Tag: prayer

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 26: Year 1

Morning, Psalms75 and 76; Evening, Psalms 23 and 27;
Ezra 9:1 and15; Revelation 17:1 and 14; Matthew 14:22 to 36:

“Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,” (Matthew 14:22 and 23).

Among the many attributes of Jesus, he was a man of prayer. The two things that Jesus did often, that we regular people can, and should do as well is forgive others and ourselves, and to pray. 

We can’t give people their sight back, or make the lame walk, or raise the dead back to life, or even walk on the water as Jesus did in our reading for today. But we should ponder about forgiving others and ourselves for blunders done or things said or should have been said when it would have helped. 

Prayer too is what Jesus often did as recorded throughout the Gospel in all four versions. I particularly like the habit of Jesus to find a place alone to pray.  This is how I ponder, even now as I am writing this blog, I pray that God gives me the words that will help you. And who knows, maybe I might even find help for myself in the process.

Today we remember Ammonnius, Hermit, c. 403 and his information may be found at: Ammonius

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)      

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.

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Proper 25

Morning, Psalm 50; Evening, Psalm 103;
Nehemiah  1:1 to 11; Revelation 5:11 to 6:11; Matthew 13:18 to 23:

“When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven:” (Nehemiah 1:4)

Nehemiah broke down in tears upon hearing about the trouble and shame of those left behind and the destruction of the wall and gates of Jerusalem.  All of it was human-on-human violence.  He couldn’t bear it.

Weeping is prayer.  From Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21), to Mary Magdalene at the tomb of our Lord Jesus (The Gospel of John chapter 20), and many points in between, like the one we have for today, God’s ears hears tears.

When it comes to crying, it does not matter about one’s faith or even if one has a faith at all. God has hardwired us to connect with God whenever we cry. Therefore, even if one claims to be an atheist, but whose heart has moved him or her to crying, God is notified and acts in only the way God sees fit.

I have heard it said that real men don’t cry.  That’s Balderdash. If real men have real souls, (and they do), then something emotionally painful will cause their tears to flow.  And the super sensitive ears of God will definitely hear those water droplets flow down his cheeks, regardless of surrounding noise, and respond in ways that only God can.

There is too much sadness all around today.  We have natural disasters, disease fears and deaths, military threats, and we still have human-on-human violence and many other sad situations that cause all of us to come to tears as it did to Nehemiah. But God will never abandon us. “Weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30). This is because God’s ears hears tears.

Today we remember John Wyclif, Translator and Controversialist, (October 30, 1384) and his information may be found at: John Wyclif

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (BCP p. 831)

O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 25: Year C

 Luke 18:9 to 14:

“The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.”  (Luke 18: 11)

I think we all ought to thank God all the time.  I believe in saying “Thank You Jesus” as often as I realize something good has just happened to me.  I Thank Jesus that I have only two Commandments rather than the 613 from the Hebrew Testament, or even 10, as in the Ten Commandments.  Two is much easier. To love God, and to love my neighbor, you.

Jesus’ two Commandments however require me to love God with all that I am and to love my neighbor as myself.  One does not love neighbor as self, and then be thankful that he is not his neighbor. I ponder further that it is not so much that one is not his neighbor, but that he has, and continues to exercise, a pious discipline in his life, that his neighbor has so far, not learned.

This story like the one about Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38 – 42), makes us realize that we are both /and; and not either/or.  So let’s look at each man and see the good in each.

The Tax collector of antiquity is a victim.  He, in many cases, is a man of low standing in the community even before he’s made a tax collector. Often he is fatherless and handed over to the local Roman authorities for the purpose of collecting the tax.  While it is not his choice, he is hated by his native Israelite brethren as a participant and collaborator with Rome against his own people.

The Pharisee, afforded opportunity beyond his own doing, lives a religious life, keeping the tithe, fasting, praying, and yes, paying the tax.  We need people like the Pharisee still.  We need people who pray, who set aside money to take care of the needy in charitable giving to the Church, and other charitable organizations as well as paying taxes.  We should not look down on the discipline of the Pharisee.  But we must be cautioned about his holier- than- thou attitude regarding his neighbor.

