FRIDAY LAUDS: "Prayers & Meditation"

I hope you'll freely join me for Lauds, our morning prayers, as the Beloved Community greets each new day in peace and faith.  Let our hearts be opened wide to the invitation of Jesus: to love abundantly, to do justice bravely and to seek the peace of our cities, towns and nations.  All are most welcome to pray with us!  These prayers will most often be streamed on Facebook Live...and posted here after that.

Lauds: Friday, March 20, 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 122 (translation by Norman Fisher in Opening to You)

        Joy drenched me when you said
        Come inside my house
        Now our feet stand within your gates, Jerusalem
        Planted upon your wholeness
  
        Jerusalem,
        Place where each is welcome
        All belong

        For this is the place
        Toward which people ascend
        Giving thanks with their mouths
        Sing the thousand names of the nameless
        And here stand the upright chairs of David's justice

        Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
        Pray that all who love her will be well
        May there be peace within her walls
        Plenty in her palaces

        For the sake of all that lives and is
        Let me speak these heart words:
        Peace, peace,
        Peace for Jerusalem

        And for your sake
        From inside your house
        I pledge myself to seek the good

Note: Norman Fischer is a Zen-practitioner who was raised as an Orthodox Jew and rediscovered the Hebrew Psalms in adulthood while praying with the Trappist monks of Gethsamani Abbey in Kentucky.  In Opening to You: Zen-Inspired Translations of the Psalms, Fischer brings all of this experience to bear on fresh interpretations of ancient texts and prayers.

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, 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…

For those we name now in the quiet of our hearts, that these dear ones may experience beauty today and the holiness that is the essence of their lives:

         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

   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.