PRAYERS FOR ASCENSION DAY MAY 21, 2020
PRAYERS FOR ASCENSION DAY MAY 21, 2020
The Ascension of Christ as described in Acts, chapter one, took place 40 days after the Resurrection. Hence, since early in the fourth century the church has celebrated this pivotal event in salvation history on the 40th day after Easter, always a Thursday. The Ascension of Christ is a critical article of our faith because it shows us the completion of God’s intention to redeem the world. God came to us in Christ to share our human life, to die for our redemption, to rise again to new life so that joined to him in dying to sin, we too might be raised to new life in God, and then to complete God’s intention, return to fellowship with God in our full humanity. We will enter the Kingdom of God as Jesus did: in our flesh and blood. Not the flesh and blood we now know, which is corrupted by our sin, but in the new flesh and blood of the resurrection body. In the Ascension of Jesus we see what God has been about all along; in his ascension to God’s kingdom we behold our own.
Invocation: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
AND BLESSED BE THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Verses:
“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,
‘TO THE ONE SEATED ON THE THRONE AND TO THE LAMB BE BLESSING AND HONOR AND GLORY AND MIGHT FOREVER AND EVER’.” AMEN. Revelation 5:13
Entrance Psalm
Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy. For the Lord, the most high, is awesome, a great sovereign over all the earth.
HE SUBDUES PEOPLES UNDER US, AND NATIONS UNDER OUR FEET. HE CHOSE OUR HERITAGE FOR US, THE PRIDE OF JACOB WHOM HE LOVES.
God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. SING PRAISES TO OUR GOD, SING PRAISES. SING PRAISES TO OUR SOVEREIGN, SING PRAISES.
For God is king over all the earth; Sing praises with all your skill.
GOD IS SOVEREIGN OVER THE NATIONS; GOD SITS ON HIS HOLY THRONE. The nobles of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. FOR THE RULERS OF THE EARTH BELONG TO GOD: HE IS HIGHLY EXALTED.
Psalm 47 Psalm Prayer
God of power and righteousness, you stand in power over all authorities, and you rule over all governments. Let the peoples of earth rejoice and the leaders of nations follow the way of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, in whose name we pray. AMEN.
Reading: Acts 1: 6-11
Reflections
“On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father.” The Apostles’ Creed
“Christ left us in such a way that his presence might be more useful to us – a presence that had been confined in a humble abode of flesh so long as he sojourned on earth....As his body was raised up above all the heavens, so his power and energy were diffused and spread beyond all the bounds of heaven and earth.” John Calvin,” Institutes of the Christian Religion”
“Christ received from us the earnest of the flesh, and has carried it with him into heaven as a pledge of that complete entirety which is one day to be restored to it. Be not disquieted, O flesh and blood, with any care; in Christ you have acquired both heaven and the Kingdom of God.” Tertullian, “On the Resurrection of the Flesh”
Prayer
Eternal God, by raising Jesus from the dead you proclaimed his victory over sin and death, and by his ascension you declared him Lord of all creation. By your Holy Spirit so unite our lives to his that we may join you in perfect union in the heavenly places, where with the Christ and the Holy Spirit you reign forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn
See the conqueror mounts in triumph,
See the King in royal state, Riding on the clouds his chariot. To his heavenly palace gate. Hark! The choirs of angel voices, Joyful Alleluias sing, And the portals high are lifted, To receive their heavenly King.
He has raised our human nature, On the clouds to God’s right hand; There we sit in heavenly places, There with him in Glory stand: Jesus reigns, adored by angels, We with God are on the throne! Mighty Lord, in thine Ascension We by faith behold our own.
Christopher Wordsworth, 1862
Bless the Lord.
THANKS BE TO GOD.
PRAYERS FOR THE EASTER SEASON (May 17-May 23)
PRAYERS FOR THE EASTER SEASON
Readings for the Sixth Week of Easter (May 17- May 23)
Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:8-20 1Peter 3:13-22 Revelation 21:1-4, 22-25;
22:3-5 St. John 14:15-21
Prayer of the Day
The Lord be with you.
AND ALSO WITH YOU.
O God, you have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding.
Pour into our hearts such love for you, that, loving you above all else, we may
obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever
and ever. AMEN.
Concluding Prayer
O God, our sovereign, our banquet, our crown: in the resurrection of your Son
you have brought us into your palace. Train us to be heirs of your throne, that we
may shield the needy through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
AN ORDER FOR PRAYER IN THE MORNING
Try to use either the Morning or Evening Prayer liturgies three times a week.
New readings and prayers will be sent each week of the seven week Easter season.
No one has asked why there are no prayers confessing our sin in the liturgies I
have been sending to you. But I am going to tell you anyway. In 325 AD the
ecumenical (world-wide church) Council of Nicaea met to resolve the issue of the
human-divine nature of Christ. Among the canons (rules) they promulgated was
one that said that there were to be no “kneeling prayers” (confessions of sin)
during the 50 days of the Easter season. Their reasons were that Easter was a
season of such profound joy at the new life Christians receive by the resurrection
of Christ that there should be no grief or sadness over our sins because in Christ
all things are made new. We are forgiven! We should rejoice in that redemption
as the first and most important aspect of the Christian life. Besides, we have just
come through the 40 days of Lenten penitence. Now we need to celebrate the 50
days of redemption in the risen Christ!
Lord, open my lips.
AND MY MOUTH SHALL PROCLAIM YOUR PRAISE.
The Lord is risen!
INDEED, HE IS RISEN!
The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
THIS IS THE LORD’S DOING AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES!
