Reflections and Prayers - November

NOV 03:

REFLECTION:

            In the early Middle Ages, church leadership recognised a unique spiritual bond between the Church Triumphant and the Church Militant - or, more plainly, the faithful who had died in the peace of Christ, and the faithful who were still living on earth. To commemorate this bond, two dates were set aside as holy feast days, where people would gather and pray.

            November 1 (a date chosen by Pope Gregory III in the early 8th century) served as a time to honour the saints, both known and unknown: All Saint's Day was maintained as a Principal Feast Day beyond the Reformation, and continues to invite us to pray for the teachers of the faith.

            November 2 continued a three-day festival of honouring the dead (along with All Hallow's Eve), in which the souls of the faithful departed within a community or fa mily would be remembered. All Soul's Day is a lesser feast, but just as significant as we call to mind those we love but see no more, and thank God for their life and witness in our midst, and for the legacy of love and faith that they have entrusted to us.

            Today, I invite you to pause and remember the saints in your life, who have influenced and supported your faith journey. We pray that God will strengthen us in our ministries that, when our earthly time is done, we too shall be remembered in the church as people of God.

PRAYERS:

Today we pray that God may open our lives: our hearts, hands, lips, and eyes; that we will faithfully live the ministries to which we are being called.

As we pray "Lord in your mercy" please respond with "Hear our prayer."

Open our hearts to love all your people as you do; the rich and the poor, the hungry and the filled, the joyful and the depressed, the sick and the healthy, our friends and those we struggle to love. Fill us with a deep compassion to embrace the world with love.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Open our hands to share with those in need, that all who hunger may be filled: filled with food, joy, peace, and love. Help us to realize our abundance and to respond with radical gratitude.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Open our lips to declare your glory to a world so desperately seeking good news. May we be empowered to see beyond the challenges of the headlines and to speak of the everlasting truth that only you can offer.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Open our eyes to the needs of your world, that we may be encouraged into action: to protect the environment, to support the weak and lonely, to break the systems of oppression, to love recklessly; that we may use the gifts you have given us for the sake of your creation.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Open us, oh Lord, to the opportunities that you provide us. Help us to practice patience, kindness, generosity, and love; as you have taught us and as your saints have inspired us. 

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Amen.

Nov 10

REFLECTION:

            At Remembrance Day, there is a fine line between an act of remembrance and a glorification of conflict. Remembering, I believe, is important: for on this day we honour those who offered the ultimate sacrifice: who lost lives, livelihoods, friends, and faith. We Remember Them:

            We remember them for their service and courage; because they believed that the world could be a better place.

            We remember those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces.

            We remember those throughout the ages who have waited at home, as their loved ones served.

            We remember the communities who pulled together out of shared circumstance, to assist in the midst of struggle.

            We remember the friendships that were forged, and challenged.

            We remember all who have prayed: who work for peace, who commit to service, who live with courage.

            We remember them, not because we hope for conflict, but because we are desperate for peace: for enemies to become allies, for opposition to become opportunity, for swords to become ploughshares.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning;

We will remember them.

PRAYERS

God of comfort, as we sit comfortably this morning, we ask you to remind us of the privilege and responsibility of prayer.

To the petition "we pray" please respond with "Hear us, merciful God."

Remind us, O Lord, of those who work for peace: who challenge unjust structures, who support the oppressed, who seek justice and resist evil in all its forms.

Prince of Peace, we pray: Hear us, merciful God.

Remind us, O Lord, of those who work for health: the researchers searching for cures, the medical staff administering treatments, the caregivers who convey love.

Christ the healer, we pray: Hear us, merciful God.

Remind us, O Lord, of those who work for good governance: those who advocate for the vulnerable, those who draft public policy, those who lobby for particular interests, those who make difficult decisions.

Leader of all nations, we pray: Hear us, merciful God.

Remind us, O Lord, of those who work for your sake: who seek to know you better, who teach your children your truth, who trust in the power of the Gospel and aim to live their lives to better give you Glory.

Bearer of Good News, we pray: Hear us, merciful God.

Remind us, O Lord, of those who work for the sake of your creation: those who recognise your presence in the air and water and land, those who take action to reduce our dangerous impact on the earth which sustains us, those who desire to leave a healthy planet for generations to come.

