Prayers of the People - May

03 MAY PRAYERS:

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to Almighty God saying

Hear us, good Lord.

Fill your church with love and truth, and help us bring about the unity you desire. Empower us to preach your Good News throughout the world. Enlighten Ron our Archbishop, those discerning a call to the episcopate, and all your ministers with knowledge and wisdom, through which they will proclaim your love.

Hear us, good Lord.

Give us grace to hear and receive your holy word, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. Strengthen our daily lives, that in all we say and do we reflect our love for you and for your people. Comfort those who struggle, support those whose faith is weak, raise up all who feel down.

Hear us, good Lord.

Grant guidance to our Prime Minister, Premier, and Mayor, and to all who govern. Guard and strengthen Elizabeth our Queen, that she may put her trust in you, and seek your honour and glory. Be in the heart and voice of all those who govern, that their leadership is endued with wisdom and understanding.

Hear us, good Lord.

Bless those whose work preserves order, that they may uphold justice, honesty, and truth.

Bless those whose work has been undervalued and unnoticed, those working to maintain food and essential services, that their efforts are appreciated by all who benefit.

Bless those who are celebrated for their efforts in difficult times: the frontline and medical workers, who risk their own health for the sake of the sick.

Bless those who are often forgotten in prayers, the administrators and technicians, that we may celebrate their essential role in our society.

Bless all who are a blessing, that we may through them know your love and grace.

Hear us, good Lord.

Give us the will to use the fruits of the earth to your glory, and for the good of all creation. Inspire our minds to establish new ways of living in relation with the earth and with each other. Open our ears to the cry of the devastated, and to the call of a renewed earth where health, peace, and justice prevail.

Hear us, good Lord.

Bless and keep all your people: Help and comfort the lonely, the bereaved and the oppressed. Keep in safety those who travel, and all who are in danger. Heal the sick in body and mind, and provide for the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute. Show your pity on prisoners and refugees, and all who are in trouble.

Lord, have mercy.

Forgive our enemies, persecutors and slanderers, and turn their hearts. Help us to see those who hurt us as equally worthy of your love. Forgive us for the times we have injured others, and turn our hearts.

Lord, have mercy.

Hear us as we remember those who have died in the peace of Christ, both those who have confessed the faith and those whose faith is known to you alone, and grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.

Lord, have mercy.

Renew our hearts within us, O God, as we focus on the blessings of this life: for our families and friends, for the food and shelter we enjoy, for leisure and entertainment, for our safety and well-being. Let us never forget to be thankful, and to honour you as the source of all good things.

Lord, have mercy. Amen.

MAY 10th

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

For all people in their daily life and work, recognizing the challenges of depressed economy and social isolation;

For our families, friends, and neighbours, and for all those who are alone.

For this community, our country, and the world, that we may be patient, compassionate, and kind;

For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;

For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;

For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy; for those providing essential services;

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;

For all who proclaim the gospel, and all who seek the truth.

For Ron our Archbishop, for those discerning a call to the episcopate, and all clergy;

For all who serve God in the Church.

For our own needs and those of others.

            Hear us, Lord;  For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life. We will exalt you, O God our king;

            And praise your name for ever and ever.

We pray for all those who have died in the peace of Christ, and for those whose faith is known to you alone, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. We continue to remember the victims of the recent mass shooting; and the members of the crashed military helicopter. That their memories are a blessing, and that you will comfort those who mourn. 

            Lord, let your loving kindness be upon them; Who put their trust in you.

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

            Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion, forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold          us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the      honour and glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

            Amen.

Gracious God, you have heard the prayers of your faithful people; you know our needs before we ask, and our ignorance in asking. Grant our requests as may be best for us. This we ask in the name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

            Amen.

17 MAY

Blessed are you, Holy and ever-present God; we come before you this day bearing in our hearts and minds those people and circumstances that have touched our lives. We pray to you, God of Grace, Hear our prayer.

We pray for the unity of the church: that your truth and love may be spread throughout the world to lighten the hearts of all. We ask your prayers for our Archbishop Ron; for the episcopal nominees for our diocese, for all in leadership; and for all the faithful as we explore new ways to BE your church in these times.

