On and On It Goes: Sermon for Proper 5C (Gun Violence Remembrance Sunday)

Jesus raises the widow of Nain's son.

Readings for Proper 5, Year C (track 2)

If you know me, you may know that I love music—all kinds. When I meditate on scripture, I often think of songs or poems, maybe because all three of these forms are measured in verses. One of the songs that I thought about when thinking about the readings for this Sunday is the song “On and On It Goes,” by Mary Chapin Carpenter, one of my favorites. 

   

I was especially blessed last night to be able to hear Chapin sing this song live with the St. Louis Symphony, and it was, ironically, the first song she sang. As I looked forward to being here with you today, these lyrics in particular caught my attention:

Every night the TV shows

one more bad day's news

A world away from what I know

and what I do

But I could save a stranger's life

if I had a clue

And on and on it goes

Attention must be paid

Before it seems we're one soul short

and a second late

On and on it flies

Across the stratosphere

At the speed of love, if you stop

and feel it you will hear

I thought about this song of perseverance, love, and hope as I looked forward to seeing you all again today. I thought about the many times I have witnessed many of you reaching out to save the life of a stranger, in big ways and little ones. The life we live in Christ moves at the speed of love. And on and on it goes.

In our gospels today, we hear stories of people persevering even in the midst of the darkest times they could ever have imagined, and we hear them after a week remembering those who grieve. Monday was Memorial Day, remembering those who died in warfare. On Thursday, many people remembered those killed by gun violence as part of the “Wear Orange” movement—remembering not just the ones who have been wounded and killed, but their loved ones who are left to deal with the aftermath of this terrible calculus that seems unstoppable. Too many in our society claim that nothing can be done, or make false comparisons about guns and cars, or talking about laws not being enforced or the nature of criminals in ignoring the law.

But when I think about this crisis in our common life, I first see the faces of mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, grieving. Saying nothing can be done—to say we are helpless—is not the American way. Monday’s remembrances on Memorial Day are testaments to that. Saying nothing can be done is certainly not the Christian way, either—and not the way of Jesus that we are called not just to admire but to follow.

In our gospel today, we see another story of life in the balance, and this one is magnified in several ways. This is not a slave, but a son. A widow’s son—her only source of support—has died, and the people of the town are accompanying her to bury him. Jesus sees that grief and loss, and acts with compassion. Jesus reaches out and saves a stranger’s life, because, in Christ, there are no strangers.

Biblical scholar John Pilch writes that Jesus’s healings are about restoring not just life but about restoring meaning—restoring wholeness at that moment not only to the person in need of healing, but to the entire community that surrounds them. This effect is magnified in our stories today, where people are not only healed but resurrected. Stories like these remind us that we are a resurrection people, an Easter people. In professing our faith in Christ, we have been given our lives back, and given a charge: to work for renewal and resurrection within the world and within ourselves. Like that widow, after Jesus walks away having given her back her son, we are looking for meaning ourselves, as we try to shed our coat of cynicism, and step out as persons of faith every day, believing in resurrection.

This is an important point as we consider the state of our communities. As I was revising this sermon yesterday, within five minutes two stories appeared in my news feed: a father shot his baby daughter, tried to kill his wife, and then killed himself in Ohio. A 16-year-old boy was sitting on his front porch in Indiana when he was killed in a drive-by shooting. Within five minutes. 

When we hear stories like this, we could get overwhelmed by our anger, or be filled with feelings of impotence. Or we could act out of hope that there is a better way. We could determine that our society might be better based not on fear, suspicion, and division, but rather based on true love of our neighbor and dedication to work together for the resurrection of the common good.

Our psalm today reminds us that weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning. Today we hear two similar stories of healing, of restoration. Yes, these are stories of miracles. I’ve known people who don’t believe in miracles. But I heard a wise rabbi say something to me this week. As much as he lived a life rooted in practicalities and science, he said, “Of course there are miracles! Every breath—even painful ones—are miracles.” And he is right-- miracles surround us. But I don’t know if we would be as sensitive to miracles if we also were not alive to the heartbreak we sometimes also feel.

Each of the stories we ponder today involves heartbreak. The poet Mary Oliver reminds us that heartbreak does serve a purpose. In one of her poems she tells a tragic story of a group of loons. These birds arrived at the harbor near her home, and they all died, one by one, for seemingly no reason, and it’s heartbreaking. But just when we are wondering why she is telling this terrible story, she makes the point that brings it home. She concludes the poem with this observation:

I tell you this

to break your heart,

by which I mean only

that it break open and never close again

to the rest of the world.

