Tag Archives: Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Daily Prayer for Saturday March 14

March 14

Saturday Morning Prayer for Lent
from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Opening:

Know the grace of God
and live joyfully this day of salvation.

Prayer

God of heaven and earth, your wisdom stretches
around the world, ordering all things for good:
Free us from anxiety and understand us like a friend,
that we might share the good news of your friendship
with all people; through the Word made flesh,
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Praise

Come, heavenly comforter and spirit of truth,
Blowing everywhere and filling all things.
Treasury of blessings and giver of life:
Come and abide in us;
cleanse us from every impurity,
and, in your great goodness, save us.

Scripture

As we work together with Christ, we urge you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 67

Meditation

We can all please God. We must only choose well. Many go abroad to study,
pursuing knowledge far from home, but the kingdom of God is always here and now,wherever you are, within you. Precisely because the kingdom is within, and God is our friend, our salvation only requires that we be willing. –Athanasius of Alexandria

In what ways are we willing to accept the wisdom of God’s guidance today?

Prayers

Christ in my mind
that I may see what is true;
Christ in my mouth
that I may speak with power;
Christ in my heart
that I may learn to be loved;
Christ in my hands
that I may work with tenderness;
Christ in my soul
that I may know my desire;
Christ in my arms
that I may reach without fear;
Christ in my face
that I may shine with God.

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

Almighty God, we entrust all who have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, all who will be affected, all who care for them, and all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and for the life to come, knowing that you are already doing for all of us more than we could ever imagine or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.

The 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

Wisdom is brilliant; she never fades.
By those who love her, she is easily seen;
by those who seek her, she is readily found.
She is a breath of God’s power,
an image of God’s goodness,
the eternal light and mirror of God’s glory.
Now let Wisdom do all things, renew all things,
and pass into holy souls everywhere
to make them friends of God.
Amen.

Going Out

Know the grace of God
and live joyfully this day of salvation.

Saturday Morning Prayer March 7

March 7

Saturday Morning Prayer for Lent
from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Opening:

Know the grace of God
and live joyfully this day of salvation.

Prayer

God of heaven and earth, your wisdom stretches
around the world, ordering all things for good:
Free us from anxiety and understand us like a friend,
that we might share the good news of your friendship
with all people; through the Word made flesh,
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Praise

Come, heavenly comforter and spirit of truth,
Blowing everywhere and filling all things.
Treasury of blessings and giver of life:
Come and abide in us;
cleanse us from every impurity,
and, in your great goodness, save us.

Scripture

As we work together with Christ, we urge you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 67

Meditation

We can all please God. We must only choose well. Many go abroad to study,
pursuing knowledge far from home, but the kingdom of God is always here and now,wherever you are, within you. Precisely because the kingdom is within, and God is our friend, our salvation only requires that we be willing. –Athanasius of Alexandria

In what ways are we willing to accept the wisdom of God’s guidance today?

Prayers

Christ in my mind
that I may see what is true;
Christ in my mouth
that I may speak with power;
Christ in my heart
that I may learn to be loved;
Christ in my hands
that I may work with tenderness;
Christ in my soul
that I may know my desire;
Christ in my arms
that I may reach without fear;
Christ in my face
that I may shine with God.

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.

The 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

Wisdom is brilliant; she never fades.
By those who love her, she is easily seen;
by those who seek her, she is readily found.
She is a breath of God’s power,
an image of God’s goodness,
the eternal light and mirror of God’s glory.
Now let Wisdom do all things, renew all things,
and pass into holy souls everywhere
to make them friends of God.
Amen.

Going Out

Know the grace of God
and live joyfully this day of salvation.

Saranam is Sanskrit for “refuge.” This track is from the album Inside Chants

Daily Morning Prayer February 29

February 29

Saturday Morning Prayer for Lent
from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Opening:

Know the grace of God
and live joyfully this day of salvation.

Prayer

God of heaven and earth, your wisdom stretches
around the world, ordering all things for good:
Free us from anxiety and understand us like a friend,
that we might share the good news of your friendship
with all people; through the Word made flesh,
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Praise

Come, heavenly comforter and spirit of truth,
Blowing everywhere and filling all things.
Treasury of blessings and giver of life:
Come and abide in us;
cleanse us from every impurity,
and, in your great goodness, save us.

