Prayers of the People: In the Beginning ~ 1st Sunday in the Season of Creation '24

For Sunday, October 6, 2024; Readings: In the Beginning,* Psalm 100,** Hildegarde von Bingen,*** John 1:1-14

Creator God, open our eyes to see you reflected in every human face. In the beginning, God created, and it was good. [“In the Beginning Liturgy” by Mark Earey]*

Shout for joy to the Lord, all earth, Serve the Lord with gladness, Enter God’s presence with joy! [Psalm 100, “The Psalter: A faithful and inclusive rendering”]**

Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars…So all of creation is a song of praise to God.  [Hildegarde von Bingen]***

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.  [John 1:1-3, 14a]

Welcome to the Season of Creation!

    The Season of Creation originated in the Anglican Church of South Africa in 2008 and is designed for us to explore our faith from a Creation perspective. We are to realize our place in the order of God’s creating and to see and act upon the need to care for our entire life-support system ~ the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil in which we grow our crops ~ not merely humanity, but our total environment, as it pertains to ALL life. 

        From the early days of the Season of Creation at The Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew in Wilmington, Delaware [www.SsAM.org], we established that “the primary aim of the events of the season is to enable adults and youth to celebrate and experience the inextricable link which binds together the destinies of all of God’s creatures.” Now more than ever, this is a moment of pause to remind ourselves that God calls us to see “what great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions” and for us to renew our commitment to making real the biblical vision of the earth at unity with itself. It is a vision of human beings of all races, backgrounds and walks of life in local communities and among the nations of the earth, living together in love and peace with justice for all. "As disciples of Christ, we are called through our Baptismal Covenant, to be instruments for the healing of our broken world," and with a renewed commitment to personal and communal prayer and action.

      We will use Biblical and other readings that pertain to the specific theme of each of the 7 weeks. The alternate readings used will follow the prayers below.

        We begin this Season at the Beginning. Professor Wangari Maathai, [1940-2011], a Kenyan environmental and political activist, Member of Parliament as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, was educated in the United States and in Kenya. In 2004, she was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She was honored for "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace".  Professor Maathai described the Book of Genesis as "the book for environmentalists." If we had been created on Tuesday, she said, there would have been nowhere for us to stand! God, with infinite wisdom, waited until the last day!

Week I's Theme is: In the Beginning

LET US, GOD'S PEOPLE, PRAY 

Leader:  ~ Creator and Eternal God, You are the Light that shines in the darkness, the Light of all people and of all life on our Earth, and in the vastness of the known and unknown beyond. Guide us to know, through Your infinite Word, Christ Jesus, that our purpose in this life is to love and serve You in all that we do to care for each other, ourselves, and every part of Your Creation.                                          

         Faithful, Loving God                                        

   RESPONSE:            We turn to You with thanks and praise 

~ Creator and Eternal God, encourage goodness in all who hold political and other authority across the vast expanse of Your Creation. Guide them to see You in themselves, in every human face, in every glance on, above, and below our planet, so as to govern justly, mercifully, and humbly. We pray especially for: Joseph, our President; Kamala; our Vice-President; Tom, Chris, and Lisa, our Members of Congress; John, our Governor; Matt, our County Executive; and Mike, our Mayor.

                                                       Faithful, Loving God

                                                       We turn to You in thanks and praise

~ Creator and Eternal God, grant healing to the spirits of those laid low by illness or life circumstance, and resilience for all who give them care. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… 

                                                       Faithful, Loving God

                                                       We turn to You in thanks and praise

~ Creator and Eternal God, may echoes of sweet memory quell the pain of earth-bound grief, as the souls of those who have left this life, now soar in the peace and glory of new life in Christ. We pray especially for…

                                                       Faithful, Loving God

                                                       We turn to You in thanks and praise 

~ Creator and Eternal God, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently… 

                                                       Faithful, Loving God
                                                       We turn to You in thanks and praise   

~ Creator and Eternal God, we give thanksgiving for Your anointed and loyal servants who lead us in Your Church, who re-awaken our wonder, and teach us the way to our true place with You. We pray especially for  Michael, our Retiring Presiding Bishop; Sean, our Incoming Presiding Bishop, Kevin our Bishop; Patrick our Rector; and Lloyd, our Rector Emeritus..       