Hymn
Jerusalem the golden, With milk and honey blest, Beneath thy contemplation Sink
heart and voice oppressed.
I know not, O I know not, What joys await us there, What radiancy of glory, What
bliss beyond compare.
They stand, those halls of Zion, All jubilant with song, And bright with many an
angel, And all the martyr throng.
The Prince is ever in them, The daylight is serene; The pastures of the blest Are
decked in glorious sheen.
There is the throne of David; And there from care released, The song of them that
triumph, The shout of them that feast;
And they who with their Leader Have conquered in the fight; Forever and forever
are clad in robes of white.
O sweet and blessed country, The home of God’s elect! O sweet and blessed
country That eager hearts expect!
Jesus in mercy bring us To that dear land of rest; Who art, with God the Father
And Holy Spirit, ever blest.
St. Bernard of Cluny, 12th century
Prayer of the Day (see above)
Reading: (Select one of the readings for the sixth week of Easter.)
Silence for reflection.
Words from the Fathers of the Early Church
“But if you have some fondness for this body, and you are sorry to be unyoked
from what you love, do not be in despair about this. For although this bodily
covering is dissolved by death, you will see it woven again from the same
elements, not indeed with its present course and heavy texture, but with thread
re-spun into something subtler and lighter, so that the beloved body may be with
you and be restored to you again in better and even more lovable beauty.” “On
the Soul and the Resurrection”, chapter 10, St. Gregory of Nyssa
“God said to Moses, ‘I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God
of Jacob.’ God ‘is not the God of the dead’, of those who will never be again.
Rather, he is the God of the living, whose souls live in his hand and whose bodies
will, by the resurrection, live again. And David, the ancestor of God, says to God,
‘You shall take away their breath, and they shall fail and return to their dust’. See
how it is a question of their bodies. Then he adds, ‘You shall send forth your
Spirit, and they shall be created; and you shall renew the face of the earth’”. St.
John of Damascus on Psalm 104:27-30.
A Reflection
Ultimately, heaven is not about finding earthly pleasures such as we might find
in a theme park or fine restaurant, but about finding our true selves. We need to
be changed inside, to become our true selves, so that heaven will actually be
“heavenly” to us. As C.S. Lewis once wrote, ‘Heaven offers nothing that a
mercenary soul can desire. It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see
God, for only the pure in heart want to’. If Christ has not begun to change and
purify our hearts so that we love God more than we love human pleasure, heaven
will contain nothing that could please us. If we have begun to change inside so
that we leave behind our false selves and love God, then heaven will be all that
we could desire. For those who can say, “For me to live is Christ” (Philippians
1:21), heaven will be a weight of glory beyond all comparison, for heaven will be
full of Christ. “ Rev. Fr. Lawrence Farley
The Apostle’s Creed is said on Sundays and optionally on other days.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others, concluding with prayers for the
end of the pandemic.
The Lord’s Prayer
The Concluding Prayer (See above)
The Blessing
Let us bless the Lord.
THANKS BE TO GOD.
A Prayer in Time of Pandemic
Lord Jesus Christ, in your loving kindness you travelled through towns and
villages, curing every disease and healing every illness. Come to us now in the
midst of this terrible pandemic, that we may experience your healing love. Stop
the spread of this disease. Heal all those who are now suffering from it. Protect
us from its lethal harm. Strengthen us by your own strength. Take away our fear
and anxiety that we may help our neighbors in their need. Help all who have lost
jobs and livelihood and restore them to comfortable prosperity. Protect by your
grace all doctors and nurses, medical technicians and hospital personnel, EMTs
and first responders and all who are caring for the sick. Guide those who are
working to find treatments and cures for this disease. Bless their work and let it
come to speedy fruition. Protect and keep safe all those who are carrying out
essential work that we may have the necessities of life: grocery clerks, mail
carriers, police and fire fighters, utility and repair workers, pharmacists, and
technicians. Give rest and comfort to the families of those who are afflicted with
Covid-19. Defend them from this illness. Help them to put their trust in you and
to commit their loved ones to your healing care. Comfort all those who mourn,
for you are Lord of life and at the last, by the mighty resurrection of your Son, you
will deliver us all from death into everlasting life. We glorify you together with
your eternal Father and your holy and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto
ages of ages. AMEN.
A Prayer When we cannot come to Holy Communion
O Lamb of God, in union with the faithful at every Table of your Church, my
heart offers you praise and thanksgiving. I love you above all things, and
earnestly desire to receive you into my life, body and soul. And although I cannot
receive you now in the Holy Sacrament, I invite you into my heart. By your Holy
Spirit may my life be fed on the spiritual food that is your life, death, and
resurrection until I can once more come to your Table and know you in the
breaking of the Bread. Amen.
A Prayer for our Place of Worship
O Holy One, may all that makes our particular church sacred space for us – the
Table, the Fount, the Cross, the Pulpit, the reredos, the windows, the pews, the
Bibles and the hymnals, the candles and our customs, the love and prayers of all
who have gone before us – may each of these tend this space for us, hold our
prayers and our presence, our sorrows and our tears, our song and our silence, so
that when we gather again in this holy place we may celebrate a new rolling away
of the stone and shout our “Alleluias”. AMEN.
A Responsive Prayer for Eastertide
Open, O doors and bolts of my heart, that Christ the King of Glory may enter!
ENTER, O MY LIGHT, AND ILLUMINE MY DARKENSS.
Enter, O my Life, and quicken my deadness;
ENTER, O MY PHYSICIAN, AND HEAL MY WOUNDS.
Enter, O Divine Fire, and burn up the thorns of my sins;
IGNITE MY HEART AND SPIRIT WITH THE FLAME OF YOUR LOVE.
