Dear God, the troubles of our world have left many of us speechless. We don’t know how, in the numbness around jobs lost, illnesses we don’t have the resources to cure, a planet imperiled by the accumulated effects of our greed, and the seemingly endless presence of war and violence, to say our prayers. We are lighting candles, though – in our Advent wreaths, quietly, in side chapels of our churches, in our rooms where no one else but You can see. The candle flame is our prayer, wordless but filled with meaning, with petition, hope, and faith. And the candle flame is your answer to our prayer. You lighten our darkness, O Lord. Amen. --+Marc Californiae
Sigh. I suppose my faith compels me to pray for the primates' meeting. Given the agenda of some persons, this leaves me feeling rather like Flush Limpbone being forced, kicking and screaming, to pray for the President's success.
One can often say of persons around whom one would rather not be that one bears them no ill will. Frankly, I am not quite that evolved towards certain primates of the Anglican Communion. Heaven only knows how far I have regressed, evolutionarily speaking, but I actually bear some ill will toward those who oppress my sisters and brothers. I know this is not good for me.
There is the analogy that hating is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die from it. But I am not talking hatred, just acknowledging some ill will. I know the difference between the love that is commanded and liking someone. I can be committed to the ultimate well-being of people I don't particularly like. And in the very long scheme of things I wish healing and bliss to Henry and Peter. But in the very short scheme, not so much. I quite want them thwarted and their oppressive behavior halted and I really do not like them even a little bit, though I know they are precious in God's sight. That, for now, is simply how it is.
I profoundly distrust gatherings of ecclesiastical primates. I consider them situations rife with potential for evil and instruments of the quest for power. Put more graphically: huge opportunities for the satanic.
All of that notwithstanding, my faith is in God and that faith is far greater than my fear of devils or of humans or of institutions, even of primates.
And there is potential for collaboration in ministry, the ministry of Christ, the ministry of God's reign. The Spirit is always full of surprises and grace and Gospel can break out where least expected.
And so:
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in Alexandria for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach them in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide them to perceive what is right, and grant them both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--the BB Prayer from The Book of Common Prayer, USA 1979
On a whim - read: nudging of the Spirit - I clicked the video of Nada te turbe at Margaret's Leave It Lay and listened once again to this moving prayer from the bookmark of Teresa de Jesús.
Todo se pasa - all things pass Dios no se muda - God does not change Quien a Dios tiene nada le falta - who holds to God lacks nothing
As I listened the image of Mount Calvary in ashes arose and, you could predict this, the tears arose with it. I thought of the brothers cast out and thrown back on God alone.
Now is the time they must hold to the Holy Cross, the Tree of Life.
On my lap right now is my copy of the Order's breviary. It is a bit battered, having been used daily for many years (not lately, I do confess). I got it at Mount Calvary and used it there and at Incarnation Priory in Berkeley when praying with the brethren and mostly on my own. I used to pray the Office riding the RTD in Los Angeles to and from work and Diurnum at lunch on the campus of Occidental College (a few blocks from where I worked in Eagle Rock for Sparkletts Drinking Water). It shaped me forever.
Actually, it is the second copy as the first one was falling apart from daily use.
I think on the great wrought iron cross in the courtyard with its elegant filigree and symbols of the passion and the golden heart in the middle.
These are the antiphons of the feast of Father Founder:
On the Psalter
The Cross is our all-sufficient treasure, and his love our never-ending reward.
We are to look for the riches of God as we depend less on the riches of the world.
Holiness is the brightness of divine love; love must act as light mus shine and fire must burn.
Humility, obedience, love: this is the holiness without which we cannot see the Lord.
We are to be continually prasing God; we are practicing for the endless alleluias of the heavenly courts.
On the Magnificat at 1st Vespers
The ladder of the Cross is planted firmly within our house and angels pass up and down that stairway.
On the Benedictus
We cannot help others by giving them what is our own; we must impart to them the strength of Christ's Body, the fruits of the Spirit.
On the Psalter at Diurnum
We must rejoice in the holy Cross as the glory of the Christian name.
On the Magnificat at 2nd Vespers
Ask them to forgive me; tell them I forgive them. I want them to have joy; I will always intercede.