                                                       Faithful, Loving God
                                                       We turn to You in thanks and praise    

The Celebrant adds: Most Holy God, Divine Architect of all Creation, release us from our selfish diversions and turn us to never-ending thanksgiving, selfless service, and praise of You in each day of our lives. Turn us toward faithful action to increase the health of the land, the sea, the air, all humanity, every living creature, and all that is planted in this Earth, given to us by Your enduring love. We ask through Jesus, our Merciful Healer; and the Holy Spirit, Your sacred Breath within us; who together with You, are our One Almighty and Living God, now and forever. Amen.

 

*Reading #1: Genesis 1 In the Beginning Liturgy © Mark Earey

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. In the empty void and crushing darkness, God spoke light into being. Creator God, bring light into our darkness. In the beginning, God took eternity and formed time and space, seasons, days and years. Creator God, fill and shape the time you have given us. In the beginning, God took land and sea and filled them with life of every kind. Creator God, help us find our place within your diverse creation. In the beginning, God spoke his very image, and the returning echo formed humanity. Creator God, open our eyes to see you reflected in every human face. In the beginning, God created, and it was good.   

** Reading #2: Psalm 100

1. Shout for joy to the Lord, all earth, Serve the Lord with gladness, Enter God’s presence with joy! 2. Know that the Lord is God, Our maker to whom we belong, Our shepherd, and we the flock.  3. Enter the temple gates, The courtyard with thanks and praise; Give thanks and bless God’s name. 4. Indeed the Lord is good! God’s love is for ever, Faithful from age to age. [From “The Psalter: A faithful and inclusive rendering,” Liturgy Training Publications (International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc.), 1994]

*** Reading #3: Hildegarde von Bingen

Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think, What delight God gives to humankind with all these things. All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without it we cannot survive...The fire has its flame and praises God. The wind blows the flame and praises God. In the voice we hear the word which praises God. And the word, when heard, praises God. So all of creation is a song of praise to God.

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: Through Darkness and Light, Proper 22 ~ 20th Sunday after Pentecost '24 Yr B

For Sunday, October 6, 2024; Readings: Job 1:1, 2:1-10; Psalm 26, 

Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16

Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.  [Job 2:10b]

As for me I will live with integrity; redeem me O Lord, and have pity on me. [Ps 26:11b]

 [Jesus] 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]

  Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. [Mark 10:15]

    As we begin the story of Job, his trials and sufferings at the hands of Satan** have barely begun but are nonetheless difficult. We find him at the time between the daylight and the dark and it will become much darker for him before the dawning of his release from this dread-filled game. The Book of Job is far from easy to read, let alone to understand and receive direction. It is at once a dramatic debate and/or dialogue between God and Satan, Job and his wife, Job and his friends ~ it contains poetry, it is part folk-tale, and it is extremely difficult to interpret. Judaic scholars suggest that the Book has three main and interrelated points. First, which is Job’s position throughout, that human suffering is not always deserved. We can bring on our own by neglect of our health and/or, from a religious perspective, by sinful behavior. But there are many things in life that cause pain and sorrow for someone and is unrelated to anything they have done, such as the death of a loved one. The second point, held by Job’s friends is that human suffering is always deserved and they argue that Job is a sinner and has done something to offend God. The third point, at once simple and complex, is that the understanding of suffering is just beyond human comprehension. The conclusions are inconclusive!

     From the opening of this Book, we can almost hear the music of doom playing in the background ~ things will only get worse yet even now we are told In all this Job did not sin... How would each of us fare against such tribulation? 

    The Psalmist has us asking to be tested, examined in heart and mind. Do I really want to ask to be tried and tested? I'm absolutely certain that I am not ready, nor willing, to be the next Job. Yet the mere thought brings me up short as I reflect on my all-too- frequent sin of judging of others. I am, too often, as a “friend” of Job at times (especially while driving 🤐).

    In the reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, we are given some help by the instruction to pay more attention to what God is telling us through all God has done and especially through Jesus ~ who is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being. 