Most of us are born with hearts wide open, but sometimes, over time and experience, we try to protect ourselves, and our hearts, the size of a fist in our chest, tightens up like a fist as well. But to really love each other, our hearts have to be cracked open, even just a bit. Sometimes a broken heart can spur us to action, actions like empathy, compassion, and even, eventually, hope. A broken heart knows how important it is to love each other.

And once we love each other, no matter what, for good or for ill, our hearts will be broken open a little more. Broken hearts are also miracles, because broken hearts at least have known the gossamer bands of love.

One of the sources of heartbreak we pray for today is for our country to be healed from the plague of gun violence. It seems to be a plague that has affected us by balling our hearts into those hard fists rather than breaking us open. Some have allowed fear to take root under our ribcages and in our imaginations to see enemies everywhere. Some of us try to build defensive walls and carry weapons in the name of security and self-defense.

So why don’t we feel safer? Why do we feel even more fearful? With every wall we make, we overlook the fact that we have made ourselves feel ever more alone and therefore vulnerable. In trying to prevent heartbreak, we have instead cultivated even more fear. But this heartbreak can also remind us that we need each other. That’s the way we are made. That’s the way we are made stronger, and healed.

Although it’s not in today’s epistle, in some of his earliest writings to early Christian communities, the apostle Paul was wise in using the metaphor of the body to try to unify Christians. Christians are all one body, Paul reminded us, and not just ANY body—but the Body of Christ himself. As the Body of Christ, we are called to minister to the world in the name of the love of God. We are a priestly people. Priestly people do not give up. Priestly people, especially in this day and age, know the power of love to transform and heal the world. Like Jesus, our great high priest, we Christians are called to look out on the world with compassion, and try to restore meaning through that active compassion upon the places that especially cry out for healing, and for resurrection.

This means being willing to step forward and envision a better society, and demand this from our leaders-- to work for resurrection as Jesus does. It means being willing to remember that as a nation, we too are one body, and resurrecting the ties that bind us together as a society. Honor. Tolerance. Charity (which has somehow become a dirty word, but literally means “heart-full-ness”). Civility. Generosity. Compassion. Responsibility. Trust. Faith in each other. These are the bedrocks of well-being as one people, regardless of our race, religion, or creed—as Americans. Not surprisingly, they are also the hallmarks of the Christian life, Jewish life, Buddhist, Muslim, and human life. I believe that that’s a resurrection in our common life that can take root, too.

Every night the TV shows

one more bad day's news

A world away from what I know

and what I do

But I could save a stranger's life

if I had a clue

And on and on it goes

Attention must be paid

Before it seems we're one soul short

and a second late

On and on it flies

Across the stratosphere

At the speed of love, if you stop

and feel it you will hear

On and on it goes—life, love, loss, hope. And into that unfolding always we know the love of God.

Soon we will gather at the table and be reminded of our common life together in Christ, and then be asked to carry that knowledge and that power out into the world, and act upon it.

There is really nothing that is a world away from what we know and what we do, when we look out upon the world mindful of our common life together. We are one body—an injury to any part is an injury to us all. Our hearts open to the joy of that common life, can we be willing to step out into places where there is weeping during the night, and practice resurrection? Like Jesus, then and now, we could change a stranger’s life at the speed of love. On and on it goes. Resurrection moves at the speed of our love for each other and our willingness to work together.

Amen.

Prayer 1230

Detail from the floor in the entryway of La Sagrada Familia.

We worship You, O God. Our strength comes from Your abundant Love, that gives us hope to press on toward our goal. 

You call us to faithfulness: let us always trust in Your abounding grace.
You call us to compassion: let us always love one another.
You call us to action: let us work for justice and peace as love made manifest. 

Give us eyes to see clearly, minds to discern justly, hearts to love freely, and hands to work unceasingly. Give hope to those who are troubled, wisdom to those who seek a path, and comfort to those who suffer, especially those we now name.

Amen. 

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Prayer 1229

Morning light, La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain.

Holy, Holy, Holy God, we rise in happiness to worship you this day. Let us be glad in the wonders of all your blessings, and give thanks for the might of your arm. Defend us, Lord God, from all perils and dangers: keep us as the apple of your eye. Draw us close to your side: hide us under the shadow of your wing; for You are our God, and we worship You in beauty. We turn to You in our work and in our rest, Lord Christ, for You are our guide and our stay, the keeper of our souls. May we place the spark of your love to the kindling of our hearts, and be set aflame to serve and worship only You, O God. Spread your blessing over us like the canopy of forest, O Holy One: let us walk with You on cool, wide paths of goodness and mercy. Place your hand of blessing upon those we now name, Almighty God. 