Another nudge? I just thought I should share these.
Prayer for the Order of the Holy Cross: Lord Jesus Christ, in different ways you call your elect ones to follow you, yet you draw them all by the love of your saving Cross: Favorably accept your servants who have devoted themselves to you in the Order of the Holy Cross. Of your mercy grant that, as through fellowship in your sufferings they are made conformable to your death, so they may ever show forth you, their true life; who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Familiar words that I have prayed hundreds of times and now pray with love and an aching heart.
The Cross is our all-sufficient treasure, and his love our never-ending reward.
... the passing of Rosemary Makhulu, the wife of the Most Rev. Walter Makhulu. She was laid to rest from All Saints Church in Fullham, as reported by Jim Naughton at the Lead today.
I received a very gracious letter from Archbishop Makhulu immediately following the last Lambeth Conference. He was a bright light amid the fulminations and silliness during that go-around.
May he and she both rest in peace and rise with Christ in glory.
My coworker Jay's nephew Alfred was slain and I ask your prayers also for Alfred and the family.
Sandi's husband Louis (finally spelled correctly) is healing though he struggles with pain and the reality of losing sight in one eye. Their son arrived yesterday and I hope this helps them all.
Let's keep Kirstin in our prayers and my sister's niece Jan and Being Peace and all the rest.
For Central Africa, its nations, its peoples, its Church.
For the Lambeth Conference that the Holy Spirit may move graciously and powerfully, bringing us surprises laden with life and healing.
May we hold this world closely and tenderly in our hearts that we may be transformed into agents of peace and healing. --the BB
The Diocese of California has entered a companion diocese relationship with the Diocese of Curitiba in the Igreja Episcopal do Brasil. Yes, that Curitiba - of the Curitiba Statement that we endorse.
The Rev. Francisco Silva, at his blog Kantinho do Rev, recently announced acts of violence against the Church in Curitiba.
He writes:
In an act of extreme violence, employees of powerful landowners destroyed, among other buildings, the chapel of an Episcopal Church at the Primeiros Passos Camp, located road side of the BR 369, near the city of Cascavel.
The invasion occurred in the early morning hours of May 08, with the participation of tractors, excavators, retro-excavators and weapons of large caliber.
The intimidation occurred in a context of serious tensions between landowners and social organizations. The Episcopal Church and fellow Christian’s churches are firmly defending and supporting the Movement of Landless People in the west of the Paraná state. The Episcopal priest in the area is the Revd. Luiz Carlos Gabas, and he is supporting the families in build a school(also destroyed at the attack) for children and the chapel. The chapel was planned to be dedicated on May 18 and was built with great effort by the whole community.
The destruction of the chapel becomes even more symbolic because it represents a clear message from landowners against the Church.
In a clear example of doing the right thing, he notes:
The IEAB has been firm in defending the rights and dignity of small rural workers and especially the landless which lives in sub-human conditions along the roads and land occupied.
"Stormy weather" seems like a hopefully-passing theme at the moment. From the no-planes-going-anywhere in NOLA yesterday morning to the backlog of flights in Phoenix to the rain and wind and very gray sky greeting me in Albuquerque. Tornadoes here and there yesterday as well, most notably in Denver.
I looked out my bedroom window this morning to see how the garden is doing. The grapevines are about twice the size they were two weeks ago, the low-growing coral colored single roses are now all in bloom, and everything was bending this way and that in the wind. So I sit here and look out through double-paned windows. Wet and windy outside, dry and quiet inside.
It is oh so good to be home again for a little while.
I love seeing the bumper stickers that say "New Orleans is HOME." What a great spirit lies behind that and it warms my heart and strengthens my soul to see it. For me, obviously, it is not home. I am a western boy, a son of the soil of Central California and now a citizen of New Mexico. The central and eastern parts of the United States are part of my nation but not even remotely "home" for me. I think it's good to know and own that, as most of us have deep emotional ties to our regions. I believe in regional "flavor" and the importance of preserving it - not divisively but in mutual delight.
