Prayers of the People: After and Before ~ 7th Sunday of Easter '18 Yr B

For Sunday, May 13, 2018, 7^th Sunday of Easter, Year B, Readings: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19

       In those days Peter stood up…and said…one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection…Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen…And they cast lots…and the lot feel on Matthias… [Acts 1:15a, 22b, 24, 26a]

       Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked…Their delight is in the law of the Lord…they are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither... [Psalm 1: 1a, 2a, 3a]

       God gave us eternal live, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life…I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. [1 John 5: 11b-12a, 13]

     Looking up to heaven, Jesus prayed, "I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world...When I was with them, I protected them in your name...I ask you to protect them from the evil one...Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world."  [John 17:6,12a,15b,17-18]

     We have arrived at the last Sunday of the Easter Season in a gathering of rather multi-phrenic readings that speak to us from after the Resurrection as well as before it, and just from the Church Calendar we note that on the Thursday, just before we arrive here, is the Ascension of Jesus. But there's no reference to that on this day.

      So, after the Resurrection, in the lesson from Acts, Peter tells the crowd of believers that the time has come to find the replacement for Judas and it is determined to be between two worthy candidates who have traveled with them all along. It's time to fill the empty slot with one who can be an official witness to the resurrection. They pray and ask God to choose, lots are cast, and the lot fell on Matthias.

       The reading from the Epistle of 1st John was written perhaps 10-15 years after the Book of Acts and is attributed to the same John who wrote the Gospel, all in the latter part of the 1st century CE/AD. The Epistle is also set after the resurrection of Jesus, and reminds us that belief in Jesus is belief in God and through that faith, we are certain of eternal life. 

      With the Gospel, we move backwards in time to before the crucifixion. This reading is in the middle of what is known as the "Farewell Discourse" of Jesus that takes place just after the Last Supper. In this moment, Jesus is praying on our behalf, updating God on the progress of the mission so far. He says, While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. [John 17:12 ] The one lost, of course, refers to Judas. And in this prayer, for us, Jesus asks God to protect us not just for our own sake but for the sake of the whole world. In that way, God's love will live in us and be given out to the world through us, as we carry on with Christ's mission, the work we have been given to do. The disciples were, and we are, sent into the world sheltered in love, by love, and for the love of God through Jesus. As he looks up to heaven, Jesus asks God to make his own joy complete in us and to sanctify - or hallow - us in the truth of God's Word. 

      We have come to know Jesus through these and other words of the Christian Testament. John begins his Gospel telling us that, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [John 1:1] We know that the Word is Jesus, our Christ, our Messiah, our Savior. We've learned about Jesus after his birth, and before his death, resurrection, and ascension. Through these writings, we are given the instructions of how we are to follow Christ in this world. 

      What will be your prayer to God after these readings? What part of Christ's mission now calls to you before you venture into the world again? First, as God knows our hearts, let us each seek to love and serve Christ during all our living days. After that, we are promised eternal life.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Jesus, our Savior Christ, Matthias, was chosen by lot through prayer, and took his place in faithful apostleship. Let us know that joy complete within ourselves, as You guide our walk in this world, living as examples of Your ministry and mission.

                                                O God Eternal

RESPONSE:             Sanctify us in Your Truth

~ Jesus, our Savior Christ, fill us with the substance and stamina to stand together in continual witness, to all who govern on this Earth, in this Nation, and in this Community, seeking justice, mercy, and freedom for all of God’s people. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God Eternal

                                                Sanctify us in Your Truth

                                               

~ Jesus, our Savior Christ, raise the hope and the spirits of all who suffer with illness, depression, or serious life circumstance, and give strength to all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                O God Eternal

                                                Sanctify us in Your Truth

           

~ Jesus, our Savior Christ, happy are we who, with drying tears, celebrate our loved ones now arrived, to live again in the glory of eternity with You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God Eternal

                                                Sanctify us in Your Truth

~ Jesus, our Savior Christ, 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 Eternal

                                                Sanctify us in Your Truth

           

~ Jesus, our Savior Christ, refresh and renew the spiritual tools of all who lead us in Your church, as they guide and inspire us to find delight in Your Word, walking with us in faith-building and faith-in-action. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                O God Eternal

                                                Sanctify us in Your Truth

           

The Celebrant adds:  Glorious and Almighty Lord, who knows our hearts and minds, protect our souls from evil in and of the world, that we in turn, may offer Your love, shelter, and eternal life, to all we meet in the righteous work You have given us to do. We ask through Your Son our Savior, Jesus Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, 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: Even Them, Always ~ 6th Sunday of Easter '18 Yr B