Scripture

As we work together with Christ, we urge you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 67

Meditation

We can all please God. We must only choose well. Many go abroad to study,
pursuing knowledge far from home, but the kingdom of God is always here and now,wherever you are, within you. Precisely because the kingdom is within, and God is our friend, our salvation only requires that we be willing. –Athanasius of Alexandria

In what ways are we willing to accept the wisdom of God’s guidance today?

Prayers

Christ in my mind
that I may see what is true;
Christ in my mouth
that I may speak with power;
Christ in my heart
that I may learn to be loved;
Christ in my hands
that I may work with tenderness;
Christ in my soul
that I may know my desire;
Christ in my arms
that I may reach without fear;
Christ in my face
that I may shine with God.

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.

The 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

Wisdom is brilliant; she never fades.
By those who love her, she is easily seen;
by those who seek her, she is readily found.
She is a breath of God’s power,
an image of God’s goodness,
the eternal light and mirror of God’s glory.
Now let Wisdom do all things, renew all things,
and pass into holy souls everywhere
to make them friends of God.
Amen.

Going Out

Know the grace of God
and live joyfully this day of salvation.

Saturday Afternoon Prayer February 15

February 15

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Gen. 29:1-20

Rom. 14:1-23

John 8:47-59

Meditation

“Isn’t that what friendship is all about: giving to each other the gift of our belovedness?”

— Henri Nouwen

Where do we need to offer and receive the gift of our belovedness?
How can we treat the earth as beloved?

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 our prayers 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.

Daily Morning Prayer Saturday February 8

February 8

Saturday Morning Prayer from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Terce: Mid-Morning Prayer

Opening

Let all who desire wisdom walk in love.

Prayer

Holy Lord, giver of all wisdom: Set for us this day the banquet of your word; invite us to feast on the genius and beauty all around us. Then, turn us in humility toward the poor, the oppressed and the weak; we ask this in the name of Jesus, who is Wisdom for ever and ever. Amen.

Praise

A Song of Pilgrimage (Ecclesiasticus 51:13-16, 20b-22)

Before I ventured forth, even while I was very young, *
I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
In the forecourts of the temple I asked for her, *
and I will seek her to the end.
From first blossom to early fruit, *
she has been the delight of my heart.
My foot has kept firmly to the true path, *
diligently from my youth have I pursued her.
I inclined my ear a little and received her; *
I found for myself much wisdom and became adept in her.
To the one who gives me wisdom will I give glory, *
for I have resolved to live according to her way.
From the beginning I gained courage from her; *
therefore I will not be forsaken.
In my inmost being, I have been stirred to seek her; *
therefore have I gained a good possession.
As my reward, the Almighty has given me the gift of language,*
and with it will I offer praise to God.

Scripture

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. James 3:17-18

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Gen. 24:28-38,49-51

Heb. 12:12-29

John 7:14-36

Meditation

Focus on Wisdom and do not be distracted. Watch the patterns of creation, and you will awaken to grace and tranquility. Proverbs 3:19-22 122

How will we remain focused today so as to receive wisdom from creation?

Prayers

O God, in peace, you have prepared our path for today.
Help us to trace it in peace.
If we speak, Remove lies from our lips.
If we are hungry, Rid us of complaint.
If we have plenty, Flatten the pride in us.

We offer these prayers of our hearts to your wise guidance:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.

May we pass through the day, calling on you, O Lord, who knows no other Lord. Amen.

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

Holy One, in love you created us and called it good: Grant us the deep wisdom of your love that, wherever this day leads, our lives may remain rooted in your goodness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Going Out

Let all who desire wisdom walk in love.

Daily Morning Prayer Saturday February 1

February 1

Commemoration: Brigid of Kildare

Saturday Morning Prayer from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Opening

Holy God, you are always with us.
Open our eyes to your presence.

Prayer

God of faithful surprises, throughout the ages you have made known your love and power in unexpected ways and places: May we daily perceive the joy and wonder of your abiding presence and offer our lives in gratitude for our redemption. Amen.

Praise Benedicite Omnia Opera

All you works of God, bless your creator;
praise her and glorify her for ever.

Let the wide earth bless the creator;
let the arching heavens bless the creator;
let the whole body of God bless the creator;
praise her and glorify her for ever.

You returning daylight, bless your creator;
twilight and shadows, bless your creator;
embracing darkness, bless your creator;
praise her and glorify her for ever.

Let all who live and grow and breathe bless our creator,
praise her and glorify her for ever.