    And, as Jesus is tested by the Pharisees, he tells the disciples, somewhat indignantly, to let the children come forward and be welcomed fully and completely and with blessing. He is telling us to be as these, feeling the peace and security of a child beloved of a parent ~ whether or not that is our lived experience ~ so that we may receive the kingdom of God as a little child.

     A moment for self-reflection: Am I a cup half-full or cup half-empty sort of person? Do I see the image above as a sunset or a sunrise? Am I able to imagine and inhabit the mind and heart and innocence of a child who truly trusts, adores, and clings to a beloved parent? 

      Let us seek to find and hold the ability to love unconditionally as does a child. When we actively and consciously pursue the love and presence of God, through Jesus and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we will more easily accept and work through all that life provides. Whatever the tests may be, the difficult and the easy, whatever the twists and turns in the trials of faith, God is as faithful to us as the Parent in Longfellow’s The Children’s Hour poem. Let us be as faithful, loving children to our God, through the darkness and light in each and every day, until we enter into the eternal Light of new life in Christ.

And there will I keep you forever,

Yes, forever and a day,

Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,

And moulder in dust away!*

  

*~ The Children’s Hour, the last stanza, from the poem by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882, published in the September 1860 Edition of The Atlantic magazine. The first stanza begins with Between the dark and the daylight, when the night is beginning to lower…To read the rest of this poem click on:  The Children's Hour

**An interesting aside is the concept of Satan who appears in the texts of Abrahamic traditions (primarily, but not limited to, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) variously translated as "The Adversary," the "Devil," or "The Accuser." Click the links to read more and think about what you’ve been taught, what you actually believe, or what you haven’t yet decided to believe.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ God of Grace and Majesty, through all the darkness and pain, Job stayed faithful and did not sin. Grant us even a small portion of Job’s deep faith and patience, and greater awareness of Your presence and love, to live each day as Your trusting and beloved children.

                                                     Creator God Almighty   
               RESPONSE:            Have Pity and Redeem us, O Lord
 

~ God of Grace and Majesty, release all who govern on this Earth, in this Nation, and in this Community, from any hardness of heart or evil intent, that through actions of integrity, equity, and generosity, they may find their own moral substance in the well-being of all people. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Creator God Almighty

                                                       Have Pity and Redeem us, O Lord   

~ God of Grace and Majesty, give rest and hope to those coping with persistent illness, being unhoused, hungry, or addicted, and reinvigorate those who provide them with care. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       Creator God Almighty

                                                       Have Pity and Redeem us, O Lord   

~ God of Grace and Majesty, through the sacrifice of Jesus in earthly death, we and all of our faithful departed may live again forever in the light of Your celestial glory. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Creator God Almighty

                                                       Have Pity and Redeem us, O Lord   

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

                                                       Creator God Almighty

                                                       Have Pity and Redeem us, O Lord    

~ God of Grace and Majesty, bestow extra grace upon our anointed leaders in this congregation and everywhere in Your Church, as they bring us Your precious Word, tell us of the signs and wonders of Christ, and help us discover our own gifts from the Holy Spirit. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Creator God Almighty

                                                       Have Pity and Redeem us, O Lord            

The Celebrant adds:  O God for Whom and through Whom all things exist, kindle and strengthen us to accept all tests and trials of earthly life, remaining faith-filled, thankful, and purified of sin. We ask with a child-like heart through Christ Jesus, the Imprint of Your Being; and the Holy Spirit, Grantor of Divine Gifts; who together with You, are One God, eternal, infinite, limitless. Amen.

 

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: Be Generous with S.A.L.T. ~ Proper 21, 19th Sunday after Pentecost '24 Yr B

For Sunday, September 29, 2024; Readings: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22; Psalm 124, 

James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50

   ...as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday...they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents for the poor. [Esther 9:22b]

      Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. [Psalm 124:8]

      The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has sins will be forgiven...pray for one another so that you may be healed…if anyone…wanders from the truth and is brought back by another…whoever brings back a sinner…will save the sinner’s soul from death… [James 5:13-15, 19-20]

     For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. 

