O God, you have given some of us responsibility and authority over others -- as leaders in the Church, as leaders in the workplace, as teachers and administrators in the world of education, as parents.
Help us always to act fairly and justly, but help us always leaven justice with mercy and compassion.
Help us to know when to enforce discipline
and when to relax it.
Help us to remember that people are always more important than things.
Help us in the wise use of power
and keep us from either being afraid to exercise it at all
or applying it too severely.
Help us be role models for others by what we say and do.
Help us to remember that, although some of us are "masters,"
we too have a Master. Amen.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
For Beauty
As stillness in stone to silence is wed,
May solitude foster your truth in word.
As a river flows in ideal sequence,
May your soul reveal where time is presence.
As the moon absolves the dark of distance,
May your stile of thought bridge the difference.
As the breath of light awakens color,
May the dawn anoint your eyes with wonder.
As spring rain softens the ear with surprise,
May your winter places be kissed by light.
As the ocean dreams to the joy of dance,
May the grace of change bring you elegance.
As clay anchors a tree in light and wind,
May your outer life grow from peace within.
As twilight pervades the belief of night,
May beauty sleep lightly within your heart.
John O'Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us, page 121.
May solitude foster your truth in word.
As a river flows in ideal sequence,
May your soul reveal where time is presence.
As the moon absolves the dark of distance,
May your stile of thought bridge the difference.
As the breath of light awakens color,
May the dawn anoint your eyes with wonder.
As spring rain softens the ear with surprise,
May your winter places be kissed by light.
As the ocean dreams to the joy of dance,
May the grace of change bring you elegance.
As clay anchors a tree in light and wind,
May your outer life grow from peace within.
As twilight pervades the belief of night,
May beauty sleep lightly within your heart.
John O'Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us, page 121.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday Prayer
Prayer is a precious way of communicating with God; it gladdens the soul and gives repose to its affections. You should not think of prayer as being a matter of words. It is a desire for God, an indescribable devotion, not of human origin, but the gift of God's grace. As Saint Paul says: we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit ... intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.
~ St John Chrysostom (Hom 6 on Prayer)
(Late 9th century mosaic of John Chrysostom in the nave of the Hagia Sophia.)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday Prayer
God's got
the whole world,
the little bitty baby,
you and me brother and
you and me sister
in God's hands.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Pescador de Hombres
Lord, you have come to the seashore, neither searching for the rich nor the wise,
Desiring only that I should follow.
O Lord, with your eyes set upon me, gently smiling, you have spoken my name;
All I longed for I have found by the water, at your side, I will seek other shores.
Lord, see my goods, my possessions; in my boat you find no power, no wealth.
Will you accept, then, my nets and labour?
Lord, take my hands and direct them. Help me spend myself in seeking the lost,
Returning love for the love you gave me.
Cesareo Gabarain
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Prayer for Epiphany 3B
Almighty Compassionate God,
You care for all your peoples, whether they are here around us or in far off places, you care enough to call people to bring the good news to them.
You care about our country during these tough economic times, and times of transition to a new president and his cabinet.
You care about countries like Gaza, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan who have deeper problems and needs than we do.
You care about those who are sick, in pain, in the hospital, home bound and in nursing homes, your compassion extends to them.
You care about those who carry heavy burdens, broken hearts, grieving, lonely and anxious, your compassion extends to them as well.
You care for the great number of people losing their jobs, losing their homes, losing their bank accounts as well as those who have had none of those for a long time.
You care for those of us who answered your call to preach your word, teach your word, Pastor your flock, and lead in songs of praise, your compassion extends to us as well.
Lord we thank you for your compassion, your care, your mercy and the good news of your son Jesus Christ. Amen
cross posted at revgalblogpals
You care for all your peoples, whether they are here around us or in far off places, you care enough to call people to bring the good news to them.
You care about our country during these tough economic times, and times of transition to a new president and his cabinet.
You care about countries like Gaza, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan who have deeper problems and needs than we do.
You care about those who are sick, in pain, in the hospital, home bound and in nursing homes, your compassion extends to them.
