PRAYERS FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 4:
Opening Verse
Olam chesed yibaneh
(Hebrew: A world shall be built from compassion.)
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. Our sacred text today includes Jesus' Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. 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.
Beatitudes of Jesus:
May your word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
And a strong cord of courage for your many peoples.
Blessed are you poor in spirit, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you who mourn, for you will be comforted.
Blessed are you who are meek, for the earth will be yours.
Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for justice, for justice will be yours.
Blessed are you merciful ones, for you will receive mercy upon mercy.
Blessed are you who are pure of heart, for you will perceive God in all things.
Blessed are you who make peace and seek peace everyday, for indeed you are the
children of God.
Turn to God's grace in the flowers of the field.
Seek God's face among the birds of the air.
Be not anxious for fancy clothes or rich foods.
But seek first the path of justice and love.
And let your light shine bright! And let your witness be bold!
For yours is the kingdom of heaven!
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 care professionals around the world and for public health servants who are working to provide clear guidance, effective testing and compassionate care for all:
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 strike like a match your very soul today.
and strike like a match your very 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!
