Category: Prayer

Activism · Bible · Ecology · Political · Prayer · World Affairs

Spirit-Led Movements Always Perplex

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This is a part of chapter 5 of the book of Acts in the New Testament.

12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. 17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

This is the account of the beginnings of the church. However, at this stage, it’s a movement within Judaism, but claiming something new that is driving a wedge between the powers that be and this new phenomenon.
(The new thing being a proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus).

I’ve written before about categories that characterise the work of the Spirit …
Inclusion … (contrasted with exclusion)
Abundance v Scarcity
Economic Justice v Coercive Power
Connectedness v Individualism
Cooperation v Competition
Solidarity v Looking After #1

In the account in Acts, the tension is between:
Voices that are determined to speak, and the forces that want to silence them
New possibilities that are emerging and present arrangements
Emancipation and Intimidation

When I was thinking about how this might play out today, there are numerous examples, but one that comes to mind is Extinction Rebellion.
How might we all play a part in the fight to put the climate emergency at the top of the political agenda ?

My thoughts are also turning to Afghanistan today. Western powers have much to regret and reflect on over past mistakes, but it’s clear that an immediate concern is the way that ‘present arragements’ in the form of fundamentalism are at play:
Silencing the voices that have begun to speak, quashing the new possibilities that have been possible (education of girls for example), and using intimidation to restrict the freedoms that are a human right.

Grace and Peace, and prayers especially for the Afghan people.


Prayer

The Sacred Duty Of Prayer

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In the Hebrew Bible, pretty much the first commandment that the Israelites receive from God after being liberated from Egypt is the commandment to keep the Sabbath. Maybe their recent history of seven-day-a-week slavery meant that they had developed a compulsion to work without stopping ?

It’s certainly a weakness of our society. In an environment driven by consumption and control, we need to hear the command to stop and take that regular break from economic activity. It might just be the most important commandment, because by paying attention to it, we open ourselves up to hearing God – and, in the course of stopping and being attentive, we stand a chance of following the commandment to put God first.

There is however, a down side to the commandment to keep Sabbath – we run the risk of making our life of faith a one day a week affair when it is meant to be a whole of life endeavour. If we can keep the balance – make space for sabbath whilst at the same time living our faith every day – then that’s fine.

But is it possible that some societies have not succumbed to that desire for continous ‘work without ceasing’, but have been able to balance the various aspects of life in a wholesome and life enhancing way ?
Here’s a quote from ‘A book of Native American Wisdom.’ ‘In a Sacred Manner I Live.’

In the life of an indian there was only one inevitable duty – the duty of prayer – the daily recognition of the Unseen and Eternal. His daily devotions were more necessary to him than daily food. He wakes at daybreak, puts on his mocassins, and steps down to the water’s edge. Here he throws handfuls of clear, cold water into his face, or plunges in bodily. After the bath, he stands erect before the advancing dawn, facing the sun as it dances on the horizon, and offers his unspoken orison. His mate may precede or follow him in his devotiopns, but never accompanies him. Each soul must meet the morning sun, the new sweet earth, and the Great Silence alone.

Whenever, in the course of the daily hunt, the red hunter comes across a scene that is strikingly beautiful or sublime – a black thundercloud with the rainbow’s glowing arch above the mountain, a white waterfall in the heart of a green gorge; a vast prairie tinged with the blood-red of sunset – he pauses for an instant in the attitude of worship. He sees no need for setting apart one day in seven as a holy day, since to him all days are God’s.

Charles A. Eastman. Ohiyesa.
WAHPETON SIOUX Lakota

Charles A. Eastman (1858 – 1939) was one of the first Native American authors to achieve widespread fame.

May you find that place of spacious living that allows you live fully in God, for God to live in you.

Prayer

Stuggling With Ignatius Of Loyola

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This links with my last post about being able (or not) to visualise.

Here’s the image from my last post. It’s about the ability to visualise. Some people can see things very clearly. Others, like me, see nothing.

