Above:  Christ Pantocrator

Image Source = Wikipedia

Words (1951), by Kenneth I. Morse (1913-1999), Editor of Church of the Brethren Hymnals

His Obituary:

http://www.wfn.org/1999/03/msg00232.html

Hymn Source = The Hymnal of the Evangelical United Brethren Church (1957)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1.  O Master, may my days be spent only for Thee,

As Thou didst Thy yeas of youth living for me.

So let me serve Thee, loving neighbor and God,

In deep devotion walking where Thou hast trod.

2.  O Jesus, may my hands be skilled, working for Thee,

As Thine were trained to touch the blind, making them see.

So let my fingers carry healing and balm

That they who suffer may be filled with Thy calm.

3.  O Savior, may my voice be raised, speaking for Thee,

As Thou didst win the hearts of men, setting them free.

So let me witness what Thy power can prove;

So let me call men to Thy kingdom of love.

4.  O Lord of life and beauty, Thou livest for me;

As Thou didst serve Thy Father, Thy servant I’d be.

So in this darkness, let me herald Thy light,

That with its coming, dawn will banish the night.

Above:  Birthday Candles

Image Source = Edg2s

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Birthday_candles.jpg)

Prayer Source = The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

God of creation, we offer you grateful praise for the gift of life.

Hear the prayers for Name, your servant,

who recalls today the gift of his/her birth and rejoices in the gifts of life and love, family and friends.

Bless him/her with your presence and surround him/her with your love,

that he/she may enjoy many happy years, all of them pleasing to you.

We ask this through Christ our Savior.  Amen.

Above:  A Birthday Cake

Image Source = Vikas Bhardwaj

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Happy_Birthday%21.jpg)

Prayer Source = Gates of the House:  The New Union Home Prayerbook–Prayers and Readings for Home and Synagogue (1977)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

God of days and years, Author of life, our times are in Your hand.

We thank You by day for Your abounding blessings and, as a year follows year, we are grateful for all Your gifts.

We gather today in special thankfulness to share in the happiness of our dear……………

Be with him (her) always as the joy of his (her) life.

May he (she) be blessed with health and happiness, and the strength to overcome sickness and sorrow.

We pray that our lives may be filled with good and abundance of blessing;

and may we have the joy of coming together for many more years,

as a family united by mutual reverence and love.

Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the universe,

for giving us life,

for sustaining us,

and for enabling us to reach this day.

Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the universe,

Creator of many kinds of food.

Image Source = Jeff Belmonte

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Wedding_rings.jpg)

Prayer Source = The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965), of The Methodist Church (1939-1965) and The United Methodist Church (1968-)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

O God our heavenly Father,

on this anniversary of the day when we were made one in holy matrimony,

we give thee heartfelt thanks for thy blessing upon us then,

and for thy continual mercies until now.

We thank thee that with the passing days thou hast increased and deepened our love for each other.

We praise thee for all the joys of our home and family life.

Renew thy blessings upon us now, we beseech thee,

as we renew our vows of love and loyalty;

and may thy Holy Spirit strengthen us that me may ever remain steadfast in our faith and your service:

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Above:  Birthday Candles

Image Source = Wikipedia

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Prayers Source = The Book of Worship for Church and Home (1945), of The Methodist Church (1939-1968)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Eternal Father, the giver of life, who as on this day didst cause thy servant, N., to be born into this world;

we thank thee, O Lord for for all thy mercies vouchsafed to him from that time unto this present,

humbly beseeching thee to continue thy gracious favor and protection unto his life’s end.

Assist him in every time of trial;

shield him in danger;

relieve and comfort him in trouble;

succor him in temptation;

defend him from the assaults of the enemy,

that his days here may pass away in peace,

and when he dies he may attain unto the everlasting rest that remaineth for thy people;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We beseech thee, Lord, open thy heavens;

from thence may thy gifts descend to him.

Put forth thine own hand from heaven and touch his head.

May he feel the touch of  thy hand,

and receive the joy of the Holy Spirit,

that he may remain blessed for evermore.  Amen.

Above:  Wedding Rings

Image Source = Jeff Belmonte

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Wedding_rings.jpg)

Prayer Source = Lutheran Service Book (2006)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

O Lord Jesus, Your mercies are new every morning.

We thank You for another year of married life together for name and name.

Open their hearts always to receive more of Your love

that their love for each other may never grow weary

but deepen and grow through every joy and sorrow shared;

for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now forever.  Amen.

Above:  Birthday Candles

Image Source = Edg2s

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Birthday_candles.jpg)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Prayers Source = The Book of Common Prayer (1979)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

O God, our times are in your hand:

Look with favor, we pray, on your servant as he begins another year.

Grant that he may grow in wisdom and grace,

and strengthen his trust in your goodness all the days of his life;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Watch over your child, O Lord, as his days increase;

bless and guide him wherever he may be.

Strengthen him when he stands;

comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful;

raise him up if he fall;

and in his heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of his life;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Above:  A Birthday Cake

Image Source = Vikas Bhardwaj

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Happy_Birthday%21.jpg)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Lord, thank you for birthdays.