God of grace,

Hear Our Prayer.

Strengthen all who lead: transcending partisan politics to govern your people with compassion and justice. Inspire their hearts to see their authority as an opportunity to serve you.

God of grace,

Hear Our Prayer.

Make us aware to the needs of our community, and empower us to respond with loving kindness. Bless the poor, the unemployed, the underemployed; those who rely on industries presently on hold: seasonal employment and inter-personal contact, hospitality and care. Do not let our hearts harden in this time of need.

God of grace,

Hear Our Prayer.

Look with kindness on those who are sick in mind, body, or spirit: those with illnesses related to COVID-19; those whose non-COVID treatments have been delayed; those who are feeling paralyzed by fear; those who are struggling with depression; those who are losing their faith; those who have not known you. Shine your light in our lives, O Christ, that we may find health and wholeness.

God of grace,

Hear Our Prayer.

Shower upon all who are putting themselves in harm's way your protection; refresh the exhausted, strengthen the weak, comfort those who struggle. We ask your blessing on our medical workers, administrators, technicians, delivery people, essential service providers, and all those whose ministry is of key importance.

God of grace,

Hear Our Prayer.

We offer thanks for the beauty of our home: for the safety we experience, for the love and friendship we give and receive, for the food and clothing to nourish and protect our bodies, for the opportunities to pray and praise in peace, for leisure and learning that keep us whole, for science and discoveries that better our life together.

God of grace,

Hear Our Prayer.

24 MAY

In anticipation of the Spirit; in celebration of the Ascended Christ, and in elation of ever-present Creator, we pray to Almighty God saying

Hear us, good Lord.

Help us, dear Lord, to be your church: bringing unity, welcoming all, serving our neighbours. Connect our hearts to worship you, despite our physical distance. Inspire your servants in leadership: especially Archbishop Ron; Episcopal nominees Carl, Elliott, Katherine, and Sandra; Archdeacon Ian. Bless all leaders and their families as the guide and support us in the faith.

Hear us, good Lord.

Strengthen us, dear Lord, to be your people in the world. Quiet our anxious minds, strengthen our compassionate hearts, embolden our faithful response. Shower upon us a spirit of patience, kindness, and outreach. May we be constant in prayer and consistent in service.

Hear us, good Lord.

Live, dear Lord, in the hearts and minds of all who govern. May your wisdom permeate  the lives of our Queen, Prime Minister, Premier, Mayor, and all who govern. May your Spirit of health and wholeness infuse the decisions of medical officers balancing community health and economic concerns.

Hear us, good Lord.

Dear Lord, be in the hearts of every person whose ministry takes them in the face of physical danger. Be in the mouths of all who engage with these personnel. Help us to recognise all people as 'essential' in their work, as we engage a new normal in fields of commerce. Bless all who are a blessing, be they celebrated or unnoticed: that we may through them know your love and grace.

Hear us, good Lord.

Be present, dear Lord, to all who are sick in mind, body, or spirit; and to all who serve them. May all who need comfort find it in you; may all who need healing know you in the souls. May we see and respond to those who experience loss in finances, resources, and dignity.

Hear us, good Lord.

Keep us, dear Lord, in an attitude of thanksgiving. May we realise the blessings of this life, knowing that all good things come from you. Remind us to focus on all that we have; food and shelter, leisure and love, faith and hope. Hear our grateful awareness as we journey our days with you.

Hear us, good Lord. Amen.

31 MAY

Come, breath of God: renew your church to live into the wholeness of your promise. Guide our hearts toward praise, and out lives toward action, for the sake of justice and truth. Breathe your sustaining inspiration into the leaders of your church: including Ron our Archbishop, Ian our Archdeacon, and our diocese's episcopal nominees; and all those who are your church, ministering in the ways you have gifted us.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Come, breath of God: you who breathed life into creation and animated exiled bones, who descends as a dove and alights the fire of ministry:

Breathe new life into our economy, that it may be sustainably non-exploitative.

Breathe new life into our environment, that we may delight in the masterpiece of your creation.

Breathe new life into our nations, that we may find new ways to collaborate and cooperate.

Breathe new life into our peoples, that respect and reconciliation may remain a priority.

