Tag: christ jesus

Morning Prayer: 26 Jan – 2 Tm 1:1-8; Mk 3:22-30 ~ a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline

Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and Prayer:

Proclaim the Gospel, insist on it in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, do all with patience and in a manner that will teach men.
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Almighty God, You endowed Saints Timothy and Titus with power to preach Your word. Fill us with Your Spirit, and grant that, living a life of integrity and holiness in this world, we may come to our true home in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

A Reading from Letters: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 (NLT)

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

Timothy, I thank God for you — the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

fear-is-a-prison

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.
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Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel. (2 Timothy 1:10)
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 3:22-30 (NLT)

But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.”

blasphemy against Holy Spirit

Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. “How can Satan cast out Satan?” he asked. “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger — someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.

“I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.” He told them this because they were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.”
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

May the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

3rd Sunday of Lent: Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; John 4:5-15,19-26, 39-42 ~ wellspring of life

3rd Sunday of Lent

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

During Lent, many people all over the world look forward to their baptism, while those already baptised prepare to renew their promises.

O God, living and true, look upon your people, whose dry and stony hearts are parched with thirst. Unseal the living water of your Spirit; let it become within us an ever-flowing spring, leaping up to eternal life. Thus may we worship you in spirit and in truth through Christ, our deliverance and hope, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Exodus 17:3-7 (NLT)

"Moses Striking the Rock and Bringing Forth the Water" Marc Chagall, 1887-1985 Musée du Message Biblique Marc-Chagall Nice, France
“Moses Striking the Rock and Bringing Forth the Water”
Marc Chagall, 1887-1985
Musée du Message Biblique Marc-Chagall
Nice, France

But tormented by thirst, they continued to argue with Moses. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Are you trying to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?”

Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!”

The Lord said to Moses, “Walk out in front of the people. Take your staff, the one you used when you struck the water of the Nile, and call some of the elders of Israel to join you. I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink.” So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out as the elders looked on.

Moses named the place Massah (which means “test”) and Meribah (which means “arguing”) because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord here with us or not?”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 (NLT)

Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
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Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.

If only you would listen to his voice today!
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The Lord says, “Don’t harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah, as they did at Massah in the wilderness. For there your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw everything I did.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 (NLT)

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
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And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

A Reading from the Gospels: John 4:5-15,19-26, 39-42 (NLT)

The Samaritan Woman He Qi
The Samaritan Woman
He Qi

Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

“Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.”
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“Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”

Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming — indeed it’s here now — when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming — the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!”
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Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!”

When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Intercessions:

Gracious and merciful God, hear my prayers on behalf of Your people.

+ For baptised believers around the world – that they may appreciate the gifts that are theirs through Your indwelling Spirit….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For adults and children preparing for baptism – that the prayer and support of their faith community may encourage them….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For all who thirst for meaning and truth – that they may experience Your revealing grace in Jesus Christ….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For poor tribes and nations, where water is scarce – that believers may supply the help they need in their fight against thirst….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For the people around the world who thirst for justice and essential human rights – that believers may work for the dignity of all….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For my own faith community, and particularly for people in any kind of difficulty – that this Lent may teach me to be a true friend of those in need….
Lord, hear my prayer.

+ For those who have died and those who mourn their loss – that their thirst for life without end may be satisfied….
Lord, hear my prayer.

O God, we are Yours, You lead us by the hand: send the help we need, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen

Spiritual Song:I’ve got a river of life

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

2nd Sunday of Lent: Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Matthew 17:1-9 ~ a glimpse of glory

2nd Sunday of Lent

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

The Gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us that we are destined for glory. Like the disciples, we keep this glimpse of glory in our hearts in the dark days ahead. Resurection will follow, as surely as day follows night.

Holy God, from the dazzling cloud you revealed Jesus in glory as your beloved Son. During these forty days enlighten me with the bright glory of your presence. Inspire me by your word and so transform me into the image of the risen Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Genesis 12:1-4 (NLT)

Abram's Journey from Ur to Canaan (1850 painting by József Molnár)
Abram’s Journey from Ur to Canaan
(1850 painting by József Molnár)

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 (NLT)

For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.
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But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.
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We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
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Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 1:8-10 (NLT)

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time — to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT)

Transfiguration Titian, c. 1560 San Salvador, Venice
Transfiguration
Titian, c. 1560
San Salvador, Venice

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Intercessions:

God of justice and right, hear my prayer:

+ For Christians around the world, as we continue on our lenten journey — (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear me.
+ For Church leaders, that they might abide in you and speak only what they hear from you — (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear me.
+ For children and adults wanting a fresh start in life and seeking a closer walk with you — (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear me.
+ For the Jewish people, the sons and daughters of Abraham, the land of Israel and the city of Jerusalem — (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear me.
+ For peace in our world among warring factions and nations, particularly in the Middle East and in Ukraine — (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear me.
+ For those who are hungry and thirsty, in need of clothing and shelter, that your people may give freely and generously — (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear me.
+ For those who are sick and alone, heart-broken and hurt, rejected and dejected, that they might find their comfort in you – (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear me.
+ For those who have died and those who mourn their loss, that reunion in the light of heaven may be theirs — (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear me.

