Logo of The Methodist Church of Great Britain

Image Source = Wikipedia

Prayer Source = Elizabeth Goudge, A Diary of Prayer:  A Treasury of the World’s Most Inspiring Prayers (New York:  Coward-McCann, 1966, p. 17), quoting the Shorter Book of Offices (1936), of The Methodist Church of Great Britain

I have reformatted the text.

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O Lord God, Holy Father…

I am no longer my own, but Thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt;

put me to doing, put me to suffering;

let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee;

let me be full, let me be empty;

let me have all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Thou are mine, and I am Thine.

So be it.

And the Covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven.

God the Father with His Right Hand Raised in Blessing, by Girolamo dai Libri, circa 1555

Image in the Public Domain

A HYMN FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY

Hymn Source = The Lutheran Hymnal (1941), of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod

Words by Lawrence Tuttiett (1825-1897), a priest of The Church of England then the Scottish Episcopal Church

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1.  Father, let my dedicate

All the year to Thee,

In whatever earthly state

Thou wilt have me be.

Not from sorrow, pain, or care

Freedom dare I claim;

This alone shall be my prayer:

Glorify Thy name.

2.  Can a child presume to choose

Where or how to live?

Can a father’s love refuse

All the best to give?

More Thou givest ev’ry day

Than the best can claim

Nor withholdest aught that may

Glorify Thy name.

3.  If in mercy Thou wilt spare

Joys that yet are mine;

If on life, serene and fair,

Brighter rays may shine,

Let my glad heart while it sings

Thee in all proclaim

And, whate’er the future brings,

Glorify Thy name.

4.  If Thou callest to the cross

And its shadow come,

Turning all my gain to loss,

Shrouding heart and home,

Let me think how Thy dear Son

To His glory came

And in deepest woe pray on:

“Glorify Thy name.”

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/new-years-eve-december-31/

Stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Image Source = Wikipedia

A HYMN FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE

Hymn Source = The Lutheran Hymnal (1941), of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod

Words by James Hamilton (1819-1896), a priest of The Church of England

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1.  Across the sky the shades of night

This New Year’s Eve are fleeting,

We deck Thine altar, Lord, with light,

In solemn worship meeting;

And as the year’s last hours go by,

We raise to Thee our earnest cry,

Once more Thy love entreating.

2.  Before the cross subdued we bow

To Thee our prayers addressing,

Recounting all Thy mercies now,

And all our sins confessing;

Beseeching Thee, this coming year

To keep us in Thy faith and fear

And crown us with Thy blessing.

3.  And while we pray, we lift our eyes

To dear ones gone before us,

Safe home with Thee in Paradise,

Whose peace descendeth o’er us;

And beg of Thee, when life is past,

To reunite us at last

With those who’ve gone before us.

4.  We gather up in this brief hour

The mem’ry of Thy mercies;

Thy wondrous goodness, love, and pow’r

Our grateful song rehearses;

For Thou hast been our Strength and Stay

In many a dark and dreary day

Of sorrow and reverses.

5.  In many an hour when fear and dread,

Like evil spells, have bound us

And clouds were gathering overhead,

Thy providence hath found us.

In many a night when seas ran high,

Thy gracious presence, drawing nigh,

Hath made all calm around us.

6.  Then, O great God, in years to come,

Whatever may betide us,

Night onward through our journey home

Be Thou at hand to guide us;

Nor leave us till at close of life,

Safe from all perils, toil, and strife,

Heaven shall enfold and hide us.

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/new-years-eve-december-31/

Atomic Clock

Image Source = Wikipedia

Hymn Source = American Lutheran Hymnal (1930), of the predecessor bodies of the American Lutheran Church (1930-1960)

Words by the Reverend Philip Adam Peter (1832-1919), in 1872.  He belonged to one of the predecessor bodies of the 1930-1960 American Lutheran Church.

The 1930 American Lutheran Hymnal specifies this hymn for use on December 31, Sylvester Eve, a.k.a. New Year’s Eve.

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1.  Who shall ope for us the portals

Of the new approaching year?

Who shall guide us, who protect us

From all danger, harm, and fear?

Who shall give us strength and courage,

Patience, hope, and wisdom too,

That we may, as cheerful pilgrims,

Still our journey here pursue?

2.  There’s but One who can ope the portals

Of the year we enter on;

There’s but One who can lead us safely

On the way that we must run.

Who is this so great and mighty,

Who is this our strength and shield?

Has He ever spoken to us

And Himself to us revealed?

3.  Yes, His precious Word reveals Him,

Tells us of His boundless love,

Of that mercy and compassion

Which has bro’t Him from above.

And His name?–O yes! ’tis precious–

Jesus, Savior, Brother, Friend–

He shall guide us, guard and keep us

Till our journey here shall end.

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/new-years-eve-december-31/

Below:  Christ With Beard (300s)

Adoration of the Shepherds (1609), by Caravaggio

Image Source = Wikipedia

Active God of grace, we laud and magnify your wondrous Name.

Christmas Day is nearly upon us again.

This annual reminder of your gracious love

fills us with awe and wonder

as we consider the ultimate purpose of the Messiah.

May we therefore thank you with our

words,

attitudes,

and deeds,

for your glory and the benefit of others.

In your Name we pray.