For Sunday, May 6, 2018, 6^th Sunday of Easter, Year B, Readings: Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17

       The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out, even on the Gentiles...Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" [Acts 10:45, 46b-47]

      Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things...He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God... In righteousness shall he judge the world, and the peoples with equity. [Ps 98:1, 4, 10]

      Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child…For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments…for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory…our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? [1 John 5:1, 3a, 4-5]

     Jesus said to his disciples, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love...This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you...And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last... [John 15:9, 12, 16b]

 THREE YEARS AGO, that is, in 2015, I wrote the following: 

        How intrusive is this [Gospel] message against the backdrop of mistrust, hatred of "the other," and the seemingly endless and rampant violence across the world and even into our very local communities? Them vs Us, You vs Me, This is Mine, is the "old song" that never tires of repeating. And the "circumcised believers...were astounded" that the Holy Spirit was given "even to the Gentiles." Peter was clear that the water of baptism cannot be withheld from even those who are different because they "have received the Holy Spirit just as we have..." And Jesus was even more clear: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Is there any room for negotiation here? Those people are doing terrible things so how can Jesus possibly expect us to love them? Well, whether or not he expects it is irrelevant, he commands it. IF we believe in Jesus, then we must bear the fruit of God's love to all people, in all places, and every one is included. 

      It's more than disheartening to realize that things, three years later, are now exponentially worse on so many levels especially in issues of race, religion, and politics - talk about lions and tigers and bears, oh my! – not to mention dragons and snakes and skunks. Yet there are some seeds of hope grounded in love, amidst the anger, frustration, and despair, that are rising up, beginning to flower, and showing great potential to bear sweet and sustaining fruit for sharing. I have to stop often to remember that Jesus didn't require us to "like" anyone, only love them. We are to seek not only Jesus but ourselves in another. "Oh, really," you say, "nothing of Jesus or me is found in THAT person." Look harder and listen more closely. What you and I think and feel - and say? - about them may very well be what they think and feel and say about us. We are likely to uncomfortably discover that we're not so very different after all. Maybe those others can be slightly easier to love now?

      Still, there's no magic here. Our loving of them does not require - nor will it often result in - reciprocation. The dangers, fears, and tensions of the world will not suddenly evaporate because we are loving people. Yes, there is evil intent that no amount of love or understanding will resolve. Therein, my friends, lies the way of faith in community as we listen, hear, and remember the Gospel message together. We can work as a team to learn and practice how to love even those others through the experience of intentional relationship. After all, even in a loving family, not everyone is happy with everyone all the time, but we work through it because of the love. And sometimes we have to let go of the things we don’t like about someone in order to sustain the relationship. It’s hard and often unrewarding work – that is, here, in this life. But we are promised much more than a rose garden for following Christ’s commandment. This life is short though it can feel endless when we encounter very demanding, difficult, and desperate days – and people. Feeling supported in the trials of faith, we can come to believe that working to act in, through, and by love always - as best we can - will get us to always and eternal love. 

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Christ Jesus, Born of God, as You chose us to be bearers of the fruit of Your eternal love, lift us from the shadows of doubt and awaken our souls to follow Your Commandments to love one another, and to fully abide in You.

                                                God of Mercy and Faithfulness

RESPONSE:             Grow us in faith to act always with love

~ Christ Jesus, Born of God, grant us such consciousness of our gifts from the Spirit, that we hold ourselves and those who govern throughout this planet, this country, and this community, accountable; acting always to uphold Your standards of righteousness and equity, on behalf of all people everywhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God of Mercy and Faithfulness

                                                Grow us in faith to act always with love

                                               

~ Christ Jesus, Born of God, lovingly embrace with healing all those who are ill in body, mind, or soul, and all who give them love and care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                God of Mercy and Faithfulness

                                                Grow us in faith to act always with love

           

~ Christ Jesus, Born of God, with trumpets and the sound of the horn You shout with joy, as those who have risen above this earthly plain are welcomed to the everlasting peace of new life in You. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                God of Mercy and Faithfulness

                                                Grow us in faith to act always with love

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

                                                God of Mercy and Faithfulness

                                                Grow us in faith to act always with love

           

~ Christ Jesus, Born of God, we offer special thanksgivings for those among us who are anointed to teach and lead us in Your Word and Ways. Grant them continual renewal of purpose and endless replenishment of vigor. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                God of Mercy and Faithfulness

                                                Grow us in faith to act always with love

           

The Celebrant adds:  Almighty and Ever-Loving God, infuse us with the inner peace and fortitude to let the actions of our lives be the instruments of rejoicing that play a new song of faith and love, each and every day. We ask through Jesus, Your Son, and the Truth of the Holy Spirit, who together with You, are 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: Branch Out ~ 5th Sunday of Easter '18 Yr B