Both men teach two very important lessons. First, we should be thankful for what we are able to do in worship to God without looking down on those who either cannot, or have as yet not been able to reach a better level of discipline. And second, we all need to recognize our own short-comings and ask God for mercy and forgiveness.  And this mercy is necessary somewhere for all of us. We are both of these two men at varying levels, certainly not either/or.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: Proper 25 The Sunday closest to October 26 (BCP p. 235)

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Gospel Eucharistic Reading for Sunday of Proper 24: Year C

 Luke 18:1-8

“And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?  I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18: 7 – 8)

This parable is so much like the parable about the man who received guest but with nothing to feed them.  He went to his neighbor’s door at midnight and knocked and asked for something to feed his guests. At first the neighbor refused and said that he and his children had gone to bed.  But Jesus says that because the man in need is persistent he will get up and give him whatever he needs.  (Luke 11: 5 – 8)  We humans are hard wired to give in to requests. It is perhaps in this way that we are created in God’s Image.

We humans are also hardwired to transmit to God any distress we might be experiencing, particularly when we are moved to crying.  God’s ears hears tears. Crying is praying regardless of what the person who is crying thinks in terms of what he or she believes. Our souls believe.

I think intentional  prayer is a state of being. Inwardly we may ask ourselves “what is my life all about?”  What does God want of me?  We have fancy words for this kind of seeking.  We call it discernment, or a calling.  We ask what our “call” is in this life. But we also ask for our needs to be filled.  All of us stand in the need of prayer. And all of us stand in the need to pray continually.

We may not want to admit it, but we are born to beg. Like the parable about the unjust judge and the woman seeking justice, God wants to hear our requests. If we are begging God for something, it means that we at least believe in God. If we persist in our faith-wrestle with God, God gives in just as God did with Jacob and renamed him Israel. (Genesis 32:22 to 30)

So when the Son of Man comes, will he come as a result of prayer, prayer brought on by faith?  Because you see, the genesis (the birth) of intentional prayer is faith.  Therefore, where there is prayer there already has to be faith; even if we are unaware of it.

We can have faith and yet not pray.  But if we pray it is evident that we believe, and therefore have faith.  And it is through that very faith that we pray.  Jesus wants to know if we will have faith when he comes- when he comes to answer our prayers. You are people of faith. Therefore, pray, and pray always.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: Proper 24 The Sunday closest to October 19 (BCP p. 235)

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 20: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 88; Evening, Psalms 91 and 92;
2^nd Kings 9:17 to 37; 1^st  Corinthians 7:1 to 9; Matthew 6:7 to 15:

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14 and 15)

In this chapter of Matthew our Lord Jesus has taught us to pray in the words of what we now call, “The Lord’s Prayer.”  Jesus concludes with the reminder about forgiveness. It seems God applies to us the very same criterion we use to judge others.

Every human being makes mistakes.  Sometimes the mistakes we make are because we didn’t know any better.  Sometimes we make terrible mistakes because we are wrongheaded. Be it a mistake or immaturity, we must learn to see it in our selves, and then we must learn to see it in others. Some people offend us accidently.  Sometimes people offend us on purpose.

We are flawed but not because of any oversight on God’s part except for maybe giving us intellect and reason. We are primarily flawed because we haven’t tempered our intellect and reason with love, which is also a gift from God. We should not use one without the other. Intellect and reason used in loving ways towards one another encourages us to forgive one another. God sees our loving compassion and so God is compassionate with us as well.

Let us relax then and ponder about those who have hurt us in one way or another.  Did they not know any better?  Was the hurt caused on purpose? Were they just trying to help themselves at our expense? Was the hurt or sin something that they could possibly go away over time?  I invite you to ask these same questions about the hurt or sin you have caused regarding someone else. Be especially focused on whether or not your hurtful or sinful behavior is something you can, and should, grow out of over time. Forgive with love, and be forgiven with God’s love.