[Mark 9:49-50]

        Esther is a wonderfully romantic and powerful story which I first read many times as a novel based on the biblical account ~ one of my favorites growing up. I did also read the biblical account ~ the first and one of the few books of the Bible I ever read all the way through until I was an adult and began formal bible studies. There are fascinating and significant historical and theological differences between its Jewish/Hebrew origins, which form the basis for the very lively late winter/early spring feast of Purim [POR-im], and the later more serious Greek/Christian translations with which we are most familiar. Some later additions to the Book of Esther are found among the books of the Apocrypha [ah-POCK-rif-ah] in many Christian Bibles, although some protestant denominations/translations do not publish or use any part of the Apocrypha. While generally not considered much more than interesting reading, these additional books and pieces give insight into their times. These writings are not considered to have the weight of Scripture but to dismiss them altogether is to miss what Martin Luther called: useful and good for reading. [To learn more about the books of the Apocrypha click here:  The Apocrypha]  

     The Psalm appointed for this week is, for me, the link from the Esther passage to the Epistle of James and the Gospel of Mark, as it tells us Our help is in the name of the Lord. Escape, rescue, and faith are present in one way or another in all four readings. There are often occasions when the combination of readings seems to have no discernible link at all. Regardless, the Preacher can choose which to use for a sermon (usually, but not always, the Gospel in the Anglican/Episcopal traditions). I know I'm not the only one who, on occasion, wonders what the collaborators on our Revised Common Lectionary* (RCL) were thinking when they put some of these together! 

      There is much to be said about how the RCL and its Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox counterparts came to be and are used, but I offer you the opportunity to explore that information for yourself. Generally, it is up to the lead clergy of a given parish/congregation to decide what the track of readings from the RCL will be used. In this week, there was a choice between Esther and verses from the 11th chapter of Numbers (cranky desert-bound Israelites arguing with Moses, again, and cranky Moses arguing with God, who of course fixed things, for the moment). My rector chose Esther.

      All of the readings for the daily and Sunday lectionaries, individually, give us much food for thought, study, discussion, and personal growth. And this Sunday is, of course, no exception.

      Whether suffering or cheerful or sinning, James reminds us of the power of the prayer of faith for ourselves and for others. If someone we know wanders from the truth and is brought back by another then the other has saved the wanderer’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Let’s work on that together ~ if I am or you are wandering, let’s pledge to bring each other back!

       Jesus tells the disciples not to worry about someone “else” doing good things in Jesus’ name ~ for Whoever is not against us is for us. Nor are we to worry about stumbling ~ let go of whatever part of us is causing us to stumble into sin for we are better off without it in God’s Kingdom. Jesus tells them and us that we are seasoned well for the work we are called to do in his name; as he said it, we are salted with fire. But as with literal salt, its essence can slip away, become stale, no longer enhancing the flavor of the food. So we must have salt within us, in its many sizes, shapes, colors and flavors, as are we all, and be at peace with one another to feed the flock of Christ. Let us then be generous with our salt as we are fired up with the skills we have and those of others seek to Serve to give. Act in Christ’s name. Love first and always. Teach to learn. And, from James, let us pepper each other and the world we live in with constant unending prayer, in and of faith, for ourselves and for others.

 [FYI: the acronym of SALT with its basic Serve, Act, Love, Teach is not original with me and I do not know its origin; I’ve just expanded it slightly.]

*A Lectionary is, essentially, a calendar of readings for each given weekday and weekend ordinary services, with differences for feasts, seasons, and remembrances in the Christian/Jewish traditions. The Revised Common Lectionary is particularly Christian and for many denominations of Catholic and Protestant traditions, the revision was inspired from the Second Vatican Council [1962-1965] with a 3 year weekly cycle of Years A, B, C, and a daily 2 year cycle. There are differences among the various denominations and there are some denominations in which the Lectionary isn’t used and the pastor decides what reading/s will be used.   

