In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise
Give me Jesus
And when the world is spinning round...
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. 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.
That await us this new and sacred day.
Invocation
O Holy Light, O Wisdom, O Christ:
Lift our spirits now, raise your servant church to life.
As night turns to day, and dark welcomes dawn,
Open our eyes that we may see your face
In the joys, in the wonders, in the strange struggles
Psalm 139
May your Word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
And a strong cord of courage for your many peoples.
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning
and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light around me become night’,
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
...
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any deceit in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
May your Word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning
and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light around me become night’,
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
...
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any deceit in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
May your Word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
And a strong cord of courage for your many peoples.
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:
God, have mercy.
For health professionals around the world and for public health servants who are working to provide clear guidance, effective testing and compassionate care:
God, have mercy.
For all who seek racial justice, and for those committed to systemic and consequential change on the path to nonviolent and just national renewal:
God, have mercy.
For immigrants, refugees and prisoners of conscience, that their hearts may be strengthened by faith and that their journeys to freedom be hastened by grace:
God, have mercy.
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 eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison.
Our Intention
I invite you now to consider your own intention for the day to come: how you might face the opportunities, responsibilities and mysteries that stretch out across morning, afternoon and nightime. In a quiet moment, offer this intention to God, and receive God's promise of companionship and blessing.
Jesus' Prayer
I invite you now to consider your own intention for the day to come: how you might face the opportunities, responsibilities and mysteries that stretch out across morning, afternoon and nightime. In a quiet moment, offer this intention to God, and receive God's promise of companionship and blessing.
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 God's grace fill your heart
and shake your soul today.
May Christ's face shine in every neighbor
and every friend today.
and every friend today.
AND
May the Communion of Friends and
Church be a constant presence
Church be a constant presence
in your heart,
a source of courage today,
and a reminder of the joy and promise
of everlasting life.
The God of our many ancestors, the God of the salty prophets and the simple saints, goes with you! So go in peace, and live generously on planet earth.
of everlasting life.
The God of our many ancestors, the God of the salty prophets and the simple saints, goes with you! So go in peace, and live generously on planet earth.
Response
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Until next time, my friends, in all things and in all ways, PRAISE GOD!
