Walking in Love With Creation: Sermon for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (transferred)

A long time ago, almost 800 years, there lived a man named Francis. He left behind family and wealth to become a repairer of churches, a deacon, and a friar who organized a new religious order based on humility and poverty in solidarity with the poor.

One day Francis was walking in the woods, traveling from one city to another as he recruited people to join his order. Above his head he heard hundreds of birds in the trees, singing and cheeping and doing all the bird-like things they could, with gusto. He heard in their joyfully noise a message of praise to God. The story goes that he called to the birds, and they flew down from the trees and gathered about his feet, and he began preaching to them:

“My little sisters, many are the bonds which unite us to God. And your duty is to praise Him everywhere and always, because He has let you free to fly wherever you will, and has given you a double and threefold covering and the beautiful plumage you wear.

“Praise Him likewise for the food He provides for you without your working for it, for the songs He has taught you, for your numbers that His blessing has multiplied, for your species which He preserved in the ark of olden times, and for the realm of the air He has reserved for you.

“God sustains you without your having to reap or sow. He gives you fountains and streams to drink from, mountains and hills in which to take refuge, and tall trees in which to build your nests. Although you do not know how to sew or spin, He gives to you and your little ones the clothing you need.

“How the Creator must love you to grant you such favors! So, my sister birds, do not be ungrateful, but continually praise God, who showers blessings upon you.”

It is said that the birds listened attentively, and that when he dismissed them to fly away they formed the shape of the cross in flight. He later joked that animals were more attentive congregations than many human ones he had encountered.

His love for creation as a testimony to the loving provision of God for all of us is something too many of us still have difficulty embracing. We live in a time when our planet is warning us about our lack of care for creation, whether through benign neglect or through outright exploitation of the Earth and her resources. As we look at the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in places that had thought they were safe from climate change, and as we watch the formation of more, even stronger storms in the Gulf of Mexico and all around the world, some of us still view nature as an adversary to be conquered than a gift and revelation of God’s abiding love for us and for all God’s creatures.

This last week (on October 4, actually), it is our tradition to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who is remembered as one who extolled the integrity, the oneness of creation, one who saw all of the universe, from the Sun and the Moon to even the tiniest creatures, as giving praise to the God and Creator of All. Our readings today reflect that spirit of the joyful honoring of creation that Francis taught.

Francis believed that creation revealed the glory and wisdom of God. There are stories of Francis moving earthworms aside so that he wouldn’t step on them, or of him saving a town that was being terrorized by a ravenous wolf by calling the wolf brother and treating it with such tenderness that it laid down at his feet and ravaged the town no more. No animals, from crickets and bees to falcons and pheasants, were too insignificant that Francis couldn’t see God’s generous love to us in the example of each creature.

In our gospel today, Jesus reminds us of the tender care he offers us, urging us to lay aside the striving of he world and lean into our trust in Jesus, whose burdens upon us are insignificant to the fears and anxieties of the world. In our passage from Psalm 121, we hear the voice of God reassuring us that God’s care and love for us never pauses, never ceases. And in our reading from Job, God lists wild animals not known in the ancient world for their wisdom and nonetheless asserts God's providential care. That generous, abundant provision is not just for domestic animals, as we humans sometimes emphasize, but on all creatures, especially wild beasts that roam free Jesus tenderly reminds us about the joy and beauty present in the most common things we tend to overlook in our distracted race through each day. In calling us to trust and awareness of all for which we could be grateful, Jesus calls us to live in each moment joyfully, bathed in God’s love.

Because it is so hard to fully live into each moment, we instead too often fall into the trap of feeling isolated from each other. That false sense of isolation leads to anxiety like Jesus was addressing, and that anxiety fools us into believing we are separate from one another. We see the effects of this belief right now in our city and throughout society. Anxiety and fear and isolation make us forget God’s promise of love and care.