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ Lord of Power and Mercy, keep us mindful of how often we use Your Name in ways great, small, indifferent, irreverent, and in vain. Open us to feel the depth and energy of Your presence always, and especially when we pray in faith for others and ourselves

                            God of All Creation                     
    RESPONSE:         Our help is in Your Name         

~ Lord of Power and Mercy, in a world seething with devastating natural disasters, wars, growing anger, violence, and fear, guide us to seek and support leaders with integrity and compassion on this Earth, in our Nation, and in our Communities. Guide them to influence the most positive course for all in the ways of justice and peace everywhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                         God of All Creation

                                         Our Help is in Your Name

~ Lord of Power and Mercy, lessen worry and infuse hope into those longing for release from sickness, injury, or the struggles of life, and give comfort from the prayers we lift together. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need…add your own petitions

                                         God of All Creation
                                         Our Help is in Your Name

~ Lord of Power and Mercy, turn sorrow into the sweetness of fond memories for those who mourn, as the endless days of feasting and gladness begin for those You now receive into glory of Eternal Life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                         God of All Creation
                                         Our Help is in Your Name

~  Lord of Power and Mercy, 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 All Creation

                                         Our Help is in Your Name         

~ Lord of Power and Mercy, we give You great thanks for those who have been chosen and have accepted the challenge of leading us in Your church. Bless them for praying with us and for us, and for guiding our spiritual journey in Your service, through our unique and local ministries and beyond. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                         God of All Creation

                                         Our Help is in Your Name

The Celebrant adds: O God our Strength and our Salvation, salt our souls with the fire of Christ’s love, that we may faithfully live and act through the spiritual power of His Name and Words. May our prayers be constant to lift, support, and fortify justice, mercy, and peace, to bring one another and ourselves back to the center of our created souls. We ask through Jesus, our Teacher and Redeemer; and through the Holy Spirit, the Channel of Your Grace; who together with You, are One God, forever and ever. Amen.

 

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: At the Last of All ~ Proper 20, 18th Sunday after Pentecost Yr B '24

For Sunday, September 22, 2024; Readings:  Jeremiah 11:18-20, Psalm 1, 

James 3:13-4:3; 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37

   It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their deeds. But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes… But you, O Lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who try the heart and the mind, let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. [Jeremiah 11:18-20]

    For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is doomed. [Psalm 1:6]

    But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth...But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy...And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. [James 3:14, 17-18]

   ...for [Jesus] was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again." But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him... on the way [to Capernaum] they had argued with one another who was the greatest. [Jesus]...said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Then he...said to them, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me." [Mark 9:3-37]

      Taking 2 verses of any book of the Bible is problematic. Out of context of the chapter, the book, and lacking more information of the author’s history, general focus, and intent, even varying translations, all too often leads to weaponization with two or more sides finger pointing toward their intended targets resulting in mutual stare-downs seeing in the “other” what they/we cannot or choose not to see in themselves/ourselves. This is never more so than in contentious times. It is so much easier and self-satisfying to seek retribution for the “other”. This week we have several choices within the assigned Lectionary and the pickings are not mine to make. And so, we have just 2 verses of Jeremiah. Yet in the weaving of these four readings, as is most often the case, there is an underlying coherent message from which a parallel question asked in last week’s Gospel might well be What do you say that the message of these 4 is?

   The Psalmist compares the actions that make for the happy righteous and the doomed wicked, reminding us that the Lord knows both us and them and the who and the what. And James charts the course of attitudes and behaviors reflecting earthly and inwardly unmet cravings against those who find their path in the wisdom, peace, and gentleness from above. But Jesus is working to prepare the disciples, again, for all that is to come, and, again, they do not understand.

    As the writer of Mark tells us, the chosen disciples were those closest and most committed to Jesus. Yet, close as they were, they were still afraid to ask Jesus to explain what he meant about being betrayed and killed and rising from the dead. But, on the way to Capernaum instead of asking those questions among themselves, they were arguing with each other about which one of themselves was the greatest of them all. Perhaps they were confused about and therefore tuned out the hard truth Jesus was giving because it was too difficult to digest and discuss. 

    In a culture, such as ours in the west, that teaches that one must strive to thrive through success, achievement, wealth, power, and position, it is exceedingly difficult to avoid the traps of envy, ambition, conflict, distrust, etc. Fear of asking questions is also prevalent ~ one learns early in school to be fearful of being mocked and labeled stupid if one asks a seemingly “dumb” question. Surely one only wants to ask the "right questions" and not give too much information away to those with whom one competes. Perhaps each of the disciples were worried that they would ask the wrong question and fail a test of sorts. Or perhaps they were unable to determine what question would be right. James references that as well by telling us that if we didn’t get what we asked for, it was because we asked wrongly, that is, we asked for earthly for human pleasure rather than the spiritual treasure that God provides. 

