Archive for the ‘All Day/Sleep 2000s’ Category

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Beauty of Dusk   1 comment

January 16, 2016 625 PM

Above:  Athens, Georgia, January 16, 2016, 6:25 P.M.

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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The Mighty One, God the LORD,

speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,

God shines forth.

–Psalm 50:1-2, Revised Standard Version–Second Catholic Edition (2002)

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

God of beauty and magnificence, the heavens proclaim your glory.

Thank you for natural wonders, especially the loveliness of dusk,

as light fades into darkness, departing with splendid hues

until the glorious dawn just a few hours later.

The beauty of nature reminds us that you

are the greatest artist we have encountered.

We stand in awe and wonder before you;

our knees bend, our heads bow, and our voices crack

in praise and respect of you.

In the Name of God:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

JANUARY 26, 2016 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINTS TIMOTHY, TITUS, AND SILAS, COWORKERS OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE

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https://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2016/01/26/a-prayer-of-thanksgiving-for-the-beauty-of-dusk/

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The Hallowing of Your Name: An Ecumenical Rite for Evening Prayer   1 comment

IbirapueraDusk

Above:  Dusk

A Public Domain Image from Wikipedia

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“The Hallowing of Your Name”

An Ecumenical Rite for Evening Prayer
Compiled and Edited by Kenneth Taylor

Intended for General and Free Distribution

Dedicated to Jesus, the Wisdom of God, and to his Mother, the Theotokos

Athens, Georgia

Draft Eta—January 1, 2008

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

REVISED SLIGHTLY

JANUARY 5, 2013

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

From the Compiler/Editor:

My first visit to an Episcopal congregation and exposure to Broad-to-High Church worship occurred in the early 1980s, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Waynesboro, Georgia.  I recall little of those experiences.  I recall my November 1990 visit to St. Thomas Aquinas’ Episcopal Church, Baxley, Georgia, more vividly, though.  I was uncertain about what people were doing, but I knew that I liked it.    I had discovered the reverence of a well-done liturgy.  Within a year I had decided to leave The United Methodist Church, to which I had been loyal, and to become an Episcopalian.  I have never had any reason to regret that choice.

The following ritual is flexible, for it contains options.  Furthermore, one may insert music in many places and/or omit parts of the Ordinary.  The season-based Proper (found at the beginning and the end of the rite) provides variety in form and focus.  If your mind works like mine, you will find liturgical structure useful for focusing your attentions.

Most of my alterations to existing texts fall into two categories.  First, I have updated most archaic language.  Second, I have changed most instances of the plural second person to the plural first person, keeping in mind that a layperson will most likely say or preside over this service.

I have created this ritual because I have found elements from multiple liturgical books edifying.  Why not, I asked myself, create a “best of” liturgy?  I hope you will find the service at least as meaningful as I do.

Pax vobiscum,

Kenneth Taylor

Member, St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church

Athens, Georgia

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

The service should begin after a period of prayerful silence.

Standing should take the place of kneeling as the preferred position of prayer except during Advent and Lent.

Approach

Advent:

Officiant:

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.

People:

Rejoice, rejoice!  Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

Officiant:

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here;

disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and cause death’s deep shadows put to flight.

People:

Rejoice, rejoice!  Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

Officiant:

O come, thou Wisdom from on high, and order all things far and nigh;

to us the path of knowledge show, and cause us in her ways to go.

People:

Rejoice, rejoice!  Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

Officiant:

O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;

bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.

People:

Rejoice, rejoice!  Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel![1]

+++++

Christmas:

Officiant:

The Word was made flesh,

People:

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Officiant:

and dwelt among us,

People:

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Officiant:

Jesus, Son of the living God, splendor of the Father, Light eternal:

People:

Glory to you, O Lord!

Officiant:

Jesus, King of glory, Sun of righteousness, born of Mary:

People:

Glory to you, O Lord!

Officiant:

Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Lord:

People:

Glory to you, O Lord!

Officiant:

Jesus, Prince of Peace, Shepherd of souls, perfect in holiness:

People:

Glory to you, O Lord!

Officiant:

Jesus, Friend of all, Protector of the poor, Treasure of the faithful:

People:

Glory to you, O Lord!

Officiant:

Jesus, Good Shepherd, inexhaustible Wisdom, our Way, our Truth, and our Life:

People:

Glory to you, O Lord![2]

+++++

Season after Epiphany:

Officiant:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

People:

He was in the beginning with God.

Officiant:

All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.