For Sunday, April 29, 2018, 5th Sunday of Easter, Year B, Readings: Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:24-30, 1 John 4:7-21, 
John 15:1-8

       Then the Spirit said to Phillip, "Go over to his chariot and join it." So Phillip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" He replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"  [Acts 8:29-31a]

        The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: "May your heart live for ever!"...My soul shall live for him... [Psalm 22:25, 29a]

        Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers and sisters are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.  [1 John 4:20]  

       Jesus said to his disciples, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit...Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches."  [John 15:1-2, 4b-5a]

        Spring has arrived in this part of the globe, at long last by some standards, after a  seemingly endless and relentless winter. The weekend cacophony of lawn mowers, weed trimmers, ATVs, and skateboards rises with the temperature. Gardeners are happily and belatedly filling their wheeled carts with soil, compost, and mulch, cleaning away the debris of autumn and winter, preparing the earthen beds for planting, and pruning shrubs, bushes, and trees. 

       Every gardener, even one with a single small plant, knows that good growth requires maintenance. Some plants, such as a grapevine or an apple tree, need pruning to make them stronger and able to produce more and better fruit. Along with water, sunshine, and good soil, a gardener must tend the pots, rows, fields, or orchards with care, knowledge of weather, season, and region or growing zones. 
       This week, as Spring is sprung here, Jesus tells us that he is the true vine and that God is the vinegrower.  Jesus calls us to abide in him as he abides in us, joined to him as branches on the vine. We will bear much fruit if we seek to prune our inner deadwood to clear the way for new spiritual sprouting. But the fruit we bear is not for our own care and feeding ~ it is to be shared with others for their nurture and growth. As we, the branches, grow stronger, we draw together as brothers and sisters in a community of faith, hope, and eternal love in and with Christ as our Vine, the Holy Spirit as our Guide to understanding, and God Almighty as our ultimate Gardener/Vinegrower. Even if Autumn is the new season where you are, there is always much to do to prepare your inner garden for the winter ahead. Time to branch out, fruitfully, with Jesus.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Jesus, Abundant Vine of Life, prepare our souls as the fertile soil that will bring forth the harvest of Your love and peace. Teach us to see, know, and nourish all people as our brothers and sisters, companion branches in God’s Holy Vineyard.

                                                       Infinite, Abiding Lord

RESPONSE:                    Guide us to perfect love

~ Jesus, Abundant Vine of Life, transform our complacence into compassion and ignite desire and courage within us to stand in faith and act together, for all who are denied justice across this world and at national and local levels. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Infinite, Abiding Lord

                                                       Guide us to perfect love

~ Jesus, Abundant Vine of Life, comfort and heal all who are poor in health and spirit, and grant energy to all who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       Infinite, Abiding Lord

                                                       Guide us to perfect love

             

~ Jesus, Abundant Vine of Life, fill us with praise and gladness and hope as the souls of those we love and sent ahead now live again, sheltered in eternity by Your forever Heart. We pray especially for: add your own petitions 

                                                       Infinite, Abiding Lord

                                                       Guide us to perfect love

~ Jesus, Abundant Vine of Life, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently… add your own petitions

                                                       Infinite, Abiding Lord

                                                       Guide us to perfect love

             

~ Jesus, Abundant Vine of Life, bless all who give their lives in service to Your Church, and walk with us through sometimes fallow fields and barren orchards, as we seek the joy in knowing You are with us in this brief life, and forever in the next. We pray especially for:  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Infinite, Abiding Lord

                                                       Guide us to perfect love

             

The Celebrant adds: Living God, Eternal Vinegrower, prune detachment and sin from our hearts to cultivate strong, dynamic, and fruitful branches that flourish, not wither, as we abide always in You. We ask this through Jesus, our True and Perfect Vine, and the Holy Spirit, our Wisdom Guide, who together with You, live and reign as One God forever and ever. Amen.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com

Prayers of the People: Flock on! ~ 4th Sunday of Easter '18 Yr B

For Sunday, April 22, 2018, 4^th Sunday of Easter, Year B, Readings: Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18

     Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders...This Jesus is 'the stone that was rejected by you...it has become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else... [Acts 3:8, 11-12a]

     The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want...Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me...Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. [Psalm 23:1, 4, 6]

     How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 
[1 John 3:17-18]

      I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and the will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 
[John 10:14-16]

