Tag: Holy Spirit

Ash Wednesday: Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 ~ Father, forgive me

Ash Wednesday

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

Opening prayer:

Today begins the season of Lent – a journey of reflection and repentance that will bring us to the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter time.
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Gracious and merciful God, You look with love upon a sinful people and desire only our return to You. I beg of you the grace to live this holy season, to persevere in prayer, self-denial, and almsgiving. Through the disciplines of Lent, purify my heart of all pretension, bring me back to You, and make the whole Church ready to celebrate the mysteries of Easter.

Grant this through Christ, our liberator from sin, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Joel 2:12-18 (NLT)

Kori Dirks, Kolton DirksThe Lord says,

“Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.”

Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before.

Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Gather all the people — the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. Let the priests, who minister in the Lord’s presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar.

Let them pray, “Spare your people, Lord! Don’t let your special possession become an object of mockery. Don’t let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say, ‘Has the God of Israel left them?’”

Then the Lord will pity his people and jealously guard the honor of his land.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17 (NLT)

For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner — yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
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Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.
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Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
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The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 (NLT)

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.”

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 (NLT)

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do — blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
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“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

Intercessions:

Our God is full of mercy and compassion – Lord help us:

+ That God’s people scattered throughout the world – particularly those who are signed with ashes today – may turn back to God during this Lenten season…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ That those who have grown lukewarm, or drifted far away, may return to God and find new enthusiasm in their faith…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ That people in need throughout the world may benefit from our Lenten sacrifices of prayer, of self, of generosity…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ That, during this Lenten season, we may learn to set our own interests aside and work for the good of others…. Lord, hear my prayer.

God of mercy and compassion, you cleanse us and give us your help: hear my prayers made in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: God of Mercy and Compassion

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
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LENT (wikipedia) is a solemn religious observance in the liturgical calendar of many Christian denominations that begins on Ash Wednesday and covers a period of approximately six weeks before Easter Day.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer – through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement and self-denial – for the annual commemoration of Holy Week, marking the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the tradition and events of the New Testament beginning on Friday of Sorrows, further climaxing on Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday, which ultimately culminates in the joyful celebration on Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The English word “Lent” was adopted for the season in the middle ages and simply referred, at that time, to the coming of spring with its lengthening days.

8th Ordinary Sunday: Isaiah 49:14-15; Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6:24-34 ~ never forgotten

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

The Lord gathers me in to His loving embrace, the Lord who invites me not to worry about tomorrow. Setting my heart on His kingdom, I entrust all my tomorrows to Him and ask Him to help me live for this, His day.
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Lord God, Your care for me surpasses even a mother’s tender love. Renew my trust in Your provident care, that I may abandon all anxiety and seek first Your kingdom. I ask this through my Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 49:14-15 (NLT)

"Mother Jeanne Nursing Her Baby" Mary Cassatt (1907-08)
“Mother Jeanne Nursing Her Baby”
Mary Cassatt (1907-08)

Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.”

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9 (NLT)

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

So many enemies against one man — all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (NLT)

So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time — before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 6:24-34 (NLT)

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Intercessions:

Mighty God – my rock, my stronghold – hear the cries of my heart for the needs of Your people:

+ For all who believe, that we may experience Your tender love…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all who are anxious and fearful, that we may find rest and peace in Your gracious care…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For Christian leaders, that they may teach the world who You are – Father, Son and Spirit…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For mothers, that they may always be well supported in their task of raising the next generation…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For respect for women, that all cultures may respect women’s rights and dignity…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For fathers, that we may always provide godly love and support for our wives and families…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all who are suffering hardship, persecution and even death because of their Chrisitan faith…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all those who are embroiled in violence, wars and rumors of wars – especially in Syria, the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine – that Your church may bring light and life, hope and help, to those living in the shadow of death…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all those who rejoice at the birth of children, and those who mourn at the death of loved one’s, that they may know that their lives are in Your gracious and merciful hands…. Lord, hear my prayer.

Mighty God, my fortress and my strength, hear my prayers on behalf of Your people and help us grow in trust of You. Through Christ my Lord. Amen.

Hymn: “Holy God, we praise your name” – Ignace Franz

Holy God, we praise your name; Lord of all, we bow before you. Saints on earth your rule acclaim; all in heaven above adore you. Infinite your vast domain; everlasting is your reign.

Hark, the glad celestial hymn / angel choirs above are raising; cherubim and seraphim, in unceasing chorus praising, fill the heavens with sweet accord: “Holy, holy, holy Lord!”

Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray, By a thousand snares surrounded: Keep us without sin today, Never let us be confounded. Lo, I put my trust in Thee; Never, Lord, abandon me.

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

7th Ordinary Sunday: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18; Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; Matthew 5:38-48 ~ love your enemies

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening prayer:

Heavenly Father, in Christ Jesus you challenge me to renounce violence and to forsake revenge.