Thank you for the past and the present, with all their blessings.

Thank you for all the positive which has flowed from the negative and the painful.

Thank you for occasions to mark time and reflect on the past and the present.

May the remainder of our lives be replete with your best for each of us,

may each of us be a blessing to others, and may others be blessings to each of us.  AMEN.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

JANUARY 30, 2012 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF LESSLIE NEWBIGIN, UNITED REFORMED THEOLOGIAN

THE FEAST OF SAINT BATHILDAS, QUEEN OF FRANCE

THE FEAST OF CHARLES I, KING OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND, AND MARTYR

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/a-birthday-prayer/

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Above:  St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia, April 23, 2011

Image Source = Bill Monk, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

(https://picasaweb.google.com/114749828757741527421/EasterVigilStMartins#5599284577203330226)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

O Christ, Who Called the Twelve:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/o-christ-who-called-the-twelve/

O Thou, Who Through This Holy Week:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/o-thou-who-through-this-holy-week/

Thou Art the Way:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/14/thou-art-the-way/

Prayer for Holy Saturday:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/prayer-for-holy-saturday/

Hymn of Promise:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/hymn-of-promise/

O Jesus, Youth of Nazareth:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/o-jesus-youth-of-nazareth-by-ferdinand-q-blanchard/

Thine Agony, O Lord, is O’er:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2013/12/27/thine-agony-o-lord-is-oer/

Darkly Frowns the Ev’ning Sky:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2015/09/07/darkly-frowns-the-evning-sky/

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Above:  St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia

Image Source = Bill Monk, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

O Crucified Redeemer:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2017/07/24/o-crucified-redeemer/

Lovely to the Outward Eye:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2017/07/17/lovely-to-the-outward-eye/

Lord Christ, When First Thou Cam’st to Men:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2017/07/17/lord-christ-when-first-thou-camst-to-men/

Dost Thou Truly Seek Renown:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2016/09/22/dost-thou-truly-seek-renown/

Praise for Every Scene Distressing:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2016/04/18/praise-for-every-scene-distressing/

Lord, As To Thy Dear Cross We Flee:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2015/12/10/lord-as-to-thy-dear-cross-we-flee/

Jesus, Meek and Lowly:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2015/07/28/jesus-meek-and-lowly/

Drawn to the Cross:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/drawn-to-the-cross/

Jesus, Lamb of God!

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2014/09/21/jesus-lamb-of-god/

Prayer for Good Friday:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/prayer-for-good-friday/

Grant, Lord Jesus, That My Healing:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/grant-lord-jesus-that-my-healing/

To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/to-mock-your-reign-o-dearest-lord/

Throned Upon the Awful Tree:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/throned-upon-the-awful-tree/

How Can I Thank You?:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/how-can-i-thank-you/

O Christ, Who Called the Twelve:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/o-christ-who-called-the-twelve/

How Wide the Love of Christ:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/how-wide-the-love-of-christ/

Beneath the Cross of Jesus:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/beneath-the-cross-of-jesus/

Darkly Rose the Guilty Morning:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/darkly-rose-the-guilty-morning/

O Jesus, We Adore Thee:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/o-jesus-we-adore-thee/

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/o-sacred-head-now-wounded/

Stabat Mater:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/stabat-mater/

Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/ah-holy-jesus-how-hast-thou-offended/

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/when-i-survey-the-wondrous-cross/

My Song is Love Unknown:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/03/27/my-song-is-love-unknown/

In the Cross of Christ I Glory:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/in-the-cross-of-christ-i-glory/

Hymn of Promise:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/hymn-of-promise/

O Jesus, Youth of Nazareth:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/o-jesus-youth-of-nazareth-by-ferdinand-q-blanchard/

For the Cross:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/for-the-cross/

O Blessed Mother:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/o-blessed-mother/

O Word of Pity, for Our Pardon Pleading:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2012/08/08/o-word-of-pity-for-our-pardon-pleading/

Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2013/10/31/sing-my-tongue-the-glorious-battle/

O Man of Sorrows:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2013/12/24/o-man-of-sorrows/

Thine Agony, O Lord, is O’er:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2013/12/27/thine-agony-o-lord-is-oer/

Blessed Saviour, Thee I Love:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/blessed-saviour-thee-i-love/

Thou, Whose Human Life For Us Did Happiness Obtain:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2014/08/01/thou-whose-human-life-for-us-did-happiness-obtain/

Sing With Awe in Strains Melodious:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2014/09/13/sing-with-awe-in-strains-melodious/

When Mother Love Makes All Things New:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/when-mother-love-makes-all-things-bright/

Jesus Christ, Our Lord Most Holy:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/jesus-christ-our-lord-most-holy/

The Royal Standard Forward Goes:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2015/05/16/the-royal-standard-forward-goes/

Lord Jesus, Thou Art Going Forth:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/lord-jesus-thou-art-going-forth/

How Shall We Thank You:

https://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2015/05/29/how-shall-we-thank-you/

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++