Today our Church remembers Lancelot Andrewes; Bishop and Scholar (September 26, 1626). He reminds us of the importance of Thursdays in our Church history. Two of his commemorations are the Thursday of the Lord’s Supper after which he was arrested; and, forty days after the Sunday of His Resurrection from the dead is of course His ascent back to heaven; Ascension Day, Thursday. I would add, post biblically, that our early settlers established Thanksgiving Day on a Thursday. I wonder if they were influenced by Lancelot Andrews. Ponder, Ponder. His information may be found at: Lancelot Andrewes.

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom. 

What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John 

Let us pray: (As found on page 336 of the BCP)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 12: Year 1

Morning,  Psalms 75 and 76; Evening, Psalms 23 and 27;
2^nd  Samuel 5:22 to 6:11; Acts 17:16 to 34; Mark 8:1 to 10:

“The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things:” (Acts 17: 24 and 25)

These words above seem to refute our 2^nd Samuel reading where the Presence of God was dwelling in a work of art made by human hands. The 2^nd Samuel reading says, “David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. (2^nd Samuel:” 6:2)

As a Christian I believe that God truly did dwell among us but not in any work of art that we made. No, The Great Creator was pleased to dwell in the person of our Lord Jesus. And since then the continuing words of Paul ring true:“For “In him we live and move and have our being”; as even some of your own poets have said, “For we too are his offspring.” (Acts 17:28)

I recall roughly the words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel in his book The Sabbath.  He basically said,  “it is not places or things that are holy, but rather we have holy times:” (not a word for word quote but the meaning is exact). Rabbi Heschel was talking about the importance of the Sabbath (today). But within his words we learn that while we have precious jewelry and crafts, and beautiful stained glass windows, and Icons, and even our Bibles and Prayer Books, the Presence of God does not reside in them.  All of these are the works of human hands by which we humans may direct our prayers and worship to God. We do not pray to them, we pray through them.  The time we spend with such objects is more holy than the objects themselves.

I spend time daily with scripture, Christian music, and faith groups.  In these times I pray and try to connect to God in prayer.  God is Good, all the time. While I am aware that I am still a work in progress, it is progress. I am gaining more insight as I slowly move along.  Faith in the One in whom we live and move and have our being is life saving and sustaining. My message to everyone of us is to find something that puts you in a spiritual mood, and then find a place that is soothing and comfortable for you, and at the junction of thing and place and within the time you have made there, God will visit you through your efforts.

Love is the most powerful force in the universe. And Guess what? God is love.  If given the time, the love of God will transform you. It is written somewhere in scripture that the Altar is more holy than the things put on it to be blessed (Matthew 23:19).  Our time is our personal Altar. What will you put on it (or in it) to be blessed?

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)      

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.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 10: Year 1                                 

Morning, Psalm 25; Evening, Psalm 9 and 15;
1^st  Samuel 18:5 to 16 and 27 to 30; Acts 11:19 to 30; Mark 1:29 to 45:

“In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, ‘Everyone is searching for you:” (Mark 1:35 to 37).

Jesus has just healed the mother in law of Simon Peter.  This is evidence that at least he, Simon, was married.  That’s the only way one gets a “mother-in-law.”  I ponder how many of the other followers were married. What does it mean to be in a committed relationship and then commit one’s self to following our Lord Jesus? Which commitment should come first? Ponder, ponder.

Simon tells Jesus, “Everyone is searching for you.”  Oh Simon, if only that were true.  Maybe people are looking for our Healer and Redeemer but do not know his name.  In our Acts reading for today we learn that the disciples, and therefore students of Jesus, who is the Christ or Anointed One, were first named “Christians” in Antioch. The name stuck.  I think it is important to remember that as Christians, we too are disciples, or students of our Lord Jesus. Are we learning what our Teacher is teaching us?  I think it is important to remember one very important lesson from our Lord Jesus. And that is, that our Lord Jesus goes to be alone to pray.  Private prayers are healing prayers. We don’t need words. All we need is to be open to God and whatever God has for us.

If we really need words to get us into a receptive state of being, perhaps Psalm 25, selected for today, will help.  “Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long:” (Psalm 25: 3 and 4).  These are just two verses from Psalm 25. But I think praying the whole Psalm will assist in getting us into a good and private place wherein, like our Lord Jesus, we can connect with the God of our salvation.