Breathe new life into our lives, that the rights of all may be honoured.

Breathe new life into us, that we may embrace this new life.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Come, breath of God: fill our lungs and lives with passion for justice, empowering us to work towards what is right. May we advocate for those who experience discrimination, those who are prevented from living fully, those who have been made voiceless. Fill the leaders of the nations with a burning desire to create a world respecting the dignity of all your beloved children.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Come, breath of God: blow freely through our hometown - our families, our neighbours, our friends. Cover this whole town with your blessing, especially those who experience scarcity, fear, and deprivation. Open our eyes that we may see the opportunities before us and engage in mission to spread your Good News.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Come, breath of God: grant health to those whose bodies struggle with pain and infirmity, those whose minds cruelly taunt with lies, and those whose spirits are crushed. Be the breath of eternal life to those whose earthly breaths are finishing. Inspire those who minister to all in need, to respond with loving kindness to every earthly need we perceive, that we do not harden our hearts but extend your grace and love.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Come, breath of God; wake us to the gifts of this day; open our hearts to the abundance of blessings. Turn our cold-heartedness to gratitude, our selfishness to sharing, our greed to an active reality of community. Help us to use the benefits of your spirit to celebrate the kingdom of God; this day and forever more.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Sermon - Pentecost - Year A

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week...

            Now, there's an importance to context. Because when today's ears hear the word "week" we think of 7 days. A nice neat column on our calendar. Yet in the time of Jesus, week had a different meaning, referencing merely a passage of time: from 3 days to 7 years. A week was a time when a sabbath had not yet taken place. This is similar to the meaning that has been used in the context of the rosary, or the Ignatian Exercises - a week is a phase of a journey. And so a spiritual week is a time of a spiritual journey, a dedicated time and space for prayerful growth.

            So there they were, those apostles. Sitting alone, on the first day of the week. The first day of their journey. The first day, as it were, of the rest of their lives.  And Jesus was there.

            The first thing the apostles are charged with, that first stage of the journey, was to receive the peace that Jesus was offering to them.

            Peace, he says. Peace to your broken hearts. Peace to your angry emotions. Peace to your anxious minds. Peace to your fear-filled selves. Peace be with you.

            Peace to you who experience racism - and injustice - and cruelty - and threat of violence.

            Peace to you who deny these injustices - who withhold dignity - who perpetuate discrimination - who stir the pot.

            Peace to you who work against broken systems - who stand up against the oppressors - who speak truth even when your voice is shaking.

            Peace to you who are paralyzed by fear - who don't know how to respond - who want to retaliate - who feel so crushed that you can't breathe.

            Peace be with you. On this first day of the week; on this start of the journey.

.....

            And Jesus showed them his hands and his side. He showed them what violence and vengeance looked like. He showed them what brutality can happen on earth; the strangling - the kneeling - the burning - the lynching - the disappearing - the devastation.

            And he showed them this while he lived. A life stronger than any earthly principality or power; a life where tears are wiped away and pain is no more. A life where any person - of any colour - has the right to clean water, to their heritage, to go birding or jogging without someone weaponising whiteness. A life of eternal community where we are embraced by continual perfect love. He showed them his hands and his side; to affirm that what they saw was not the end; but the next stage, the next phase. The next part of their journey: that this week would be one of life.

.....

            And he sent them. As the Father had sent the Son, so the Son sent the Apostles. Jesus commissioned and sent them: into the world: a world of fear, of anger, of violence. A world of injustice, of closed-hearts, of destruction. A world of breaking down doors, of murder and false accusations, of riots and hate-groups infiltrating peaceful protest. A world of colonialism, capitalism, corporate greed.

            He sent them: bearing a new message. Of peace. Of God's goodness. Of divine inclusion and holy invitation. Of being children of God, recipients of inconceivable love. Of being celebrated for having been loved into creation, bearing the image of God for all who are willing to see.

            He sent them: he sends us. The Word of God sends us into the world, commissioned, blessed, sanctified, to proclaim the Good News - of salvation, of eternal life, of redemption and forgiveness - on that first day of the week. The first day to start anew working toward building the kingdom in the world around us; assured that the Kingdom is drawing near.

.....

