Saturday, February 21, 2009

Saturday Prayer

Earth-shaking, sky-rumbling, all-powerful Trinity:
Behold your Church.

We thank you for claiming for yourself
servants from every nation and time
to be a royal priest dedicated to your service.
Lord of glory,
send us out to do the work you have given us to do.

We thank you for our common vocation
of giving witness to your coming reign.
Lord of glory,
send us out to do the work you have given us to do.

Sift us like wheat,
convert the catechumens,
turn homeward the penitents
and welcome those who are strangers.
Lord of glory,
send us out to do the work you have given us to do.

Clothe your Church with words and deeds that free and heal.

Lord of glory,
come in your might.

Light our lamps with the oil of your Spirit.
Lord of glory,
come in your might.

Make us and all your Church vigilant and alert for your knocking on doors.
Lord of glory,
come in your might.

Loving and merciful God,
hear the prayers of those who cry to you, and shine with the light of your presence on those who live in the shadow of death.
May we rejoice in your saving help
and sing you songs of praise
in the Name of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

-Stephen Benner

2 comments:

Dr. Laura Marie Grimes said...

Gorgeous, Mary Beth.

I am giving an Ignatian retreat morning four weeks from today--yikes! I have been reading and praying and brainstorming for quite a while but now I need to set the exact activities, quiet time, handouts, etc. And to do some more publicity and ask for signups.

Please pray that I will be guided by the Spirit in all these decisions so the retreat will be just right for those who come....that those who would be blessed by it will find their way there....and that I will stay peaceful and centered in God's love as I prepare and lead it.

Thanks.

Mary Beth said...

Praying for your preparation and your participants. May you all be blessed by the experience!