Yet God’s promises to us are written into the very bonds of love that bind us to God, to each other, and to every living thing on the earth. That covenant that God established after the Great Flood was not just with Noah, but with both humans and all creation, plants and birds and all that lives, which, some scientists maintain, includes our very planet itself as a living organism, if one takes a broad enough view. The covenant story we heard from Genesis reminds us that creation is a full partner in our relationship with God, and gives God praise and glory.

Jesus reminds us that God’s love restores and renews us, so long as we center ourselves within each moment enough to feel that shared love. It is there in the joyful songs of birds whose welcome sings the morning into being. It is there in the lowliest, tiniest wildflower growing in a roadside ditch, turning its hopeful face toward the sun.

Instead of worry, Jesus calls us back to mindfulness, an important spiritual practice in many world religions. And not just any mindfulness, but the mindfulness of remembering how fully and thoroughly God loves us and through that love binds us together. Coming back to awareness of our unity with all living things is a wonderful place to start.

We see here in this anecdote that Jesus was a keen observer of the beauty of creation, and that he had spent time savoring the awareness of the birds singing and building their nests, and the sight of wildflowers—what some might call weeds—cloaking the fields and hills in beauty in a myriad of colors, all the hues of the rainbow mentioned in our first reading. Both the rainbow and the raiment of the most humble flower are signs to us of the promise God maintains with us and with all creation to love us and care for us always—not just in the distant past but right now and forever. Every living thing reminds us that God’s wondrous love bears the world into being and sustains it in every moment.

Luckily, we are also reminded of God’s love especially in the love and faithfulness of our companion animals, whose steadfast joy in us models to us the love and devotion we ourselves are made to exhibit toward our God.

At our pet blessing yesterday, those who gathered spoke of beloved canines and cats, fishes and rats—these creatures who show their devotion to us unswervingly. The very presence of all these living creatures in our lives remind us of God’s love. They remind us, also, that we are charged from the very first story in scripture with service to the earth and all the living things upon it and within it. Even the smallest creature has been placed on Earth to support the web of life on this planet, from humans to honeybees, and none is dispensable—not even wasps or mosquitos, who, I have to admit, are not my favorites. But we spoke of the ways that our pets’ devotion reminds us of the unswerving devotion and trust God’s abundant love elicits from us when we contemplate all the things for which we can be grateful in each day we live.

As we begin our stewardship campaign this year, I ask that you consider the way in which God has knit us into this huge community of creation, and consider the generous blessings of the natural world that make our lives possible. But I also ask that you remember how much the amazing community we have formed right here at St. Martin’s also finds ways to testify to God’s abundant love and grace each and every day, and ask each of you to recommit to supporting it

Our companion animals’ devotion exemplifies the devotion we owe God. Their love exemplifies the love we are called to bear for each other, no matter our differences.

St. Francis reminded us that all of creation participates in demonstrating God’s love—the same lesson Jesus taught us today in this gospel passage from Matthew. Each creature is a reminder of God’s blessing to and love for us. It is that holy and limitless love that binds all things together, just as mutual forces of gravity and attraction hold galaxies and stars in their courses as they dance through space. They walk alongside us as we seek to walk in love as Christ loved us, and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.


Amen.

Preached at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Ellisville, MO on October 5-6, 2024.

 Readings:

Job 39:1-18

Psalm 121

Matthew 11:25-30

Image: "God's Fool," statue of St. Francis in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, from Naperville, IL

Praise Now: Speaking to the Soul, December 1, 2022

Inspired by Caedmon’s Hymn

O God the Maker, whose creation brings forth stuttering praises of awe and wonder
from the untutored tongues of your children,
our hearts overflow now with your marvelous love.

Holy One, you weave the silken tapestry of heaven,
glorious to drink in and refresh our faith,
spread overhead like the canopy of a mighty oak
drawn anew to contemplate the depth of your wisdom.

Our feet firmly planted among the grasses,
our eyes lifted to the spangled expanse
of the roof of the world You have made, World-Warden;
we stretch heavenward like tender saplings.

You have fashioned this Earth as our home,
and made it holy by the work of your fingers
for all to rejoice in your bounty.

