Wednesday, March 18, 2020

THURSDAY 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: 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

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
   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.