This is undoubtedly part of why I enjoy "locale" mysteries. [This calls to mind the day a wonderful bookstore owner referred to locale books while I was describing what I preferred and I had to ponder lo-cal for a moment. What did calories have to do with what I was discussing? Hey, I can be slow sometimes!] Most of the fiction I like has a strong sense of place. The stories cannot be placed just anywhere.
I look forward to visiting New Orleans again on vacation when I can relax and enjoy the town, getting out and about and having fun. Fun just doesn't fit the schedule well when one does business travel, as most folks can tell you. (Not talking about conventions when one attends one in five sessions and parties most of the time - I mean traveling for work.)
I did, however, stop at the Shimmy Shack Wednesday night for my glass of red wine, hamburger, and fries - and some chat with Ksusha, the Russian waitress. We talked a bit in Russian, more in French, and lots in English. Five months ago she did not speak a word of English. She hopes to spend a year in the U.S. then return home and finish university. She's had three years of French and that was the common language in which we both could speak more comfortably. Now I have motivation to work more on my Russian in the month ahead. Sweet young lady.
Two last bits of miscellaneous blather:
I do loves me some quiet. My home is quiet. I live in a quiet neighborhood (barking dogs and an occasional motorcycle are the random noise, with kids playing in the street now and again, a sound I enjoy) and, as noted above, I have double-paned windows. When nothing else is going on, the major noise as I sleep is a very quiet tick as the battery-powered clock on the wall advances. The apartment in Louisana is never quiet. There is a combination of the fountain in the courtyard that goes day and night (and sometimes fountains are NOT relaxing, much as I love them), the air conditioning (which is a good thing), one very noisy refrigerator, and several other things that are ongoing. It is never quiet, not for a second. This is not really a big complaint - I do fall asleep almost instantly and the noise does not keep me up. It is one of those experiences that tells me something about myself. I really, really like quiet. And that tells you all you need to know about why I have had no inclination whatsoever to walk a few blocks after work and visit Bourbon Street. It's rather nice at noon, however.
Finally, one part of blogging that I miss is the "Oremus" posts with prayer requests. There have been so many calls for prayer in the past four weeks and I have, mostly, not been passing them on. Somehow, when I am feeling physically exhausted, I don't feel up to the challenge of the gracious phrasing that I strive for and even the old cut and paste feels harder to do. I want folks who get prayed for to feel gently embraced and lifted up and it's probably too self-centered to say I prefer to be in a certain emotional and spiritual space to post prayer requests. So this is part apology and part self-chiding to get over myself and share the prayers. I also don't want to miss folks. This I can say: when I read the calls for prayer, I pray. My bedtime prayers are filled with names from blog posts. Will try to do better about sharing.
Caminante has two more posts on Burma (here and here) and also requests our prayers for Naomi.
Please keep praying for Naomi. She will be having a MRI and bone scan to see if the Ewings has spread into her bones. There are no shadows, per se, but she aches all over. They will be checking her hip, thigh, leg and shoulder.
Tandaina writes of gearing up to sell or rent the house. Such an ordeal calls for loving prayer, methinks. Hang in there! [Love the new blog look and the gorgeous photos, btw.]
Thanks for all the lovely comments and wishes here and elsewhere!
Update: I almost forgot to include this request from SusanKay:
Could you post a prayer request for David, who is apparently homeless and dieing of alcoholism and infection, and for his sister, Kate-Grace who is a friend of mine and for their mother. Katie and her mom could use some help with their prayers as they try to discern what God, love and AlAnon call them to do.
O God, I bless you for the gift of my life: for the journey of which you are the source, the road, and the goal. I thank you for those who have loved me, raised me, taught me, challenged me, and nudged me toward wholeness. May I be a blessing to others and learn to rejoice in them and in creation as you rejoice. Amen. --the BB
I ask your prayers for Gayland Poole and his wife Katie Sherrod. Brief version: "Gayland had a triple bypass operation, and then barely two weeks later, a stress ulcer in his stomach perforated, sending him to the ER in an ambulance and into emergency surgery at 3 A.M." He is recovering. Katie has more details at her blog.
They are great battlers on behalf of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Fort Worth. More than that, Gayland and I served together for years on the council of Associate Parishes and I remember meeting Katie when we had our annual meeting in Fort Worth and again when she joined us in Vancouver.