Gratitude and wonder are the foundation of our prayer,
surging up like a spring of water from our souls.

And now, O Creator,
gather our swirling thoughts
within the bounds of your mercy,
and grant your blessing upon us,
and all who turn their hearts to your light.

Amen.

This was first published at Episcopal Journal and Cafe's Speaking to the Soul, December 1, 2022.

The Feast of Michaelmas: Speaking to the Soul September 29, 2022

Genesis 28:10-17
Revelation 12:7-12
Psalm 103:19-22
John 1:47-51


Who is like God? The nine choirs of angels shouted,
and Michael, leading the heavenly host,
ground the bat-winged dragon beneath his heel,
he who once bore light, Lucifer,
rocketing to earth on a lightning bolt.
In that moment
Satan, crowned with blackberry brambles,
slinks off trailing intrigue like shadows.
Sword drawn, Michael bows before the Son of Man,
ready to intercede for those in crisis--
his breastplate gleaming like noonday
against the fear that stalks in darkness,
less a messenger than a warrior,
when killing in the name of God was expected.

That’s what the old folk say.

And so, as equinox recedes,
the days grow short, the meadows
rattle with spent blossoms, but
Michaelmas daisies flare like blue stars--
little suns among the weeds.
Stubble stands in harvested fields,
carrots and Queen Anne’s lace are sorted,
the fishermen return to port one last time,
nets bursting, home until spring.
The rent’s due but the cake is sweet.
Innkeepers seethe as the tourists depart at summer’s end,
and throw statues of Michael into the sea.

The fasting Francis of Assisi rises from his knees:
forty days past Ascension,
St. Michael’s Lent gives over to feast,
and there is a moment of luxurious quiet.
Thoughtfully hiding a goose
behind the hem of his robe,
he has her to dinner, rather than for,
offers her a carrot, and smiles.

(For a collection of folk traditions regarding the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, click here and here.)

This was first published at Episcopal Journal and Cafe's Speaking to the Soul on September 29, 2022.

Prayer 2706: On the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist

Almighty God,
we boldly proclaim your Holy Name 
nd lift our hearts to You in praise.

Living Savior,
our brother in baptism,
our model for holy living,
we embrace you with all our might:
lead us and guide us as your beloveds.

May we make straight the way of the Lord
by all we can contribute as your witnesses,
and represent the gospel of love and inclusion
in all we say and do today.

Draw us to enter joyfully, O Lord, 
into the discipleship to which you lovingly call us 
through the waters of baptism and beyond.

Purify our wills to reflect your lovingkindness
and help us turn aside from all evil,
embracing instead the pure truth
that calls us to be advocates for others,
walking in integrity and bold ministry in the world.

Spirit of the Living God,
fall afresh on us and bless our labors today, 
and let the peace and comfort of God 
rest like a dove upon all those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2605: In Times of Trial

Most Merciful God,
Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter,
may your name be blessed among all peoples,
and your tenderness be praised from the heavens
unto all the reaches of creation.

God of Compassion,
be with all who watch and wait,
and strengthen those who have a race to run,
that they may press on under the wings of your love.

Gather the suffering under the lea of your mercy, Lord Christ,
and let them turn to You in sureness and trust,
knowing that you are their Companion in all things.

Bend near, O Spirit of Hope,
and let the light of God shine upon us,
and warm our hearts with the promise of your peace,
surpassing any that we can grasp.

Bless the hearts of the sorrowing,
that they may raise up thanks
for the love that surrounds them.

Holy One, anoint us with your lovingkindness
and give us hearts to serve and praise You always.
Lord, press the kiss of your benediction and healing
upon those for whom we pray,
precious in your sight,
as they turn to you in faith and trust.

Amen.

Prayer 2477: The Feast of St. Martin of Tours (Armistice Day/Remembrance Day)

We praise You, 
O Compassionate One, 
and lift our hearts 
to be filled by your light. 

Clothe us, O Lord, 
in a spirit of compassion and generosity:
give us the imagination
to see ourselves
in the place of our suffering kindred.