    Jeremiah, the Psalmist, and the writer of James also bring being righteous into our understanding and instruction. It is one of those words we hear often from the Bible readings ~ we can guess by its sound that it means God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are righteous, that is, they are objective yet loving. For us it sounds as if we are to be "right" with God and in truth it does mean that, to lead a life that is pleasing to God who knows us, to be someone whose actions God would find to be just, gentle, and merciful. We are told very specifically what happens to those who sit in the seats of the scornful [Ps 1:1] and are boastful and false to the truth [James 3:14b]. And now Jesus gives the disciples, and us, the terms of a righteous life: Be last not first, a servant of all, and those who welcome in the name of Jesus will be welcoming God into their midst, thereby drawing themselves near to God who will in turn draw nearer to them. 

   As followers of Jesus we are to commit to selfless service, especially among those who give nothing return whether by circumstance or choice; to reach toward humility in shedding traces of inward and outward aspiration to greatness; and we are to submit ourselves to God. The height and breadth and depth and weight of all that is expected feels staggering helping us to understand how the disciples felt at times. Yet they were together in the best and worst of times, as we are in our communities of faith, working together, learning to understand, committing and submitting ourselves to Christ for the life of each other and our eternal souls. We fail regularly as did those closest to Jesus then and now, and we are always given another opportunity to turn ourselves around and begin again and again, and, always, again. As we draw nearer to God, God will draw nearer to thee and me.

   Our place in this life is at the last of all as God’s gentle lambs, not led to a slaughter, but serving all of God’s people in the name of our Righteous Lamb.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ God Almighty, refresh our souls to keep us from envy and selfish ambition, more able to resist earthly temptation, and willing to yield our hearts and minds to Your Divine Wisdom.   

                                                    Knowing, Welcoming Lord                                                       

RESPONSE:             Draw us nearer to You

~ God Almighty, embolden us to stand together in Christ’s name as we strive to ensure ethical and principled, just and merciful governing by the leaders of our World, our Nation, and our Community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Knowing, Welcoming Lord

                                                       Draw us nearer to You

~ God Almighty, grant hope to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, and energy to all who give them care. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need…add your own petitions

                                                       Knowing, Welcoming Lord

                                                       Draw us nearer to You

~ God Almighty, shine Your perfect light into the darkness of grief, as You gather those newly departed from this life, into the gleaming expanse of eternal life with You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Knowing, Welcoming Lord

                                                       Draw us nearer to You

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

                                                       Knowing, Welcoming Lord

                                                       Draw us nearer to You

~ God Almighty, quicken the minds and lighten the steps of all who share Your wisdom with us and delight with us in Your Word. Guide us that together we may sow the seeds that will bear the good fruit to prosper a harvest of righteousness and peace. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Knowing, Welcoming Lord

                                                       Draw us nearer to You       

The Celebrant adds: O Lord our God, release us from the grip of mortal pride and temporal lures to be Christ’s selfless, humble, and welcoming servants of all. Strengthen us as we seek to do the work You have given us to do, not for our own greatness, but the greatness of Your Eternal Kingdom. We ask through the glory and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus; and the wise counsel of the Spirit Most Holy; who together with You, are One, boundless, and eternal God, forever and ever. Amen.    

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use 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: How Do I Answer? ~ 17th Sunday after Pentecost '18 Yr B

For Sunday, September 16, 2018, Readings: Proverbs 1:20-33, Psalm 19, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38

   How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?...I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. [Proverbs 1:22b, 23b]

  Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. [Psalm 19:14]

  For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle... From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. [James 3:2, 10]

   Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" [Mark 8:27-29a]

    The Proverbial Prophet of the ancient time is speaking loudly to our own time in this week's selection, as we are warned against scoffers and fools, waywardness and complacency. The Psalmist is more optimistic in praise to and of God's gifts as a Master Plan for our salvation. And James gets quite graphic in his descriptions of the restless evil, full of deadly poison within us, a true tongue lashing! Forget being two-faced, James is blunt saying that out of our mouths come both blessing and cursing. [James speaks to my difficult admission that I am guilty as charged.] 