            And he forgave their sins: their rejection of him; their apathy; their indifference; their anger. He forgave them and begged them to forgive: to forgive those who had looted. Who had incited violence. Who had knelt. Who had stood idly by. Who had raped. Who had abused authority. Who had broken society's trust. Who had destroyed evidence. Who had destroyed property. Who had destroyed families. Who had infected. Who had acted selfishly. Who had acted against the common good. Who had acted against God.

            He asked them to forgive. He reminded them that retaining sins would only hurt themselves; for the sinner does not bear the grudge or the weight of the slight. He inspired a new way of thinking; of polite discourse; of community-building; of shared prayer, of collaborative efforts.

            He forgave. He invited forgiveness. To move beyond the unforgiveable; to start afresh without carrying old injuries and offences in their hearts and minds, to see the best in everyone they encountered, to not judge based on the past, to leave room for grace in their new journey. On that first day of the week, the first day that they were sent beyond the walls of that room.

.....

            And he breathed upon them: bestowing the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who breathes for those on ventilators. The Spirit who breathes into those devastated by a collapsed economy. The Spirit who breathes new life into broken communities. The Spirit who breathes restoration into towns torn apart by forces of nature. The Spirit who breathes eternal life to those who beg PLEASE. I CAN'T BREATHE.

            The Spirit that blows the dust off of us, rushing into our lives to disrupt our complacency.

            The Spirit who fills our lives - our rooms, our hearts, our relationships.

            The Spirit that brings fiery passion for ministry to all believers

            The Spirit whose tongues of flame enlighten and enliven us to our calling.

            The Spirit that has always been in the world, and that will never leave the world

            The Spirit that speaks love in every language, for every situation, that all may hear the Good News of God.

            The Spirit that fills us - and will not be denied.

            The Spirit that lightens every dark corner, and will not be overcome.

            The Spirit that was prophesied, to bring dreams and visions and imaginings: of a world where God is revered and central to all aspects of life.

            The Spirit who reminds us of the gift of salvation: and of the gift of ministry.

            The Spirit who stirs us to action, to journeying deeply, intently, faithfully: to the glory of God.     

.....      

            When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week...

With holy peace, with assurance of life eternal, with forgiveness, with a purposeful sending, and with the Holy Spirit. their journey began.

            The Spirit of the Lord is upon us now. Our work - our opportunity - our week has begun. Let us breathe IN the Spirit - and live.

Sermon - Easter 7 Year A

So... when are things going to get back to normal?

         This is a common question these days! We are all sitting here, waiting for daily changes and updates: concerning new cases, new recoveries, new restrictions, new vaccines, new aid programs...

         So when ARE we going to get back to normal??

         Here's part of the challenge, a part we maybe don't like considering: how *was* the normal that we had? Sure, we were used to it... sure, many of us were comfortable in it... sure, we can remember with fondness the best parts of it. And yet... if we're honest, the world before COVID wasn't perfect.

         Looking back with rose-coloured glasses is a common reality, however. It's not new - our histories are full of rhetoric from leaders inviting us to remember - with fondness and longing - a simpler time, a better time, an easier time. "Remember when..." usually starts a discourse on an Edenic blissful memory... without looking too deeply. "Remember when..." often misses any advances that have been made since that idyllic perception of reality. "Remember when..." also, sadly, often points the finger at the BIG BAD THING that ended the 'remember when period.

         Remember when... we didn't have to lock our doors... (but our doors did have locks, and break-ins did happen.)

         Remember when... gas was 10 cents a gallon, and bread a nickel... (but our salary was a dollar a week, and we had no social services)

         Remember when... I could give quite a list.

         Because what we're hearing today in the scriptures is the same sentiment that we're living today.

         Remember when... the apostles say to Jesus. Remember the dream of Israel? The idyllic mythologised perfect place that we imagine? Are we going back there? (Forget the slavery issues - on all sides... the injustices... the inequality... the inner conflict... etc.) (And forget that since then the world had advanced, societies had grown, knowledge had increased - and OH YES Jesus THE CHRIST had been manifest on earth to lead, teach, inspire, direct, and empower a new world order). And even though it likely never existed the way we think of it, when are we going back to that normal?