People:

What came into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

Officiant:

The light shines in the darkness,

People:

and the darkness did not overcome it.[3]

+++++

Lent: 

Officiant:

Have mercy on me, O God, as befits your faithfulness

People:

in keeping with Your abundant compassion, blot out my transgressions.

Officiant:

Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity, and purify me of sin;

People:

For I recognize my transgressions, and am ever conscious of my sin.

Officiant:

Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight;

People:

So You are just in Your sentence, and right in Your judgment.

Officiant:

Purge me with hyssop till I am pure;

People:

wash me till I am whiter than snow.

Officiant:

Fashion a pure heart for me, O God:

People:

create in me a steadfast spirit.

Officiant:

Do not cast me out of your presence,

People:

or take Your holy spirit away from me.

Officiant:

Let me again rejoice in Your help;

People:

let a vigorous spirit sustain me.

Officiant:

I will teach transgressors Your ways,

People:

that sinners may return to You.[4]

+++++

Easter:

Officiant:

Alleluia.  Christ is risen.

People:

The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia. 

Officiant:

May his grace and peace be with us.

People:

May he fill our hearts with joy.[5]

Officiant:

May God guard us through the night,

People:

and quiet the darkness.

Officiant:

May the Spirit of God be our guide

People:

to lead us to peace and glory.

Officiant:

It is but lost labor that we haste to rise up early, and so late take rest and eat the bread of anxiety.

For those beloved of God receive gifts even while they sleep.[6]

+++++

Season after Pentecost:

Officiant:

The Lord said:  You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,  and you shall be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.

People:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.  Alleluia![7]

Officiant:

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

People:

and renew a right spirit within me.

Officiant:

Cast me not away from your presence,

People:

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Officiant:

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

People:

and uphold me with your spirit.[8]

Silence, then…

All seasons:

Officiant:

Our help is in the name of the eternal God,

People:

who creates the heavens and the earth.

Officiant:

Dear God, thank you for all that is good,

for our creation and our humanity,

for the stewardship you have given us of this planet earth,

for the gifts of life and of one another,

for your unbounded and eternal love.

My most holy and beloved,

my Companion, my Guide upon the way,

my bright evening star.

Silence

We repent of the wrongs we have done:[9]

+++++

Silence

The officiant and the people pray:

Almighty and most merciful God,

we have erred from your ways like lost sheep,

we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts,

we have offended against your holy laws,

we have left undone those things we ought to have done,

and we have done those things we ought not to have done.

But, O Lord, have mercy upon us,

spare those who confess their faults,

restore those who are penitent,

according to your promises declared to humankind in Christ Jesus our Lord;

and grant, O most merciful God, for his sake,

that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life,

to the glory of your holy Name.  Amen.[10]

Or this

Heavenly Father,

we confess that he have sinned against you and our neighbor.

We have walked in darkness rather than in light;

            we have named the name of Christ

but have not departed from iniquity.

Have mercy on us, we beseech you; for the sake of Jesus Christ,

forgive us all our sins,

            cleanse us by your Holy Spirit,

            quicken our consciences,

            and enable us to forgive others,

That we may henceforth serve you in newness of life,

            to the glory of your holy name.  Amen.[11]

The officiant says:

May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant us absolution and remission of all our sins, true repentance, amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit.

The officiant and the people say:

Amen.[12]

Invocation

Officiant:

Eternal Spirit, flow through our being and open our lips,

People:

That our mouths may proclaim your praise.

Officiant:

Let us worship the God of love.

People:

Alleluia, alleluia.[13]

Officiant:

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:

Grant us so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,

that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life,

which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

People:             Amen.[14]

Psalm

According to a lectionary; read responsively or in unison

After the psalm, the officiant and the people say…

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.  Amen.[15]

+++++

Reading(s) and Canticle(s)

According to a lectionary, with silence and a canticle following each reading; only the Gospel reading is mandatory

Reader/Officiant:

A reading from ___________.

Reader/Officiant:

The word of the Lord.

People:

Thanks be to God.[16]

Or this

Reader/Officiant:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.

People:

Thanks be to God.[17]

Or this

Reader/Officiant:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

People:

Thanks be to God.[18]

+++++

Canticle #1:  The Canticle of Mary

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly 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.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

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.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

You have come to the help of your servant Israel,

to remember the promise of mercy,

the promise you made to our forebears, to Abraham and his children forever.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior.[19]

+++++

Canticle #2:  The Song of Simeon

Praise be to God, I have lived to see this day.