Creator of the universe, we pray: Hear us, merciful God.

Remind us, O Lord, of your promise to be faithful to us in death: honouring the memory of all who have served their countries on land, sea, and in the air; recalling those have died in conflicts and in times of peace, and for ourselves as we trust in your promise to care for us in the next life.

Comforter to all who mourn, we pray: Hear us, merciful God.

Remind us, O Lord, of our role as your church: support the leaders of the faith, inspire the seekers, encourage all who follow you. May we live in our lives the praise we offer you with our lips.

Head of the church and author of our salvation, we pray: Hear us, merciful God.

NOV 24

REFLECTION:

            This Sunday celebrates the Reign of Christ; while recognising the dominion and majesty of Jesus goes back many years, this festival was first celebrated in 1926. It was only 1970 when it was moved to the final Sunday or Ordinary Time (the season after Pentecost and before Advent). As such, this is an opportunity to reflect on the presence and power of Jesus on our lives, in every facet.

            As the new liturgical year begins on in Advent, this Sunday serves as a type of 'New Year's Eve'. And we can spend time this week preparing resolutions, as it were - how we might live our lives in the coming year as faithful servants to our Lord: our counselor, cornerstone, shepherd, deliverer, saviour, the Prince of Peace, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our salvation, our High Priest: may we delight in the eternal reign of Christ in our hearts, minds, and souls!

PRAYERS:

Jesus, as we celebrate your many truths this day, we give thanks for all the blessings of this life. Loved into being by God our Father, and empowered in our ministries through your Holy Spirit, we pray to you, God's chosen and anointed one, responding to the petition "Holy Jesus" with "Hear Our Prayer".

Son of God: we pray for your church. Gather us into one holy family; help us discover how you bind us together; inspire us to live out our lives in loving service to you.

Holy Jesus, Hear Our Prayer

Prince of Peace: we ask you to bless the leaders of the nations. Turn their hearts towards you, that the world may know your grace through their leadership.

Holy Jesus, Hear Our Prayer

King of all nations: we pray for your presence in all the world, to bring a spirit of peace and reconciliation to places of conflict, and to renew a desire for justice and truth.

Holy Jesus, Hear Our Prayer

Cornerstone, you are the foundation of community, help us to see your presence in this our community. Bless all who live, work, and travel here, that they may trust in your saving grace. 

Holy Jesus, Hear Our Prayer

Bread of life, you nourish the souls of all who receive you. We ask your grace to make us servants of all those experiencing need: to counsel the bereaved, comfort the afflicted, to advocate for the oppressed, to support the weary.

Holy Jesus, Hear Our Prayer

Saviour of the world, we hold before you those who have died: may your perfect love surround them as they journey from this world to the next; and may your enfolding peace encircle those who grieve.

Holy Jesus, Hear Our Prayer

Bulletin Reflections and Prayers, October

OCTOBER 6

REFLECTION:

            St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian friar in 12th and 13th centuries, and founder of the Orders of St. Francis (whose primary rule is "To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps".) His writings indicate a great passion for all expressions of life, referencing animals, flora, and fauna as brother and sister. (His "Canticle of the Sun" remains a highly esteemed poem to this day). Francis' displayed timeless commitment to the most vulnerable of the created order, including humankind, and serves as an inspiration to us all.

            Francis and Catherine of Siena share the honour of being the patron saints of Italy. Francis is also the patron saint of stowaways, ecology, and animals. His feast day is celebrated on 04 October, which is why we celebrate the 'Blessing of the Animals' at this time of year.

            Please join us this afternoon as we remember the teachings of St. Francis by showing love for all animals! (We ask that all furry, feathered, finned, and even scaled critters be restrained appropriately.)

PRAYERS:

We pray for the church: that all who gather in the name of Christ may walk with the Spirit, striving to live the promise made in our baptism. We ask for God's blessings upon those who lead us: our Primate Linda and our Archbishop Ron, that they may model for us a holy way of life.

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for the Queen, the Prime Minister, the Premier, and the Mayor: that their hearts may be touched by your love and their governance a reflection of your truth. In this time of election campaigning, may those who seek office demonstrate compassion for all, may their messages remain positive, may their desires be for the good will of all.

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for our world, as we become more aware of the perils threatening human survival. Inspire in our hearts the will to use the memory, reason, and skills that you have bestowed upon us that our actions may respect all forms of life, in this generation and for years to come.