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Gen. 18:1-16

Heb. 10:26-39

John 6:16-27

Meditation :

“I would like an abundance of peace. I would like full vessels of charity. I would like rich treasures of mercy. I would like cheerfulness to preside over all.” –St. Brigid of Kildare (451 – 523)

Affirmation

We believe in God,
the creator of all life and beauty,
who blesses our journey.

We believe in Jesus Christ,
who lived as a friend and savior
to all he met as he traveled,
and who ate and laughed,
wept and celebrated with them in love.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who rides on the gentle breeze,
who strengthens our bindings,
and who offers hope eternal.

We believe in the church,
which stands open to all travelers,
and bears witness to the everlasting love of God.

Prayers

As we turn to the tasks before us this day,
Fill us, gracious Lord.

In making faithful choices, great and small,
Guide us, gracious Lord.

As we seek to notice and serve those in need,
Teach us, gracious Lord.

As we offer our lives to you,
Hear us, gracious Lord.

With our hearts ready to serve,
Accompany us, gracious Lord.

Lord’s Prayer

Eternal Spirit, by Ana Hernandez (from A New Zealand Prayer Book)

O God, whose servant Brigid, kindled with the flame of your love, became a shining light in your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Going Out

Holy God, you are always with us.
Open our eyes to your presence.

Vespers for Sunday January 12

January 12

Opening

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Prayer

God our Savior: Meet us in this time and place;
focus our hearts on your love,
feed the hungry places of our souls,
release us from all that resists your grace,
and renew our bodies to serve your world. Amen.

Praise

Scripture

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him;
yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, he gave power to become children of God. –John 1:9-12 35

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Gen. 1:1-2:3

Eph. 1:3-14

John 1:29-34

Meditation

Holiness is not an attainment, in any sense of the term, but is a gift of the Word of God. Holiness is not a badge of achievement for a saint, but is wrought in the life, in the very being, of an ordinary person by the will of the Word of God. Holiness … is the restoration of integrity and wholeness to a person. William Stringfellow

What do we, needing wholeness, present to God at this hour?

Confession

Word of God, we confess that we need your wholeness.
We have often looked to outward gifts and measures
when what we need is your love in our hearts.
We have often aimed toward what we can achieve
or where we stand in relation to others,
when what we desire is the integrity your love bestows.
We confess our need for your illumination.
Be our light, O Christ.

Assurance of Pardon

God forgives all our sins and heals all our infirmities.
God lifts us from the low places and sets mercy and love upon us.
God fills us with goodness and renews our lives.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers

For all who are oppressed,
May we proclaim the justice of God’s Kingdom.
For all who hunger,
May we, the Body of Christ, be bread.
For all who weep,
May we offer comfort and joy.
For all who are outcast or in any need or trouble:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.



As we yearn to be the faithful people of God,
May we be people of true and gracious welcome to all.

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

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Going Out

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Daily Morning Prayer Saturday January 11

January 11

Daily Morning Prayer for Epiphany

from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Opening

Your word is a lamp to our feet
and a light for our path.

Prayer

Insistent God, by night and day you summon your slumbering people: So stir us with your voice and enlighten our lives with your grace that we give ourselves fully to Christ’s call to mission and ministry. Amen.

Praise

Psalm 27:1, 5-6, 10-11 43

God is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
God is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
One thing have I asked of you, O God; one thing I seek:
that I may dwell in your house all the days of my life,
To behold your fair beauty, O God, and to seek you in your temple.
Hearken to my voice, O Most High, when I call;
have mercy on me and answer me.
You speak in my heart and say, “Seek my face.”
Your face, O God, will I seek.

Scripture

The next day, John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” John 1:35-38

Daily Office Lectionary Readings:

Isa. 55:3-9

Col 3:1-17

John 14:6-14

Meditation

The eye of the cormorant is emerald. The eye of the eagle is amber. The eye of the grebe is ruby. The eye of the ibis is sapphire. Four gemstones mirror the minds of birds, birds who mediate between heaven and earth. We miss the eyes of the birds, focusing only on feathers. Terry Tempest Williams

What are we looking for? Where have we failed to look?

Affirmation

We are not alone;
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.

Prayers

Jesus, you are the light of the world:
May your light open our eyes to see those in need.

Jesus, you are the light of the world:
May the works of our lives demonstrate your love.

Jesus, you are the light of the world:
May your wisdom enlighten our decisions.

Jesus, you are the light of the world,
hear the prayers of our hearts:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.

As you enlighten our lives,
May we be light for others.

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

Open our eyes that we may see. Incline our hearts that we may desire. Order our steps that we may follow the way of your commandments. Amen.