God’s promise is fulfilled, and my duty is done.

At last you have given me peace,

for I have seen with my own eyes

the salvation you have prepared for all nations—

a light to the world in its darkness,

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory be to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

as in the beginning, so now, and forever.  Amen.[20]

 +++++

Canticle #3:  I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Come unto me and rest;

and in your weariness lay down your head upon my breast.”

I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn, and sad;

I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.

—-

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Behold I freely give the living water, thirsty one,

stoop down and drink, and live.”

I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream;

my thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live with him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“I am this dark world’s light;

look unto me, your morn shall rise, and all your day be bright.”

I looked to Jesus, and I found in him my Star, my Sun;

and in that light of life I’ll walk till pilgrim days are done.[21]

 —

 +++++

Canticle #4:  The Care the Eagle Gives Her Young

The care the eagle gives her young, safe in her lofty nest,

is like the tender love of God for us made manifest.

 —

As when the time to venture comes, she stirs them out to flight,

so we are pressed to boldly try, to strive for darling height.

 —

And if we flutter helplessly, as fledgling eagles fall,

beneath us lift God’s mighty wings, to bear us, one and all.[22]

 —

 +++++

Canticle #5:  In Remembrance of Me

In remembrance of me,

Heal the sick.

In remembrance of me,

Feed the poor.

In remembrance of me,

Open the door and let you neighbor in.

In remembrance of me,

Search for truth.

In remembrance of me,

Always love.

In remembrance of me,

Don’t look above, but in your heart look for God.[23]

 +++++

Canticle #6:  Lord of All Hopefulness

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,

whose hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,

be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,

your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

 —

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,

whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,

be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,

your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.[24]

 +++++

A Homily

 +++++

A Creed

A Statement of Faith of the United Church of Canada

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 in others by the Spirit.

We trust in God.

We are called to be the church:

            to celebrate God’s presence,

            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.  Amen.[25]

Or this

A Liturgical Affirmation of The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia

You, O God, are supreme and holy.

You create the world and give us life.

Your purpose overarches everything we do.

You have always been with us.

You are God.

 —

You, O God, are infinitely generous, good beyond all measure.

You came to us before we came to you.

You have revealed and proved your love to us in Jesus Christ,

            who lived and died and rose again.

You are with us now.

You are God.

You, O God, are Holy Spirit.

You empower us to be your gospel in the world.

You reconcile and heal; you overcome death.

 —

You are God.  We worship you.[26]

+++++

Prayers

Officiant:

The Lord be with you.

People:

And also with you.

Officiant:

Let us pray.[27]

The Lord’s Prayer, Contemporary Version

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 forever.  Amen.[28]

Or this

The Lord’s Prayer, New Zealand Paraphrase

Eternal Spirit,

Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,

Source all that is and that shall be,

Father and Mother of us all,

Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!

The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!

Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!

Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.

With the bread we need for today, feed us.

In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.

In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.

From trials too great to endure, spare us.

From the grip of all that is evil, free us.

 —

For you reign in the power of the glory of the power that is love, now and forever.  Amen.[29]

+++++

Prayers of the People

In peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying “Lord, have mercy.”

For the holy Church of God, that it may be filled with truth and love, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For Benedict XVI, Bishop of Rome; for Wilton, Archbishop of Atlanta; for Gregory, Bishop of Savannah; for Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople; for Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; for Katharine, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church; for Robert, Bishop of Atlanta; for Scott, Bishop of Georgia; for Mark, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); for Julian, Bishop of the Southeastern Synod (ELCA), for all bishops, priests, deacons, for other clergy men and women, and for all holy people of God, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease, and that all may be one as you and Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those who do not believe, and for those who have lost their faith, that they may receive the light of God, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those in positions of public trust, especially the President of the United States and the Governor of Georgia, that they may serve justice, and promote the dignity of every person, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For all who live and work in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For a blessing upon all human labor, and for the right use of the riches of creation, that the world may be freed from poverty, famine, and disaster, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church, Athens, Georgia, and for all congregations, that they may be delivered from hardness of heart, and show forth your glory in all they do, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For our enemies and those who wish us harm; and for all whom we have injured or offended, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Individual prayers of thanksgiving and intercession, silent and/or spoken follow. 

For all who have commended themselves to our prayers; for our friends, families, and neighbors; that being freed from anxiety, they may live in joy, peace, and health, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For ________________________, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For all who have died in the communion of your Church, and those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of Mary, Mother of God, of Gregory the Great, and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.