Amid the challenges in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin we must not forget the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth (or Pittsburgh or Quincy). The Episcopal Diocese of Rio Grande continues to move through its transition between bishops and our Standing Committee is working very hard. The fractured nature of the diocese manifests frequently.
[I note that I wrote "our SC" even though I am physically but not canonically resident here. Telling indication that my heart is putting down roots here, as it should.]
Let us also keep in prayer the House of Bishops, still meeting at Camp Allen.
Although it is not a recent request, Malcolm+ of Simple Massing Priest, faces the recent death of a child that was slated for Baptism at Easter. He asks our prayers for little Xavier and his family. Our hearts surely go out to all involved.
And now an appeal from our friend Aghaveagh in San Joaquin (via OCICBW): St. Paul's Church in Visalia, California (Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin) just voted today (Sunday) on whether to stay with the Episcopal Church or to follow the former Bishop, John David Schofield, to the Southern Cone.
The vote was 167 for Southern Cone, 96 for staying with the Episcopal Church. So there will be a viable Episcopal presence in Visalia.
Folks, these people will need prayer books, hymnals, altar supplies, and most of all, prayer. If every one of you who reads this can get your congregation to send just one prayer book or just one hymnal (with an encouraging note inside) to the folks in Visalia, it would send such a message of support and love!
If you send it to
Remain Episcopal 2067 W. Alluvial Fresno, CA 93711
we'll make sure they get it!!
Oh, boy, there is such work to be done. Roll up your sleeves and let's get to the work of the Kingdom!
Love, Aghaveagh
I am going to get out the sewing machine and make some stoles. I may be unemployed and unable to afford books and donations of cash but I do have lots of fabric (mostly dupioni silk) and experience making stoles.
Update: I just read at Jake's that Leonardo Ricardowill need had to have his dear companion dog, Belle de Gonzalez, put to sleep.
Update 2: Jane R reports that her colleague Jeff is doing a bit better. More here.
Grant us, O God, your protection; and in your protection, strength; and in strength, understanding; and in understanding, knowledge; and in knowledge, the knowledge of justice; and in the knowledge of justice, the love of justice; and in that love, the love of existence; and in the love of existence, the love of God, God and all goodness. Amen. --Welsh Prayer of unknown source
From KJ Karen, my sister finally "failed" a couple of tests! Yea!
Although her type of tumor (and it is now established that there is more than one) is apparently aggressive and fast growing in nature, the additional blood and bone tests have indicated the cancer has not spread to the systems that were screened in these recent tests.
Chemotherapy begins on Thursday, and she seems ready, much more at peace than those of us around her, which I attribute to prayers from far and wide.
Thank you for continued prayers. My heart ached on Monday when I asked my 15 year old nephew how he was doing in the midst of it all, and saw his deer in the headlights look when he replied, "Fine."
For Freedom Bound who has to put up with outspoken and bigoted assholes and could use some extra graces and wrote at MP's: "can I ask for prayer type stuff please?"
Other thoughts of prayer Let us remember the Body of Christ in the dioceses of San Joaquin, Fort Worth, Pittsburgh, and anywhere else where the leadership works toward schism.
Today I am led to think of those who will go to bed hungry in a world that has enough food for all, those who die of starvation or malnourishment, and our hardened hearts and weakened wills that fail to rectify this.
And those who will this day be shamed, whether in public or private, and a little bit more of the image of God in them will be forgotten or obscured and their ability to love themselves will be diminished.
Those who live in terror, their minds assaulted with fear, confusion, and desperation; their bodies debilitated by the excess of adrenalin pumped throughout their systems--whether the threats they face are immediate, physical, and mortal or chronic, perceived, and unnamed.
For the healing of the earth: its air, its water, its soil, its balance.
For the humility, honesty, and grace for people of differing views, differing needs, and differing faiths to meet together and seek each other's common humanity, that dialogue and healing may ensue.
I give thanks for God's gracious gift of medicines and for the process of ridding my body of infection. (Feeling better today; thanks for all your prayers and thoughts.)
