Monthly Archives: December 2019

Blue Christmas or Longest Night Ritual

17 Tuesday Dec 2019

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Blue Christmas or Longest Night Ritual of Prayer and Candle Lighting.

A table is set with candles artfully arranged as you choose. Some candles are lit before the service and others will be lit by those in attendance at the designated time. At the chosen place in the liturgy the following is inserted into the order of worship:

NAMING OUR BROKENNESS IN PRAYER AND RITUAL

Tonight we come, people who have been there. We have been the recipients of difficult news, experiencing it in the core of our body, the pit of our stomach, the rending of our heart. It may be recent or long ago, but the decorations and merriment of holidays going on around us recall and accentuate the sadness we feel.

Some are bereft; recalling the faces no longer present around the dinner table, some have been touched by a recent accident or new diagnosis for themselves or a loved one. Some are enduring a slow but sure lessening of abilities, noticing a stumbling or faltering step, failing vision that dims the sunlight and intensifies the darkness.

Some have lost a sense of place or purpose, a pink slip bodes of empty days and bank accounts, others are disoriented with a new address in an unfamiliar neighborhood, school or place of work.

Some come with shattered dreams, loss of plans and possibility in the experience of tragedy. Some come feeling loss with even a welcome and expected change that also brings uncertainty for the future.

And so we come to light candles, candles that tell of our longing for healing in this season of waiting. The candles we light tonight bring to mind the themes of Advent. Hope. Peace. Joy. Love. Those familiar themes are not only for the individual weeks of the season, but for all of Advent and for all the days of our lives. For we are in need of the gifts they bring, a sense of wholeness in the midst of change and uncertainty, healing for our brokenness.

LITANY FOR HEALING

We look for hope in the face of loss. Hearts are touched by sadness of empty times and empty spaces in our midst. Fill our hearts with hope for tomorrow, O God, that we may be healed.

We look for peace in the ashes of communities. Homes and public places, cities, countryside, entire nations lie in ruin, torn apart by the violence and distrust, tribalism and war. Teach us the ways of peace, O God, that we may be healed.

We look for joy in place of sorrow. Days of mourning remembered, tables with meager offerings in lean times, celebrations where loved ones are absent. Renew our sense of purpose, O God, that we may be healed.

We look for love in the emptiness of our lives. Feeling forgotten, that no one cares, that people are apathetic to the concerns of others. Remind us of your care. Reconnect us. Show us that we are part one of another, O God, that we may be healed. Amen.

LIGHTING CANDLES FOR HEALING

Come now, to light a candle for healing for the loss or concern you bear tonight. Those who wish to do so may name their concern aloud as a request for prayer.

As music plays softly, people come forward to light candles. When people return to their pews we will keep silence that will end when a bell is rung after 3 minutes.

The service then continues with prayer, selected readings and song.

Prayers of Illumination – RCL Year B 2018

17 Tuesday Dec 2019

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I began writing a prayer of illumination each week beginning January 2018.

2018.1.7 – O God of Truth, shine the light of Bethlehem on us. As we listen to the story of the wise ones who came to visit the newborn Christ Child, may our hearts too be filled with wonder and awe. As they were guided by angels, teach us, also, always to listen for your voice. Amen.

2018.1.14 – Holy God, as we listen to the story of people of faith in ancient days open our hearts and minds to understand the truths contained therein. Once again send your Spirit so that, hearing your words calling out to your beloved, we may be inspired to works of love and justice in your name. Amen.

2018.1.21 – Holy One, We long to know your truth. Prepare our hearts to hear your Word and give us understanding. As we listen to the stories of your ancient people may we be inspired to share our stories of your presence day by day. Amen.

2018.1.28 – Holy One, our Great Physician, we long to feel your healing presence. Open our hearts as we hear once again the words of scripture that we might feel your Spirit stirring in us, inspiring us to bring your hope and healing to the world. Amen.

2108.2.4 – O Christ, the Bread of Life, we hunger for your presence in word and sacrament. Come to us now in the reading of scripture that we may learn to follow in your way of truth. Amen.

2018.2.11 – Transfiguration – Light of the World, open our hearts to let the light of your truth shine in them as we draw near to hear the story of your vision and ministry. Then send us forth enlightened and empowered to witness to your presence in our lives. Amen.

