Afternoon Prayer & Opening Reflection: Diocese of Atlanta Deacons & Deacons in Formation
Afternoon Prayer for Ordinary Time
Daily Prayer for All Seasons
As shadows lengthen, we are filled by the day’s encounters; now, more than ever, we accept the depth and breadth of God’s grace.
Opening
As you have loved us,
may we love one another.
Prayer
O Tree of Calvary, send your roots deep into my soul. Gather together my frailties — my soiled heart, my sandy instability and my muddy desires — and entwine them with the strong roots of your arboreal love. Amen.
Praise
Lord God, we praise you for those riches of our creation
that we will never see:
For stars whose light will never reach the earth;
For species of living things that were born,
that flourished and perished before humankind appeared in the world;
For patterns and colors in the flowers,
which only insect eyes are able to see;
For strange, high music that humans can never hear.
Lord God, you see everything that you have made
and behold that it is very good.
Scripture
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35
Meditation
Work is not bad, but work serves an end. Even the holiest work of your life is not your purpose–it facilitates your purpose. Your purpose is to encounter: the welcoming of the eternal, living God into your midst.
— Br. Lucas Hall, SSJE Daily Reflection
Where and how can our work facilitate our purpose?
Where is God beckoning you to move closer, so that you can encounter the presence of the divine?
Prayers
As the day lengthens, O Christ,
Teach us to walk in your love.
While we strive to be faithful in word and deed,
Teach us to love one another.
While we live as part of your creation,
Teach us to love this good earth.
While we offer the prayers of our lives this hour:
{name silently or aloud the intercessions and thanksgivings of our lives}
With grateful hearts,
Teach us to trust in your love.
Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, the air sings with songs of glory, water flashes silver with creation, and the forests bloom with leaves for healing nations: May your light and love fill our hearts and souls and minds, that we may share your love with the world. Amen.
Closing
As you have loved us,
may we love one another.
Virtual Chapel of St. Phoebe 