To you, O Lord our God.[30]

The collects for the most recent Sunday and/or the feast of a saint follow.  Then any other appropriate collect follows.

+++++

Officiant:

I will lie down in peace and take my rest,

People:

for it is in God alone that I dwell unafraid.

Officiant:

Let us bless the Earth-maker, the Pain-bearer, the Life-giver,

People:

let us praise and exalt God above all forever.

Officiant:

May God’s name be praised beyond the furthest star,

People.

Glorified and exalted above all forever.[31]

Silence

Officiant:

Lord, it is night.

The night is for stillness.  Let us be still in the presence of God.

Silence

It is night after a long day.

What has been done has been done;

what has not been done has not been done;

let it be.

Silence            

The night is dark.

Let our fears of the darkness of the world

and of our own lives rest in you.

Silence

The night is quiet.

Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us,

and all who have no peace.

Silence

The night heralds the dawn.

Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, and new

possibilities.

Silence

In your name we pray.

People:             Amen.[32]

+++++

Dismissal and Blessing

Advent:

Officiant:

Christ is coming!

People:

Christ is coming indeed![33]

Officiant:

As we prepare to celebrate his birth,

People:

May our hearts leap for joy at the sound of God’s word and move us by the Spirit to bless God’s wonderful works.[34]

Officiant:

May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon us and scatter the darkness from before our path;

and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always.

People:

Amen.[35]

+++++

Christmas:

Officiant:

Christ has arrived!

People:

Christ has arrived indeed![36]

Officiant:

May Christ, who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill us with his joy and peace;

and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always.

People:

Amen.[37]

+++++

Season after Epiphany:

Officiant:

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.  Alleluia!

People:

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, Alleluia![38]

Officiant:

May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in us, that our lives may be a light to the world;

and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always.

People:

Amen.[39]

+++++

Lent:

Officiant:

God of our pilgrimage, we have found the living water.

People:

Refresh and sustain us as we go forth on our journey, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Officiant:

May Christ give us grace to grow in holiness, to deny ourselves, and take up our crosses and follow him.

May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with us and remain with us forever.

People:

Amen.[40]

 +++++

Easter:

Officiant:

Christ is risen!

People:

Christ is risen indeed!

Officiant:

Let us go now as risen people.

People:

Alive in the spirit and way of Christ![41]

Officiant:

Before us all is blessed, behind us all is blessed,

below us all is blessed, above us all is blessed,

around us all is blessed, as we set out with Christ.

Our speech is blessed as we set out for God.

With beauty before us, with beauty behind us,

With beauty below us, with beauty above us,

With beauty around us, we set out for a holy place indeed.

People:

Amen.[42]

+++++

Season after Pentecost:

Officiant:

May the almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless and preserve us.

People:

Amen.[43]

Officiant:

May the blessing of God, whose love creates new life and whose fire burns away our impurities, be with us in the journey of life.

People:

Amen.

Officiant.

May the blessing of God, whose love has the power to transform our living from old habits into new hope, be with us always.

People:

Amen.

Officiant:

May the blessing of God, whose Spirit blesses our spirit with wisdom and vision, embolden us to proclaim the good news of God’s love to all.

People:

Amen.[44]

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

Sources

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.  A New Zealand Prayer Book.  1989.  Reprint, New York: HarperCollins, 1997.

Bible.  New Revised Standard Version.  New York:  National Council of the Churches of Christ, 1989.

__________.  TANAKH:  The Holy Scriptures.  Philadelphia, PA:  Jewish Publication Society, 1985.

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Chalice Hymnal.  Daniel B. Myrick, ed.  St. Louis, MO:  Chalice Press, 1995.

__________.  Chalice Worship.  Colbert Cartwright and O. I. Cricket Harrison, eds.  St. Louis, MO:  Chalice Press, 1997.

The Church of South India.  The Book of Common Worship.  2d. ed.  1963.

Reprint, Madras, India:  Oxford University Press, 1991.

The Episcopal Church.  The Book of Common Prayer.  New York:  Church Publishing, 1979.

__________.  The Book of Occasional Services 1994.  New York:  Church Publishing, 1995.

__________.  Enriching Our Worship.  New York:  Church Publishing, 1998.

__________.  The Hymnal 1982.  New York:  Church Publishing, 1985.

Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship.  Lutheran Book of Worship.   Minneapolis, MN:  Augsburg Publishing House, 1978.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.  Lutheran Worship.  St. Louis, MO: Concordia Press, 1982.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.   Book of Common Worship.  Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993.

