a few Christians that celebrate the Winter Solstice, too. [Thursday December 21 this year in case you need to know] 

       This last Sunday of Advent is also a moment, rare in Episcopal/Protestant theology, to celebrate the crucial role of Mary in our Salvation - not merely as the Theotokos, God-Bearer - but even more so because she "...found favor with God." [Luke 1:30a] It is because of this favor acknowledging her devotion, because she heard God's word and believed, because she was faith-filled and faithful, that she was chosen to bring us the fulfillment of God's ultimate Promise, Jesus, the revelation of the mystery...now disclosed. 

       Let us take time to discover what Christmas and Christ really mean to our everyday lives, to dig deep and listen, to examine the promises we have made in moments of true devotion and in times of crisis, the promises kept and the ones we meant to keep in the moment they were made. How do we allow Mary's example of Let it be with me according to your word to manifest in our lives? It is time to begin again to find the Christ within us and let his light shine through us; to believe again, or for the first time, the angel's words, For nothing will be impossible with God. 

       In just this one day, in only a few hours, we journey from the Annunciation to the birth of our Christ, the Son who forever outshines the sun.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, purify our souls and grant us the humility to live according to Your Word and Will. Awaken our hearts to be eager in child-like anticipation for the coming celebration of this Holy Infant, our Hope and our Redeemer.

                                                O Lord Most High                                        

RESPONSE:             Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, keep us vigilant and insistent as we advocate constantly for the causes of compassion, peace, and cooperation among all who govern in our World, in our Nation, and in our Villages, Towns, and Cities.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O Lord Most High

                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

                                                                                   

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, comfort and heal those who suffer with devastating illness, serious depression, or any life-limiting circumstance, and give respite to all who give love and support. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                O Lord Most High

                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

                                   

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, release us all from fresh and remembered grief as our loved ones arise to boundless joy in everlasting life with You. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                O Lord Most High

                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently…add your own petitions

                                                O Lord Most High

                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

           

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, grant continuing renewal and energy to all who have answered Your call in the model of Mary, and have inspired us by their example in faithfulness, worship, and pastoral care. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O Lord Most High

                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

           

The Celebrant adds: O God of Love and Glory, detach us from earth-bound noise to listen deeply and experience the true Birth of Christ within and through us. Infuse us with the obedience of faith that will guide us and sustain us as we follow the path of our Messiah. We ask through the imminence of the Incarnate Christ, and the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit, who together with You are One God, our Strength and our Salvation, 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: Stir Up! All is Rosy! 3rd Sunday in Advent '17 Yr B

For Sunday, December 17, 2017, 3^rd Sunday of Advent, Year B, Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, 

John 1:6-8, 19-28

      The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners... [Isaiah 61:1]

      When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, then we were like those who dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy...Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy. 
 [Psalm 126: 1-2, 6]

      Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances...May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a, 23]

      There was a man sent from God whose name was John...[John] said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said. [John 1:6, 23]

     Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us... [Book of Common Prayer, Collect for the Third Sunday of Advent, US version, page 212]

        On this Third Sunday of Advent, we light the rose-colored candle to symbolize the joy and anticipation of Christ's birth which is just in sight. In the Anglican/Episcopal Church it has an informal title of "Stir Up Sunday" because the opening Collect [a prayer that collects or gathers the themes of the day or service]  begins with the phrase: Stir up your power, O Lord... And there are some local customs that accompany the day in various places. 
      The message of this day and week is "Gaudete," [gow-day-tay] from the Latin for rejoice and it gives us a slight respite from some of the more penitential aspects of this sacred Season. For children, of course, it is the dazzle and glitter and haze of lights and sparkle, gifts from Santa and his magic reindeer, or Father Christmas, who "make the season bright." The music and decorations and increasingly frantic preparations often brings smiles to all of us as we give into our own inner child, for those of us fortunate to have memories of ourselves or our own children with wide eyes on Christmas morning. Though, I have to say, that an air-filled Grinch dressed as Santa on a neighbor's lawn doesn't quite call to my mind the "reason for the season." 
        For us as adults, this week is also a sobering moment to consider all those who are suffering in the world, near to and far from us, with the dreadful fires in California, the still terrible conditions in the places ravaged by recent hurricanes and earthquakes, those engulfed by war and terrorism, or who live in abject poverty, among many more hardships. Yet the joy of Christ's coming must not be assuaged! 