Amen.
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Prayer 1228

Lord God, we thank You for watching over us as we slept and walking beside us throughout the day. 

Give us gentle, joyful hearts, O Holy Spirit, and the humility to honor your spark in each person we meet today. 
Give rest and comfort to the weary, the sick, and the troubled, Blessed Savior. 
Give a spirit of repentance, O Holy One, that we may own and renounce our sins and failures to act. 
Give us eyes to see your handiwork in all creation, that we may treasure and care for it. 

Spread your blessing like a mantle over all who call upon you.

Amen. 

Prayer 1227: for an end to gun violence

Lighting a candle for Michael Brown, August 10, 2014.

Most Merciful God, our faces warmed in the rays of the rising sun, we rise also and give your thanks and praise. Guide us, we pray, throughout this day. 

Help us to love rather than fear, and stretch out our hands in brotherhood rather than anger. 
Give us the courage to dare, and the perseverance to press on in the face of challenges. 
Give us the wit to solve problems and the strength to help those who call upon us. 
Give us healing hearts and helping hands, that we may put our shoulders to the wheel of your kingdom. 

Blessed Savior, abide in our hearts, that there be no more room for anything but love, faith, and joyful discipleship. Holy One, place your hand of blessing upon us this day, and upon those whose cares we lay at your feet.

Amen.

Prayer 1226

Holy One, enter into our hearts, we pray, that we may see anew the beauty of thy handiwork, and be glad. 

Let us consider our steps, and be mindful of our ways, that we may reflect the light of Christ into the world. 
Let us burn bright with the hope of grace and reflect the mercy of God, which we ourselves have received, into the world. 
Let us seek to put away rancor and spite, that we may reflect the generosity and compassion of the Holy Spirit into the world. 
Let us repair our relationship with creation and with God and each other. 

Restore our spirits, Lord Christ, that our hearts may beat true within us, in joy and gratitude for each breath. Turn your face toward those in need, O Savior, and place the hand of power of blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.

Defending Yourself: Speaking to the Soul, May 31, 2016

Galatians 1:11-24
As part of my seminary training, I took a class this past spring in Biblical Studies entitled “Paul and His Interpreters.” We read the epistles actually believed to be written by Paul, the epistles written in the name of Paul, and the Book of Acts, where Paul was introduced in the New Testament. At the end of the class, the students in this class were required to meet with our professor to talk about what lessons in ministry we had learned from our study of these works. My answer began with “Never write a letter or email when you are angry and send it before you have a chance to cool off.” It also included, “Don’t try to constantly defend yourself, or you will never get anything done except talking about yourself all the time.” Both of those statements were lessons I absorbed from Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

Last Sunday, the Revised Common Lectionary began a series of weeks devoted to the Epistle to the Galatians. It’s an unusual letter that violates most of the rules of the letter form used in the Mediterranean world at that time. As we heard on Sunday, it starts out with no personal greeting, no real thanksgiving or flattery. It just slams into rebuking the Galatians for abandoning the message Paul felt he had planted among them for a “perverted gospel” brought by others. It is obvious Paul also feels betrayed, and he lets that come through forcefully. This next Sunday, we will hear Paul’s long justification of himself and his bona fides as a Jew and as an apostle—twenty-four times we will hear Paul refer to himself as either “I” or “me” in Galatians 1:11-24. In this coming Sunday’s readings, Paul will attempt to emphasize the zeal that has characterized his life—first as a Pharisee, then as an apostle who, although not one of the original twelve, carved out a vital mission as the apostle to the Gentiles. This initial three year missionary journey helped those in Jerusalem accept the reliability of the conversion of one of the most notorious enemies they had thought they had among Jerusalem’s Pharisaic authorities.

One has to wonder if Paul’s relationship with the Galatians ever recovered from the forceful criticism and palpable anger that radiated from the opening verses of this letter. I imagine it probably never was the same—and I wonder if he ever regretted sending that letter. If the Galatians had already been persuaded by other evangelists, being angrily and bitterly denounced by someone who spends thirteen verses talking about himself right at the get-go is probably not going to make the Galatians smack their foreheads and admit that he had a point, human nature being what it is. One usually cannot persuade people by attacking them.

