Prayers of the People: Here's the Deal ~ 6th Sunday After Epiphany

Readings:  Deut 30:15-20, Ps 119:1-8, 1Cor 3:1-9, Mt 5:21-37      

  The readings said to me:

        It's All Up to YOU.

      Take It or Leave It.
     What's It Gonna Be?
You CAN handle the truth.
          Make Amends.
  Face the Consequences.
             Grow Up.

       Reductive?  Most certainly!  There is so much that could be and has been said about these (and most other) Scripture readings. Literally multiple trillions of academic tomes, texts, and pages have been published; not to mention sermons over the course of two millennia. But, after all is said and written, I need to know: what does it all mean for me in my life NOW? And Jesus himself, reduced it all into very clear terms in what is sometimes called "The Greatest Commandment" and it is taken in part from the sacred Judaic Shema (sheh-mah) from earlier in Deuteronomy.  We read it most often in Mark 12:29-31 when Jesus was asked "Which commandment is first of all?" and Jesus said:   The first is, Hear,O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.  The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no other commandment greater than these.

               Love God, love your neighbor as yourself - if you do all that then you ARE following the Commandments.  Of course, there is one slight footnote I feel compelled to add - not by way of defense of the sin, only as a clarification for the sake of historical context.  Adultery - ugly though it is - was in that time not exactly what it is now.  Polygamy had existed in the distant past (that is, men could have multiple wives) and had never been specifically repudiated by Jewish Law. And "adultery" only existed if the woman in question was married.  Otherwise, "visiting" non-married women wasn't adultery for him.

               What, for me, is the clear message of the combined readings is God gives us free will to choose the path we take and tells us what to expect as a result of our choice. Think about it.  What road are you on?

                                                      Let Us, God’s People, Pray

Leader:   ~ O God of Mercy and Promise, You offer us the choice of abundant life in You or the emptiness of death to the Spirit.  Our hearts are so easily turned by the gods of human distractions.  Do not forsake us as we find our way from being milk-fed spiritual babies to the solid food of following Your statutes as conscious, intentional adults.     

                      O God our Strength and our Redeemer

Response:  Help us choose to put our trust in You

~ O God of Mercy and Promise, we want those in government to lead us with sincerity and to follow the letter and the spirit of the law of this land as it meets Your law.  We beg for an end to the violence, quarreling, and jealous power plays in our world and yet we know that such reconciliation must begin in our own lives. Give us the courage to be what we expect of our political leaders.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                      O God our Strength and our Redeemer

                     Help us choose to put our trust in You

~ O God of Mercy and Promise, we ask your blessings on those who are seriously ill, aged, or life-weary, and for those who serve their needs and see to their care. Help us all, especially through our weakest moments, to stay on Your path and hold fast to Your ways. We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                     O God our Strength and our Redeemer

                     Help us choose to put our trust in You

~ O God of Mercy and Promise, our hearts are heavy with the loss of those who have left us and this life.  Surround those who mourn and hold them close in Your complete love and perfect peace.  We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                     O God our Strength and our Redeemer

                     Help us choose to put our trust in You

~ O God of Mercy and Promise, as planters and waterers in Your field, we are to work together for the common purpose You have given us. Grant those who lead us in Your Church the spiritual maturity to guide themselves, and each of us, away from behaviors borne of human inclination and toward the growth and grace of Your perfect love.  We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                     O God our Strength and our Redeemer

                     Help us choose to put our trust in You

The Celebrant adds:   O God our Strength and our Redeemer, please hear our prayers and keep us on course to avoid the empty promises and harsh consequences of the life of the flesh.  Help us to reconcile our hearts with one another, begin each day with the sincere desire to seek Your Will, and to have the prudence to choose the blessings and abundance of true Life with You, through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and through eternity.  Amen.

Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. Requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayers of the People: Gettin' Real on the 5th Sunday after Epiphany

            

               Although we are still in the Season after the Epiphany, we are moving toward Lent, the season of fasting and repentance.  The Lessons for this Sunday are a good primer on how to get real and start to think again about how to live as God wants.  Isaiah tells us that just showing up to do a few good acts and a bit of fasting without the right intention isn’t enough, especially if we’re still pointing fingers and judging others.  God sees through our waving of hands and cries of “Look at me” when self-interest is our prime motivator.  Paul carries us along by saying that those who are not spiritually inclined don’t care about what is or isn’t of God and are more likely to get caught up in following the "wisdom" that is merely human. But if we truly seek the wisdom and spirit of God we will be given more ways to understand. 

         And just after the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes us further by letting us know that he has come to fulfill the Law - the Commandments - and that we are to follow even the least of these and teach others to do the same.  We are the “salt of the earth” which, in the time of Jesus, is meant to imply great importance.  Salt was more than a condiment then, it was currency.  Soldiers’ wages were paid in salt and salt was used by everyone as we use money today. If currency is devalued, if salt loses its taste, it becomes worthless.  We are called to realize our own worth and potential in God's sight and let our good works reflect the Glory of God as a pathway to eternal life.  