2018.2.18 – God of our Salvation, your bow in the clouds proclaims your covenant with every living creature. Teach us your paths and lead us in your truth, that by your Holy Spirit, we may remember our baptismal vows and be keepers of your trust with earth and its inhabitants. Amen.

2018.2.25 – Holy One, We are full of doubt and need to hear the testimony of our ancestors in the faith. Open our hearts to hear their truth so that we may be filled with courage to spread the good news of your love and forgiveness. Amen.

2018.3.4 – Loving God, we long to hear a word from you. Come to us now in the words of those who long ago sought to do your will. Speak to us through their voices that we may be inspired to follow in Jesus’ way of love for all. Amen.

2018.3.11 – Nurturing God, we come hungering for your word. Feed our spirits on our Lenten journey that we may go forth in courage to witness to your truth. Amen.

2018.3.18 – Gentle Savior, we come again to hear the story of your great love for us. Grant that we listen with open hearts so we may be filled with joy for service in your name. Amen.

2018.4.1 – Easter – Holy One, It has been whispered among the people that there is amazing news. We come to hear a word of hope, longing for possibility of rebirth. Speak to our listening hearts that we may joyfully carry your Good News into the world. Amen.

2018.4.8 – Faithful One, We come today, some full of wonder, some lost in doubt, longing to feel your presence revealed in the words of our ancient stories. Speak to us now, reveal yourself, fill our hearts with joy to spread your message of love. Amen.

2018.4.15 – Gentle Savior, We come listening for a word of hope, longing to feel your presence. Speak to us through psalmists and apostles that we may know your truth using as a guide for living every day. Amen.

2018.4.22 – Creator God, we come to you having heard creation groaning in travail. Speak to us through your holy word that with insight and compassion we may care for all creation. Amen.

2018.4.29 – Living Savior, draw us closer to you in the reading of your word. Nurture us with the essence of life that our passion for your message of hope will be seen in renewed and renewing witness to your love for all people. Amen.

2018.5.13 – Risen Jesus, on this day of waiting, we long once again to see your face, to hear your truths. Speak to us in the words of the ancient story that through our lives we may witness to the hope and peace you would have us share. Amen.

2018.5.20 Holy One, come to us in the reading of your Word. Open us to the Spirit’s presence in our hearts so that our lives may be a vessel for your truth bringing hope to the world. Amen.

2018.5.27 Holy God, you are spirit, truth and love. We long to feel your presence. As we listen to the old, old story inspire us to share its wisdom as people reborn. Amen.

2018.6.3 Holy One, Creator of Time and Space, our time of Sabbath rest brings us close to you. Speak to us in silence and scripture your words of timeless truth. So may we be moved to help create holy space in our daily lives and the lives of others. Amen.

2018.6.10 Loving God, wounded, isolated, alone even in the company of others we long for connection. Teach us through the words of scripture, we listen for words of connection and covenant. Speak to us of possibility and hope that we may live together in love. Amen.

2018.6.17 God of Truth, troubled by chaos and confusion we come seeking your vision. Open our hearts to hear the good news of grace, the wisdom of your way. Transform our lives that guided by Christ’s example our lives will reflect your light and love. Amen.

2018.6.24 Loving Teacher, Troubled by the world’s uncertainty, we look to you for words of truth and hope. Speak to us through these our forebears in faith that we may be set free to love guided by your teachings of justice and mercy.

2018.7.1 Again we ask, O Jesus, how shall we live? We long to hear your wisdom, born of the Spirit, of your very being in and with God. Teach us how to love, that the world may be blessed by the light of your grace reflected in our lives. Amen.

2018.7.22 Tender Shepherd, We come like sheep, dependent on your guidance, longing to hear your voice. Speak to us a word of reassurance that encouraged by your word we may be strengthened for our daily life and service. Amen.

2018.7.29 God of Peace and Love, we open our hearts to the story of your ways. Teach us the way of truth through the words of our faithful forebears. Then send us out with eager to see where you are at work in the world today. Amen.

2018. 8.5 Holy One, we long to hear the stories of your people and your love and care for them. Speak to us in the ancient words so that we may find hope our life and direction for our actions. Amen.

2018.8.12 Giver of Life, you have hopes and dreams for all your creation. We want to hear them. Speak to us now in old and familiar words that we may discern your desires for us. Inspire our living and growing in community. Amen.

2018.8.19 Listening God, though we’ve heard the words before, like the disciple we still want to know more about how to connect with you. Speak to us in the words we hear today, that our prayer life may be enriched and we may feel your presence more deeply. Amen.