Enter, O my King, and destroy in me the dominion of sin and death;
MAKE MY HEART YOUR THRONE AND RIGN IN ME FOREVER, O MY KING AND
LORD. AMEN.
St. Dimitri of Rostov
AN ORDER FOR PRAYER IN THE EVENING
O Lord, come to our assistance;
O LORD, HASTEN TO HELP US.
Now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept.
For as by a man came death, by a man has also come the resurrection of the
dead.
FOR AS IN ADAM ALL DIE, SO IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE.
Hymn
Come away to the skies, my beloved, arise
And rejoice in the day thou wast born;
On this festival day, come exulting away,
And with singing to Zion return.
For the glory we were first created to share,
Both the nature and kingdom divine!
Now created again that our lives may remain,
Throughout time and eternity Thine.
We with thanks do approve the design of that love
Which hath joined us to Jesus’ name;
So united in heart, let us nevermore part,
‘Til we meet at the feast of the Lamb
American Folk Hymn
Prayer of the Day (see above)
Reading: (Select one of the readings for the sixth week of Easter.)
Silence for reflection.
“Set me as seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as
death, passion as fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame.
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for
love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned”.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing
from the throne of God and the Lamb, through the middle of the street of the
city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit,
producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of
the nations. Nothing accursed shall be found there anymore. But the throne of
God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see
his face, and his name will be on their forehead. Revelation 22:1-5
Reflection:
According to a custom that is as old as the human race, a sign carried on the
forehead is a sign of belonging. Slaves, especially, often had such a sign branded
on their foreheads (or cheeks, or arms); it told others who their owner was. In
the sacrament of baptism Jesus who suffered and died and conquered on the
cross takes possession of the children whom their parents have brought to him.
The children will belong to him not as slaves used to belong to their masters, but
they will belong to Christ the way lovers belong to each other. Balthasar Fischer
Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised;
FOR THESE EYES OF MINE HAVE SEEN THE SAVIOR WHOM YOU HAVE PREPARED
FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE;
A light to enlighten the nations;
AND THE GLORY OF YOUR PEOPLE ISRAEL.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others, concluding with prayers for the
end of the pandemic.
A Prayer of St. Augustine
Keep watch, O Lord, with those who work or watch or weep this night, and give
your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, O Lord Christ. Give rest
to the weary. Bless the dying. Soothe the suffering. Pity the afflicted. Shield the
joyous. And all for your love’s sake AMEN.
A Prayer for the Evening
Abide with us, O Lord, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent; abide
with us and with your whole church. Abide with us in the evening of the day, in
the evening of our life, in the evening of the world. Abide with us and with all
your faithful ones, O Lord, in time and eternity. AMEN.
Concluding Prayer (see above)
Blessing:
The Almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us.
AMEN.
A Psalm in Times of Trouble
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, abide under the shadow of the
Almighty. You shall say to the Lord, “You are my refuge and my stronghold, my
God in whom I trust.
GOD SHALL DELIVER YOU FROM THE SNARE OF THE HUNTER AND FROM THE
DEADLY PESTILENCE. GOD’S PINIONS WILL COVER YOU, AND YOU SHALL FIND
REFUGE UNDER THE WINGS OF THE LORD, WHOSE FAITHFULNESS SHALL BE A
SHIELD AND BUCKLER.
You shall not be afraid of any terror by night or the arrow that flies by day; of the
plague that stalks in the darkness nor the sickness that lays waste at mid-day.
A THOUSAND SHALL FALL AT YOUR SIDE AND TEN THOUSAND AT YOUR RIGHT
HAND, BUT IT SHALL NOT COME NEAR YOU. YOUR EYES HAVE ONLY TO BEHOLD
TO SEE THE REWARD OF THE WICKED.
Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your
habitation, there shall no evil happen to you, neither shall any plague come near
your dwelling.
FOR THE LORD SHALL GIVE HIS HOLY ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU, TO KEEP YOU IN
ALL YOUR WAYS. THEY SHALL BEAR YOU UP IN THEIR HANDS, LEST YOU DASH
YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.
You shall tread upon the lion and the adder; you shall trample the young lion
under your feet. Because they are bound to me in love, therefore I will deliver
them; I will protect them because they know my name.
THEY SHALL CALL UPON ME, AND I WILL ANSWER THEM; I AM WITH THEM IN
TROUBLE; I WILL RESCUE THEM AND BRING THEM HONOR. WITH LONG LIFE I
WILL SATISFY THEM, AND SHOW THEM MY SALVATION.
Psalm 91
An Easter Hymn
Now glad of heart be ev’ry one!
The fight is fought, the day is won,
The Christ is set upon the throne.
Who on the rood was crucified,
Who rose again, as at this tide,
In glory to the Father’s side.
Who baffled death and harrowed hell
And led the souls that love him well
All in the light of lights to dwell.
To Him we lift our heart and voice
And in His paradise rejoice
With harp and pipe and happy voice.
Then rise, all Christian folk, with me
And carol forth the One-in-Three
That was and is and is to be.
Carol, 14th century
An Ancient Prayer for the Unity of the Church
Lord God, well-spring of all love, fathomless sea of kindness and grace, make us
co-heirs of your peace, and kindle in us the bright flames of your love. Make us
one in reverence for your name, and strengthen us in the confession of your
truth. Unite us to yourself and to one another in firm and unbreakable bonds of
peace, that we, one in heart and soul on earth, may be one in the eternal feast of
your joy. There we shall glorify you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in your
everlasting Kingdom. AMEN.