Defending himself is important to Paul in these verses. I was thinking about how ironic that fact was, in light of the fact that many Episcopal churches will also be talking about gun violence this Sunday as part of the call from leaders of Bishops United Against Gun Violence to wear orange on June 2 and June 5 and engage in conversation (and hopefully conversion, in some cases) regarding our moral obligation to address the scourge of gun violence roiling our country. The actions of some Episcopalians this Thursday and Sunday is part of a broader Wear Orange movement for Gun Violence Prevention Day on June 2. Many of the tragic incidents with gun deaths in our country begin with an avid proclamation of the right of people to be able to defend themselves, too—using not words, but personal weapons.

We began this week by remembering, on yesterday, Memorial Day here in the US, all those who have given their lives in defense of our country. Yet, according to statistics from Everytown for Gun Safety, in the seven days between the start of Memorial Day and the end of next Sunday, 637 people (91 people a day) will likely die as a result of the use of a gun. Forty-nine of those people will likely be teens and young children. Adding further to the carnage, more than 1200 people will be wounded by guns but survive during that same week. How better to end the week than by remembering all those whose lives have been taken through senseless although often willful violence, made deadly all too easily through ready access to machines designed solely to kill other human beings? Sadly, and all too often, we see guns used not to defend one’s self from harm, but being used in suicides (two-thirds of all gun deaths), domestic violence, drive-by shootings, and incidents when children not only are the victims (about 100 a year) but also sometimes the shooters themselves, often of friends or loved ones.

Defending ourselves is a natural instinct. But when that instinct leads to far more harm than good, we need to try to find another way to feel safe—a way that doesn’t increase the danger that originally caused us to be afraid. The debate over guns in our society needs to be just that—a debate, with the willingness to listen. Too often, tragedies happen at the end of a gun barrel, and how many of those times would the people involved give anything to take back what had happened? Too often, like Paul with the Galatians, both sides have been prone to attack first and intractably defend their positions, rater than listening or seeking common ground. Let us try to reason together, starting with an acknowledgement that each of these precious lives lost through gun violence was entirely preventable. Then let us pray and work together for real transformation this week, and in the days thereafter.

(This was first published on the Episcopal Cafe's Speaking to the Soul on May 31, 2016.

Prayer 1225: On the Visitation of Mary

Apostles look down from the facade and towers of La Sagrada Familia.

Almighty and Merciful God, we rise to bless Your Holy Name: hear our prayers. 
Come, Precious Jesus, and lead us in the paths in which we should go, that love will reign in our hearts and minds. 
Come, Holy Spirit, and guide and illumine our hearts today with a sacred flame of holiness. 

Forgive us, O Lord, for our failures and carelessness: open the closed fists of our hearts, and renew our spirits, we pray. May our souls proclaim the greatness of the Lord, for You are the Source of all our blessings. 

Bend near, O Spirit of Healing and Wholeness: lend your aid to those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1224: For Memorial Day

This flag flies every Memorial Day in honor of my father, who was a Seabee in World War II.

For Memorial Day 
Most Precious Jesus, we rise to give you praise, and lay our thanksgivings at your feet. Breathe upon us, Breath of God: renew our hearts and spirits that we may love as little children love, in joy and wonder. 

Help us honor those who have fought overseas or at home for the freedoms we now enjoy, and who longed for peace. 
Help us remember our call to defend the oppressed, the impoverished, the marginalized, and the weak. 
Strengthen us, O Almighty God, to stand against those at home or abroad who espouse violence, hatred, inequality, or tyranny. 

Lord, you know the inmost secrets of our hearts: comfort all who mourn. O Gracious Spirit, illumine our hearts with your truth and glory, and lift up those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1223: Second Sunday after Pentecost

Gloria! Window exterior at La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona.

Almighty God, we joyfully gather before You to worship and honor You with our hearts, souls, and bodies: alleluia! We thank You for watching over us as the night has passed, and raise our spirits toward You, offering all that we are for your service. As we gather around your altar, may we also have joy in each other's presence, and honor the face of Christ reflected in each other. Nourished by Christ's love, send us forth into the world reflecting the light of Jesus into all the corners of our lives. Holy One, send forth your Spirit upon us, we pray, and upon those for whom we pray, especially.

Amen.

Prayer 1222: in gratitude

A window from the interior of La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Barcelona, Spain.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy, bend near to us, and brush our hearts with the warmth of your goodness and lovingkindness. May our gratitude well up like fresh water in a dry land and soak into our bones, bringing forth shouts of praise to our God! 