2018.8.26 Still Speaking God, we come hear wanting to connect with you and our neighbors. Open our hearts to hear your truth in the words of people of faith through the ages. Then give us courage to share what we have heard. Amen.

2018.9.2 Gracious God, we come in hopes of hearing affirmation of your works. Speak to us in the words of the sacred texts. Open our ears to hear and our eyes to see the work yet to be done to help enact your vision for the community and all creation. Amen.

2018.9.9 O God of Wisdom, we come into your presence seeking to know your truth. Pour out your grace in the words of the gospel that we may learn your way of peace and justice. Amen.

2018.9.16 Wisdom of the Ages, we come wanting to hear your voice of truth which is too often drowned out by the noise of worldly speech. We are listening, speak to us now. Fill our hearts with a love of your word that we our lives may model your ways and will. Amen.

2018.9.30 Holy God, the words of scripture sometimes comfort us, sometimes surprise us. Help us listen for a new and inspiring word from you that our hearts may understand that you still speak in and through our words and actions today. Amen.

2018.10.7 Creating God, We come to hear and marvel at the story of your imagination made known in our world. Open our hearts as we hear your word and lead and lead us from despair to hope, from death to life so that we may be inspired to share the wonder of your grace. Amen.

2018.10.14 O God of Love, we come to hear your word seeking refreshment for our souls. Pour down your wisdom upon us that we may bring a cup of cool water to your thirsty children who long for justice. Amen

2018.10.21 O God of Love, soften our hearts. Prepare in us fertile ground to receive the stories of your people. Let the truths we have received grow in us and bear fruit for your harvest of justice. Amen.

2018.10.28 Redeeming God, We come today remembering that great cloud of witnesses who have heard your word proclaimed throughout the ages. Open our ears to hear to your voice still speaking to us now that we may faithfully respond to its truth as it is made known in this age. Amen.

2018.11.4 Great Teacher, remembering the saints who have taught us, we want to hear more. Open our minds that your words may inspire us. Stir in us a will to do the work to which you call us that all we do may be touched by your grace. Amen.

2018.11.10 Christ of Compassion, Come to us now and feed our spirits on the truth of your word. In our hearing your call may we be inspired to serve others in your name. Amen.

2018.11.18 Bountiful God, We come longing to hear your blessing for us. Speak to us now as you spoke to faithful souls in days of old. As we hear your word, let our hearts be opened to the essence of your love and your desire for community that this place may reflect and radiate the wonders of your grace for all to see. Amen.

Prayers of Illumination – RCL Year C 2018 – 2019

17 Tuesday Dec 2019

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2018.12.2 Comforting God, come to us with a word of hope. We are troubled in a world of sadness and pain. We long for a balm for our aching hearts that we may convey your blessing to others. Amen.

2018.12.9 Come, Light of the World. Show us the way by the example set before us in scripture that our feet may follow the path illuminated by your word of truth. Amen.

2018.12.23 God-with-us, Emmanuel, come to us now in the words of your advent story. Fill our hearts, our whole being with the knowledge of your presence. Teach us to honor the holy in ourselves and in all your creation. Amen.

2018.12.30 Draw near to us, O God, as we read the words of your prophets and apostles. Inspire us with the songs of our forebears in faith that we may sing your praise always and in all places. Amen.

2019.1.13 Beloved Son of God, we come today longing to hear the old story that tells of your life and ministry. Speak to us in words, signs, and ritual that remind us of the new life that is ours. Inspire us then to witness to your love and grace in our lives. Amen

2019.1.20 Healing God, We come longing to for peace in our hearts and our community. Speak to us in words of scripture, open our hearts to hear that we may resolve to follow where you lead. Amen.

2019.1.27 Worker of Miracles, we come longing to hear the amazing stories of your life and work. Open our eyes to see in your work the possibilities available to us through trust in you, so that we may share in your abundance with hope for tomorrow. Amen.

2019.2.3 Holy One, refresh our spirits and our dedication to you as we hear the words written so long ago. May we, having heard your truth, give voice to your will for the world so that your peace and love prevail. Amen.

2019.2.17 Holy One, we come because we thirst for your Living Water. Pour out your mercy on us in the words of scripture. Quench our thirst so that with refreshed spirits we may carry cups full of blessings to people we meet every day. Amen.