        The poetry of Psalm 23 speaks to us in the simplest of terms that belie the intricacy of its depth. Jesus would, of course, have known the psalm and it is a perfect pairing to his continuing "discussion" with the religious authorities in this week's Gospel of John. 
       The symbolism in this well-known Psalm is far more complex and fascinating than just the obvious image of a man walking down a country lane with a big staff and a dog, the shepherds of the arid regions of the middle east separating sheep from goats, or the pretty girl of nursery rhymes with a bow on her crook as the sheep dutifully follow. Along with the earlier verses in John 10 (which I encourage you to read), taken line by line we can see, feel, and almost hear Jesus, our Shepherd, with us, reviving, caring, comforting, and anointing. Watching over us, preparing our table, restoring us; nothing we need is withheld. 
      Our Good Shepherd's job is never done. The demands on real living shepherds are constant and endless. Sheep are peculiarly needy and helpless creatures, quite restive, and even self-destructive at times. They can stand still for hours or bolt into stampede because an apple drops unexpectedly from a tree. The shepherd must keep continuous vigil against disease, insect infestations, predators, pecking-order fights, escape artists, water, and food supplies. Sheep will NOT lie down unless they are completely contented and secure. A special oil mixture that the shepherd prepares and swabs (anoints) around each sheep's head and nose keeps deadly insects from burrowing and causing panic, disease, and injury, and the sheep is calmed for at least a little while. Then there are shearing and lambing seasons...* 
       The sheep know their shepherd's voice and it comforts them. Do we know the voice of our Shepherd? Do we stand by as those in our own or other flocks are in need and refuse - or neglect - to give help? Jesus, as Peter told those in religious and political authority after the Crucifixion, was the Cornerstone of our Salvation rejected and executed by them. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd stood firmly, and peacefully, in the midst of their persecution and laid down his life for us, his sheep. Some days I feel pretty sheepish and need that still small voice of God, as reminder to get back into the flock, to follow and, in confidence, abide in the one who abides in us. Time for this sheep to shape up and flock on! How about you?
      
*I commend to you a charming and interesting little book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller, himself a modern-day shepherd, for a closer look at the connections between the Psalm's imagery and real life sheep farming.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Holy Christ, Loving Shepherd, guide our souls to lay aside trivial earthly wants for eternal shelter in Your verdant pasture, where our spirits are nourished, we learn to know Your voice as You know ours, and answer Your call.

  

  Jesus, our Cornerstone of Salvation

    RESPONSE:              Let us love in truth and action

             

~ Holy Christ, Loving Shepherd, in the violence, hatred, and desperation of Your times, You stood peaceably as those in authority maligned and executed You. Grant us courage and fortitude in our own desperate times to stand up, peacefully yet persistently, to urge the political leaders of our Planet, our Country, and our Community, to legislate peace, equity, and mercy, as well as economic and environmental justice for all. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, our Cornerstone of Salvation

                                                       Let us love in truth and action

                                                      

~ Holy Christ, Loving Shepherd, comfort the hearts, restore the hope, and give rest from anxiety, for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, and for all who provide love and support. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, our Cornerstone of Salvation

                                                       Let us love in truth and action

             

~ Holy Christ, Loving Shepherd, we give great thanks, through our mortal tears, for those who have gone through the darkest valley to now live again and forever in the brightest light of Your Holy House. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, our Cornerstone of Salvation

                                                       Let us love in truth and action

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

                                                       Jesus, our Cornerstone of Salvation

                                                       Let us love in truth and action

             

~ Holy Christ, Loving Shepherd, with glad and generous hearts our pastoral shepherds here on Earth, break and sanctify the Bread of Life to bring You to us with prayer in fellowship. Let us, with You, support them in their work with and for us, that together we may feed all of Your sheep with goodness and mercy. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Jesus, our Cornerstone of Salvation

                                                       Let us love in truth and action

             

The Celebrant adds:  Almighty God, Master of Creation, as You have anointed us for all the days of our lives, infuse us with the desire to walk the right pathways, gather all Your sheep into one flock, and to love, serve, and abide in and through the Risen Christ. We ask this though Jesus, our Guardian and Shepherd, and the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of our souls, who together with You, reign as One God, forever, and through all eternity.  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: Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall ~ 3rd Sunday of Easter, '18 Yr B

For Sunday, April 15, 2018, 3^rd Sunday of Easter, Year B, Readings: Acts 3:12-19, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48

      And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you. [Acts 3:16]

      Many are saying, "Oh, that we might see better times!"...You have put gladness in my heart...for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety. [Psalm 4, 6a, 7a, 8b]

      You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins...Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. [1 John 3:5-6a,-7b] 

      ...Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you"...Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them,"Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." [Luke 24: 36b, 45-48]

         It must have been so much easier for the Disciples when Jesus was fully alive, again, and able to speak to and eat with them, answer their questions in person, and explain the plan. In those "simpler times" all they really had to deal with was fear for their lives in an adverse political climate, uncertainty in their futures, and the probable disbelief of what they were actually experiencing.

