PRAYERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3:
Opening Verse
Arrows of Light, come, pierce my soul...
Breath of the Bright Wind, make us one...
Breath of the Bright Wind, make us one...
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. This morning our psalm is the 104th, as translated by Norman Fischer. 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 104 (as translated by Norman Fischer in Opening to You)
May your Word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
And a strong cord of courage for your many peoples.May your Word, O God, be a lamp unto our feet,
My soul is for your blessing
For you are very great
Clothed with light and splendor
Wrapped in light like a garment
Who stretches out the sky like a curtain
Whose roof beams are fashioned with the waters
Whose chariots are the clouds
Who walks along the wind's wings
Whose messengers are the winds
Whose ministers are the fire's flames
Who sets the earth upon her foundations
So that she cannot be moved
And covers her with waters like a robe
How various are these deeds
That you have performed so shapely
The earth so full of your riches
Here is the vast wide sea
In which creatures without number
Of all sizes and kinds crawl and swim or drift and wave
There the great ships make their voyages
And huge whales journey and breach without tiring
All these wait upon you to give them
Their food in due season
What you give they gather
You open your hand and they are satisfied
Hide your face and they vanish
Remove your breath and they perish
Return to the dust they were made from
Breathe again your breath
And they enter life renewed
Refreshing the face of the earth
Your glory endures forever
Your work is an endless rejoicing
You who glance at the earth and she trembles
Who touch the mountains and they smoke
While I live my songs will be for you
While I am I'll speak my gratefulness
My soul is for your blessing--
I praise that too
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 today, for those who are anxious and frightened today, 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
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: Halleluya
Until next time, my friends, in all things and in all ways, PRAISE GOD!