May we see the face of our Savior, 
in the one shivering in the cold, 
and in the refugee fleeing the ravages of war.

May we put down our swords
in the name of your love, Blessed Jesus, 
and work for true peace in the world.

Pour out your spirit upon us,
O God of Grace,
and grant your blessing to all who seek You.

Amen.

Sermon for St. Martin's Day and Armistice Day

Today is a day for remembrance: it is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours—our patronal feast day, known as Martinmas. And just a few minutes, we will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the so-called Great War, which we now know as World War I. So it’s fascinating.

Our patron saint, Martin of Tours, was born to pagan parents from Yugoslavia in the 4th century of the common era, with his father being a senior military officer in the Roman imperial guard. As a child, he grew up in Italy, where his father was stationed, and at age ten it is believed he attended a Christian worship service against his parents’ wishes, and he became a catechumen, or someone undergoing religious instruction to join the Church. Back then, the minimum time for the catechumenate was three years but was often longer.

Then, at 15, Martin was required to join the army as well, and he became a cavalry soldier. It is said that while he was stationed in Gaul, near Amiens, a beggar approached him in the cold and asked for some alms. In response, Martin cut his military cloak in half with his sword. Later that night, Christ appeared to him in a dream, clothed in the half of the cloak he had given the beggar. Martin then determined to be baptized, and he was.

He eventually realized that he felt he could not be a Christian and be a soldier of Rome, and so he requested to be released from his 25-year commitment to the army. This was right before an impending battle, so he was charged with cowardice and thrown into jail. He offered to stand unarmed before the enemy army, holding nothing but a cross, and army officials were ready to take him up on his offer—but the enemy sued to surrender, and so Martins was discharged. He eventually made his vows as a monastic, but gained a reputation for piety and holiness.

The people of Tours decided to make him their bishop, but he wanted nothing of it. So the story goes that he was tricked into the church to be elected bishop on the excuse that someone needed healing. One story claims that he was so reluctant to be elected that he hid in a barn full of geese, and they dragged him out, covered in feathers and probably goose-poop, and finally persuaded him to accept election as bishop. Nonetheless, even though bishop, he still lived in a monastery outside town that he had founded called Marmoutier, where his holiness had attracted several hermits who lived in small cells around him. He was known for travelling to every parish in his diocese once a year, often on foot.

Martin is the patron saint of, among other things, beggars, soldiers and conscientious objectors, winemakers AND recovering alcoholics. He is the patron saint of geese, whose migration is usually simultaneous with his feast day, and although he is that patron saint of France, in England his emblem is a goose, and it is said that traditionally, the geese begin their migration south of St. Martin's Day. 

Martinmas is also connected to the end of World War I. Martin remained somewhat popular in France even during the French Republic, but for a while his popularity flagged in France as violent anti-religious sentiment swept across it in the Enlightenment. Until World War I. World War I was a new kind of World War, fully industrialized, and the loss to human life was staggering for that time. Entire villages in England and France lost nearly all of their young men in the fighting.

The horrors of mechanized trench warfare, machine guns, and poison gas left a lasting impression on the survivors, and the experiences of fighting in World War I helped influence an entire generation of writers, including JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis, as well as the poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen.

Canadian physician and officer John MacCrae wrote his famous poem “In Flanders Fields” after he presided at the funeral for a friend killed at the second battle of Ypres.

As the war dragged to a terrible end, the cease fire eventually was declared at 11:11 am on November 11, 1918—St. Martin’s Day. The French people had a resurgence of piety regarding the saint, with some believing that his intervention had helped spare France from any more of the horrors of the conflict, which was fought largely on French and Belgian soil in the European theatre.

Thus, St. Martin’s feast, and Armistice Day, the original name for this Veteran’s Day we now remember, is dedicated to honoring peace and the sacrifices of those who fought in World War I. St. Martin’s feast and the celebration of peace and those who sacrifice to defend peace are forever linked. The feast day of the soldier and conscientious objector is also the day that this horrific war came to an end.