Teach me to recognise as your children even my enemies and persecutors and to love them without measure or discrimination.

I ask this through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 (NLT)

The Lord also said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

“Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13 (NLT)

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 (NLT)

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say,

“He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.”

And again,

“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.”

So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you — whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 5:38-48 (NLT)

Responding to the Boston Massacre
Responding to the Boston Massacre

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Intercessions:

God of compassion and love, who is slow to anger and rich in mercy: hear my prayer –

+ For all Church leaders — that they may show us how to live in peace and friendship…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For an end to war and violence, especially in Syria and Ukraine — that hatred may give way to love…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For people who are at war with each other – that they may forgive and make peace…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For those who have hurt us, those we find it hard to love — that God may help us to end our quarrels…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For people who are sick or troubled — that God may bring them healing and peace…. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For myself and those I love, particularly those who come to mind right now — that God may always be with us…. Lord, hear my prayer.

God of love and compassion, have mercy on your people and grant us your gracious help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Visual Liturgy: Love Your Enemies

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

6th Ordinary Sunday: Deuteronomy 30:11-20; Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Matthew 5:17-37 ~ from the heart

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Opening prayer:

All-seeing God, you alone judge rightly our inmost thoughts. Teach us to observe your law from the heart even as we keep it outwardly. Purify our desires, calm every anger, and reconcile us to one another. Then will our worship render you perfect praise.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 30:11-20 (NLT)

“This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.

"Love" Sculpture in the snow. (Robert Indiana, artist)
“Love” Sculpture in the snow.
(Robert Indiana, artist)

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.

“But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34 (NLT)

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.

You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (NLT)

Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God — his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 5:17-37 (NLT)

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“But I warn you — unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.

“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Intercessions:

God of all wisdom, hear my prayer:

+ For all who follow Christ, that they may follow his example of right living…
+ For people who have fallen out with each other, that they may hear the Gospel call to make peace…
+ For those outside the fold, that they may be drawn in by the goodness of Christians…
+ For people facing difficult decisions, that God’s gift of wisdom may be given them…
+ For those suffering as a result of the bad weather, that they may have the help they need…
+ For my own needs and for the needs of those I love…
+ For those who have asked prayer…
+ For those who have died and those who mourn their loss that together they may share in all that God has prepared for those who love him.

Gracious God, you lead your people along the right path, hear my prayers and give us the help we need today, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Spiritual Song: City of God by Dan Schutte

Awake from your slumber, arise from your sleep / A new day is dawning for all those who weep.

The people in darkness have seen a great light. / The Lord of our longing has conquered the night.

Let us build the city of God; / May our tears be turned into dancing, / For the Lord Our light and our love / Has turned the night into day.

We are sons of the morning we are daughters of day / The One who has loved us has brightened our way.

The Lord of all kindness has called us to be / A light for His people: to set their hearts free.

God is light in Him there is no darkness / Let us walk in His light His children one and all

O Comfort my People . Make gentle your words / Proclaim to my city the day of her birth.

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

Morning Prayer, 12 Feb – John 7:37-39 ~ come and drink

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentences – Chad of Lichfield (?-672)

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God.

You pour life into me, giving me speech, sense, desire, giving me thought and action. My fame or repute will be just as You allow: You mark the way before me.

On Your path, O my God, and not my own, be all my journeying. Rule this heart of mine that it be only Yours.

Morning readings

"Rivers of Living Water" Kathleen McGuffin Arts Alive
“Rivers of Living Water”
Kathleen McGuffin
Arts Alive

John 7:37-39 ESV:

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Reflections:

Living Water

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:3)

What Jesus offers is the fulfillment of the very things they were celebrating. Here the Son is repeating the offer of the Father, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters” (Isaiah 55:1). Indeed, he is fulfilling the role of God, who “will guide them and lead them beside springs of water” (Isaiah 49:10). Here we have God himself offering us life.

Holy Spirit

Those who believe in Jesus will receive the Spirit. However, those listening to Jesus could not receive this Spirit until he was glorified, that is, until Jesus’ death.

Until the Son’s death, the heart of God could not be known and thus eternal life, which is knowledge of God, could not yet be experienced. Until the death of the Son, the life of God could not be conveyed by the Spirit.

Come and Drink

Jesus invites believers, those who know their need, to come to him – which means aligning oneself with him, trusting him, receiving his teaching and obeying his commands. Such faith enables us to receive the Spirit and enter an abiding relationship with Christ.

When we believe… we open our hands to receive what God’s grace offers — we come and drink.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series

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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 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: A brief word of explanation – the general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) The Scripture readings are primarily from the Gospel of John, with the intent to complete the reading by Easter. Other Scriptures which illuminate the Gospel of John will be included along the way.

Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.

On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.

Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.