         How charming, then, that in this accounting of the Ascension, Jesus' response is pastoral and kind - as he very quickly assures them that normal isn't normal anymore. That a new normal is coming, and they've in fact already begun living into it. And that the Spirit will guide them as that journey continues.

         So what about OUR normal? When will we get back to THAT?

         Well. Leah D. Schade, an American author, recently blogged about some hard truths in the world, challenging us to consider if - and how often - the church engaged these societal blights. Naming them as the Top 10 Taboo Topics for preachers, the list included: women's reproductive health; fossil fuel extraction; a critique of capitalism; white privilege; LGBTQ+ rights; gun violence; war/militarization; species extinction; environmental racism; climate change.[1]

         Anyone squirming yet? Feeling uncomfortable? Glad that we are at home right now, and don't have to make eye contact with anyone else in the pews?

         While this list is from a USAmerican perspective, I think we can all recognise that these are global issues, and - as we've seen with viruses - issues don't always stop at the border.

         So. The awkward list... these issues were part of our global 'normal'. Pre-COVID they existed, as did many others, and normal wasn't great. Now that we're IN the COVID-era, they continue to exist. And they will still be here when we re-commence gatherings and congregating.

         So - given that context - I invite us into a new time of prayerful reflection and discernment. And it all starts with a very simple adjustment to our question.

         Instead of asking "when are we going to get back to normal?," let's ask ourselves what we want the new normal to look like. And what we are going to do to enable that new world to emerge. Because we play a pivotal part in that: we can't just sit idly by and expect the new-ness to emerge around us. We are being called into action - and have been given a really unique opportunity to re-start the world anew.

         It would be easier, I know, for us to simply reminisce about 'the good old days' - before COVID, back when we could... (fill in the blank with your favourite activity) - hug, shake hands in church, gather in grocery stores, go to concerts, etc. 

         But no one ever said that doing the right thing was going to be easy.

         And the right thing right now is to re-imagine a new normal.

         Returning to the scriptural account, it's important to note what happens after Jesus ascends. The apostles are appropriately stunned, and they get invited to shift gears. Two unknown white-wearing folks suddenly appear and remind them to close their mouths, to stop staring at the heavens, and to get to work sharing the Good News. As though the apostles needed anything else overwhelming and other-worldly to happen to them.

         And perhaps this is why we get this shocking, stark, nearly inconceivable reading paired with the comforting words of John's accounting of the Gospel. Here Jesus gives a lot more assurance and encouragement, a slowing down of the message to go into the new normal, recongising the prayer for protection and empowerment and the promise of eternal life.

         And the letter to Peter further extending that confidence to live into a new normal: a normal where the glory of God is paramount and primary, where God's children are blessed and invited to move beyond worry and adversity and stress; as God will provide the support and strength necessary.

         So ... knowing all this - knowing the place from which we have come, having the opportunity in front of us, what is the new normal going to look like?

How will we worship? How will we shop? How will we travel, or entertain ourselves, or source our food and supplies? How will we demonstrate our priorities, our passions, our faith?

How will we adapt the way we connect with God, with one another, with the world?

I don't know the answers - I don't think any of us do just yet.

         But I do know that we are facing a newness to normalcy right now: and we - as the church - can take a leadership position. We don't just have to stand around, mouth agape, as it were, as the world changes around us: we can be intentional in our reaction to the world.

We can commit to acts of peace and justice.

We can commit to an economy that does not exploit humanity.

We can commit to extending dignity to every person.

We can commit to practices that do not destroy the earth.

We can commit to connections that build up the kingdom of God.

We can commit to doing all things to better glorify God:

...and we can make THAT the new normal.

It won't be perfect; it won't be easy; it may not be popular. But it could be - if we want - it could be a normal so wonderful that generations from now will give thanks that we created a new normal: to the glory of God.

         Let's embrace the gift to create a "remember when..." worth remembering.  

---

[1] https://www.patheos.com/blogs/ecopreacher/2019/05/top-10-taboo-topics-preachers/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=share_bar&utm_campaign=share_bar_facebook&fbclid=IwAR2LkP8OUQzUVRS87igJybDdkgLHDaNNl4_Ox11l8BT1_LrzAn8VZUEQ-1A