Guide us, O Almighty One, into paths of peace, that we may be true children of your gospel. Make us bloom with compassion, reflecting the grace that shades our steps and overflows our hearts. Blessed Savior, place your hand of blessing upon us, and turn your healing heart toward those whose cares we lay before you.

Amen.

Prayer 1221: for all who wander and long to return

Looking down a staircase in a tower at La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Barcelona.

Most Merciful God, we rest under your neverfailing love, centered within your compassionate Spirit. Let us sing a song of unending praise, and open our eyes to the light of holiness that pervades all creation. 

Bless and keep us this day, we pray, for we are lambs of your own sheepfold. Forgive us for our wandering, headstrong ways: we are manifestly and heartily sorry for all our offenses. Send your angels to give their tender care to all in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble, and give us compassionate hearts to love the least of your creatures as much as we love ourselves. 

Spread the tent of your mercy over all who call upon You, O God, especially those we now name.

Amen. 

Prayer 1220

Window inside La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona.

Most Merciful God, we bless Your Holy Name and give You thanks and praise. Holy One, we bow before You, awash in your grace and mercy: hear our prayers. From the sparrow on the rooftop to the swirl of stars overhead-- all are secured and upheld by you grace and love, O Creator. Let us not get so busy that we forget that all we are and all we have comes from You, O God. Gentle those souls in tribulation or grief, we pray. Let us sigh and turn to You in peace when day is done, secure in your care. Press them to your holy breast, O Holy One, and grant them peace and respite from care. We remember before You especially this day.

Amen.

Prayer 1219

The top of this pillar at La Sagrada Familia represents grapes, reminding us of the wine we drink in the Eucharist.

Lord Jesus, we rise to give you thanks, for your love has watched over us through the night. Our spirits take wing before You: keep us as the apple of your eye, we pray. Let us open our hearts to your everlasting love, that we may be transformed and bearers of that love into the world. Holy One, we turn to You in hope and faith: accept the whispered prayers of your people as we pray for those we now name.

Amen. 

Prayer 2012

Holy God, who grounds our hearts in love and calls us to faithful hope, we worship You. We turn to You, O God, as the round Earth turns from sleep to awakening, and stirs itself to praise: alleluia! Heal our hearts of bitterness, and forgive us for seeking to hurt others in our own anger. Let the waters of your grace pour over us and restore us, O Merciful One, like rain on a parched field. Refresh the bodies and spirits of the faithful and the seeking, Lord Christ, for we find our wholeness in you. Remembering your abundant mercy, Lord, we place our concerns at your feet as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1211

Lord Jesus, we rise to give you thanks, for your love has watched over us through the night. 

Holy One, keep your hand upon us as we journey through this day, that we may turn aside from evil and embrace good. Help us to have open, grateful hearts, and serve each other in love and joy. Give us eyes to see the glory of your creation and the face of Christ in each person we meet. Let us put aside all that separates us from love, and remember that we are your hands in the world. 

Almighty God, preserve us in peace, and make your face shine upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1210- for blessings

Azalea in my garden

Holy God, we give thanks to You for your gracious mercy upon us, and for the beauty of loving hearts in the world. 

 We thank You for steadfast and faithful friends, whose love and support strengthens us each day. We thank You for the glory of your creation, which inspires us to love and care for this Earth. We thank You for your angels who bend over us at sleep or at work or at play. Kindle our hearts and minds with a holy fire to serve and worship You with all that we have. Soothe the pains and sorrows of those who mourn today those lost in defense of hearth and home. 

Accept the whispered supplications of your people, O Holy One, and scatter the blessings of your love and tenderness upon those we now name. 

Amen.
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Prayer 1209- for Pentecost

The sun is in her heaven, and all the world shouts Alleluia to God our Creator and Hope: Let us bless God with all our strength! 

Almighty God, fill us with your holy fire: kindle within us a Spirit of fierce love, we pray. As You have called us to You from every race, nation, status, and birth, draw us together to fully love each other as your children. Let us build compassion in our hearts and practice peace and justice in the world, inspired by your Holy Spirit. 

Precious Savior, we are your hands and heart in the world: let us pour out your hope to all. Bless those who call upon You, O God, and those whose needs are within our hearts.

Amen.