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for our local community, delighting in the beauty of the changing seasons. As we breathe in the crisp air, we ask you to fill our hearts with compassion for those who struggle to meet their daily needs: for those unemployed at the end of the tourist season, for those without adequate clothing for the cooler weather, for those who find affordable housing to be unattainable.

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for those in need, in mind, body, or spirit. May we support those struggling with mental illnesses, and seek to ease the stigma our society still holds. May we visit those who are physically limited, those who live in pain, those whose bodies cause suffering. May we encourage those whose spirits are depleted, that they may know your ever-present comfort through their distress. We ask your blessing on all whose work is directed toward improving life for all who are afflicted.

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who have died, that their passing from this life to the next may have been in faith and peace. We ask you to walk alongside those who grieve and mourn, that they may put their trust in you and be assured of being reunited in your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We ask you to hear these our prayers, loving God, and to grant our requests as may be best for us. Humble our hearts, that we may increase our faith with compassion and kindness as we respond to the needs of your world. In your name we pray.

AMEN.

OCTOBER 13

REFLECTION:

            Thanksgiving is a special time of year, as celebrate the abundance in our lives!  It's possibly the most significant time of the year when a religious festival matches a secular one; both in timing and in meaning. We are encouraged to live with grateful hearts, to take time to recognise how fortunate we are, to embrace the gift of community and to share in the

What a wonderful time of year!

            And what an opportune time for us to share with those around us the gift of faith! May we share the good news of God this season, wherever people are in their spiritual journey. Rooted in our history and tradition, may we be emboldened to thank God for the beauty of creation, the harvest, all the gifts of this life - and for each other.

            As we ask God's blessings on our feasts, may we be blessed with generous hearts towards those who struggle to 'make do'; with deep compassion for those who feel alone; with spirits desiring to demonstrate awe at the wonder of life and the mystery of love.

            May the joy of God, for which we are so thankful, emanate from us to all whom we encounter, that we may all raise songs of Thanksgiving to our God.

           

OCTOBER 20

Reflection:

            Today's parable of the unjust judge seems to give a mixed (and precarious) message to our 21st-century English-speaking ears: Pester for what you want, and God will deliver! In fact, what Jesus is saying is quite the opposite. It is unhelpful for us to consider ourselves the widow and God the judge - a Santa-like figure who can be forced into granting our every demand. Rather, God is more like the widow: constantly pursuing justice, even to a reluctant audience. This places us in the role of the judge, deciding how we will respond to that call.

            And so we are encouraged to pray: to listen to what God is saying to us, to reflect on what we can offer our community, to turn away from our sense of entitlement to an attitude of service. We are reminded to not lose heart: the cry for justice is ongoing, and we have ample and ongoing opportunity to heed that divine call. And we are invited to discern our own response to God's call for justice: will our actions demonstrate faith on earth should the Son of Man come today?

            We have much to consider when Jesus shares such deep and perplexing parables!

PRAYERS

God who accompanies us on our journey, we ask for a day of fulfillment and peace: that our actions this day will reflect the deepest desire of our hearts, to the glory of God:

We pray:

            Lord, have mercy.

God of compassion, we ask you to teach us to love others as you have loved us: that we may seek the face of Christ in everyone we meet, and that they will see the face of Christ reflected in us.

We pray:

            Lord, have mercy.

Creator God, you have placed your image on all people. We ask for the courage and confidence to walk in the paths of righteousness, and work and advocate for justice and peace.

We pray:

            Lord, have mercy.

Servant of all, teach us to act humbly as we go about our daily work, especially those in positions of authority. Support the work of all public servants, surround all who will stand in tomorrow's election with grace and dignity, grant wisdom and insight to those making difficult decisions on behalf of their communities.

We pray:

            Lord, have mercy.

Companion of our souls, we ask you to strengthen and relieve all who are in any need: the hungry, the homeless, the desperate, the lonely, the isolated, the depressed, the infirm, the grieving. Bring comfort to the broken-hearted and strength to those whose work exemplifies your grace.

We pray:

            Lord, have mercy.

God of perfect holiness, help us to renew your church through the power of your Holy Spirit. Fill our hearts with your truth that we may love and serve you in all we do, in your name and for your sake.