So, as I was thinking about this, I was reminded of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. A part of those exercises was to do with entering in your imagination into a biblical scene. The aim is bring the scene to life by applying all five senses, seeing the events, hearing what people are saying, smelling things, and touching things–all within the realm of pure imagination.

By the way, Jesuit priest Anthony De Mello is a fan of this way of praying, and calls this type of prayer ‘fantasy.’ That’s interesting because the name of the condition that I have (not being able to visualise) is called aphantasia !

I have tried this on occasions, but never got very far with it. Now I understand why I have struggled. I just don’t see anything.

I wonder if others have also found this spiritual practice difficult ?

It does make me wonder about the fact that we are all so different, and the value of finding spiritual practices that fit with your personality.

More on that next time, as I look at the Enneagram.

Grace and peace.

Prayer

Morning Prayer For A Saturday

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Saturday Theme – The Communion Of Saints

Before Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind. 

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you.
Amen

Opening Prayer.

In the morning,
when I rise –
may my first thought
be of you, Lord.
To lift my voice in thanks –
for this new day,
for your love,
for the gifts
of family and friends
and fellow travellers
on the road.
Amen

The psalm of the day
suggested – 46, 87, 126, 127, 133

‘Kyrie’ prayer

Lord, you open our hearts to receive your word,
Lord, have mercy

You take pleasure in your people,
Christ, have mercy

You send the along-side-one to be with us
Lord, have mercy

Collect / Affirmation of Faith

Triune God,
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.
The Three-in-One
and One-in-Three.
Love exchanged in perfect harmony.
May we step out into
the deeper waters of community,
and, as we share our lives with one another,
grow in sacrificial love.
Amen.

Scripture reading(s) for the day

Prayer of thanksgiving or prayer of concern.

It’s another day, Lord.
Another 24 hours,
just like every other day in the sense of time.

But it’s today, Lord.
Different to any other day,
with new possibilities
and new challenges;
to create goodness,
to mend brokenness,
to share in the joys and sorrows of others.

May this day be a day when I am attentive;
to you,
to those around me,
and to myself.

To become more,
to heal more,
and to love more.
In your name,
Amen.

Blessing **

On our hearts, and on our houses –
the presence of God.

In our coming, and in our going –
the peace of God.

In our life, and in our believing –
the love of God.

In our church and in our community –
the blessing of God.

At our end and new beginning –
the arms of God
to welcome us
and bring us home.
Amen

Acknowledgment. ** Adapted from the closing responses
in ‘An Evening Service Of Communion,’
in the Iona Community Worship Book,
page 47 in my edition.

Prayer

Morning Prayer For A Friday

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Friday Theme – Forgiveness

Before Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind. 

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you.
Amen

Opening Prayer. **

Come, Father of the poor,
come, Light of our hearts,
come, Generous Spirit.
By the glory of your creation around us,
by the comfort of your forgiveness within us,
by the wind of your Spirit blowing through us,
Renew us, as we come glad to this new day.
Amen.

The psalm of the day
suggested – 13, 14, 51, 62, 130

‘Kyrie’ prayer

Lord God, you welcome us into your presence
Lord, have mercy

It is by grace that we are saved, not law
Christ, have mercy

You prune us in order to bear fruit
Lord, have mercy

Collect / Affirmation of Faith

God of earth, and sea, and sky;
God of bread, and wine, and story;
God of wind, and fire, and water;
who shaped us,
who remade us,
who fills us.
Take our lives,
body, heart and soul –
make us one with you
and with each other.
Give us your word on our lips,
and your blessing in our hands,
that the world may see and know,
and give you glory.
Amen.

Scripture reading(s) for the day

Prayer of thanksgiving or prayer of concern.

For the moment,
briefly watching a butterfly.
For the minute,
as a gull flies across the sky.
For the hour
of prayer, just taking time.
For the day,
bringing newness, and opportunity.
For the week,
the month,
the year,
as we see someone or something grow.
For the life,
to know Your ever present hand.
We give you grateful thanks,
Amen.

Blessing

Today, may you live with
an open heart to receive the riches that God gives.
A forgiving heart for any unkind words or actions towards you.
A strong heart to resist any thought of self aggrandisement
and a still heart to withstand trials and criticism.
Amen.

