Lauds: Thursday, March 19, 2020
Opening Verse
In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
Give me Jesus.
Peace, Salaam and Shalom to you, dear friends, as light dawns a new day, a day that is both sacred and strange, a day that is both gift and opportunity. Our Morning Prayers include five minutes of silence and meditation; prayers of compassion and intercession, and a blessing for your day. May our Morning Prayers together bring you courage and connect you to the beloved community of spirit that knows you and calls you friend.
Psalm 84 (translation by Norman Fisher in Opening to You)
How lovely is your house!
My soul thirsts for, longs for your courts
My heart and my flesh leap for joy
In your presence, life's sovereignty
Just as the sparrow has found her proper nest
And the swallow a corner for herself
Where she may nurture and fledge her young
So I have found your altars
You who trail clouds of glory
To whom I look for my soul's satisfaction
Happy are they who live in your house
Their lives are your continuous praise
Happy the ones whose hearts confide in you
Whose feet walk the pilgrim pathways
Passing the valley of weeping
They change it into a spring
And the morning rains cover it with blessing
They go from strength to strength, tower to tower
Appearing before you at Zion's Mount
O you who trail clouds of glory--
Listen to me, incline your ear
And look upon my glistening face
For better is a day in your courts
Than a thousand days anywhere else
I would rather wait at the threshold of your house
Than dwell comfortable in the tents of the strong
For you are a warm sun, a glinting shield
Who beams grace, who shines glory
Never withholding goodness
From those who walk with integrity--
O you whose glory blazes behind you!
Happy is the one whose trust rests solid with you
My soul thirsts for, longs for your courts
My heart and my flesh leap for joy
In your presence, life's sovereignty
Just as the sparrow has found her proper nest
And the swallow a corner for herself
Where she may nurture and fledge her young
So I have found your altars
You who trail clouds of glory
To whom I look for my soul's satisfaction
Happy are they who live in your house
Their lives are your continuous praise
Happy the ones whose hearts confide in you
Whose feet walk the pilgrim pathways
Passing the valley of weeping
They change it into a spring
And the morning rains cover it with blessing
They go from strength to strength, tower to tower
Appearing before you at Zion's Mount
O you who trail clouds of glory--
Listen to me, incline your ear
And look upon my glistening face
For better is a day in your courts
Than a thousand days anywhere else
I would rather wait at the threshold of your house
Than dwell comfortable in the tents of the strong
For you are a warm sun, a glinting shield
Who beams grace, who shines glory
Never withholding goodness
From those who walk with integrity--
O you whose glory blazes behind you!
Happy is the one whose trust rests solid with you
Five Minutes of Silence & Meditation
You’re invited to experience the active, generous presence of God—in your body, in your soul, in our ruah. Remember that the Bible uses this one Hebrew word (ruah) for “spirit” and for “wind” and for “breath.” As we sit quietly and breath mindfully, we are aware of the Spirit’s tender and resilient movement in our lives.
If your mind wanders, do not be harsh or judgmental. Simply notice the wandering mind, and then return to your breath. Return to the Spirit who is your companion in prayer.
Prayers of the People
With gratitude for the bonds of friendship, in faithfulness to our calling as the beloved community, we pray now, for one another, for all our neighbors, and for sisters, brothers and friends near and far.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison.
For those who are sick, and ailing, that they may know the generous spirit of grace and have access to the best of care and counsel:
Kyrie…
For those are anxious and frightened, that they may know the calming touch of your peace and find comfort and companionship among friends:
Kyrie…
For health professionals around the world, for first responders, and for public health servants who are working to provide clear guidance, effective testing and compassionate care:
Kyrie…
Jesus' Prayer
Earth-maker, life-giver, pain-bearer,
Source of all that is and all that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God in whom is heaven:
May the hallowing of your name
May the hallowing of your name
echo through the universe!
May your heavenly will be done
by all creatures great and small!
And may your commonwealth
of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth!
With the bread we need this day, feed us.
For the hurt we inflict on one another, forgive us.
By your grace and mercy,
strengthen us through seasons of temptation,
and spare us from trials too great to endure.
Free us from bigotry and evil, for service and truth.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is Love. Amen.
People's Response
“Jesu Tawapano” (Jesus, we are here for you.)
Blessing
May the Light of God’s Grace fall bright upon your face.
May the Hand of God’s Love be upon you, like a friend.
and
May the Communion of Friends and Church be a constant
presence in your heart, a source of courage today,
and a reminder of the joy and promise of everlasting life.
Amen.