      The Baptizer's voice is back with us and John is a reminder that we must Make straight the way of the Lord. There is One who is coming, the One who, as he told us last week, will baptize us with the Holy Spirit. Let us be hopeful, eager, and joyous, in the midst of our celebrations with family and friends, but let us not abandon God's call to be faithful, giving thanks in all circumstances, as God is faithful to us in the everlasting covenant. Let us, indeed, pray without ceasing, for others and for ourselves, in thanksgiving, in petition, in intercession, in penitence, in adoration, and especially in oblation as the offering of ourselves for God's purpose and service.

        The Psalmist tells us that when God restored the fortunes of those who returned from the long exile, they were like "those who dream." In the hope of Christ everlasting the dream is always within us and all is rosy. Look for the Light that is coming and follow it with JOY!

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O LORD our God, stir our hearts with boundless joy and faithfulness in the sweet anticipation of the One who is coming. Release us from the captivity of sin; cause us to pray without ceasing and hold fast to what is good in Your sight.

                                                     O God of Peace                                                    

RESPONSE:                  Sanctify us in spirit, soul, and body

~ O LORD our God, in the midst of our rejoicing and celebration, keep us ever mindful of the trials, tragedies, and struggles of Your people and Your Creation. Guide us to speak continually of justice, mercy, peace, health, and abstaining from all evil, to the powers that control the destiny of this World, this Country, and this Community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O God of Peace

                                                       Sanctify us in spirit, soul, and body

                                                      

~ O LORD our God, renew the hope of those who suffer with chronic pain, serious illness, or despair, and lighten the burdens of all who attend to their needs.  We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       O God of Peace

                                                       Sanctify us in spirit, soul, and body

             

~ O LORD our God, comfort those whose tears of sorrow reap fruits of joy for all who now live again, restored to everlasting life in Christ. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                       O God of Peace

                                                       Sanctify us in spirit, soul, and body

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

                                                       O God of Peace

                                                       Sanctify us in spirit, soul, and body

             

~ O LORD our God, bless, encourage, and energize all whose lives are dedicated to lead and inspire us as faithful witnesses of Your Word and Sacraments, anointed as messengers of Christ's Good News. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

             

The Celebrant adds:  Our Savior Christ, who was and is and ever shall be, let John’s wilderness voice permeate our consciousness through the noise and haze of dazzle and glitter. Let us hear Your call to faith as our most important Gift, as we joyfully prepare our lives and make straight the way for Your glorious return. We ask through the Unquenchable Holy Spirit, and our Eternal Creator, who together with You reign as one God, now and forever. 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: Now is the Time to Give, 2nd Sunday of Advent '17 Yr B

For Sunday, December 10, 2017, 2^nd Sunday of Advent, Year B, Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8

      "Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken..." He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. [Isaiah 40:5, 11]

      You have been gracious to your land, O LORD...Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 

[Psalm 85:1a, 10-11]

      The Lord is not slow about his promise...but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance...in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. [2 Peter 3:9, 13]

      As it is written..."See I am sending my messenger ahead...the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" And people from the whole Judean countryside, and all of the people of Jerusalem were going out to [John the baptizer] and were baptized...confessing their sins. [Mark 1:2a, 3, 5]

      The Advent season brings a variety of symbols that aid us in prayerful reflections. The use of the Advent wreath was begun in the time of Martin Luther of the Protestant Reformation and how it is used differs among the many traditions that employ it. In many, there are at least four candles on a wreath of evergreen that is shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize the eternity of God. The lighting of the candles is to symbolize the coming of Christ. 