This is why, every time we celebrate St. Martin’s Day, we honor also those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice upon the fields of battle, even while we fervently give thanks for peace—real peace that is grounded in abundance for all because we realize the interconnectedness of all.

We celebrate not the war, but the peace that brought World War I to an end, while acknowledging that it, tragically, was NOT the “War to End All Wars.”

Here in America, we have modified Armistice Day to a day to honor all veterans, to acknowledge that we still pray for an end to the necessity to send our young people into terrible conflicts. Yet every time I look at the American flag, which represents the ideals for which my grandfather fought in the trenches in World War I, my father and father-in-law and uncle fought for in World War II, for which my other uncle fought for in the Korean conflict, my cousin and my father-of-the-heart fought for in Vietnam, I remember that it has seldom been carried into battle alone.

Every time I look at that flag on this day, especially, I remember the other flags who have stood and continue to stand alongside it in war and in peace, but especially in pursuing true peace and security for all, both here and abroad.

This is the dream of God for our lives: true abundance. True peace. True commitment to fellowship, kinship, the recognition that we are all conjoined, made in the image of God, called to work for the peace and care of everyone.

Our readings from Isaiah today though remind us that our observances must honor the dream of God for our lives. The dream of God for humanity is to study war no more. This is why the reading from Isaiah for today is particularly appropriate. God never desires the sacrifice of life—wars come about due to human decisions. Each one of those poppies, dancing among the crosses in Flanders' fields like drops of blood, remind us that we worship a God of peace and love, not of war.

Our God is the God of all, and calls us to use our resources for the good of others:
Setting the oppressed free,
Feeding the hungry,
Clothing those who are naked,
Housing the homeless.

All of these things require the will to prioritize the dream of God for us as the feast we truly celebrate. But Isaiah goes further: the practices that please God include
Not trying to oppress or disdain others,
Not blaming others, or talking about them behind their backs,
Repairing breaches where we find them in relationship
And working for peace.

The fast that truly pleases God is the sacrifice that makes all people whole. The feast that pleases God is one that is founded on care and empathy for all people, whatever their situation. The fast that pleases God is a fast that leads to a feast. A feast that celebrates the reverence for all life, and seeks to care for the lowliest person among as if that person were the most auspicious person on earth.

May we celebrate, on this St. Martin’s Day, our common commitment to each other, our willingness to care for each other, truly love each other, and to give to each other the compassion and peace that is rooted in our gratitude to God, the Father of Peace, the Son, the Prince of Peace, and the Holy Spirit who sets our hearts ablaze with the wisdom to seek peace and compassion in all we do. May we be today rededicated to the mission of this parish to be a beacon of Christ’s love and true peace in the world, together.

Amen.


Preached at St. Martin's Episcopal Church- Ellisville, at the 505 on November 10, and the 8:00 and 10:15 services on November 11, 2018, which is both the Feast Day of St. Martin of Tours and the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.


Readings:
Isaiah 58:6-12
Psalm 15
Galatians 6:1-2
Luke 18:18-30

Prayer, day 2105-- All Saints' Day

Almighty God, draw our hearts and souls to You, that we may praise and magnify your saving deeds in all the world. 

Holy One, we remember today the example of your saints who have entered into joy. 
We remember those whose lives have reminded us of what it means to imitate Jesus, what it means to be fully human. 

May we be inspired by the witness of our saints to dedicate ourselves anew to your gospel. 
May we stand for justice, 
walk in love, 
work for your kindom, 
embrace each other in peace, 
and in all things worship You. 

In the midst of a cloud of so many witnesses, make us a holy people, sanctified by the love we reflect from You, Lord Christ. 

Joining in their heavenly song, we remember before You those whose needs we carry in our hearts.

Amen.
1380

Prayer, day 2088: On the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila

Most Merciful God, we praise You, and turn our faces toward the rising light of hope that throws off the blanket of night. Guide and direct our hearts to You today, O God, knowing you journey with us in love.

