The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Once again we walk through the Valley of the Shadows
Sacred stories shared
A connection made with a fellow pastor
Both wishing we had met earlier in life
Both recognized a kindred spirit in each other
Sharing mutual friends and a passion for advocacy and Peacemaking
Lord, walk with my brother through the next few weeks
Spirit, comfort my brother’s family
Mothering God, wrap your loving arms around us all
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
A moving morning of worship
The Spirit brought comfort
Even as we lifted families walking through the Valley of the Shadows
Even as tears flowed
Even as we questioned why
Even in those moments, Lord
Your light shines in the darkness
Your love comforts and sustains
Your Spirit guides us
Even then, you circle us with your love
You revealed to us the wonders of your creation
Thank you for that gift, Lord
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
I want to sit among trees
and hear the secrets
they whisper in the rustling darkness
to one another
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD excerpted from “I Want to Know” in Dreaming of Stones: Poems
So many nights before I drift off to sleep, tears fall… for so many who suffer… for so many who mourn… for those who walk with them… today I was overwhelmed by tears as we sang The Lord’s Prayer… to be honest, I don’t know how I made it through worship. Yet another family in our parish has had death visit them… parents aren’t supposed to bury their children. At times like this, I simply lift this humble Compline prayer to the Spirit…
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, 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.
On last week’s bulletin cover I shared a picture of Mama Moose nursing her youngster. Over the winter, the baby has become a yearling and Mama is carrying a new baby. When we caught up with her on the road to Sprague Lake, she laid down for a brief rest after grazing with her yearling son. We can learn a lot from our wildlife neighbors if we simply slow down and are still in their presence. They have also taught me a lot about respect and living together in Community. Living in Community plays a great role in our spiritual formation and life in Community.
First Reading – Acts 11:1-18
Second Reading – John 13:31-35
Sermon – A Rule of Life: A Rule for Living
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Walking with dear friends
As they said goodbye to their mother
Once again through the Valley of the Shadows
Yet also a wonderful evening with family
Laughter, great food, fellowship
For the ways in which you call us
For the family and friends you give us
We thank you, Lord
We thank you for the privilege and honor
Of walking with parishioners, family, and friends
Keep watch, dear Lord,
with those who work, or watch, or weep this night,
and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick, 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.
Now, as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
An emotionally exhausting day, Lord
Praying with a dear friend for her nephew
Cancer once again rears its ugly head
Walking as well with a precious family through the Valley of the Shadows
Sharing wonderful stories
Holding and hugging one another
You said: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
Thank you as well for this evening’s balance
For time spent with family and friends
For laughter
For love
For hope
For your presence
Now, as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
A wonderful day filled with blessings
Spending time with family from Alabama
Spending time in Rocky
Enjoying hiking and Creation
A day of respite before a busy weekend
Thank you, Lord, for this sacred time
Now, as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
As I reflect upon the day which is fading
I consider all whom you have brought into my life
I pray for those who are suffering and who’s hearts are breaking
I pray for those who are seeking your guidance, Lord
I pray for those who are seeking a way through the cloudiness of life
I lift to you, all of your children, Lord
May we see our connection in and through you
May we be guided in right paths
May we be guided in the pathway of reconciliation
May we be guided in the way of peace
In your mercy, Lord, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. — Thomas Merton (No Man Is An Island)