We pray:

            Lord, have mercy.

OCTOBER 27

REFLECTION:

EVENING MADE HOLY! Some thoughts on Halloween

            The Ancient Celts celebrated the end of summer with a festival to bring in the harvest at the end of October, before beginning a new calendar year on Nov. 1, a night when they believed the veil between this world and the next was its most thin. Traditions included sharing the abundance anonymously with those in need (wearing costumes as they approached doors to request food) and honouring ancestors.

            Pope Gregory built on this tradition, making November 1 a day to honour all the saints (All Saint’s Day) and November 2 a day to honour those we love but see no more (All Soul’s Day). Thus, the evening before these holy days was designated an evening made holy, or hallowed. A Hallowed Evening: which became our Halloween.

            As we hear the cry of “Trick or Treat!” and delight in the unicorns and gremlins that approach our doors this Halloween, let’s remember to say a prayer for them, and continue the tradition of an evening made holy.

PRAYERS:

We pray for the church, as we collectively form the body of Christ. We offer thanks for those who share the good news of God, we ask your grace to strengthen those who are new to the faith, that together we may serve you in love.

Gracious God, Hear our prayer.

We pray for all those who wear the mantle of authority: for our Queen, for our newly elected government, for all who serve for our shared benefit: that they may work for peace and justice. 

Gracious God, Hear our prayer.

We pray for the world: for places experiencing conflict or civil unrest, for regions being forced into unpredictable change by a rapidly changing climate, for communities who practice exclusion, for all who live in fear or oppression: that your grace may bring them into a place of freedom and joy.

Gracious God, Hear our prayer.

We pray for our local community: for the beauty of our town and county, for the abundance we continue to enjoy in this time of harvest, for those who are anxious about the cooling weather: that we may be overwhelmed with a sense of care for one another.

Gracious God, Hear our prayer.

We pray for those in need: for those struggling with discomfort and pain, in mind, body, or spirit, for those who are undergoing treatments and therapies to improve the quality of this life, for all those who undertake roles of giving care: that your comfort and strength would enfold them.

Gracious God, Hear our prayer.

We pray for those whom we love but see no more, whose legacy we carry in our daily encounters. Comfort those who grieve, support those who mourn, that they may know the consolation of your love. 

Gracious God, Hear our prayer.

As you hear the words of our lips and the whispers of our hearts, we ask you to help us recognize your presence this day, and to align our lives to your will. Amen. 

Bulletin Reflections and Prayers, September

SEPT 1

REFLECTION:

            For many, the word 'angel' brings to mind the image of feathery wings and golden halos, attached to chubby babies resting on clouds playing harps. While the cupid-esque cutey is adorable, this is not accurate to what faith and tradition tells us of these celestial beings. 

            The varying choirs (or orders) of Angels are a unique creation, loved into being by God, for a very specific and holy purpose: the word "angel" itself (from the Greek ἄγγελος [aggelos]), translates in meaning and connotation as a heavenly messenger.

            Throughout scripture, therefore, every mention of an angel is actually a celestial event: a heavenly messenger has been sent to bring a communication from God to humankind. There are times, we are assured, that these angels will take on human-like form for a brief time to deliver their message (so as not to distract from the message itself).  In doing so, they present as strangers, but we have opportunity to embrace the message being gifted to us.

            Thus, we are invited to consider that God may be speaking to us through such messengers. We don't know what they will look like, or when they might come, or what to expect. But we can trust that God continues to speak to us in this generation, in exciting ways that empower faith, and encourage ministry. We are called, as the letter to the Hebrews invites, to be open to the concept of receiving heavenly messages: to welcome and extend hospitality to strangers " for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it."

PRAYERS:

To the petition "Lord in your mercy," please respond with "Hear our prayer."