You care about those who carry heavy burdens, broken hearts, grieving, lonely and anxious, your compassion extends to them as well.
You care for the great number of people losing their jobs, losing their homes, losing their bank accounts as well as those who have had none of those for a long time.
You care for those of us who answered your call to preach your word, teach your word, Pastor your flock, and lead in songs of praise, your compassion extends to us as well.
Lord we thank you for your compassion, your care, your mercy and the good news of your son Jesus Christ. Amen
cross posted at revgalblogpals
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Te Deum laudamus
You are God Te Deum laudamus
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels,
all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim,
sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son,
worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels,
all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim,
sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son,
worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A Prayer For Good Government
Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To all who have executive authority and to all who have administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To those who make our laws give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen. -- Book of Common Prayer
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To all who have executive authority and to all who have administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To those who make our laws give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen. -- Book of Common Prayer
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Help us to love
"The mission of the church is just loving people. And our confession? What is our confession? It is that we do not know how to love. Until we have made that confession, there is nothing to be learned. We cannot even be a beginner with the beginners, and in the school of Christianity there is nothing else to be but a beginner."
~~Elizabeth O'Connor, Search for Silence, p. 23.
"When desire for love is felt, owned, and intended, some kind of prayer happens. In one form or another, prayer is the beginning and the way of being in love. If we are to say yes to love's invitation, to whom do we say it? In part, we say it to ourselves when we claim our desire and intention. But we are also committing ourselves to receiving a gift, and thus must address the giver. Prayer is the only way we can integrate our intention with our dependence on grace."
~~Gerald G. May, The Awakened Heart, p. 58.
O Holy One, help us to love through and with your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
~~Elizabeth O'Connor, Search for Silence, p. 23.
"When desire for love is felt, owned, and intended, some kind of prayer happens. In one form or another, prayer is the beginning and the way of being in love. If we are to say yes to love's invitation, to whom do we say it? In part, we say it to ourselves when we claim our desire and intention. But we are also committing ourselves to receiving a gift, and thus must address the giver. Prayer is the only way we can integrate our intention with our dependence on grace."
~~Gerald G. May, The Awakened Heart, p. 58.
O Holy One, help us to love through and with your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Prayer for All Nations
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world:
We commend all nations to your merciful care, that, being guided by your divine direction, all may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the new President of the United States, and to all world leaders, and to all in authority the wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Modified from Prayers for a Time of War,
Sixth Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C.
We commend all nations to your merciful care, that, being guided by your divine direction, all may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the new President of the United States, and to all world leaders, and to all in authority the wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Modified from Prayers for a Time of War,
Sixth Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day Prayer
From The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation www.shalem.org
We have a wonderful opportunity to serve our nation, and the world, by holding the upcoming inauguration of President Barack Obama in communal prayer. To help you do this, we have created an Inaugural Prayer Circle format that you can use (see below) as is or modify. You can host a circle and invite others to join you, or simply "tune in," knowing that Inaugural Prayer Circles are happening, and participate in your own heart. The suggested time for the Circle is 11:00amET on Tuesday, January 20th, 2009. (Inauguration ceremonies begin at 11:30amET.)
INAUGURAL PRAYER CIRCLES
The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation www.shalem.org
The intent of these circles is to honor, and surround with prayer, the historic occasion of the inauguration of our nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama and to offer our collective prayers and blessings for this new beginning in the life of our country. Let us open our hearts and deepen our trust in God's future, believing that our prayers will have a loving and healing affect for the United States and the world.
"Be still and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10
A Suggested Inaugural Prayer Circle Structure
Gather in a Circle (around a lighted candle if possible)
Welcome all who are in the Circle and state the intent of the Circle (see above)
Open in Spirit with those participating through other Inaugural Prayers Circles and in prayer around the world
A Reading or Prayer
Silent Prayer: 20 - 30 minutes
(opened and closed by the ringing of a chime or bell)
Sharing our Prayers and Blessings
Said out loud or in the silence of our hearts.