Lord God, you look with kindness on those who revere you: give us your help, for all our hope is in you, through Christ my Lord. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Show Me Your Glory”

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

4th Sunday in Advent: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24 ~ Good News for you

THE SEASON OF ADVENT: please see resources below.

During Advent, we prepare for the celebration of Christmas – remembering that God sent His Son into our world… because He loved us.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence:

AdventCandlesBokeh

The Good News is about his Son; He is Jesus Christ our Lord.  And you are included among those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. You are loved by God and called to be His own holy people.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10-14 (NLT)

Later, the Lord sent this message to King Ahaz: “Ask the Lord your God for a sign of confirmation, Ahaz. Make it as difficult as you want—as high as heaven or as deep as the place of the dead.”

But the king refused. “No,” he said, “I will not test the Lord like that.”

Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 24:1-6 (NLT)

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome: Romans 1:1-7 (NLT)

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 1:18-24 (NLT)

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.  And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.

Intercessions:

Heavenly Father: During these final days before the celebration of Christmas, help me to pause and reflect on the significance of Your Son, Jesus, coming into our world…. In Your mercy, hear my prayers:

Lord Jesus – You offer peace to the world… but even in the country of Your birth there is continuing conflict.

+ I pray for the peace and goodwill of the Middle East, of Israel, and of Jerusalem in particular. Protect Your people and offer them Your comfort and deliverance from evil – especially those who suffer great persecution for their faith and trust in You.
In Your mercy, Lord, hear my prayers.

Lord Jesus – You bring Your Spirit to the world… yet our society is characterized by consumerism, entertainment and the pursuit of wealth and pleasure – all distracting from this gift.

+ I pray for those of us who live in a world of abundance and plenty – give us a spirit of contentment and generosity. May we Hear the cries of those who are destitute beyond our imagination – and may we be guided by Your Spirit in our giving.
In Your mercy, Lord, hear my prayers.

Lord Jesus – You revealed the love of God by entering our world in humility as a baby… a love which can also be seen in the miracle of every new-born child.

+ I pray for every mother and child – born, unborn, and about to be born – and especially those children who were unplanned, or unexpected. Fill their parents with Your love and enable them to see the miracle and wonder of new life… and Your plan and purpose for every child.
In Your mercy, Lord, hear my prayers.

Lord Jesus – You offer inspiration and support to all as we face the challenges of each day.

+ I pray for my family… and friends… and neighbors – You know their needs, the burdens they carry, and the cries of their hearts. Come to them in this season of advent… reveal Yourself to them. Open their eyes and ears and hearts to Your presence among us. Show Yourself to them in things big and small… and may this season be a time of encouragement, faith, and growth.
In Your mercy, Lord, hear my prayers.

Lord Jesus – You bring new life to the world, and raise the dead to eternal life.

+ I pray for all those who mourn the loss of loved ones – especially those who have died in You. Comfort them in their loss, and give them the certain hope of resurrection and reunion in eternity.
In Your mercy, Lord, hear my prayers.

God of love and goodness, of wonder and mystery, You will and desire that all people be saved and come to recognise the value of your liberating grace. Move with power among us and prepare us to share in your goodness, mercy and grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Hymn: “Lo, How a Rose Ere Blooming”

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming / From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming / As men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright, Amid the cold of winter
When half-gone was the night.

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, The Rose I have in mind:
With Mary we behold it, The virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright / She bore to men a Savior
When half-gone was the night.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender / With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor / The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God, From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

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THE SEASON OF ADVENT: + Online Advent Calendar – US Catholic Conference of Bishops + Online Advent Calendar for Adults – Loyola Press + Busted Halo’s Surprise Advent Calendar + 2013 Advent Devotion Apps, eBooks and More! | ChurchMag

Morning Prayer: Psalm 147:14; Leviticus 23:9-11; James 1:17-18 ~ first fruits

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

You will find the Lord your God, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Morning readings

Psalm 147:14 NLT:

He sends peace across your nation and satisfies your hunger with the finest wheat.

Jesus Christ had to be accepted by God the Father to fulfill the wave-sheaf offering.
Jesus Christ had to be accepted by God the Father to fulfill the wave-sheaf offering.

Leviticus 23:9-11 NLT:

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you enter the land I am giving you and you harvest its first crops, bring the priest a bundle of grain from the first cutting of your grain harvest. On the day after the Sabbath, the priest will lift it up before the Lord so it may be accepted on your behalf.”

James 1:17-18 NLT:

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Reflection/Prayer:

On the fourteenth day of the month the Passover Lamb was prepared. After sunset it was eaten, and this began the Sabbath which was a high holy day, the first day of unleavened bread. On the next day, the sixteenth, the day after this Sabbath day when no work was done, a priest would search for the first sprouts of grain in the ground, carry his find back to the Temple and wave them before the Lord as the ‘first fruits’.

Another seven times seven days, a sabbath of sabbaths, makes fifty days, ‘pentecost’, and by then the grain will have ripened untill an armful can be gathered – but for now it is just an early sign of life, first fruits from the earth.

Canticle

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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Peanut Gallery: The Morning Prayer readings are from the Daily Office of the Northumbrian Community as available online here… and in the book form, Celtic Daily Prayer available on Amazon.com.

The website and prayer book are rich in prayer resources and I commend them to you. For our purpose here, I will limit my selections to the Morning Prayer resources.