Dark midnight was my cry
Dark midnight was my cry
Dark midnight was my cry
Give me Jesus
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. This morning, our time together will include silence for meditation, intercessions for neighbors near and far, and a blessing for your day. I'll also offer a lively and radically moving version of the Lord's Prayer--in solidarity with Pope Francis and so many others who are praying at this hour. You can find texts of these prayers on my blog: Valley Rise Up. May our Morning Prayers together bring you courage and connect you to the beloved community of spirit that knows you and calls you friend.
Holy Longing (Matthew 8) (prayer by Bruce Sanguin)
Let your word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
And a strong cord of strength for your many peoples.
Let your word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
And a strong cord of strength for your many peoples.
O Holy One,
you have set us within a world of wonders,
an endless font of fascination.
We are fired into this world
with bottomless desire.
Forgive our fascinations,
which lead us away from the sacred
and toward the profane.
We are mesmerized by violence,
transfixed by displays of dominance,
and allured by the fetish of personal fortune.
Still you do not give up on us.
You are the persuasive pull of love,
and the insistent push
over the edge of yesterday's truth.
You are the message of meaning--
and the promise of love
written into the stars and the life of this planet--
manifest in Jesus,
beckoning truth
and beacon of becoming.
We rest in holy longing.
Amen.
Let your word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
you have set us within a world of wonders,
an endless font of fascination.
We are fired into this world
with bottomless desire.
Forgive our fascinations,
which lead us away from the sacred
and toward the profane.
We are mesmerized by violence,
transfixed by displays of dominance,
and allured by the fetish of personal fortune.
Still you do not give up on us.
You are the persuasive pull of love,
and the insistent push
over the edge of yesterday's truth.
You are the message of meaning--
and the promise of love
written into the stars and the life of this planet--
manifest in Jesus,
beckoning truth
and beacon of becoming.
We rest in holy longing.
Amen.
Let your word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
And a strong cord of strength for your many peoples.
Five Minutes of Silence & Meditation
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, for those who are anxious and frightened, that they may know the generous spirit of grace and have access to the best of care and counsel:
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…
For others we name here and now, that they may know the calming touch of your peace and find comfort and companionship among friends:
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.
Response
Peace - Salaam - Shalom
You are a blessing to the world, my friend, and beloved and cherished by God. Live in the light and walk by faith. The God of our ancestors, the God of all the prophets and saints, goes with you!