May we send all our thoughts after You, O God, seeking You with all that we are. May we act out of love in all we do, for love alone is the measure of all things. May we open our hearts that the love of Christ may overflow from us and into the dark corners of the world. Let our hearts in prayer be ever turned to You, Lord Christ, that we be led as children of God through your example.

All that we are we lay at your feet, O Holy One: bless and sanctify us through our offering of love. Place your hand of blessing upon all who call upon You, especially those for whom we now pray.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2077: On the Feast of St. Francis

Our God and our All,
we place ourselves within the bounds of your peace,
and give You thanks for your lovingkindness.
Let your light shine in our hearts
like Brother Sun and Sister Moon and all the stars
 that we may walk in peace and joy.
You have placed our feet upon Mother Earth,
who sustains us and provides us our food:
may we honor and tend her in love.
As we pass through this day, your gift,
may we be gentle and forgiving to all,
praising You, O God,
in all that we are, do, and say.
Enlighten our minds,
that we may act from a perfect charity,
and sing forth your praises always.
You are love and peace, Lord Christ:
draw into your embrace
all those whom we remember before you as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 2072: Michaelmas (St. Michael and All Angels)

Almighty God, Ruler of the Universe,
we join with the heavenly chorus of angels and archangels
singing eternal praise to your Name.
Stars and galaxies ring out with the melody of creation;
celestial hymns proclaim your glory, O Creator.
Holy One, teach us also to witness to your glory at all times,
to bear glad tidings of hope into darkness,
to carry your message of compassion and peace
to the ends of the earth and the edges of our lives.
Make us, like Michael,
the defenders of creation, O God,
and protectors of all in danger or distress.
Give your angels charge over all who call upon You,
all who work, or watch, or weep this day,
those who are ill or suffering,
especially those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Gabriel (Jibrail) in Islamic art.

Prayer 2067: In Honor of Deaconness Anna Alexander

Almighty God, Guardian of Our Souls,
on wings of mercy you have borne us up
through the changes and chances of our lives,
in joy and in struggle,
and we offer your our abundant gratitude
for your blessings without end.
Strengthen our steps
in pursuit of your justice and peace;
give us courage to confront oppression at all times,
standing in unity with those
whose dignity and worth is denigrated.
Teach us to answer hatred with love,
ignorance with charity and instruction,
proclaiming the resilience of faith
against all resistance and hopelessness.
Kindle within our hearts a desire for wisdom,
and anoint us with a spirit of determination and love.
In Jesus's name, grant your grace
to all who seek You,
and pour your benediction upon those for whom we pray.

Amen.



Information of Deaconness Anna Alexander here and here.

Prayer 2060- On the Feast Day of Hildegard von Bingen

O God,
you are the foundation of everything,
giving us abundantly all that we need:
earth, sky, and water,
beauty, science, and music--
all signs of your tender love for us.

Lead us into wisdom,
O Spirited Light,
that we may lift our song with angels
praising and reverencing all creation,
even the dust from which we are formed.

Breathe your spirit upon us, O Christ,
that our spirits may be borne aloft
like a feather on the breath of God,
that we may devote ourselves to your path with joy.

With all our will,
may we assist you, O God,
in renewing and protecting the Earth,
in casting joy around us like a heavenly light
for the glory of your Name
as your beloved children.

Bless and preserve us in hope,
O Beloved Savior,
and shine the light of your countenance
upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer, Day 2050

Most Merciful God,
we rise to greet this day You have made,
hearing the praise song of creation
testify to your glory.

May we echo that praise in every moment,
from our rising to our resting,
and bear witness to your Love.
We thank You for your manifold blessings,
especially your fellowship of saints and companions
who guide us in wisdom.
Set our feet firmly
in the paths of peace and compassion, O Holy One,
and help us to love unreservedly as Jesus taught us.

May your Spirit descend upon us like a cloud,
that our tongues may tell out your wonders, O Earth-maker.
God of Compassion,
bend near to all who seek You,
and envelop all who call upon You with hope.

Amen.