Amen.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

DECEMBER 22, 2010 COMMON ERA

THE NINETEENTH OF MY CONFIRMATION INTO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

THE FEAST DAY OF SAINT FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI, FOUNDER OF THE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/first-day-of-christmas-christmas-day/

A 1925 Postcard Depicting the River Jordan

Image Source = Wikipedia

Prayer Source = James G. Kirk, When We Gather:  A Book of Prayers for Worship, Year C (Philadelphia, PA:  Geneva Press, 1985)

Source of all we have and are, you have sent Christ to save us.  We commit our lives to serve him.  Your Spirit abides with us as counselor and guide.  We offer our actions to be led by her wisdom.  The waters of baptism are a sign of your forgiveness.  We dedicate our talents as symbols of faithfulness.  May what we bring prove worthy of your benevolence to us.

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/first-sunday-after-the-epiphany-the-baptism-of-our-lord-year-b/

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/first-sunday-after-the-epiphany-the-baptism-of-our-lord-year-a/

The River Jordan from Outer Space

Image Source = Wikipedia

Prayer Source = James G. Kirk, When We Gather:  A Book of Prayers for Worship, Year C (Philadelphia, PA:  Geneva Press, 1985)

You, who in Christ have assured redemption, hear our confession and forgive our sin.  Christ proclaims your good will toward all people, yet we pursue vengeance.  Those who mourn go uncomforted, as warfare continues in the earth.  Captives without number await deliverance while we take freedom for granted.  The afflicted await some sign of good news.  Amid the ruin of cities and the clamor of protesting voices, we confess our disobedience.  Save your people, O God, and cleanse us of our sin, for the sake of your anointed one, Jesus Christ.

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/first-sunday-after-the-epiphany-the-baptism-of-our-lord-year-b/

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/first-sunday-after-the-epiphany-the-baptism-of-our-lord-year-a/

River Jordan in 2009

Image Source = Wikipedia

Prayer Source = James G. Kirk, When We Gather:  A Book of Prayers for Worship, Year C (Philadelphia, PA: Geneva Press, 1985)

God of good tidings, you gladden our hearts with your favor.  Our ears are attuned to your words of mercy.  Wherever we look, we see signs of your presence:  Christ has truly come to set the captives free.  Washed clean by your grace and renewed by your Spirit, we put on the mantles of praise and raise our voices in glad adoration:  All glory be to you, O God of splendor and majesty, for in Christ we receive the gift of new life.

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/first-sunday-after-the-epiphany-the-baptism-of-our-lord-year-b/

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/first-sunday-after-the-epiphany-the-baptism-of-our-lord-year-a/

The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Matthias Stomer (Circa 1635-1640)

Image Source = Wikipedia

Prayers Source = James G. Kirk, When We Gather:  A Book of Prayers for Worship, Year C (Philadelphia, PA:  Geneva Press, 1985)

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CHRISTMAS EVE/CHRISTMAS DAY

God of goodness and kindness, whose mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, all that we have are gifts of your grace.  As the heavenly host sang of your glory, accept what we bring as offerings of praise.  With the shepherds we have witnessed the birth of our Savior; our response is gratitude for the hope of new life we receive in Christ Jesus.

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

Giver of every good and perfect gift, tribute and praises we bring to you. Let the words of our mouths proclaim the dawn of redemption Christ inaugurates.  Use our talents to spread abroad the good news of his reconciling love.  Accept the gifts we offer to further his teachings, so that all people may find in him the abundant life he so richly promised.

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

Great Shepherd of the sheep, you feast our soul with abundance and satisfy your people with goodness.  We dine on your mercy and are filled with your grace.  Having received your gift of Christ our Redeemer, we no longer languish in barrenness but are full of new life.  Accept these gifts that we bring you in response to the love you have shown to us in Christ.

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/second-sunday-after-christmas-years-a-b-and-c/

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/first-sunday-after-christmas-years-a-b-and-c/

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/first-day-of-christmas-christmas-day/

The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Caravaggio (1609)

Image Source = Wikipedia

Prayers Source = James G. Kirk, When We Gather:  A Book of Prayers for Worship, Year C (Philadelphia, PA:  Geneva Press, 1985)

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CHRISTMAS EVE/CHRISTMAS DAY

O God, before whom mountains melt like wax, the earth trembles, and idols are humbled, we proclaim your righteousness  as we behold your glory.  You have sought out a people and proclaimed them holy; you have sent your chosen one, Jesus, to prepare your way.  We have passed through the gates of salvation which he opened for us, and now gather to worship you with our praise and thanksgiving.

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

We will indeed praise you, O God, and cause your wonderful works to be known.  Your mercy and grace shall endure forever.  As we obey your commandments and abide by your wisdom, we shall proclaim to the nations how you can be trusted.  Upheld by the covenant you established, our feet firmly placed on an unshakable foundation, we enter your presence to give you all glory.

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

We sing aloud with gladness, O God, raising our voices in praise of your name.  You have not withheld your love from us, but sent a messiah to deliver us.  As Christ came to earth to embody your love, so now we gather as his body to make our joyful response to such wondrous love.  Filled with your Spirit, made alive by your presence, we come rejoicing as we meet your new day.

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/second-sunday-after-christmas-years-a-b-and-c/

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/first-sunday-after-christmas-years-a-b-and-c/

http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/first-day-of-christmas-christmas-day/