Closing Prayer and Chant
We have a wonderful opportunity to serve our nation, and the world, by holding the upcoming inauguration of President Barack Obama in communal prayer. To help you do this, we have created an Inaugural Prayer Circle format that you can use (see below) as is or modify. You can host a circle and invite others to join you, or simply "tune in," knowing that Inaugural Prayer Circles are happening, and participate in your own heart. The suggested time for the Circle is 11:00amET on Tuesday, January 20th, 2009. (Inauguration ceremonies begin at 11:30amET.)
INAUGURAL PRAYER CIRCLES
The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation www.shalem.org
The intent of these circles is to honor, and surround with prayer, the historic occasion of the inauguration of our nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama and to offer our collective prayers and blessings for this new beginning in the life of our country. Let us open our hearts and deepen our trust in God's future, believing that our prayers will have a loving and healing affect for the United States and the world.
"Be still and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10
A Suggested Inaugural Prayer Circle Structure
Gather in a Circle (around a lighted candle if possible)
Welcome all who are in the Circle and state the intent of the Circle (see above)
Open in Spirit with those participating through other Inaugural Prayers Circles and in prayer around the world
A Reading or Prayer
Silent Prayer: 20 - 30 minutes
(opened and closed by the ringing of a chime or bell)
Sharing our Prayers and Blessings
Said out loud or in the silence of our hearts.
Closing Prayer and Chant
Monday, January 19, 2009
Give Thanks for Life
Give thanks for life, the measure of our days,
mortal, we pass through beauty that decays,
yet sing to God, our hope, our love, our praise,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Give thanks for those who made their life a light
caught from the Christ flame bursting through the night,
who touched the truth, who burned for what is right,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
And for our own, our living and our dead,
thanks for the love by which our life is fed,
a love not changed by time or death or dread,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Give thanks for hope, that like the wheat, the grain,
lying in darkness does its life retain,
in resurrection to grow green again.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Text: Shirley Murray
Tune: Sine Nomine (For All the Saints)
mortal, we pass through beauty that decays,
yet sing to God, our hope, our love, our praise,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Give thanks for those who made their life a light
caught from the Christ flame bursting through the night,
who touched the truth, who burned for what is right,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
And for our own, our living and our dead,
thanks for the love by which our life is fed,
a love not changed by time or death or dread,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Give thanks for hope, that like the wheat, the grain,
lying in darkness does its life retain,
in resurrection to grow green again.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Text: Shirley Murray
Tune: Sine Nomine (For All the Saints)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Prayer for the 2nd Sunday of Epiphany
Beloved God,
You know us inside and out and you still call us to serve you.
Lord, honestly we are often hesitant, afraid, and wish to remain hidden.
Empower us to listen for and to hear your call
Empower us to answer your call with “Here I am Lord”
Empower us to follow you when you call us to follow you.
Lord of mercy and justice,
So many have gone before us working to bring
Justice and peace to our country and our world.
Their footsteps seem to big to step into to continue the work you have called us all to;
so we hesitantly step one step at a time, bringing your seeds of hope, justice and peace in a world crying out for them.
Lord of hope,
We pray for our country, our leaders and especially our new president as he is inaugurated into leading our country in tumultuous times. We pray for healing of our country, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace.
Lord of peace,
We pray for your compassion and healing for those individuals in our congregation who need it. We pray for your comfort and presence for those who are grieving lonely and oppressed. We pray for warmth, shelter, clothing and food for those who are without.
Lord we say to you this day,
“Here we are your servants willing to preach your word, offer care where care is needed, presence where presence is needed, your and love where your love is needed.”
Lord, strengthen us for our ministry today and everyday.
In the name of the Father, son and the Holy spirit amen.
cross posted at revgalblogpals
You know us inside and out and you still call us to serve you.
Lord, honestly we are often hesitant, afraid, and wish to remain hidden.
Empower us to listen for and to hear your call
Empower us to answer your call with “Here I am Lord”
Empower us to follow you when you call us to follow you.