The United Methodist Church.  The United Methodist Book of Worship.  Nashville, TN:  The United Methodist Publishing House, 1992.

__________.  The United Methodist Hymnal:  Book of United Methodist Worship.  Nashville, TN:  The United Methodist Publishing House, 1989.


[1] Quoted in Chalice Hymnal, #119.

[2] Adapted from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship, 178-179.

[3] John 1:1-5 (New Revised Standard Version).

[4] Psalm 51:3-6, 9, 12-15 (TANAKH:  The Holy Scriptures).

[5] Chalice Worship, 144.

[6]Adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book, 167-168.

[7] Chalice Worship, 148.

[8] Adapted from Lutheran Book of Worship, 75.

[9]Adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book, 167-168.

[10] Adapted from The Book of Common Prayer, 62-63.

[11] Adapted from the South India Book of Common Worship, 7.

[12] Adapted from The Book of Common Prayer, 62-63.

[13] A New Zealand Prayer Book, 168.

[14] The Book of Common Prayer, 236.

[15] The Book of Common Prayer, 118.

[16] The Book of Common Prayer, 118-119.

[17] A New Zealand Prayer Book, 409.

[18] Enriching Our Worship, 25.

[19] Presbyterian Book of Common Worship (1993), 516.

[20] Adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book, 179.

[21] The Hymnal 1982, #92.

[22] Quoted in Chalice Hymnal, #76.

[23] Excerpted from Chalice Hymnal, #403.

[24] Quoted in Chalice Hymnal, #482 (verses 3 and 4).

[25] Quoted in The United Methodist Hymnal:  Book of United Methodist Worship, #883.

[26] A New Zealand Prayer Book, 481.

[27] The Book of Common Prayer, 121.

[28] A New Zealand Prayer Book, 180.

[29] A New Zealand Prayer Book, 181.

[30] Adapted from The Book of Common Prayer, 389-391.

[31] A New Zealand Prayer Book, 181.

[32] Adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book, 184.

[33] Kenneth Taylor.

[34] Adapted from Book of Common Worship, 177.

[35] Adapted from The Book of Occasional Services 1994, 23.

[36] Kenneth Taylor.

[37] Adapted from The Book of Occasional Services 1994, 23.

[38] Presbyterian Book of Common Worship (1993), 192.

[39] Adapted from The Book of Occasional Services 1994, 24.

[40] Adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book, 532-533.

[41] Adapted from Chalice Worship, 147.

[42] Traditional Navajo Prayer (adapted by Kenneth Taylor) quoted in The United Methodist Book of Worship, #562.

[43] Adapted from Lutheran Worship, 262.

[44] Adapted from Chalice Worship, 149-150.

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Prayer for the End of the Day   1 comment

Above:  Twilight

Image Source = Jessie Eastland a.k.a. Robert DeMeo

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hell_on_Earth.jpg)

After The Orthodox Study Bible (2008), page 1795

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O Christ our God, who at all times and in every hour,

in heaven and on earth, are worshiped and glorified;

who are long-suffering, merciful, and compassionate;

who love the just and show mercy upon the sinner;

who call all to salvation through the promise of blessing to come;

O Lord, in this hour receive our supplications and direct our lives

according to Your commandments.

Sanctify our souls,

hallow our bodies,

correct our thoughts,

cleanse our minds;

deliver us from all tribulation, evil, and distress.

Encompass us with your wisdom that, guided by it,

we may attain to the unity of the faith

and to the knowledge of Your unapproachable glory,

for You are blessed unto ages of ages.  Amen.

Evening Prayer for Forgiveness   1 comment

Above:  Sunset

(Image Installed on My Computer)

After The Orthodox Study Bible (2008), page 1794

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

O Lord our God, for when, during this day, I have sinned,

whether in word or deed or thought,

forgive me all, for You are good and love mankind.

Grant me peaceful and undisturbed sleep,

and deliver me from all influence of evil.

Raise me up again in proper time that I may glorify You;

for You are blessed with Your Only-begotten Son and Your All-Holy Spirit,

now and ever, and unto ages of ages.  Amen.

