PRAYERS FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 5:
Greeting
A salaam aleikum, a salaam aleikum
Salaam, salaam, a salaam aleikum
(Arabic: God's peace be yours!)
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. In this discipline, our Easter Faith becomes an Easter practice. So may our Morning Prayers together bring you courage and connect you to the beloved community of spirit that knows you and calls you friend.
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
That await us this new and sacred day.
Psalm 46
May your word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
And a strong cord of strength for your many peoples.
God is for us a refuge and strength,
a helper close at hand, in time of distress,
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock,
though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea;
even though its waters rage and foam,
even though the mountains be shaken by its waves.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Sarah and Isaac is our stronghold.
The waters of a river give joy to God's city,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within, it cannot be shaken;
God will help it at the dawning of the day.
Nations are in tumult, kingdoms are shaken;
God's voice roars forth, the earth shrinks away.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Hagar and Ishmael is our stronghold.
Come, consider the works of the Lord,
the redoubtable deeds God has done on the earth;
putting an end to wars across the earth;
breaking the bow, snapping the spear;
burning the warrior's shields with fire.
"Be still and know that I am God,
a helper close at hand, in time of distress,
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock,
though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea;
even though its waters rage and foam,
even though the mountains be shaken by its waves.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Sarah and Isaac is our stronghold.
The waters of a river give joy to God's city,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within, it cannot be shaken;
God will help it at the dawning of the day.
Nations are in tumult, kingdoms are shaken;
God's voice roars forth, the earth shrinks away.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Hagar and Ishmael is our stronghold.
Come, consider the works of the Lord,
the redoubtable deeds God has done on the earth;
putting an end to wars across the earth;
breaking the bow, snapping the spear;
burning the warrior's shields with fire.
"Be still and know that I am God,
Be still and know that I am God,
Be still and know that I am God,
supreme among the nations, supreme on the earth!"
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of our many ancestors is our stronghold.
supreme among the nations, supreme on the earth!"
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of our many ancestors is our stronghold.
May your word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
And a strong cord of strength 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 care 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.)
May God's grace fill your heart
and shake your soul today.
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
in your heart,
a source of courage today,
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!
