Heart thread - 08/15/2009

Roseann reports at FB:

I'm in the hospital again. Good news is, it is not Swine Flu.

Tender-hearted God, we hold before you our sister Roseann who struggles with bodily affliction and endless uncertainties. Look mercifully upon her and sustain her, grant her courage and the peace that passes understanding, enfold her and Gary in your love, make your face to shine upon them. Guide those who minister to her that they may do so with knowledge, wisdom, skill, and compassion. May your holy angels guard and defend her. May Christ illumine her and console her. Amen.


I did not get a chance to put this up yesterday - requests from David @ Montreal:

i'd ask your prayers for Johnnie & Vaughan
Johnnie is a post-graduate student in ministry who has had to put aside his academic year to look after Vaughan his beloved spouse who has been diagnosed with a particularly aggressive cancer.
Johnnie and Vaughan are a truly beautiful couple and were married in the United Church of Canada just a year ago by Rev. Arlan Bonner.

i'd also ask your prayers for the successful realization of public health coverage in the United States. for the safety and protection of all those who speak truth to power, speak truth to insanity, speak truth to greed and fear.

prayers for the American Church, that those who have been able to afford vacations will return refreshed and ready to lovingly support those in reduced & frightening circumstances, and that together they will be open to the wondrous work the Holy Spirit is working in their province, that together they will take strength & comfort from the post- Anaheim realities for God' larger Church.

I'd also ask prayers for Terry & Demi, and all those personally impacted by the drastic budget cuts in the American Church.

(Yes, I'm still Canadian, and gratefully so, but the prophetic place the Episcopal Church finds itself in right now has been much on my heart)

and lastly a Mary Oliver poem which was waiting for me when I returned home fromr a lovely evening, a wonderful meal and fellowship and a viewing of' Susan & Louise's 'Claiming the Blessing.' (at long last!)

David@Montreal



Thirst - by Mary Oliver

Another morning and I wake up with thirst
for the goodness I do not have. I walk
out to the pond and all the way God has
given us such beautiful lessons. Oh Lord, I
was never a quick scholar but sulked
and hunched over my books past the
hour and the bell; grant me, in your
mercy, a little more time. Love for the earth and love for you are having such a long conversation in my heart. Who
knows what will finally happen or
where I will be sent, yet already I have
given a great many things away, expect-
ing to be told to pack nothing, except the
prayers which, with this thirst, I am
slowly learning.

(emphasis, mine-e.g., David's)

I offer thanksgiving that Padre Mickey, the Lovely Mona, Srta. Chompita, and their traveling companions are safely returned to Panamá.


At OCICBW we learn this:

From MARY (Massachusetts):

I'm asking for prayers for my friend Mardi and her husband Patrick. Mardi has just been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer and will be starting a long and difficult odyssey through surgery and chemotherapy.

For the people of Burma and for Aung San Suu Kyi, who have been in the headlines of late. Offering thanksgiving that Senator Jim Webb was able to secure the release of the idiot who swam to see Suu Kyi.

For those who perished and those who deal with the aftermath of Typhoon Morakot that hit Taiwan.

For the people of the Diocese of South Carolina (we've been here before).

For peace, stability, and justice in lands torn by civil strife.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us, unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

--the BB