       Let’s take some time this week and think about all the intentional “good works” we do and see what is self-less and what – although still good for others – might be more for self-importance.  What's it worth?

Readings:  Is 58:1-9-12, Ps 112:1-10, 1 Cor 2:1-16, Mt 5:13-20

Let Us, God’s People, Pray

Leader: ~ O God, Eternal and Holy, we, Your humble servants, want you to see all the good that we do to please You and show ourselves in the best light.  You ask us to know our own hearts, to see our deeply disguised motives, and to recognize the pride in our false sense of humility.  Please give us Your Gift of spiritual discernment that we may move from acting in unconscious self-interest to working for the ease and well-being of Your people.  Let Your Glory shine through us and give Light to all the World.

                   God of Abundant Love and Light, move us beyond mere human wisdom,

Response:  Help us to know the Mind of Christ

~ O God, Eternal and Holy, those who hold public office reflect the values of those who voted for them. Give their lives and ours, a sacred intent and the strength to fast from the judgment of pointing fingers, quarreling for its own sake, and holding ourselves above those we are charged by You to serve.  We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                     God of Abundant Love and Light,

                     Help us to know the Mind of Christ

~ O God, Eternal and Holy, with a true sense of compassion, we ask for Your Blessing on those who are afflicted by serious illness, disability, or troubling circumstance.  We also pray for continuing energy for those who give solace and wait upon them, that they, and we, may discover the best ways to be of help.  We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                     God of Abundant Love and Light,

                     Help us know the Mind of Christ

~ O God, Eternal and Holy, our minds and hearts are with those who are saddened by the loss of those dear to them.  Whether the loss is new or freshly remembered, give us the good sense to be simply present and sensitive in their time of need.  We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                     God of Abundant Love and Light,

                     Help us know the Mind of Christ

~ O God, Eternal and Holy, Your Servant Paul teaches us to rest our Faith only in Your Spirit and Power, not in the false wisdom of those doomed to perish in their own age. We ask that those who lead Your Church and minister in the name of Christ Jesus take on the yoke of Your truth, delight in Your Commandments, and teach us by example and love.  We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

The Celebrant Adds:  God of Wisdom, God of Abundance, guide us toward discerning the mind of Christ; help us to fast from willful self-indulgence, to salt the earth with actions that reflect Your Spirit, and to be the shining lamp lighting the path that leads us all to You. Amen.

Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. Requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayer for Starting Over

   Dear Lord of New Beginnings,         

      It's one of those anniversaries, the really difficult one, the kind you watch the calendar for and see coming a month and more away.  And now it's here, a long day's journey and an almost endless night that reopens the wounds that have never really closed.

      Breathe Your Light into those whose souls are sad and surround them with Your Healing Presence.  Help us all, when we face those moments, to take small steps toward the dawn and start over with the new day.  We may never get over all that we've lost but in starting over we can walk through one more moment, one more day, one more week or however long it takes until we become aware of the pain easing, a bird singing, the light of the day a little brighter.

      With Your presence, the memories become sweeter, the time between tears is lengthened, and the fullness of life is just ahead.  In its own time the grief will lift as does deep fog burned off by the sunlight.  Keep us in the warmth of Your embrace as we seek Your peace in the life we are given to live, the life that he, she, and they would want for us.  amen.

Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. Requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayers of the People: The Presentation of Jesus

40 Days Later...  Sunday, February 2, 40 days after Christmas, is packed with theological and liturgical significance. A special Feast day in the Church calendar, it is sometimes overlooked when, as in most years, it falls on a weekday. The official name is: The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. It is also recognized as The Purification of Mary  because the Law of Moses required that she – like the Infant Jesus – participate in a rite of purification 40 days after childbirth. Some Christians marks this as the official end of the Christmas season - because beyond the “12 Days of Christmas” between Christmas Day and the Epiphany - this day concludes the 40 Days of the Incarnation. The day is also Candlemas, a traditional time to bless candles for liturgical use. And of course, the period of time of “40 Days” in itself is frequently used throughout the Hebrew and Christian Testaments of The Bible to highlight auspicious activities.

               The focus of today’s readings for us is the Infant being presented for purification in the Temple in Jerusalem – a fulfillment of prophecy, a revelation. The holy Simeon, an aged, righteous, and devout man is waiting for sight of the Messiah before he will know death. How many times has he looked at a child and wondered – is it him? Yet this time he knows. He takes this Child in his arms; his joy is palpable. Another aged prophet, Anna, breaks out in praise of God and tells everyone about this special Baby. We can easily get caught up in the moment – remember the excitement of special births, baptisms or christenings in your family?

