Lauds: Wednesday, March 18, 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 23 (translation
by Norman Fisher)
You are
my shepherd, I am content
You
lead me to rest in the sweet grasses
To lie
down by the quiet waters
And I
am refreshed
You
lead me down the right path
The
path that unwinds in the patterns of your name
And
even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will
not fear
For you
are with me
Comforting me with your rod and your staff
Showing
me each step
You
prepare a table for me
In the
midst of my adversity
And moisten
my head with oil
Surely
my cup is overflowing
And
goodness and kindness will follow me
All the
days of my life
And in
the long days beyond
I will
always live within your house
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.