    As Mark recounts a trip to Caesarea Philippi with the disciples, Jesus asks them what they have heard others say about him. Always an easier question to answer especially in a group: Who do THEY say...? "They and them" are the best at giving opinions, making comments, uninformed decisions, or judgments ~ hey, it's not me, it was "them" ~ they said, they did, they believe... But then comes the real question: "Who do you say that I am?" It’s money on the table time and Peter was right on it! "You are the Messiah." Easy-peasy until the conversation went downhill.

    Of course no one wanted to hear what was coming next: suffering, rejection, and death ~ did they hear the part about rising in three days? Peter ~ Dear Peter ~ started to argue and was shut down by Jesus in the familiar words: Get behind me, Satan!  But this reality was not going to be pleasant or easy and Jesus told the disciples and all the crowd around about saving or losing one's life, then and tells us now. Peter, the disciples, and we are told to get out of the mindset of human things and focus on divine things. We must take up our cross and concern ourselves unashamedly with the Gospel. Yes there may be difficulties, rejection, and perhaps suffering because of it. But here in this day, I take solace and strength and am heartened by the words of Catholic social activist Dorothy Day* who said, If I have achieved anything in my life, it is because I have not been embarrassed to talk about God.

    The question hangs heavy in the air: Who do I say Jesus is? Do I express my answer well enough merely by good deeds, attending Church, wearing a cross? Am I embarrassed to speak openly of my faith in the face of scoffers? Perhaps extra work in trying to keep the unkind part of my all-too-restless tongue tamed is one way for me to take up my cross. How and how often do I think about Jesus in real everyday time? How do I answer His question for myself? How do I answer His question directly to Him and to others? How do I answer…

*click the green link above for more information about the extraordinary life of Dorothy Day [1897-1980]

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O God of Glory, may the meditations of our hearts listen for Your thoughts and live into the Words you make known to us. Revive our souls with the courage to openly name Jesus as our Messiah and to take up the cross to follow Him, for the sake of the Gospel, humanity, and life everlasting.

                                                    Lord Jesus, Son of Man                                                         

RESPONSE:              Our Strength and our Redeemer

~ O God of Glory, amplify the strength of our voices to implore all political leaders in our World, in our Nation and in our Community, to grant immediate and compassionate aid to all current and future victims of tyranny, violence, and desperate living. We pray especially for: Joseph, our President; Kamala, our Vice-President; Tom, Chris, and Lisa, our Members of Congress; John, our Governor; Matt, our County Executive; and Mike, our Mayor.

                                                       Lord Jesus, Son of Man

                                                       Our Strength and our Redeemer

~ O God of Glory, cradle in Your generous heart all who are exhausted by the endless pain and fear of disease or depression, and fortify those who work to give them comfort. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need. We pray especially for:

                                                       Lord Jesus, Son of Man

                                                       Our Strength and our Redeemer                               

~ O God of Glory, gladden our mournful hearts as those we love, now live forever in in the splendor of Your eternal shores. We pray especially for: 

                                                       Lord Jesus, Son of Man

                                                       Our Strength and our Redeemer                      

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

                                                       Lord Jesus, Son of Man

                                                       Our Strength and our Redeemer                                

~ O God of Glory, sanctify again all who lead us in Your Church, who teach us the ways of discipleship, and guide us to learn and know who Jesus is to us, and who journey with us toward You in all phases of our lives. We pray especially for: Michael, our Retiring Presiding Bishop; Sean, our Incoming Presiding Bishop, Kevin our Bishop; Patrick our Rector; and Lloyd, our Rector Emeritus.

                                                       Lord Jesus, Son of Man

                                                       Our Strength and our Redeemer   

The Celebrant adds: O True and Righteous God, in the midst of our imperfections in this human life, help us to turn away from scoffers that we may rejoice in and follow Your perfect law. Keep us from presumptuous sins that we may become heart whole, soul sound, and altogether acceptable in Your Divine and Eternal Sight. We ask through Christ Jesus, our Messiah, and the Holy Spirit, our Fount of Wisdom, who together with You reign in the fullness of One God, now and forever. Amen.

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