A Poem
“Unto Me?” I do not know you –
Where may be your house?
“I am Jesus – Late of Judea –
Now – of Paradise”-
Wagons – have you – to convey me?
This is far from Thence –
“Arms of Mine – sufficient Phaeton –
Trust Omnipotence”-
I am spotted – “I am Pardon”-
I am small – “The Least
Is esteemed in Heaven the Chiefest –
Occupy my House”- Emily Dickenson, 19th century
Emily Dickinson, 19th century
PRAYERS FOR THE EASTER SEASON May 3-9-2020
PRAYERS FOR THE EASTER SEASON
The fourth Sunday of Easter is, by venerable tradition, “Good Shepherd” Sunday. Several of the readings and the Psalm for this day have to do with the image of the shepherd. Some people do not like the image of God or Jesus as the shepherd. It implies that we, who are God’s people, are sheep. No one wants to be a sheep. But sheep have been given a bad press. Sheep are not timid nor are they stupid. On the other hand, the Prophet Isaiah when he speaks of the Suffering Servant of God, (Isaiah, chapter 53) whom the church has always interpreted to be an image of Jesus, he says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him (the Suffering Servant) the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) “All have gone astray…” That is a fairly apt description of we who call ourselves the people of God. So perhaps being like sheep is a more apt description of ourselves than we would like to think.
Readings for the Fourth Week of Easter (May 3- May 9) Acts 2:42-47 Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 23 1Peter 2:19-25 St. John 10:1-10 St. Luke 15:3-7
Prayer of the Day The Lord be with you. AND ALSO WITH YOU. Jesus, Good Shepherd of the sheep, by whom the lost are sought and guided into the fold: Feed us and we shall be satisfied, heal us and we shall be whole, and lead us that we may be with you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
Concluding Prayer O God, our shepherd, our gate, our Lamb: in the resurrection of your Son you have brought us into your pasture. Guide us by your clear streams, and drive away the wolf at our gate; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
AN ORDER FOR PRAYER IN THE MORNING
Try to use either the Morning or Evening Prayer liturgies three times a week. New readings and prayers will be sent each week of the seven week Easter season. Lord, open my lips. AND MY MOUTH SHALL PROCLAIM YOUR PRAISE. Risen is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep. RISEN AND ALIVE IS THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.
The King of Love my shepherd is, Whose goodness fails me never; I nothing lack if I am his, And he is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow My ransomed soul he’s leading, And where the verdant pastures grow With food celestial feeding.
You spread your Table in my sight; Your saving grace bestowing; And O what transport of delight From your pure chalice flowing!
And so through all the length of days Your goodness fails me never; Good Shepherd, may I sing your praise Within your house forever .
Prayer of the Day (see above)
Reading: (Select one of the readings for the fourth week.) Silence for reflection.
The Apostle’s Creed is said on Sundays and optionally on other days.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others, concluding with prayers for the end of the pandemic.
The Lord’s Prayer
The Concluding Prayer (see above)
Blessing: Bless the Lord. THANKS BE TO GOD.
Prayer in Time of Pandemic Gracious God, for all who have contracted the corona virus, we pray for care and healing. For those who are particularly vulnerable, we pray for safety and protection. For all who experience fear or anxiety, we pray for peace in mind and spirit. For effected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety, we pray for policies that recognize their plight. For those without adequate health insurance, we pray they will not face financial burdens alone. For our brothers and sisters around the world, we pray for safety and healing. For public officials and decision-makers, we pray for wisdom, humility, selflessness and guidance. Father of all, during this crisis may your church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all. Let the light of the Risen Christ fall on all of us in this dark time. Grant us peace, grant us comfort, grant us faith, grant us healing, You who are always with us, through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. AMEN.
A Prayer When we cannot come to Holy Communion O Lamb of God, in union with the faithful at every Table of your Church, my heart offers you praise and thanksgiving. I love you above all things, and earnestly desire to receive you into my life, body and soul. And although I cannot receive you now in the Holy Sacrament, I invite you into my heart. By your Holy Spirit may my life be fed on the spiritual food that is your life, death, and resurrection until I can once more come to your Table and know you in the breaking of the Bread. Amen.
A Prayer for our Place of Worship O Holy One, may all that makes our particular church sacred space for us – the Table, the Fount, the Cross, the Pulpit, the reredos, the windows, the pews, the Bibles and the hymnals, the candles and our customs, the love and prayers of all who have gone before us – may each of these tend this space for us, hold our prayers and our presence, our sorrows and our tears, our song and our silence, so that when we gather again in this holy place we may celebrate a new rolling away of the stone and shout our “Alleluias”. AMEN.