Going Out

Your word is a lamp to our feet
and a light for our path.

Sunday Vespers January 5

January 5

Eve of the Epiphany

Sunday Evening Vespers for Christmastide and Epiphany

from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Opening

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Prayer

God our Savior: Meet us in this time and place;
focus our hearts on your love,
feed the hungry places of our souls,
release us from all that resists your grace,
and renew our bodies to serve your world. Amen.

Praise

Scripture

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him;
yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, he gave power to become children of God. –John 1:9-12 35

Daily Office Lectionary Readings (Eve of the Epiphany)

Psalm 29, 98

Isa. 66: 18-23

Rom. 15:7-13

Meditation

Confession

Word of God, we confess that we need your wholeness.
We have often looked to outward gifts and measures
when what we need is your love in our hearts.
We have often aimed toward what we can achieve
or where we stand in relation to others,
when what we desire is the integrity your love bestows.
We confess our need for your illumination.
Be our light, O Christ.

Assurance of Pardon

God forgives all our sins and heals all our infirmities.
God lifts us from the low places and sets mercy and love upon us.
God fills us with goodness and renews our lives.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers

For all who are oppressed,
May we proclaim the justice of God’s Kingdom.
For all who hunger,
May we, the Body of Christ, be bread.
For all who weep,
May we offer comfort and joy.
For all who are outcast or in any need or trouble:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud

We pray for those in formation with the St. Phoebe School; for those seeking and discerning; and for all deacons in their lives, work, and ministries bridging the Church and the world.



As we yearn to be the faithful people of God,
May we be people of true and gracious welcome to all.

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

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Going Out

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Daily Morning Prayer Saturday January 4

January 4

Saturday Morning Prayer for Christmastide

from Daily Prayer for All Seasons

Opening

The Word made flesh.
Makes God’s presence known in us.

Prayer

Light of life, you came in flesh, born into human pain and joy, and gave us power to be your children: Grant us faith, O Christ, to see your presence among us, so that all creation may sing new songs of gladness and walk in the way of peace. Amen.

Praise: The Song of Mary (Magnificat; Luke 1:46-55)

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in you, O God, my Savior, *
for you have looked with favor on your servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
you, the Almighty, have done great things for me,
and holy is your Name.
You have mercy on those who fear you *
from generation to generation.
You have shown strength with your arm, *
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones *
and lifting up the lowly.
You have filled the hungry with good things *
and sent the rich away empty.
You have come to the help of your servant Israel, *
for you have remembered your promise of mercy,
The promise made to our forebears, *
to Abraham and his children forever.

Scripture:

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s bosom, who has made God known. John 1:14, 16, 18

Readings appointed from the Daily Office Lectionary:

Joshua 3:14—4:7

Eph. 5:1-20

John 9:1-12,35-38

Meditation

“You will know when it is time to bring to birth the new creation. The signs will be all around you, urging, insisting: Now is the time. You have to know just when to bear down and concentrate on one thing only. It takes labor, hard, hard labor to bring to birth something new.”
-Miriam Therese Winter

What is God calling forth from us? How will we labor to birth what God calls for?

Affirmation

We believe in God, the source of love,
who created humanity in God’s own image
and likeness,
who blessed them and asked them to
procreate, nurture and preserve God’s creation
for prosperity.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God incarnate,
who was born of a woman and was a carpenter,
who identified himself with women, men
and children,
transforming them to have life abundantly.
We believe in the Holy Spirit active before creation,
who through the ages has inspired Christians
without number,
who continues to inspire us to usher in the reign
of God,
where no one is cast out, lonely or bereft.

Prayers

Wonderful Counselor,
whose glory is beyond our understanding
and whose love is beyond measure:
Let us know your presence now.

Mighty God,
whose power girds creation,
whose hands cradle the hills, yet whose mercy is
boundless:
Let us know your presence now.

Prince of Peace,
whose righteousness is like the strong mountains
and whose justice is as the great deep:
Let us know your presence now.

Emmanuel,
whose property it is always to have mercy,
and whose arm is long to save, we lift before you now:

Intercessions

We name our prayers and intercessions, either silently or aloud


Hold all those we love in your unbounded love.
Make us your healing presence in the world.

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.

Closing Prayer:

Loving Word of God, you have shown us the fullness of your glory in taking human flesh: Fill us, in our bodily life, with your grace and truth, that our pleasure may be boundless and our integrity complete. Amen.

Going Out

The Word made flesh.
Makes God’s presence known in us.