       So much for simpler times. There are so very many in today's world, even in this country, who are facing daily violence and persecution just for being who they are and what they believe in, without having Jesus visible in their midst, strengthening their faith that all would be well. And who of us are not unsure of our futures? 

       We, in the midst of the uncertainties of our current times, have not had the real-time experience of the Risen Christ just after his very public execution. We rely on the Scriptures to tell us how things were so that we also may believe as the original disciples did. And yet we may slide into some complacency given our familiarity of the readings. How can we bring those Scriptures alive and into our consciousness anytime, anywhere, any season? 

       The season of Eastertide is a good time (one of many!) to think about my relationship with Christ - what has it been, what do I want it to be, what concerns me about it? When I drift away, how do I turn back? We know the word Repent but it is such a bristle-y word - didn't we finish with it in Lent? Not quite. It's simple meaning is to turn toward. When I turn away from Christ, I need to turn toward him again, and in so doing, I am forgiven. How then to turn toward? Let me digress briefly...

      Many years ago on an Army base far away from here, a Roman Catholic Priest (a duly Commissioned Army Chaplain and Officer) raised more than eyebrows with his Sunday evening Masses as we sat around on the floor inside the darkened Sanctuary or wherever we could in what came to be a packed church, each of us with lighted votive candles in paper cups to light our holy space. He used the coffee table from his office as the altar and his stereo as the source of music. As he went through the Liturgy, he played and we sang, recordings of contemporary love songs. He told us that any love song can be a prayer to God. When it came time for Communion, it was passed from person to person via a dish with consecrated oyster crackers and in the background was Barbra Streisand's Evergreen. To this day, when I hear that song in particular, or get a package of oyster crackers with my restaurant soup, I'm instantly transported to a sacred space and the prayer that bubbles up into my head and heart.

     And what about that task to "Witness" and "Proclaim" that Jesus is about repentance and forgiveness, you ask?  Here's a quick first step, an easy prayer-form. Simply call out the name of Jesus and he's there, with you, immediately. That's it – and, you can even sing it! Pick out a love song in rock, soul, rap, heavy metal - whatever suits you. You might know the lyrics to that old James Taylor song: Just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I'll come running, to see you again! Click here to sing your prayer: James Taylor - You've Got a Friend and he'll be there, yeah, he'll be there. And what you feel inside will show outside and that will be your witness and your proclamation that leads you to turn toward Christ with strengthened faith, trust, and new life. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall!  

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, as You stood among the disciples then, You stand among us still, and call us together to the hope and love that will purify our souls. Release us from the doubts and temptations that lure us from Your presence, that we may dwell in spiritual safety and know we are forgiven.

                                                    O Lord, O God                                         

RESPONSE:                  Strengthen us in faith and trust

~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, in these times on this Earth, on the part of our elected, appointed, or self-declared leaders who would chart the course of our lives on our Planet, in our Nation, and in our Community, there is no room for indignity, dishonor, or inhumane action. Infuse them with wisdom, compassion and the ways of justice and mercy. Fill us with courage to hold You in our hearts as we hold them accountable. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God

                                                       Strengthen us in faith and trust

                                                      

~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, calm the fears and pain for all suffer through physical or mental illness, addiction or despair, and grant respite to those who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God

                                                       Strengthen us in faith and trust

             

~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, ease grieving hearts and minds with the knowledge and comfort that those who have joined You in the glory of Resurrection, now dwell in the eternal gladness and freedom of Salvation. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God

                                                       Strengthen us in faith and trust

~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, 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, O God

                                                       Strengthen us in faith and trust

             

~ Jesus, our Christ, our Peace, the best of our leaders in Your Church today, as the Apostles in their time, give witness to the truth of Your words and the fullness of life in following You. Energize their message to charge us with their fervor that we may stride confidently into each day together, proclaiming You by thought, word, and action. We pray especially for: We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       O Lord, O God

                                                       Strengthen us in faith and trust

             

The Celebrant adds:  God of the Beginning, the Now, and of all that is to Come, raise us as You raised our Christ, into the faithfulness of heart, mind, and soul that leads us to the better times, in the glory and the joy of everlasting life with You. We ask through the name of Jesus, our Risen Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Sanctifier, who reign together with You as One God, forever. Amen.

                                                            

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