Acknowledgements:
** Adapted from the Appendix for the Sunday Morning Communion
in The Iona Community Worship Book, page 65 in my edition

Prayer

Morning Prayer For A Thursday

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Thursday Theme – Discipleship

Before Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind. 

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you.
Amen

Opening Prayer. **

With what shall I come before the Lord,
and bow before God most high?
This is what the Lord says;
this is what the Lord requires of you:
to do justice
to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with God.
Amen

The psalm of the day
suggested – 25, 27, 105, 128, 131.

‘Kyrie’ prayer

Lord, you tear down, only to build up again.
Lord, have mercy

You call us to walk blamelessly and do what is right.
Christ, have mercy

Lord, you know our hearts.
Lord, have mercy

You have chosen us to go and bear fruit.
Christ, have mercy

Collect / Affirmation of Faith ***

O Trinity of love,
You have been with us since the world’s beginning,
be with us at the world’s end.
You have been with us at our life’s shaping,
be with us at our life’s end
You have been with us at the sun’s rising,
be with us at the day’s end.
Amen

Scripture reading(s) for the day

Prayer of thanksgiving or prayer of concern. ****

Today, Lord,
may I live with open hands,
mourn what is broken,
serve with self respect,
use my power for good,
look with compassion,
walk in honesty,
reach past difference,
suffer for love,
and live fearlessly
following the way of radical love.
Amen

Blessing *****

Bless to us, O God,
the road that is before us,
the friends who are around us,
your love which is within us,
and your light which leads us home.
Amen

Acknowledgements:
** Adapted from Micah Chapter 6 verse 6.
*** Adapted from ‘A Simple Evening Liturgy’ in the Iona Community Worship Book.
**** From the 9beats collective. The Ninefold Path. https://9beats.org/
***** I think this adapted once more from a prayer in the Ioan Community Worship Book.

Prayer

Morning Prayer For A Wednesday

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Before Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind. 

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you.
Amen

Opening Prayer. **

O God, we come to remind ourselves
that your Holy Spirit is present deep within us
and at the heart of all life.
Open our minds to your truth,
warm our hearts with your love,
enliven our spirits with the breath of your Holy Spirit
and touch our wills
that we may walk in your way;
the way that leads to life,
the life of the age to come,
life in all its fulness.
Amen

The psalm of the day
suggested – 16, 29, 42, 63, 139

‘Kyrie’ prayer

Lord God, you love us as a parent loves their children
Lord, have mercy

Lord Jesus, you are the promised anointed one of God
Christ, have mercy

Holy Spirit, we wait for you to come in power
Lord, have mercy

Collect / Affirmation of Faith

God of all times.
Past, present, future.
God of our times.
History, humanity.
God of this time
Now. Life. Here.
God in time,
often just in time.

Timeless God,
take this moment
and inhabit it.
imbue it with your presence.
Amen

Scripture reading(s) for the day

Prayer of thanksgiving or prayer of concern.

For the beauty of creation;
for leaf, and flower, and birdsong,
Creator God, I thank you.
For this human life;
and the journey of growth twards you,
Lord Jesus, I thank you.
For companions on the way;
and adventures in faith yet to come,
Holy Spirit, I thank you.

Blessing ***

Be the eye of God dwelling with you;
the foot of Christ in guidance with you;
the shower of the Spirit pouring on you,
richly and generously.
God’s peace to you,
Jesus’ peace to you,
Spirit’s peace to you
and to your children,
oh to you and your children,
each day and night
of your portion in the world.
Amen.