A Responsive Prayer for Eastertide O Christ, in your resurrection, the heavens and the earth rejoice. ALLELUIA! By your resurrection you broke open the gates of hell, and destroyed sin and death. KEEP US VICTORIOUS OVER SIN AND DEATH. By your resurrection you raised the dead, and brought new life to the world. GUIDE US IN THE WAY OF ETERNAL LIFE. By your resurrection you confounded your guards and executioners and filled your disciples with joy. GIVE US JOY AS WE SHARE IN YOUR LIFE AND IN YOUR SERVICE. By your resurrection you proclaimed good news to the myrrh-bearing woman and to the apostles, and brought salvation to the whole creation. DIRECT OUR LIVES AS YOUR NEW CREATION. God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of our baptism you raise us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
A Brief Sermon on St. John 10:7 and 11 In the afternoon I set out to see the sights of the village. Not far away I came to a mound of earth piled up in a large circle, like a crude rampart, and on the top of the mound all around the circle was a heap of dry thorns. As I stood wondering what this might be one of the villagers approached me. “Salaam”, I said, “please tell me what this enclosure is for”. “Oh, that is for the sheep”, he replied. “They are brought in here for the night for safety”. “Good”, I said, “but why have the dry thorns been piled on top of the wall”? “That”, he replied, “is protection against wolves. If a wolf tries to break in and attack the sheep, he will knock against the thorns, and they will make a noise, and the shepherd will wake up, and drive the wolf away”. “That is fine”, I said, “but why does the wolf try to climb over the wall? Here is the entrance to the enclosure; it is open. There is no gate to keep out the wolf; he could easily enter here”. “Oh no,” said my guide, “you do not understand. That is where the shepherd sleeps; the shepherd is the gate”. And then I understood something that had often puzzled me. It became clear to me why Jesus had in John 10 called himself the Gate and then immediately afterwards the Shepherd. Since he is the Shepherd he is also the Gate. He is our leader and provider and also our protector from evil. Eric Bishop
AN ORDER FOR PRAYER IN THE EVENING O Lord, come to our assistance; O LORD, HASTEN TO HELP US. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and honor and glory and blessing! TO THE ONE SEATED ON THE THRONE AND TO THE LAMB BE BLESSING AND HONOR AND GLORY AND MIGHT FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
Hymn What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul? What wondrous love is this, O my soul? What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss To lay aside his crown for my soul, for my soul, To lay aside his crown for my soul? TO GOD AND TO THE LAMB, I WILL SING, I WILL SING, TO GOD AND TO THE LAMB, I WILL SING. TO GOD AND TO THE LAMB WHO IS THE GREAT I AM, WHILE MILLIONS JOIN THE THEME I WILL SING, I WILL SING, WHILE MILLIONS JOIN THE THEME I WILL SING. And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on, And when from death I’m free I’ll sing on. And when from death I’m free I’ll sing and joyful be, And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on, And through eternity I’ll sing on.
Prayer of the Day (see above)
Reading: (Select one of the readings for the fourth week.) Silence for reflection.
Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised; FOR THESE EYES OF MINE HAVE SEEN THE SAVIOR WHOM YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE; A light to enlighten the nations; AND THE GLORY OF YOUR PEOPLE ISRAEL.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others, concluding with prayers for the end of the pandemic.
Concluding Prayer (see above)
Blessing: The Almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. AMEN.
A Psalm in Times of Trouble Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, for I have taken refuge in you; in the shadow of your wings will I take refuge until the time of trouble has gone by. I WILL CALL UPON YOU, O MOST HIGH GOD, THE GOD WHO MAINTAINS MY CAUSE. You will send from heaven and save me; you will confound those who trample upon me; O God, you will send forth your love and faithfulness. I LIE IN THE MIDST OF LIONS THAT DEVOUR THE PEOPLE; THEIR TEETH ARE SPEARS AND ARROWS, THEIR TONGUE A SHARP SWORD. They have laid a net for my feet, and I am bowed low; they have dug a pit before me, but have fallen into it themselves. EXALT YOURSELF ABOVE THE HEAVENS, O GOD, AND YOUR GLORY OVER ALL THE EARTH. My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and make melody. WAKE UP, MY SPIRIT; AWAKE LUTE AND HARP; I MYSELF WILL WAKEN THE DAWN. I will confess you among the peoples, O Lord; I will sing praise to you among the nations. FOR YOUR LOVING-KINDNESS IS GREATER THAN THE HEAVENS, AND YOUR FAITHFULNESS REACHES TO THE CLOUDS. Exalt yourself above the heaven, O God, AND YOUR GLORY OVER ALL THE EARTH. Psalm 57
An Easter Hymn Now the green blade rises from the buried grain, Wheat that in the dark earth many days has lain; Love lives again, that with the dead has been; Love is come again like wheat arising green.
Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain, Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain. Quick from the dead my risen Lord is seen: Love is come again like wheat arising green.
When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain, Christ’s warm touch can call us back to life again. Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been: Love is come again like wheat arising green.
An Ancient Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you redeem and raise up all who believe in you. Release your people from the tyranny of sin, enrich our hearts with your truth, our minds with your wisdom; hallow our souls, and as you are seated in the glory of heaven let your blessing ever be with the children of earth. Amen.
A Poem Holla, the incarnate Son Hath come to earth and fought and won. Lullay, he lieth in a tomb And for my soul he findeth room. Lullay, I rest in him, Weary spirit and weary limb.
Holla, we rise; He leadeth me after him through the skies. Holla, we compass about and hem The golden Jerusalem. Holla, we enter in Because my friend hath not known sin. Hallelujah, I see the Lord God and all is well; Lillay, I rest in him. “The Shout” Adam Fox
PRAYERS FOR THE EASTER SEASON (May 10-16)
PRAYERS FOR THE EASTER SEASON
Readings for the Fifth Week of Easter (May 10- May16) Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 1Peter 2:2-10 St. John 14:1-14
Prayer of the Day
The Lord be with you.
AND ALSO WITH YOU. Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Give us grace to love one another, to follow in the way of his commandments, and to share his risen life; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
Concluding Prayer
O God, our grove, our lover, our well: in the resurrection of your Son you have brought us into your garden. Marry us now and forever, and give us to eat from the tree of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
AN ORDER FOR PRAYER IN THE MORNING Try to use either the Morning or Evening Prayer liturgies three times a week. New readings and prayers will be sent each week of the seven week Easter season. Lord, open my lips.
AND MY MOUTH SHALL PROCLAIM YOUR PRAISE. The Lord is risen!