Evening Prayer of Thanksgiving   1 comment

Above:  Sunset

Image Source = Geraldbrowne

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Knysnasunset.jpg)

Prayer Source = The Orthodox Study Bible (2008), page 1794

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

Now that the day has come to a close, I thank You, O Lord,

and I ask that the evening with the night may be sinless;

grant this to me, O Savior, and save me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Now that the day has passed, I glorify You, O Master,

and I ask that the evening, with the night may be without offense:

grant this to me, O Savior, and save me.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages.  Amen.

Now that the day has run its course, I praise you, O Holy One,

and I ask that the evening with the night may be undisturbed;

grant this to me, O Savior and save me.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Prayer for the Beginning of the Day   1 comment

Above:  Sunrise

Image Source = Handyhuy

Prayer Source = The Orthodox Study Bible (2008), page 1793

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O Lord, grant me to greet the coming of the day in peace,

help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will.

In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me.

Bless my dealings with all who surround me.

Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul

and with firm conviction that Your will governs all.

In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings.

In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by You.

Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others.

Give me strength to hear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring.

Direct my will, teach me pray.

And, Yourself, pray in me.  Amen.

Morning Prayer to the Holy Trinity   1 comment

Above:  Yosemite Morning

Image in the Public Domain

Prayer Source = The Orthodox Study Bible (2008), page 1791

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Arising from sleep, I thank you, O Most Holy Trinity,

that, for the sake of Your great kindness and longsuffering,

You have not had indignation against me,

for I am slothful and sinful.

Neither have You destroyed me in my transgressions.

But You have shown Your customary love toward mankind,

and have raised me up as I lay in heedlessness,

that I might sing my morning hymn and glorify Your sovereignty.

Do now enlighten the eyes of my understanding,

open my ears to receive Your words,

and teach me Your commandments.

Help me to do Your will,

to sing to You,

to confess You from my heart,

and to praise Your All-Holy Name:

of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

now and ever, and unto ages of ages.  Amen.

We Come to You for Healing, Lord   2 comments

The Free Clinic of Simi Valley, California

Image in the Public Domain

Hymn Source = Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Words (in 2002) by the Reverend Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr. (1923-2007), a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (1976-1989)

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1.  We come to you for healing, Lord,

of body, mind, and soul,

and pray that by, your Spirit’s touch,

we may again be whole.

2.  As once you walked through ancient streets

and reached toward those in pain,

come, risen Christ, among us still

with power to heal again.

3.  You touch us through physicians’ skills,

through nurses’ gifts of care,

and through the love of faithful friends

who lift our lives in prayer.

4.  When nights are long with wakefulness,

through days when strength runs low,

grant us your gift of patience, Lord,

your calming peace to know.

5.  We come to you, O loving Lord,

in our distress and pain,

in trust that through our nights and days

your grace will heal, sustain.

I Lie, O Lord, within Your Care   1 comment

The Constellation Orion

Image Source = Mouser

Hymn Source = Lutheran Service Book (2006), of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod

Original words by Jochen Klepper (1903-1942); English translation (in 2000) by the Reverend Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr. (1923-2007), a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (1976-1989)

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

1.  I lie, O Lord, within Your care,

Awake or when I’m sleeping.

Whoever trusts in Your strong arms

Is safe within Your keeping.

2.  Lord, You alone keep constant watch;

My restless heart You quiet.

When darkness fills the night with fear,

I will by faith defy it.

3.  When shadows fall, I will not dwell

On troubles that distress me,

Nor let some painful memory

Embitter and oppress me.

4.  It is enough that You are near;

I need not now discover

What hidden plans You have for me,

My future’s path uncover.

5.  Tomorrow’s road I cannot trace

Nor know what ills will meet me.

You only ask that I be still

And trust You there will greet me.

6.  Each dawning day to which I wake

Will show Your hand still guiding

And ev’ry good my life requires

Your grace again providing.

7.  Though troubles still may cloud the sky,

I’ll see beyond them shining

A light to show some hidden way–

A way of Your designing.

8.  Since You have gently touched my eyes,

I’ll sleep through tears of sorrow.

Though long the night, my God, my friend,

Will be my guide tomorrow.

Thank You, God   2 comments

Image Source = Infrogmation

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

Thank you, God,

for the rain

for the sunshine

for the clouds

for the morning

for the midday

for the afternoon

for the evening

for the night

for the moon and the stars

for friends

for family

for music

for peace and quiet

for good books

for good movies

for good food

for yesterday

for today

for help we have received

for help we have given

+++

Thank you, God,

for everything good.

Amen.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

JUNE 26, 2011 COMMON ERA

PROPER 8, THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR A

http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/thank-you-god/