Almighty and ever-living God, we offer you our prayers; we ask you to inspire your Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord. Help us to celebrate the truth of your word and the guidance to strive for Christian unity.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Send your blessings upon the Queen and her family, on our Prime Minister and his family, and on all the leaders of the nations. May the G7 leaders live into the agreements they made this week, inspiring other leaders to govern with justice and dignity for the sake of all people.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

Give your grace to all Bishops, priests, and deacons, especially remembering Primate Linda as she articulates a new vision for the national church and to Archbishop Ron as he leads our diocese with new policies and ministries. May they inspire us all to live as faithful models of Christian love and charity.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

Provide solace to those in any need, of mind, body, or Spirit; especially those afflicted by this weekend's extreme weather. Comfort those who are in trouble, need, sorrow, sickness, or any other struggle; especially those whose names we carry in our hearts. May they find comfort and peace in the knowledge of your grace.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer

Open our eyes to the blessings of this community: in the beauty of the sea and sky; in the delight of relationships, in the privilege of work and leisure. May we face the coming of fall with joy that you have brought us to a new season in which we may praise you.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

SEPT 8

REFLECTION:

           As part of living out our Shared Vision, today is our parish 'ministry fair'; an opportunity for the various ministries to shine! There is a LOT of good that happens in our community, and we want to make sure that it is celebrated by the church.

            To meet this goal, committees have each been invited to set up a small space around the outside perimeter of our worship space. There will be displays and people to answer questions, and possibly take-away sheets or goodies. 

            We offer to God our prayers of thanksgiving for the abundant ministries that happen here; and for the chance to learn a bit more about them (and the people who exercise them!) It is a time when we can all be awed by the work of God in this place! There are amazing things being done in Christ's name and this ministry fair will give us all opportunity to give thanks to God for them all!

PRAYERS:

We offer thanks for the buildings of this church, a symbol of your presence whenever we gather in your name;

            For the space to gather, and be still and know that you are God.

We hold up before you the many ministries of this parish: for every person who contributes and every one who benefits: the ministries we see, the ones we overlook, and the ones we rarely know happen.

            We thank you for the time and skills that people share to make your church a safe and welcoming place for all to know you, and serve our community with love.

We ask your blessings on Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Justin, Premier Stephen, and Mayor Rachel; for their health and well-being, and for their families and friends.

            That they may know your grace and truth, and serve your people in faith and equality.

We remember today all those who grieve; especially for those whose families are named at our Fishermen's Memorial.

            May those who have died rest in peace and rise in glory; and may their loved ones live in hope and holy comfort.

We ask your blessing on our children and youth; on their teachers and caregivers, their coaches and mentors.

            May they carry you in their hearts as you encourage them in learning and community.

May all who suffer be relieved this day: those who are sick in mind, body, or spirit; those who live in fear, pain, or loneliness; those who struggle to meet their daily needs.

            Guide us with compassion to respond with kindness and mercy.

We ask your blessing on ourselves, our families, our neighbourhoods;

            That we may live with joy and security.

We hold before you all who are being affected by the multitude of storms; especially in the paths of named storms Dorian and Gabrielle, Lingling and Faxai; for other tropical storms developing:

            Grant your comfort to those who are devastated, and your peace to those who continue to live in fear. 

We ask you answer our prayers as may be best for us, that in all we do we might give you greater glory and praise.

            In your name we pray: Amen.

SEPT 15

REFLECTION:

            The letters of the New Testament are a delightful accounting of people celebrating their life and ministry in the grace and love of God. Today's passage is no exception: the author declaring "I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service."

            Clearly this is joy in service, having recognized the full impact of being a Christ-follower. The energy and enthusiasm that the writer exudes is literally "overflowing" from within, and it becomes almost contagious, suggesting that Timothy could consider his own way of making manifest his joy in the Lord.

            What a great invitation for all of us to go through a similar time of prayerful discernment: how are we joyful in the Lord? How do we serve Jesus Christ in our daily lives? How do we share the good news of God in Christ with those we encounter?

            What a great reading to keep in mind as we celebrate the many ministries of our parish, within the structures of our church and extending into our broader community. What a joyful opportunity of celebrating Jesus, that we too might be "an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life."

SEPT 22

REFLECTION:

            One of the great privileges as a clergy person is regular requests to pray with and for people. Sometimes it happens at unexpected places or times, but to pray is a gift and a delight. And it’s not limited to clergy; as the author of the letter to Timothy urges: that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone” including those whom we love and agree with, and those of opposing view points.

            The option to pray is always there: not with an expectation to change the world outwardly, but with the hope that we might see our hearts aligning with the will of God.

            Especially as we are challenged by the world around us, let us heed the invitation to pray for all of God’s children and all of God’s creation; that in this generation and for years to come, we may delight in peaceful and dignified lives.