Lord of mercy and justice,
So many have gone before us working to bring
Justice and peace to our country and our world.
Their footsteps seem to big to step into to continue the work you have called us all to;
so we hesitantly step one step at a time, bringing your seeds of hope, justice and peace in a world crying out for them.
Lord of hope,
We pray for our country, our leaders and especially our new president as he is inaugurated into leading our country in tumultuous times. We pray for healing of our country, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace.
Lord of peace,
We pray for your compassion and healing for those individuals in our congregation who need it. We pray for your comfort and presence for those who are grieving lonely and oppressed. We pray for warmth, shelter, clothing and food for those who are without.
Lord we say to you this day,
“Here we are your servants willing to preach your word, offer care where care is needed, presence where presence is needed, your and love where your love is needed.”
Lord, strengthen us for our ministry today and everyday.
In the name of the Father, son and the Holy spirit amen.
cross posted at revgalblogpals
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
A Prayer For Those in Trouble of Any Kind
O merciful God, who taught us in your holy word that you would not willingly affict us, look with pity upon the sorrows of all in trouble of any kind, for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday Prayer
This is my prayer to You, O God--strike, strike at the root of poverty in my heart.
Give me the strength to bear lightly my joys and sorrows.
Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service.
Give me the strength never to disown the poor or bend my knees before insolent might.
Give me the strength to raise my mind high above daily trifles.
Give me the strength to surrender my strength to Your will with love. Amen.
Give me the strength to bear lightly my joys and sorrows.
Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service.
Give me the strength never to disown the poor or bend my knees before insolent might.
Give me the strength to raise my mind high above daily trifles.
Give me the strength to surrender my strength to Your will with love. Amen.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday Prayer
Though the fig tree does not blossom
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
thought there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet, I will rejoice in the Lord
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer
he enables me to go on the heights.
the last words of the prophet Habakkuk
image
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
thought there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet, I will rejoice in the Lord
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer
he enables me to go on the heights.
the last words of the prophet Habakkuk
image
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Mirror
Therefore, dearly beloved, may you too always rejoice in the Lord. And may neither bitterness nor a cloud of sadness overwhelm you, O dearly beloved Lady in Christ, joy of the angels and crown of your sisters!
Place your mind before the mirror of eternity!
Place your soul in the brilliance of glory!
Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance!
And transform your whole being into the image of the Godhead
Itself
through contemplation!
So that you too may feel what His friends feel
as they taste the hidden sweetness
which God Himself has reserved
from the beginning
for those who love Him.
St. Clare of Assisi, Third Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague
Place your mind before the mirror of eternity!
Place your soul in the brilliance of glory!
Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance!
And transform your whole being into the image of the Godhead
Itself
through contemplation!
So that you too may feel what His friends feel
as they taste the hidden sweetness
which God Himself has reserved
from the beginning
for those who love Him.
St. Clare of Assisi, Third Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Prayer for the First Sunday after Epiphany, Year B
Creator God,
Your creation story is told again and again with each person’s baptism.
Your invitation to be part of the body of Christ is offered anew at each baptism.
Your claim on your children, that they are your beloved is told at each baptism.
Spark our memories of our baptism and your claim on our life.
Spark our desires to be part of the body of Christ.
Lord our world is angry, sad and confused with the battles in the Mid East, the Drug wars in Mexico, the economic woes, and the pain and suffering of your little ones all around the world.
We see the damage to your beautiful creation.
We see the destruction by natural disasters.
And we wonder how long?
We feel unsafe and insecure.
Lord in those times,
Spark us to remember our baptism.
Spark us to remember that it is in you that we are truly safe,
truly secure and that it doesn’t matter how long.
In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
cross posted at revgalblogpals
Your creation story is told again and again with each person’s baptism.
Your invitation to be part of the body of Christ is offered anew at each baptism.
Your claim on your children, that they are your beloved is told at each baptism.
Spark our memories of our baptism and your claim on our life.
Spark our desires to be part of the body of Christ.
Lord our world is angry, sad and confused with the battles in the Mid East, the Drug wars in Mexico, the economic woes, and the pain and suffering of your little ones all around the world.