Prayer 1208

Holy One, we thank you for the blessing of this day, and for tending us through the watches of the night. We thank You for blessing us with reason, talents, and skill: help us to use them to the glory of your name and for the sake of your creation. Place the shelter of your mercy over all those who are traveling are undergoing transitions in their lives. Give us the grace to seek to serve You in caring for others, remembering our common bonds within your love. Lord, lift up the hearts of all who call upon You, especially those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer, day 1207

Hitchcock's Annunciation at the Art Institute of Chicago.

We acclaim You, O God and Ruler of our hearts, and draw near to You in faith and trust. You have called us forth to rise from our beds, and we turn our face to the rising sun. 

Let us be like the birds who sing dawn into the sky, joyful for whatever the day may bring. Let us stride forth into the day like a sower in a spring field, cultivating kindness and compassion. Let us drink deep of your Word and Wisdom, O Merciful God, and feed upon your steadfast love. For with You at our right hands we shall not fear or stumble: this is the day that the Lord has made, and we rejoice in it. 

We lift up our hearts as we lift up our prayers, and ask your blessing this day.

Amen.
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Prayer, day 1206

Walk with us, Lord Christ, that we may use
this life which, through you, we have been blessed.
Be with us before the rising sun;
be with us as we lay down to rest.

Be known to us who seek your wisdom,
be known to us as our guard and guide; 
Be known to us as we break bread together,
shoulder to shoulder, and side by side.

Be known to us in every stranger,
in all who hunger or have no home
Be known to us who cry out for mercy-
in those whose hope is in you alone.

O Prince of Peace, You know our sorrows
You know our joys and you know our cares:
Abide with us who call out to you
as we lift our hearts to you in prayer.

Amen.
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Prayer, day 1205- Prayers for blessing

Today, I need some Archangel Michael badassery.

(inspired by Matthew 5:1-10)
O God, You bless us in every moment, and uphold us by the strength of your Love: hear our prayer, for our hope is in You.
Bless those who work as your servants, for they have fixed their hearts upon salvation in each moment.
Bless those who are gentle and kind, for they draw others to You through their witness.
Bless those who hunger for a just society, for they seek to build the kingdom of God.
Bless those who demonstrate mercy and forgiveness, for they live out a life of Love and Charity.
Bless those who are innocent and childlike, for their hearts are always open to You.
Bless those who spread peace in their wake, for they call us to live as better people and children of your household.
Bless those who suffer for their faith, for their resolve will never be shaken.
Bless those who cry out to You, for they know that God will fulfill all their needs.

Amen. 
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Prayer, day 1204- for those in the path of storms

(inspired by Psalm 31)
In You, O God, do we take refuge:
our trust is in You as we cry out in distress.
Even when the darkness surrounds us,
when walls close in upon us,
You are our mighty fortress.
Preserve us within the storms of life,
for though the tempest rages about us,
You are our God.
Mighty winds may blow and howl,
but You,
O God,
are our rock of refuge and stronghold to keep us safe.
For You take heed of our souls' distress
and will never give us up to the power of darkness and despair.
We rest in the hands of the Almighty:
we rejoice in your mercy and lovingkindness.
Watch over your children, we pray,
and embrace those who rest within You.

Amen.
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Prayer, day 1203

Loving One, abide with us this day. Draw us into paths of wisdom and peace. Watch over those who are facing changes at this time, that the new chapters in their lives be filled with blessing. Give hope to those who falter and courage to those who waver. Help us to discern how we may be better disciples and how we may build your kingdom today. Inspire us through your Spirit to new devotion to your wisdom that we may be a holy people. Make us advocates for freedom and justice in service to others. Bless and defend those for whom we now pray, Lord Christ.

Amen.
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Prayer 1202- for Mother's Day

A long time ago, the three Barnes women were gathered....

Blessed Lord Jesus, we rise to gather in your courts, to give honor and praise to your holy name! 

Holy One, we thank You for all who have guided us with a mother's hand in our lives. O God, bless all mothers: 
birth mothers, 
step-mothers, 
mothers-in-law, and 
mothers of the heart. 

Open our eyes to see your presence in those who have adopted us, loved us, taught us, and nurtured us, drawn to us in love. 

Help us to ourselves be loving signs of grace and acceptance in the world, that we may spread motherly love throughout our lives. 

Bless those mothers who are gone from us, or are far away, as we remember them and honor them in love. 

With your arms stretched wide, Lord Christ, envelop us in your truth, and give us a new birth of hope and faith, we pray. Gather to your heart, sweet Jesus, those whose needs we lay before you.

Amen.