** Acknowledgement: adapted and expanded from
a prayer in the Iona Community prayer book,
page 53 in my edition.

*** Traditional celtic blessing
– Carmina Gadelica (Alexander Carmichael)
from Celtic Devotions (Calvin Miller)


Creativity, · Poetry · Prayer

Prayer Before A Locked Door

Jonnyfun.E2 Comments

We met with some friends on Zoom yesterday to share some thoughts about writing our own psalms.
This is more of a poem than a prayer, but poems and prayers are often very similar

A lock – a lock of hair
a reminder of the first time that we cut her hair
kept in a small box
somewhere
If I ever open the box,
the feeling is one of precious memory

A lock – on the canal, just down the road
I remember standing, watching an older couple
suddenly burst into action
she on the rudder
he on the bank, shoulder to the whatever you call it
opening the lock gate
to allow the journey to continue

A lock – a lock in actually
not that I’ve experienced one for a very long time
– a surreptitious gathering after closing time
when we were invited to stay
and have another drink, or two, or three, or more
feeling a sense of belonging on a Saturday night

A lock – something that stops you
you stand before it without the key
wanting to open that door
to see what’s on the other side
but you either can’t find the key
or maybe it’s genuinely lost for ever
or maybe it doesn’t even exist

A lock – a locket
contains something that’s close to your heart
it’s always there around my neck
even when that door is closed

Prayer

Morning Prayer For A Tuesday

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Before Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind. 

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you.

Opening Prayer. **

Today,
Lord, set your blessing on us
as we begin this day.
Confirm in us the truth by which we rightly live
Confront us with the truth from which we wrongly turn.
I ask not for what I want,
but for what you know I need –
as I offer you this day,
and myself;
for you,
and to you,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour,
Amen.

The Psalm of the day

Possible Psalms – 2, 11, 12, 85, 124, 146.

‘Kyrie’ Prayer

The Lord is about to pass by
Lord, have mercy.

Your face, Lord, do I seek
Christ, have mercy

Your law is life
Lord, have mercy

Collect / Affirmation of faith

God of justice,
whose ways are goodness,
and whose word is true;
you show us glimpses of the life of the age to come
in your often hidden,
alternative world of the Spirit.
Strengthen us as we seek to be
the presence of Christ in the world.
Amen

Scripture reading(s) for the day

Prayer of thanksgiving or prayer of concern.

we pray for the poor –
that they may receive the kingdom of God.
For the lowly –
may they be lifted up.
For the hungry –
may they be filled.
For the widow, the orphan and the stranger –
may they know justice.

For us all –
may we be bringers of peace,
hungry for justice,
active in service,
loving with humility,
now and always,
Amen.

Blessing ***

May the God of power and love
strengthen you as you cease to do evil,
learn to do good,
seek justice,
rescue the oppressed,
defend the orphan
and plead for the widow and the stranger.
Amen

** Acknowledgement: This prayer is from the Iona Community Worship Book, page 103 in the edition I have, entitled
‘Lord, set your blessing on us.’

*** Adapted from Isaiah 1 verse 16

Prayer

Morning Prayer For A Monday

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Monday – Creation

Before Prayer

The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind. 

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you.
Amen

Opening Prayer.

COME CLOSE
come closer.
Listen with your heart.
Let yourself be touched by the hand of God.
Feel the enormous warmth.
Rest to be revived
Live again in the light of this new day.

The psalm of the day

‘Kyrie’ prayer

Creator God,
You are the source of all life
Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus Christ
You lead us to the Father
Christ, have mercy

Holy Spirit
You guide us into truth
Lord, have mercy.

Collect / Affirmation of Faith

I am In your presence,
Creator of heaven and earth,
Lord of the universe and all that is in it.
You are the One who is never far from us,
the One in whom we live, and move and have our being.
Amen.

Scripture reading(s) for the day

Prayer of thanksgiving or prayer of concern.

God of earth and sea and sky,
God of flesh, and joy and sigh,
God of every seam of life.

In the quiet of the garden,
with the hum of traffic
and the urgent sound of siren,
cover all with your patient love.

Plant in us seeds of hope,
and renew our faltering faith,
so that our purpose and our passion
may be driven by heaven sent engines,
to bring all things in creation
to one glorious whole,
alive in harmony.
Amen.

Blessing

Today,
may I own my poverty,
celebrate the reality of abundance,
walk in the way of Christ,
and live with open hands
to receive the goodness of all God’s gifts.
Amen.