My friend and colleague Pamela, who is the current vicar of St Cuthbert's, faces more than the usual round of Holy Week services. She wrote the following today:This is just to let you know that I have a detached retina (all related to cataract surgery done in October and the eye hemorrhaging I have had since Christmas) - and will be having surgery tomorrow to fix it. Three hours of surgery. I will be out from work at least 2 weeks. Not able to drive or read etc. For the first 48 hours I will have to lie on my stomach the whole time. Fortunately I have Ed who is a real sweetheart and is super good at taking care of me.Ed is a great guy. Please pray for them both.
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
A friend's good friend could use some prayers. I have no details myself; for prayer purposes let us call her Ginny and God will know whom we mean and what is needed.
I ask your prayers for Rhoda who has faced many battles in her life and now journeys toward her home in God.
I just watched a video of rioting in Lhasa last Friday. Let us keep the people of Tibet in our prayers.
We are on the cusp of the vernal equinox. Let us remember our sisters and brothers who keep that as a holy time, one of the turnings of the year.
In the northern hemisphere we are, at varying stages and varying speeds moving into spring. My thoughts at the moment turn to those who find sunshine and new life troubling, who are themselves caught in an internal winter and unable to emerge from it. May new life rise within them, and fresh hope with it.
And for those south of the equator may there be a grace-filled turning from summer toward autumn and the harvest season.
This is a challenging time for those with pastoral cures and altar guilds and those who do so much behind the scenes so the community may celebrate the paschal feast. I think any thoughts you may spare for calm, clarity, centeredness, and good health would be welcome.
For those who will be baptized at Easter, our special prayers.
Anyone who has prayer requests is always invited to add them in the comments.
UPDATE:
At Wounded Bird I see a request for prayer from Kate Morningstar. She asks for prayers for the Diocese of Niagara, dealing with secessionist congregations in court tomorrow. Additionally she anticipates an 11-hour day and has the flu.
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.For those about to be Baptized or to renew their Baptismal Covenant
O God, you prepared your disciples for the coming of the Spirit through the teaching of your Son Jesus Christ: Make the hearts and minds of your servants ready to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of his presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--the BB
4 comments:
prayers for all, for health, healing and comfort.
I'm on my way to bed. Thank you Paul, and all of you, and my prayers also for Pamela and Ed, Ginny, Rhoda, and especially for Tibet. My friend JessieMary has kept the plight of Tibet in front of our congregation for many years now.
I love the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. That Jesus could feel alone while the disciples slept, and pray to have the cup taken from him, but surrender to God's will despite the fear ... It gives me permission to give up everything I feel to God, and be amazed at what comes after.
Kate, thanks for stopping by so late. Rest well. May the peace that passes understanding keep your heart and mind this night and through tomorrow (and beyond).
Prayers for all. I met Pamela, at the Ranch when I staffed clergy conference. She was really friendly and open.
If you get a chance to, tell her I wish her well.
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