When we practice praying privately it becomes easier to pray publicly.  Although it has been my experience that most people want to hear words.  Even when a speaker asks for, “a moment of silence,” in memory of the loss of a person, count the seconds. Rarely is it 60 seconds.  People don’t like silence. To make it real, I have gone to using a singing bowl with a mallet and watching my watch.  I really don’t care if I go over the minute.  After all, I am praying too.  We shouldn’t focus on the time, unless we are cheated out of it. Jesus got up and went to a “quiet” place to pray and Simon and the noise followed him. Let us have some holy silence at least once a day.

Today we remember Argula von Grumbach, Scholar and Church Reformer (c.1554): and, Samson Occum, Witness to the Faith in New England (1792): and their information may be found at: Argula von Grumbach, and Samson Occum, respectively.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

Help us, dear Lord, in our quiet moments alone, to find You. And then, to follow where You lead the Way as You are also the Truth and the Life: Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 107:33-43 and 108:1-6; Evening, Psalm 33;
1^st Samuel 9:15 to10:1; Acts 7:30 to 43; Luke 22:39 to 51:

“He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ [Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]  When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial:” (Luke 22: 39 to 46).

Before I ponder about these Luke verses, I just want you to know that the bracketed verses above (43 and 44) are not found in some ancient manuscripts.  It doesn’t mean that angels weren’t there; it just means that some Luke accounts didn’t have it.

Having said that, my emphasis for these words is focused on Jesus’ regular round of prayer.  Jesus often found a quiet place to be alone and pray. We should copy this Jesus trait.  This was a Thursday evening.  Jesus has just celebrated what we call the Lord’s Supper, also known as our Holy Eucharist.  He is about to be arrested, beaten and then crucified.

If this situation was put before me, the option of running away would still be on the table. Perhaps prayer would still be there as well, but it would probably be prayer for a speedy escape.  But our Lord Jesus had you in mind.  He wanted you to be cleansed of all human sin.  The sin of jealousy, and of hatred, and of prejudice, as it was shown in Judas Iscariot and the Temple authorities, and the Romans. All human sin was packaged together and saddled on Jesus as he is taken to the cross.

His response on our behalf is prayer. He prays for the strength necessary to endure because he loves us, He literally loves us to death, even death on the Cross.  Maybe I wouldn’t run after all. Dying to my mortal self is not the end of all my life; Thanks be to our Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, Theologian  ) and his information may be found at: Irenaeus of Lyons.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)      

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.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 89:1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 89:19 to 52;
1^st Samuel 5:1 to 12; Acts 5:12 to 26; Luke 21:29 to 36:

“Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man:” (Luke 21:36).

Jesus has just told his followers about the certainty of the end of the age and to expect the unexpected. How does one do this? How does anyone prepare themselves to expect the unexpected?

I have met people who seem to be calm no matter what happens.  At first these calm people seem cognitively slow or even autistic. More observation will reveal that they are very much aware of their environment and all that is taking place; they just aren’t rattled by the supposedly unexpected happenings that take place.  I want to be like that.

I do believe the older I get, the more I am able to remain calm. Also, the more I get into meditation, the more I seem to be able to calm myself and remain calm when stuff happens.  This is being alert and also praying that we have the strength, the resolve, to avoid panicking and reacting without thought. I not only want to keep myself calm, I want to be a calming presence to those who might not be able to handle the unexpected.  I pray that our Lord Jesus uses me as a calming presence in my family, my neighborhood, my parish, and in all places where I may be with others.

I just need to keep telling myself that God is God and all good things will be in accord with God’s will. Therefore, I shall not be afraid but rest in God’s doings. I also pray to God to use me Lord as you see fit for the benefit of all and quiet my soul when anxiety attempts to come upon me. Thank You Lord Jesus.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:                                                                        

Help me, dear Lord God, to calm myself when things go abruptly and all seems bad. Let Your Spirit of life and love be my go-to place and my soul be my anchor of peace within me where Your Presence maintains my steadfast serenity. Amen.