Blessed are you, Creator and giver of peace. Peace be upon us; peace be upon this place; peace be upon us this day. The deep, deep peace of God, which the world cannot give, be upon us and remain with us always. --David Adam
BBC is announcing that there may be a breakthrough in Kenya on finding a way out of the violence of the past two months. Anglicans around the world have had the people of Kenya in our prayers and we have been particularly mindful of our Anglican brothers and sisters there caught up in both the struggles and in the efforts to overcome the violence. Let us hope and pray that this is indeed the breakthrough so desperately needed. (update at noon) It appears that it may be too early to think of a breakthrough. So keep the prayers going.
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 --the BB
George W. Bush spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast this morning. [Full text at the official White House site here.]
That he could stand up and say what he said without the earth opening up to swallow him is a reasonable instance for a case against either the justice or existence of God, but I am a person of faith who believes in God nonetheless.
Abu Ghraib
In prayer, we also grow in boldness and courage. The more time we spend with God, the more we see that He is not a distant king, but a loving Father. Inspired by this confidence, we approach Him with bold requests: We ask Him to heal the sick, and comfort the dying, and sustain those who care for them. We ask Him to bring solace to the victims of tragedy, and help to those suffering from addiction and adversity. We ask him to strengthen our families, and to protect the innocent and vulnerable in our country. We ask Him to protect our nation from those who wish us harm -- and watch over all who stepped forward to defend us. We ask Him to bring about the day when His peace shall reign across the world -- and every tear shall be wiped away.
Godde forbid we as a nation should try to heal the sick or help the suffering. By all mean toss that football to God. We'll veto that S-CHIP bill because in caring for many children an occasional adult might get health care too and we don't want that. And let's not talk of the feds doing much that is timely or effective for the victims of Katrina because solace to victims of tragedy is God's job. Asshat.
[Multiple other expletives deleted.]
In prayer, we grow in mercy and compassion. We are reminded in prayer that we are all fallen creatures in need of mercy. And in seeking God's mercy, we grow in mercy ourselves. Experiencing the presence of God transforms our hearts -- and the more we seek His presence, the more we feel the tug at our souls to reach out to the poor, and the hungry, the elderly, and the infirm. When we answer God's call to love a neighbor as ourselves, we enter into a deeper friendship with our fellow man -- and a deeper relationship with our eternal Father.
Can you imagine George W. Bush talking about compassion? As the Rude Pundit wrote today: Bush Prays, Jesus Pukes. [If extremely vulgar language offends you, do not click on any links to the Rude Pundit.]
The man who authorized slow drowning talks of compassion. The lawless, lying tyrant who launched an illegal and immoral preemptive war has the nerve to speak of peace.
We ask Him to bring about the day when His peace shall reign across the world -- and every tear shall be wiped away.
Believe, me George, you corrupt, cruel, incompetent, vain little man with the huge sense of entitlement and righteousness, there would have been fewer tears on earth without you and many will weep with joy when you leave office.
For millennia people have besought the gods for deliverance from tyrants. I follow in that honorable tradition. --the BB
Today, Saturday, January 26 , Remain Episcopal will be hosting the Moving Forward, Welcoming All conference being held at Church of the Savior, Hanford, California. You may read about it at Episcopal Life Online.
It will also be videocast beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
Check out Remain Episcopal. You may donate to them through Paypal. Lots of information and discussion concerning the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of San Joaquin may be found at Father Jake Stops the World.
Please hold all the people of the Diocese of San Joaquin in your prayers today. May the Holy Spirit guide and heal all the scattered sheep. May faith, hope, and love overflow. May those who gather today be given discernment to know what things they ought to do to rebuild the church in Central California. Grace will abound. May all feel and know it.
God, our Shepherd, give to the Church a new vision and a new charity, new wisdom and fresh understanding, the revival of her brightness and the renewal of her unity; that the eternal message of thy Son, undefiled by human traditions, may be hailed as the good news of the new age; through him who maketh all things new, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. --Percy Dearmer
"Wandering and Weaving" quilt by an Australian artist (source)
Tandaina has a lovely post contemplating how, even when physically isolated, we find ourselves linked through the internet into a global community. The reality is that we are all far more closely and intimately linked than we imagine, but the net has made it more obvious. She also ends with a prayer, and Tandaina offers lovely prayers:
Weaver of Life, God of unity and wholeness to you we give honor, glory, and thanks. For you created all that we see, and all that we cannot see. You in your complete perfection brought forth a universe of such beauty we cannot begin to experience its depth and breadth. And you created us from the dust of stars and placed within our hearts divine sparks. Teach us to see your burning light in one another, teach us to live together as your one holy family. Help us to make this world a place where all may sing with their own voice in divine harmony. Oh God we desire it, as we desire you. Amen.