INDEED, HE IS RISEN! As an apple tree among the trees of the wood;
SO IS MY BELOVED AMONG YOUNG MEN. With great delight I sat in his shadow,
AND HIS FRUIT WAS SWEET TO MY TASTE. He brought me to the banqueting house;
AND HIS INTENTION TOWARD ME WAS LOVE. Song of Solomon 2:3-4
He is the Way. Follow Him through the Land of Unlikeness, You will see rare beasts, and have unique adventures.
He is the Truth. Seek him in the Kingdom of Anxiety; You will come to a great city that has expected your return for years. He is the Life! Love him in the World of the Flesh; And at your marriage all its occasions shall dance for joy. . W. H. Auden
Prayer of the Day (see above)
Reading: (Select one of the readings for the fifth week of Easter.)
Silence for reflection.
Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life; Such a Way, as gives us breath: Such a Truth, as ends all strife; And such a Life, as killeth death.
“The Call” George Herbert, 1593-1633
The Apostle’s Creed is said on Sundays and optionally on other days.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others, concluding with prayers for the end of the pandemic.
The Lord’s Prayer
The Concluding Prayer (see above)
Blessing: Bless the Lord.
THANKS BE TO GOD.
Prayer in Time of Pandemic
Gracious God, for all who have contracted the corona virus, we pray for care and healing. For those who are particularly vulnerable, we pray for safety and protection. For all who experience fear or anxiety, we pray for peace in mind and spirit.
For effected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety, we pray for policies that recognize their plight. For those without adequate health insurance, we pray they will not face financial burdens alone. For our brothers and sisters around the world, we pray for safety and healing. For public officials and decision-makers, we pray for wisdom, humility, selflessness and guidance.
Father of all, during this crisis may your church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all. Let the light of the Risen Christ fall on all of us in this dark time. Grant us peace, grant us comfort, grant us faith, grant us healing, You who are always with us, through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. AMEN.
A Prayer When we cannot come to Holy Communion
O Lamb of God, in union with the faithful at every Table of your Church, my heart offers you praise and thanksgiving. I love you above all things, and earnestly desire to receive you into my life, body and soul. And although I cannot receive you now in the Holy Sacrament, I invite you into my heart. By your Holy Spirit may my life be fed on the spiritual food that is your life, death, and resurrection until I can once more come to your Table and know you in the breaking of the Bread. Amen.
A Prayer for our Place of Worship
O Holy One, may all that makes our particular church sacred space for us – the Table, the Fount, the Cross, the Pulpit, the reredos, the windows, the pews, the Bibles and the hymnals, the candles and our customs, the love and prayers of all who have gone before us – may each of these tend this space for us, hold our prayers and our presence, our sorrows and our tears, our song and our silence, so that when we gather again in this holy place we may celebrate a new rolling away of the stone and shout our “Alleluias”. AMEN.
A Responsive Prayer for Eastertide
Open, O doors and bolts of my heart, that Christ the King of Glory may enter! ENTER, O MY LIGHT, AND ILLUMINE MY DARKENSS. Enter, O my Life, and quicken my deadness; ENTER, O MY PHYSICIAN, AND HEAL MY WOUNDS. Enter, O Divine Fire, and burn up the thorns of my sins; IGNITE MY HEART AND SPIRIT WITH THE FLAME OF YOUR LOVE.
Enter, O my King, and destroy in me the dominion of sin and death; MAKE MY HEART YOUR THRONE AND RIGN IN ME FOREVER, O MY KING AND LORD. AMEN.
St. Dimitri of Rostov
AN ORDER FOR PRAYER IN THE EVENING O Lord, come to our assistance; O LORD, HASTEN TO HELP US. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and honor and glory and blessing!
TO THE ONE SEATED ON THE THRONE AND TO THE LAMB BE BLESSING AND HONOR AND GLORY AND MIGHT FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
Hymn
The tree of life my soul has seen, Laden with fruit, and always green: The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree. HIS BEAUTY DOTH ALL THNGS EXCEL: BY FAITH I KNOW, BUT NE’ER CAN TELL THE GLORY WHICH I NOW CAN SEE IN JESUS CHRIST THE APPLE TREE.
For happiness I long have sought. And pleasure dearly I have bought: I missed of all; but now I see ‘Tis found in Christ the apple tree. I’M WEARY WITH MY FORMER TOIL, HERE I WILL SIT AND REST A WHILE: UNDER THE SHADE I WILL BE, OF JESUS CHRIST THE APPLE TREE.
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps by dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree.
American Folk Hymn, 18th century
Prayer of the Day (see above)
Reading: (Select one of the readings for the fifth week of Easter.)
Silence for reflection.
Reflection:
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and my song, and has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2
A Reflection “Someone was drawing water and my teacher placed my hand under the spout. As the cool stream gushed over one hand she spelled into the other the word water, first slowly and then rapidly. I stood still, my whole attention fixed upon the motion of her fingers. Suddenly I felt a misty consciousness of something forgotten – the thrill of returning thought; and somehow the mystery of language was revealed to me. I knew that w-a-t-e-r meant the wonderful cool something that was flowing over my hand. That living word awakened my soul, gave it light, hope, joy set it free.”
Helen Keller Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised;
FOR THESE EYES OF MINE HAVE SEEN THE SAVIOR WHOM YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE; A light to enlighten the nations;
AND THE GLORY OF YOUR PEOPLE ISRAEL.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others, concluding with prayers for the end of the pandemic.
