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.
PRAYERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25:
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.
Psalm 22 (translation by Norman Fisher)
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why so far from my delivery
So empty in the anguish of my words?
I call to you in the daytime but you don't answer
And all night long I plead restlessly, uselessly
I know your holiness, find it in the memorized praises
Uttered by those who've struggled with you
Through all the generations
These, my forebearers, trusted you
And through their trusting you touched them
Held and delivered them
They cried out to you and you met them face to face
Their confidence was strong
And they were not confounded.
But I am not as they
Utterly alone, I am cast out of the circle
A worm, a living reproach, scorned and despised,
Even less than despised.
Unheard, unseen, unacknowledged, denied
And all who encounter me
Revile me with cynic laughter.
So now in this very place I call on you
There is no one left
Do not be far from me
Be the center
Of the center
Of the circle
Be the strength of that center
The power of the absence that is the center
Deliver my life from the killing sharpnesses
Deliver my soul from the feverish dogs
Save me from the lion mouths
Answer me with the voice of the ram's horn
And I will seek and form and repeat your name
Among my kinsfolk
In the midst of everyone I will compose
Praises with my lips
And those who enter your awesomness
Through my words will also praise
All the seed of Jacob will glorify you
And live in awe of you
All those who question and struggle
Will dawn with your light
For they will know
You have not scorned the poor and despised
Nor recoiled disgusted from their faces
From them your spark has never been hidden
And when they cried out in their misery
You heard and answered and ennobled them
And it is the astonishment of this
That I will praise in the Great Assembly
Making deep vows in the presence of
Those who know your heart
Your flame kindles all that lives and breathes
And you are the motive force of all activity
Why so far from my delivery
So empty in the anguish of my words?
I call to you in the daytime but you don't answer
And all night long I plead restlessly, uselessly
I know your holiness, find it in the memorized praises
Uttered by those who've struggled with you
Through all the generations
These, my forebearers, trusted you
And through their trusting you touched them
Held and delivered them
They cried out to you and you met them face to face
Their confidence was strong
And they were not confounded.
But I am not as they
Utterly alone, I am cast out of the circle
A worm, a living reproach, scorned and despised,
Even less than despised.
Unheard, unseen, unacknowledged, denied
And all who encounter me
Revile me with cynic laughter.
So now in this very place I call on you
There is no one left
Do not be far from me
Be the center
Of the center
Of the circle
Be the strength of that center
The power of the absence that is the center
Deliver my life from the killing sharpnesses
Deliver my soul from the feverish dogs
Save me from the lion mouths
Answer me with the voice of the ram's horn
And I will seek and form and repeat your name
Among my kinsfolk
In the midst of everyone I will compose
Praises with my lips
And those who enter your awesomness
Through my words will also praise
All the seed of Jacob will glorify you
And live in awe of you
All those who question and struggle
Will dawn with your light
For they will know
You have not scorned the poor and despised
Nor recoiled disgusted from their faces
From them your spark has never been hidden
And when they cried out in their misery
You heard and answered and ennobled them
And it is the astonishment of this
That I will praise in the Great Assembly
Making deep vows in the presence of
Those who know your heart
Your flame kindles all that lives and breathes
And you are the motive force of all activity
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.
Amen.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!