Get to know Snow on Roses if you don't already. I also highly recommend her post on "Do you love Jesus?" because she articulates so well the objectivity of what we believe, by which I mean that it is grounded in God and not in ourselves, in divine love and faithfulness, not our perceptions, moods, and failures. --the BB
Faithful Episcopalians are gathering to take counsel together for the restoration of the Episcopal Church in dioceses where the leadership has castigated TEC and abandoned it or is threatening to abandon it.
Forth Worth Via Media is sponsoring a gathering for Episcopalians in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth on January 19. [Story at Fr Jake's; their site here.]
Remain Episcopal and national church leaders will gather Episcopalians in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin on January 26. [Story at Fr Jake's; their site here.]
These folks need prayer, financial support, consolation and encouragement. If you are near enough to do it, showing up in solidarity ain't a bad idea either.
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 818) --the BB
O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. --The Book of Common Prayer, page 818
I just saw the following headlines on Google News:
Bomb Kills at Least 23 in Pakistan New York Times - 2 hours ago By SALMAN MASOOD ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - A suicide bomber walked into a crowd of police officers outside a courthouse in the eastern city of Lahore on Thursday and set off a powerful explosion, killing at least 23 people and injuring 58, police officials ...
Diplomatic bid to resolve Kenya crisis fails Los Angeles Times - 3 hours ago US and African diplomats leave the country without reaching agreement on how to resolve the disputed presidential election. A new round of talks is planned.
God our refuge and our strength, look with mercy upon the people of Kenya who have nowhere to turn for refuge. Forgive us for not being the refuge you have called us to be, for not providing a sanctuary for those who are vulnerable, cold and in danger. Give us new vision to throw upon our doors and spread upon our arms to those who wander the earth, looking for signs of your presence and hope. We pray in the name of your Son, in whose mercy is our only hope. Amen
And the people of Pakistan...
Courageous and mighty God, grant your wisdom and strength to the people and the leaders of Pakistan. Restore order and hope, and raise up courageous leaders who see a vision of respect and dignity for all people. Give us courage as well, that in the face of fear we stand up for truth, for peace, and for justice. In the name of your Son who brings peace and God's favor to earth, and who makes peace with us, and among us. Amen
Thank you, Diane. Please forgive me for lifting wholesale. --the BB
Bidding Prayer at Christmas Lessons and Carols Beloved in Christ, in this Christmastide, let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.
Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this holy Child; and let us make this place glad with our carols of praise.
But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for the mission and unity of the Church for which he died, and especially in this country and within this city.
And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at this time remember in his name the poor and the helpless; the hungry and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all those who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love.
Lastly, let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother, and all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one.
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Oppressed
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Human Family
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.
For our Enemies
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST 25th December
TROPARION From The Festal Menaion Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone upon the world with the light of knowledge: for thereby they who adored the stars through a star were taught to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory to Thee.
KONTAKION From The Festal Menaion Today the Virgin gives birth to Him who is above all being, and the earth offers a cave to Him whom no man can approach. Angels with shepherds give glory, and Magi journey with a star. For unto us is born a young Child, the pre-eternal God.
Collect for Christmas Day Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
h/t to JN1034 for the videos and the concept --the BB
The views expressed on this blog are solely those of the blogger and do not represent the positions of any group or organization with which he may be affiliated. As one who spent decades stuffing down his opinions and emotions, I am inclined to cut loose here, which I believe is healthy, honest, and part of the process of sanctification in the long run. Politics and spirituality mingle freely here, along with theatre reviews, photography, and passionate talk about food, literature, and the human journey. If anything written here offends you, please find other blogs to read. I am here to share, not to do battle.