A Prayer of St. Augustine
Keep watch, O Lord, with those who work or watch or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, O Lord Christ. Give rest to the weary. Bless the dying. Soothe the suffering. Pity the afflicted. Shield the joyous. And all for your love’s sake AMEN.
Concluding Prayer (see above)
Blessing: The Almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us.
AMEN.
A Psalm in Times of Trouble
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, abide under the shadow of the Almighty. You shall say to the Lord, “You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust. GOD SHALL DELIVER YOU FROM THE SNARE OF THE HUNTER AND FROM THE DEADLY PESTILENCE. GOD’S PINIONS WILL COVER YOU, AND YOU SHALL FIND REFUGE UNDER THE WINGS OF THE LORD, WHOSE FAITHFULNESS SHALL BE A SHIELD AND BUCKLER.
You shall not be afraid of any terror by night or the arrow that flies by day; of the plague that stalks in the darkness nor the sickness that lays waste at mid-day. A THOUSAND SHALL FALL AT YOUR SIDE AND TEN THOUSAND AT YOUR RIGHT HAND, BUT IT SHALL NOT COME NEAR YOU. YOUR EYES HAVE ONLY TO BEHOLD TO SEE THE REWARD OF THE WICKED.
Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your habitation, there shall no evil happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. FOR THE LORD SHALL GIVE HIS HOLY ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU, TO KEEP YOU IN ALL YOUR WAYS. THEY SHALL BEAR YOU UP IN THEIR HANDS, LEST YOU DASH YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.
You shall tread upon the lion and the adder; you shall trample the young lion under your feet. Because they are bound to me in love, therefore I will deliver them; I will protect them because they know my name. THEY SHALL CALL UPON ME, AND I WILL ANSWER THEM; I AM WITH THEM IN TROUBLE; I WILL RESCUE THEM AND BRING THEM HONOR. WITH LONG LIFE I WILL SATISFY THEM, AND SHOW THEM MY SALVATION.
Psalm 91 An Easter Hymn
Now the green blade rises from the buried grain, Wheat that in the dark earth many days has lain; Love lives again, that with the dead has been; Love is come again like wheat arising green.
Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain, Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain. Quick from the dead my risen Lord is seen: Love is come again like wheat arising green.
When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain, Christ’s warm touch can call us back to life again. Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been: Love is come again like wheat arising green.
An Ancient Prayer for the Unity of the Church
Lord God, well-spring of all love, fathomless sea of kindness and grace, make us co-heirs of your peace, and kindle in us the bright flames of your love. Make us one in reverence for your name, and strengthen us in the confession of your truth. Unite us to yourself and to one another in firm and unbreakable bonds of peace, that we, one in heart and soul on earth, may be one in the eternal feast of your joy. There we shall glorify you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in your everlasting Kingdom. AMEN.
A Poem
Holla, the incarnate Son Hath come to earth and fought and won. Lullay, he lieth in a tomb And for my soul he findeth room. Lullay, I rest in him, Weary spirit and weary limb.
Holla, we rise; He leadeth me after him through the skies. Holla, we compass about and hem The golden Jerusalem. Holla, we enter in Because my friend hath not known sin. Hallelujah, I see the Lord God and all is well; Lillay, I rest in him. “The Shout” Adam Fox
PRAYERS FOR THE EASTER SEASON third week of Easter
PRAYERS FOR THE EASTER SEASON
Readings for the Third Week of Easter (April 26—May 2) Acts 2:14a, 36-14 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 1Peter 1:17-23 St. Luke 24:13- 35
Prayer of the Day The Lord be with you. AND ALSO WITH YOU. O God, your Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open our eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
Concluding Prayer O God, our rainbow, our dove, our promised land: in the resurrection of your Son you have brought us into your ark. Protect us from the storm and ferry us to your welcoming shore through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
AN ORDER FOR PRAYER IN THE MORNING Try to use either the Morning or Evening Prayer liturgies three times a week. New readings and prayers will be sent each week of the seven week Easter season. Lord, open my lips. AND MY MOUTH SHALL PROCLAIM YOUR PRAISE. Christ has been raised from the dead, THE FIRST FRUITS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED. For as by a man came death, by a man has also come the resurrection of the dead; FOR AS IN ADAM ALL DIE, SO IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE.
The risen Christ made himself known to them in the breaking of bread. ALLEULIA!
Prayer of the Day (see above)
Reading: (Select one of the readings for the first week.) Silence for reflection.
The Apostle’s Creed is said on Sundays and optionally on other days.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others, concluding with prayers for the end of the pandemic.
The Lord’s Prayer
The Concluding Prayer (see above)
Blessing: Bless the Lord. THANKS BE TO GOD.
A Prayer in the Time of Pandemic
Almighty God, save our nation in this crisis. Enlighten those responsible for the common good, so that they might know – as you do – how to care for all those who look to them for help and comfort in this dangerous time. Heal those who are suffering from the virus. Grant wisdom and resourcefulness to those seeking the equipment needed to care for those who have the disease. Protect and sustain those who are spending themselves caring for those who are sick, even at the cost of their own health: volunteers, technicians, nurses, doctors, EMTs. Bless with your protection all those who are reaching out to help others in this trying time. Bless your church: In these dark days make her a sign and instrument of Christ’s light, healing, and grace. Be with families, and especially with children and the elderly: grant that none be left in desperation from abandonment or discouragement. Spare those who are most fragile; encourage those who falter; intercede for the poor. By the power of your life-giving Holy Spirit free the world from the peril of pandemic. We ask this in Christ’s name. AMEN.
