Liturgy

Lord Jesus Christ,
pierce our souls with your love
that we may always long for you.
You, the bread of angels and the fulfillment
of the soul’s deepest desires.

May our hearts always hunger
and feed on what you provide,
so that our souls may be filled
with sweetness in your presence.

May our souls thirst for you, the source of life, wisdom,
knowledge, light, and all the riches of God our Father.

May we always seek and find you,
think about you, speak to you,
and do everything for the honor and glory of your name.

Be always our hope, our peace, our refuge and help
in whom our hearts are rooted, now and forever.
Amen.

St. Bonaventure, 13th century.

Congregational Prayer

Lord God, it is hard to think that we are mortal beings.
We dream, make plans, and talk about
what we’ll do in the near future.

We don/t always think about what you want.
Instead, we make choices that we think are good for us,
But we are only here because of the grace you give us.

We confess that we forget our need for you daily.

We confess that at times,
our choices are far from your desires.

We confess that we do not know what is best for our lives.

Holy God, we are sorry for our sins.

Help us remember we live because of you.
Help us, through your life-giving Spirit,
to do what you want of us
as your servants of peace to the world.

We pray in the name of the Father,
the Son,
and the Holy Spirit,
amen.

Reflection

How do we view suffering in our lives?

How can suffering be an integral part of our growth and spiritual development?

Benediction

When you work,
work in strength and humility for the Lord.

When you rest,
rest in the sovereign grace of God, our Father.

And when you celebrate,
celebrate as a people with the greatest reason
for love, joy, and celebration.

Now in the grace and forgiveness of our Savior,
and in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by cobalt123 @ Flickr]