Prayer 2027: On the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin

We raise our hearts to our Creator,
our Fortress and our Shield:
our spirits rest in You, O God.
With each breath let our song be praise,
with each heartbeat let our life be yours.

Almighty God,
who sees deep into the hearts of your children,
and knows and loves us from our birth,
watch over us and preserve us this day.
As You chose and honored St. Mary,
and favored her with your faithfulness and love,
may we also be your willing servants,
trusting in our God in all things,
choosing to be filled as vessels of God's grace.
Grant us the courage
to be instruments of your redemption and justice,
O Merciful, Reconciling One,
and boldly assent when you call us by name.

Spirit of the Living God,
fill us with the fire of love
and the faith to fight for righteousness and truth.
May holy angels attend to those who watch and weep:
lift up and comfort all who turn to You, Lord Christ.

Amen.


Image: detail from an icon by Mikhail Vrubel, from St. Cyril's Monastery, Kiev.

Prayer 2006: On the Feast of St. James the Apostle

Most Merciful God,
place your hand upon us
and guide us in paths of compassion and faithfulness,
that we may follow you always at your call.
Help us put down our nets and all that ensnare us
and draw us from you, Lord Christ,
that we may witness to your love and healing.
Gentle us, Beloved Savior,
and help us temper our zeal
with lovingkiness and humility
that we may walk beside you always.
Sustain and bless us by the power of the Holy Spirit, O God,
and place your hand of blessing
upon these beloveds for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 2004: On Mary Magdalene, First Apostle of the Resurrection

Almighty One,
we center our hearts in prayer
and listen for your guidance as we seek you:
grant us your counsel
and strengthen us in purity and hope.

Roll back the stone of our hearts,
O Resurrected and Living Savior,
and help us to recognize you
in the creating power of the Holy Spirit
moving through our lives,
and in the faces of those we meet,
especially those in need or trouble.

Make us steadfast, brave, and loyal disciples,
and grant us discerning spirits and steadfast devotion
like Mary the Magdalene, Beloved Jesus,
in our faithful witnessing to your spirit and love,
in never abandoning you,
even in times of persecution, mockery, or fear.

Lord Christ, you stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us--
you know our pains, our sorrows,
our bereavements and our trials:
scatter the seeds of your peace within our hearts,
and spread the awning of your mercy
over those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1992- On the Feast Day of St. Benedict of Nursia

All-Merciful God,
we rise and join the chorus of all creation
in praising You and glorifying your Holy Name.

As Benedict prayed,
give us wisdom to perceive You,
intelligence to understand You,
diligence to seek You,
patience to wait for You,
eyes to behold You,
a heart to meditate upon You
and life to proclaim You,
through the power of the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May we begin any endeavor by praying together,
that we remember our kinship,
be united in heart and spirit,
and drawn deeper into wisdom
by the love of God.
May we center our lives in work and prayer,
that all we do may be acceptable and pleasing,
perfected as an offering to you, Lord Christ.

Spirit of the Living God,
direct us in holiness and humility today
to serve God and each other with joy,
and pour out your peace upon those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1899: In remembrance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Most Merciful God,
strengthen and preserve us throughout this day, we pray,
and place your right hand of blessing over us.

Grant us the courage to speak for right
in the face of evil,
and to act for good
in the face of oppression.
Help us proclaim the gospel of the homeless Christ,
who has no place to lay his head
that is his own.
Help us treat the vulnerable among us as the most precious,
and treasure creation as your handiwork.

Give us the grace to amend our lives
that we may sing forth your glory forever, we pray.
Lord God, send forth your Spirit
upon those who are in any need or sorrow,
especially for those we now name.

Amen.
1173

Images:
(1) The central grouping of the 20th Century Martyrs at Westminster Abbey. Pictures are Elizabeth of Russia, Martin Luther King, Oscar Romero, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
(2) Bonhoeffer's quote here to me perfectly represents his life. Even though a pacifist, he was part of a plot by members of the German army to assassinate Hitler, and for this and his other crimes of conscience he was executed by order of Hitler on this day in 1945, even as Germany collapsed.