Another Prayer in Time of Pandemic
Gracious God, for all who have contracted the corona virus, we pray for care and healing. For those who are particularly vulnerable, we pray for safety and protection. For all who experience fear or anxiety, we pray for peace in mind and spirit. For effected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety, we pray for policies that recognize their plight. For those without adequate health insurance, we pray they will not face financial burdens alone. For our brothers and sisters around the world, we pray for safety and healing. For public officials and decision-makers, we pray for wisdom, humility, selflessness and guidance. Father of all, during this crisis may your church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all. Let the light of the Risen Christ fall on all of us in this dark time. Grant us peace, grant us comfort, grant us faith, grant us healing, You who are always with us, through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. AMEN.
A Prayer When we cannot come to Holy Communion O Lamb of God, in union with the faithful at every Table of your Church, my heart offers you praise and thanksgiving. I love you above all things, and earnestly desire to receive you into my life, body and soul. And although I cannot receive you now in the Holy Sacrament, I invite you into my heart. By your Holy Spirit may my life be fed on the spiritual food that is your life, death, and resurrection until I can once more come to your Table and know you in the breaking of the Bread. Amen.
A Prayer for our place of Worship O Holy One, may all that makes our particular church sacred space for us – the Table, the Fount, the Cross, the Pulpit, the reredos, the windows, the pews, the Bibles and the hymnals, the candles and our customs, the love and prayers of all who have gone before us – may each of these tend this space for us, hold our prayers and our presence, our sorrows and our tears, our song and our silence, so that when we gather again in this holy place we may celebrate a new rolling away of the stone and shout our “Alleluias”. AMEN.
A Responsive Prayer for Eastertide O Christ, in your resurrection, the heavens and the earth rejoice. Alleluia! By your resurrection you broke open the gates of hell, and destroyed sin and death. KEEP US VICTOIOUS OVER SIN AND DEATH. By your resurrection you raised the dead, and brought new life to the world. GUIDE US IN THE WAY OF ETERNAL LIFE. By your resurrection you confounded your guards and executioners and filled your disciples with joy. GIVE US JOY AS WE SHARE IN YOUR LIFE AND IN YOUR SERVICE. - By your resurrection you proclaimed good news to the myrrh-bearing woman and to the apostles, and brought salvation to the whole creation. DIRECT OUR LIVES AS YOUR NEW CREATION. God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of our baptism you raise us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
AN ORDER FOR PRAYER IN THE EVENING
The angel said, “Do not be afraid; I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified, HE IS NOT HERE; FOR HE HAS BEEN RAISED, AS HE SAID. ALLELUIA! Lord Jesus Christ, by your cross you destroyed death. To the condemned criminal you opened paradise; for the myrrh-bearing women you changed weeping into joy; you commanded Mary Magdalene to proclaim to the disciples that you are risen, granting the world great mercy; to Thomas you granted a renewed faith. Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, glory to you. AMEN.
Prayer of the Day (see above)
Reading: (Select one of the readings for the first week.) Silence for reflection.
Lord, you now have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised; FOR THESE EYES OF MINE HAVE SEEN THE SAVIOR WHOM YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE; A light to enlighten the nations; AND THE GLORY OF YOUR PEOPLE ISRAEL.
Prayers may be offered for ourselves and others, concluding with prayers for the end of the pandemic.
Concluding Prayer (see above)
Blessing: The Almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. AMEN.
A Psalm in Times of Trouble Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, for I have taken refuge in you; in the shadow of your wings will I take refuge until the time of trouble has gone by. I WILL CALL UPON YOU, O MOST HIGH GOD, THE GOD WHO MAINTAINS MY CAUSE. You will send from heaven and save me; you will confound those who trample upon me; O God, you will send forth your love and faithfulness. I LIE IN THE MIDST OF LIONS THAR DEVOUR THE PEOPLE; THEIR TEETH ARE SPEARS AND ARROWS, THEIR TONGUE A SHARP SWORD. They have laid a net for my feet, and I am bowed low; they have dug a pit before me, but have fallen into it themselves. EXALT YOURSELF ABOVE THE HEAVENS, O GOD, AND YOUR GLORY OVER ALL THE EARTH. My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and make melody. WAKE UP, MY SPIRIT; AWAKE LUTE AND HARP; I MYSELF WILL WAKEN THE DAWN. I will confess you among the peoples, O Lord; I will sing praise to you among the nations. FOR YOUR LOVING-KINDNESS IS GREATER THAN THE HEAVENS, AND YOUR FAITHFULNESS REACHES TO THE CLOUDS. Exalt yourself above the heaven, O God, AND YOUR GLORY OVER ALL THE EARTH.
An Easter Hymn Now the green blade rises from the buried grain, Wheat that in the dark earth many days has lain; Love lives again, that with the dead has been; Love is come again like wheat arising green.
Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain, Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain. Quick from the dead my risen Lord is seen: Love is come again like wheat arising green.
When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain, Christ’s warm touch can call us back to life again. Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been: Love is come again like wheat arising green.
An Ancient Prayer Christ, who being raised from the dead will die no more, grant that sin, which is death, may no longer have dominion over us, that we, who with ready faith proclaim the mystery of your Resurrection, may be delivered from the power of death. You are the Resurrection and the Life. Amen.
A Poem Holla, the incarnate Son Hath come to earth and fought and won. Lullay, he lieth in tomb And for my soul he findeth room. Lullay, I rest in him, Weary spirit and weary limb.
Holla, we rise; He leadeth me after him through the skies. Holla, we compass about and hem The golden Jerusalem. Holla, we enter in Because my friend hath not known sin. Hallelujah, I see Lord God and all is well; Lillay, I rest in him. “The Shout” Adam Fox