2019.2.24 God of peace and peacemaking, we come to you knowing our tendency to put our wants before the needs of others. Teach us your ways so that we might learn to choose actions that bring peace to our families and community. Amen.

2019.3.3 Transfiguration – Radiant God, we come seeking the light. Shine on us in the images of scripture that we may behold your presence among us today, and that beholding, we may share the story of your grace and love. Amen.

2019.3.6 Ash Wednesday -Gracious God, We come with contrite hearts longing to learn from you how to live out our faith. Speak to us that we may gladly live your truth with thankful hearts. Amen.

2019.3.10 Open our hearts, O God, to hear the words that tell the story of your people. Teach us the way of Jesus, that in our work and in our play, in our families and in our community we may know and live his way of compassion. Amen.

2019.3.17 Loving Savior, we come with longing hearts to listen once again as you speak your words, your truth. Inspire us with words that provoke and challenge, that comfort and heal, so we may be transformed to serve God and our neighbor. Amen.

2019.3.24 Living Water, we come to you, spirits parched, souls thirsty for your water of life. Renew us through the hearing of your word of second chances. May we take to heart the call to daily repentance so our lives might be fruit-filled blessings to the world. Amen.

2019.3.31 Jesus, Guide and Guardian, we are lost without a touchpoint when we do not attend to your word. Speak now your words of truth. Engrave them on our hearts, so that knowing your lovingkindness, our lives may be filled and overflowing with your saving grace for all the world. Amen

2019.4.7 Wellspring of Life, our spirits yearn for a message of hope. Fill our hearts with the water of life, that, spirits refreshed, we may share your message of rebirth and renewal to all who are discouraged. Amen.

2019.4.14 Loving Jesus, Humble Leader, we come from our place in today’s world and a very different landscape, yet we believe in our hearts, you have timeless truths to share with us. Speak to us now in the words of your story from long ago. Teach us to find in them find a blessing and a guide for today and tomorrow. Amen.

2019.4.18 Maundy Thursday – Longing to know you more fully, we come tonight, O Jesus, to hear a word of hope for this broken world. Speak to us a word for tonight and for tomorrow, when the worries of the world threaten to overwhelm us. In hearing your truth, may we find the courage to witness to your love despite the brokenness we see in ourselves and around us. Amen

2019.4.19 Good Friday – Holy One, in our grief, memory fails as we struggle to understand the meaning of the death of Jesus. Speak to us again the words he spoke, so that hearing we might comprehend the extent of his deep love for humankind, and understanding we may choose to walk in his Way of love. Amen.

2019.4.21 Easter – Surprise us today, O God, with words surpassing our understanding, and so may our hearts be open to wonder, today and every day. Amen.

2019.4.28 Dear God, Sometimes your stories seem too good or too unexpected to be believed. Open our hearts and our minds as you speak to us in the patient words of Jesus, that we may be open to the promise and possibility of new life for us, even now. Amen.

2019.5.12 Speak to us, O God, the familiar words of comfort and compassion. Raise us to new life in the hearing of your words of hope that we may be inspired to as your co-creators to build communities of safety, peace, and blessing. Amen.

2019.5.19 Steadfast God, we come in need of your inspiring word. Remind us of your enduring hope for humankind that we may learn and live into new possibilities of creating community. Amen.

2019.5.26 Life-giving God, we who forget our role in your creation come in need of a reminder of your charge for us. Open our hearts to listen and to hear your words that we may know and follow the path you set before us. Amen.

2019.6.2 Holy One, we come to listen to the words of Jesus. May we hear his voice echoing through the centuries inspiring us even now to follow, and may our hearts be filled with courage to witness to his timeless call to love one another. Amen.

2019.6.9 Pentecost – Holy Spirit, today we listen for the rushing wind that speaks of your coming among us. Breathe in us words we recognize and understand and settle upon our spirits this day, this hour. Breath of Life, renew and inspire us to share the joy your presence brings. Amen.

2019.6.16 God of All Creation, speak to us now your timeless truths. We come wanting once again to hear the story of your presence in time and eternity so that knowing our place we may be moved to share the work and witness you call us to do. Amen.

2019.6.23 O Great Physician, we come longing for a word of hope for our wounded world. Speak to us words of comfort from the story of Jesus so that, heartened by his compassion we may boldly spread the Good News of your care. Amen.

2019.6.30 Loving God, open our minds and fill our hearts with your words of wisdom and grace, that led by your Spirit, our lives may demonstrate that your dream of creation in harmony is possible when we are in tune to your message. Amen.