We see the damage to your beautiful creation.
We see the destruction by natural disasters.
And we wonder how long?
We feel unsafe and insecure.
Lord in those times,
Spark us to remember our baptism.
Spark us to remember that it is in you that we are truly safe,
truly secure and that it doesn’t matter how long.
In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
cross posted at revgalblogpals
Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday Prayer
The instant, the moment, the second
he was baptized, touched by the spirit,
he began, using the gifts, he had all along…
~Raymond A. Foss
Loving God, help us to liberate and manifest the gifts you have given us, the characteristics you have known in us, the love you have named for us, and to bring them to the world. In the name of the baptized Jesus we pray. Amen.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Infancy of God
Suddenly my heart was touched and I BELIEVED....I was overcome with a sudden and overwhelming sense of the innocence and the eternal infancy of God--an inexpressible revelation.
When I have tried, as I often have, to reconstruct the minutes which followed this extraordinary moment, I have isolated the following elements which, however, simply formed a single flash of illumination, a single weapon which Divine Providence used to force an opening into the heart of a poor despairing child. "How happy the people are who can believe! Suppose it it were true, though? It is true! God exists. He is there. It's someone. It's a Being as personal as myself. He loves me and calls me."
Paul Claudel, "My Conversion"
Pilgrim Souls: A Collection of Spiritual Autobiographies
Ed. by Amy Mandelker and Elizabeth Powers (Simon and Schuster, 1999)
When I have tried, as I often have, to reconstruct the minutes which followed this extraordinary moment, I have isolated the following elements which, however, simply formed a single flash of illumination, a single weapon which Divine Providence used to force an opening into the heart of a poor despairing child. "How happy the people are who can believe! Suppose it it were true, though? It is true! God exists. He is there. It's someone. It's a Being as personal as myself. He loves me and calls me."
Paul Claudel, "My Conversion"
Pilgrim Souls: A Collection of Spiritual Autobiographies
Ed. by Amy Mandelker and Elizabeth Powers (Simon and Schuster, 1999)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Epiphany/ Christmas 2 Sunday Prayer
God of Time and Space,
You are not bound by calendars, day timers, PDA’s and watches,
teach us to not be bound by them either.
God of the stars, the heavens, the planets and their orbits,
you sent a star to guide the magi on their journey to the Christ Child,
Send your star to guide us on journeys of faith.
God of Creation, your word spoke creation into being,
you sent your son as the light into a world of darkness,
God may your word still speak to us today,
May your son still be the light in our worlds of darkness.
God our dark world is a hotbed of fighting, pollution, starvation, and homelessness.
Teach to once again be stewards of your earth.
Bring forth you peace in the midst of the battles.
May there be plenty for those who are starving.
May there be homes for those without homes.
And just as the Magi brought gifts to the Christ Child
may we bring gifts to the Christ Child again. Amen
Cross posted at revgalblogpals
You are not bound by calendars, day timers, PDA’s and watches,
teach us to not be bound by them either.
God of the stars, the heavens, the planets and their orbits,
you sent a star to guide the magi on their journey to the Christ Child,
Send your star to guide us on journeys of faith.
God of Creation, your word spoke creation into being,
you sent your son as the light into a world of darkness,
God may your word still speak to us today,
May your son still be the light in our worlds of darkness.
God our dark world is a hotbed of fighting, pollution, starvation, and homelessness.
Teach to once again be stewards of your earth.
Bring forth you peace in the midst of the battles.
May there be plenty for those who are starving.
May there be homes for those without homes.
And just as the Magi brought gifts to the Christ Child
may we bring gifts to the Christ Child again. Amen
Cross posted at revgalblogpals
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Beginnings
O, Begin!
Fix some part of every day for private exercises. . . .
Whether you like it or no, read and pray daily.
It is for your life; there is no other way:
else you will be trifler all your days. . . .
Do justice to your own soul;
give it time and means to grow.
Do not starve yourself any longer.
~John Wesley
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