              Then in the midst of the all the elation, Simeon gives Mary a hint of things to come when he says, “This Child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel…a sign that will be opposed…a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Given all that Mary and Joseph have experienced so far – Angel announcements, the difficult journey to Bethlehem, the birth in less than ideal circumstances, shepherds, heavenly choruses, Wise Men, and prophetic dreams…one can barely imagine what the young new mother, Mary, is thinking. Perhaps Cornish poet Charles Causley’s words gives voice to Mary’s thoughts and to every parent’s hopeful yet anxious wish:

Vivid upon her tongue

Unspoken prayers

That she may not outlive

The life she bears.

Readings:  Malachi 3:1-4, Ps 84, Hebrews 2:14-18, Lk 2:22-40  

                                                                                                       Let us, God's People, Pray


Leader: ~ Jesus, the Joy of Simeon who knows Your arrival is a cataclysmic event!  Keep us always surprised and joyful at your sudden arrivals in our hearts and minds and let our lives radiate the exhilaration of being in Your Presence.

                   O Lord of Hosts

Response: We put our trust in You

~ Jesus, Joy of Simeon, we present ourselves to you as pilgrims on Your Way.  Refine and purify our hearts and souls so that we may find favor as servant messengers of Your Covenant.

                  O Lord of Hosts  

                  We put our trust in You

~ Jesus, Joy of Simeon, attend to those who present themselves in the world’s temples of government.  Fill their hearts with Your wisdom, justice, and mercy and diverge them from paths of greed and inhumanity. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
                O Lord of Hosts 

                   We put our trust in You

~ Jesus, Joy of Simeon, we ask Your Healing for all who are seriously ill, frightened, or exhausted, and for those who tend to their needs.  Care for them as sparrows nesting by Your altar and give their wings renewed flight in hope. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                    O Lord of Hosts 

                    We put our trust in You

~ Jesus, Joy of Simeon, open our eyes to Your Place of Springs in the desert of sorrow, as the ones whose loss we mourn are set free in peace to a new life in the fullness of Your Salvation and Glory. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                     O Lord of Hosts 

                     We put our trust in You

~ Jesus, Joy of Simeon, Grant continuous discernment, wisdom, and prophetic understanding to those who guide Your Church and those who worship within it.  May the Spirit Most High keep us all merciful and faithful servants of Your Word.  We pray especially for:  add your own petitions

                      O Lord of Hosts 

                      We put our trust in You

Celebrant adds:  Lord God of Sun and Shield, we, the humble hosts in Your Creation, rejoice with Simeon and Anna, Mary and Joseph, and prepare ourselves for the many risings and fallings yet to come in our own lives.  We re-dedicate ourselves to You on this day and ask Your blessings for strength, integrity, and faithfulness through Jesus the Christ and the Holy Spirit who live and reign with You as one God, now and for eternity.  Amen.

Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at  Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. Requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayer for S'no Trouble (again)

               Thank you, Lord - the snow is falling 
  (again) and it is lovely to watch.  The sounds of life outside are muted with the cushion of several more inches of unique multi-faceted crystals (again).  The driveway is completely covered (again), the roads are treacherous (again), especially when other drivers feel that the posted speed isn't fast enough and I am driving  on ice 10 mph below that (again).  Not that I'm complaining, Lord (again).  I just always want to be thankful for all that Creation gives.  However, I'm finding that very difficult at the moment (again).   SO, I'm praying to ask that if it isn't any trouble, PLEASE MAKE IT STOP (again)!   sigh But, ok, whatever, thank you, Lord, for listening  (again).  amen.











Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. Requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayer for the Bookmark-er

           To the Patron Saints of Libraries:

       Please send a special blessing to the Reader who left this pretty sticky-note as a bookmark in a library book I recently borrowed.  As I turned the page and saw it I thought of the person who put it there and wondered....what did you find on that page?  Did you finish the book?  Did you find it inspiring?  Whatever your life circumstance is, I pray that you truly experience the grace of God and all the Saints.  Go well, be well.  Enjoy and be inspired by your reading, especially things like the Anne Lamott we've now shared.  I hope all of the Stitches in your life repair, renew, and add lovely, surprising new patterns and designs.
                I've kept the bookmark as a remembrance that in God's creation we are never truly alone. Somewhere someone is reading what I'm reading. amen.







Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. Requestors will remain anonymous.

Prayer from Inside

Skylight in my home
covered with snow

          Spirit in the Sky ~ My skylight is blocked with frozen snow but I know that You are still there. I may not get out tomorrow, or even the next day, but I will soon and the sun will shine through my skylight again. Please send Your light, warmth, and comfort to those who are always inside and will never get out especially prisoners in jails or of wars, the chronically sick and elderly, those lost in the darkness of mental illness or addiction or in the endless grip of grief.
              Remove the ice of doubt from their hearts and give our prayers flight to lighten their spirits.  Fortify each of us to take an extra moment to defrost the loneliness of just one person today.

              We lift our prayers to You, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier ~ our Spirit in the Sky, the breath in our bodies, the lifeblood of our Faith.  amen. 

Please feel free to request a prayer to be composed for a particular concern or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. Requestors will remain anonymous.