2019.7.7 Speak to us O God, Bearer of Truth, in the words of your people long age. Inspire in us an understanding of your will as we listen to the ancient text, that hearing we may be moved to understanding and living your call to embrace all your creation as one holy expression of your wisdom. Amen.

2019.7.14 Creator of Stories, tell us once again the story of Jesus. Speak to us his words of compassion, that hearing we might understand how we can offer care to those who are most in need today. Amen.

2019.7.21 Great Teacher, Speak to us as one who would lead us from our broken places to discover the hidden treasure within that we may value even the brokenness as places where the light of the Spirit can shine through as a witness to your grace and mercy. Amen.

2019.7.28 Blessed Jesus, we come to you in our weakness and vulnerability, longing to hear your words of reassurance, wisdom, and hope. Speak to us now, draw us closer to you and to one another that we may be builders in your kin-dom of grace. Amen.

2019.8.4 Word of God, we need your wisdom to guide us. Speak to us a message of hope and inspiration to light our way into the future, so that, filled with your truths our lives may be filled with compassion for others and joy in serving your holy will. Amen.

2019.8.11 Speak to us, Blessed One, the words we long to hear. Words that assure us of your presence, your care, your guidance for us in routine and troubled times. May your truths inform all our actions for we want to follow as you lead us into right relationship with all your beloved children. Amen

2019.8.18 Loving Creator, we want to know more about you and your hopes for creation. Speak to us through the words of those who lived long ago. May their words and Christ’s example inspire in us openness and care for all you have made. Amen.

2019.8.25 Life Giver, We come to you, a broken people. Speak to us words to in words that lift our spirits and encourage our restoration. Teach us how to care for ourselves and one another that we may be agents of your healing peace for the world. Amen.

2019.9.1 Speak to us, O God. We long to hear your voice. We are in need of guidance and direction for the road is rocky and the path steep. Put our feet on the right path so our work and witness may point to your way of peace. Amen

2019.9.8 Creating God, We come to you longing to hear the stories of our beginnings and your intentions for us. Speak to us in the words of your prophets and all the faithful. So may we be inspired to spread the news of your presence every day in all the world. Amen.

2019.9.15 Life-giving God, we are a thirsty people. We long for refreshment of our souls. Pour down on us the lifeblood of your Wisdom so that, our emptiness filled, we shall bring your truth to all our relationships and work in the world. Amen.

2019.9.22 Faithful God, we are in constant need of reminders of your example for us. Speak to us now in the old, old story. May we be inspired, through our listening and hearing, to share your love and grace with those we meet each day. Amen.

2019.9.29 Teacher, we come with hearts that are hurting from the brokenness of the world. Speak to us of your ways and your will. As we hear your truth, move us to embody your love that we may reach out sharing your healing balm with those in pain. Amen.

2019.10.6 Holy One, there are times we feel lost and alone in this world of chaos. We long for your word to center us. Speak to us now a word of hope that, reassured of your constant presence, we may go into the world bearing your peace. Amen.

2019.10.13 God of creation, speak to us through the words of the prophets reminding us of your love and care for all the world. May we be moved to reach out beyond our comfort zone to embrace the ones you love to work toward your dream of a world in harmony. Amen.

2019.10.27 Jesus, Teacher and Friend, we gather around to hear your stories, parables that engage us in puzzling out life’s challenges and opportunities. Speak to us now and give us patience and insight to discern the meaning of your story so that our lives may be reflections of your love for all humankind. Amen.

2019.11.3 Holy Comforter, We come to you in times of longing in hopes of a word of encouragement and comfort. Speak to us of your love. Teach us your truth that internalizing your care for us we will be moved the share the story of how you renew us with your never-ending grace and mercy. Amen.

2019.11.10 God of Wisdom, Sophia, we come in need of your truth to guide us. Speak to us now through the voice of prophets so we may be led to live in gratitude and mercy. Amen.

2019.11.17 God of Abundance, we come to hear the stories of your people and your promises. As we listen to your word, we learn a word of gratitude so that in our thanksgiving we may know joy and spread your love and mercy. Amen.

2019.11.24 Wisdom of the Ages, teach us how to live. In the stories of the faithful throughout time, show us how to be friends one with another. Lead us then to practice your ways of compassion, love, and mercy with everyone we meet. Amen.