      During each Sunday of Advent, in some traditions, the candles represent the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. Others consider the lighting of the first candle to symbolize expectation, while the second is hope, the third joy, and the fourth purity. The Christ candle, in the center of the wreath, is lighted on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day reminding Christians that Jesus is the light of the world. Last week I chose Hope as a focus and this week, Love. Keeping alive Hope in and Love of Christ is a way to prepare ourselves and keep our own paths straight in these unsettled uncertain times.

      Things weren't so very different in John the Baptizer's times, except no one knew the story of Jesus as we do now. Their lives were filled with wars, pestilence, racial hatred, poverty, and oppression and then here comes this rather wild-looking and sounding person direct from the desert telling them to straighten up and straighten out - the way of the Lord must be prepared!  Also, the Messiah's arrival really was imminent as Jesus was literally on his way to them. We've gotten a bit complacent, 2000+ years later. We conveniently forget the admonishment that the time of Christ's return will come like a thief. We have set aside imminence for: whatever, whenever. But I have to take a step back and consider: if I didn't know then what I know now, how would I have responded to John and his message?

       Here, today, in our world filled with wars, disease, racial hatred, and oppression, etc., from the first chapter of the first Gospel ever written, John is still the voice crying...in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  [Mark 1:4] Are we listening and heeding or is it just that same old familiar refrain we hear on the way to Christmas? 

          This is a time of beginning, a moment to discover if we are increasingly more caught up in the soul-less wilderness of a mostly secular society than we are in presenting our best selves to our God. It is again, still, always, time for some soul-searching and sincere repentance.

          To repent means literally to "turn from" or even to "turn toward." Through the waters of baptism we are forgiven, cleansed, and the fire of sin is doused. Let us turn from sin, turn toward Jesus, and reclaim the forgiveness and cleansing of our baptism. If it truly is more blessed to give than to receive, now is the time to give ourselves by preparing for the Coming of Christ who will baptize us with the Holy Spirit.  And through Christ we receive the greatest Gift of all.   

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Gracious, Loving LORD, gather us in Your arms and draw us out from the spiritual wilderness we make for ourselves through our daily neglect of You. Speak peace to us who seek patience of heart and faithfulness of soul, as we make ready for new heavens and a new earth, in the coming of our Savior, Christ. 

                                                     Jesus, Emmanuel

RESPONSE:                 Come, Ransom Us Again

~ Gracious, Loving LORD, our tumultuous world is rife with racial, religious, and political hatred; devastation from natural and human-made disasters, searing poverty and war, and the dismantling of compassion and empathy through unchecked power and unrelenting greed. In this sacred waiting time, let us prepare the Way of our Christ, speaking to those who govern on this Planet, in our Nation, and in our local Community, by taking intentional and positive steps toward the renewal of mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace among us all. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Emmanuel

                                                       Come, Ransom Us Again

~ Gracious, Loving LORD, give comfort to everyone who is suffering through illness, addiction, or despair; and bestow special grace upon all who provide support. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Emmanuel

                                                       Come, Ransom Us Again

             

~ Gracious, Loving LORD, grant hope to all who grieve, as the heaven now celebrates each soul that has departed from earthly woes and entered the joy and peace that passes all mortal understanding.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Emmanuel

                                                       Come, Ransom Us Again

~ Gracious, Loving LORD, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Emmanuel

                                                       Come, Ransom Us Again

             

~ Gracious, Loving LORD, energize and excite all who lead us in Your Church, that together in this holy season, we may re-ignite our faith-filled wonder and eager anticipation, turning our hearts, minds, and lives back to You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, Emmanuel

                                                       Come, Ransom Us Again

             

The Celebrant adds:  Jesus, Lord at thy Birth, let us repent of our sins in the silent nights of our souls, that we may feel the approach of Your redeeming grace, and seek the dawn of indescribable joy through life and love everlasting in You. We ask through the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, and the Creator, Most High, who together with You, are our One God, on earth, in heaven, forever. 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