 By Daniel Malakowsky
For the past few months we have been focused on growing in our daily rhythm of being with God through the Psalms. As we have pursued him in this way, we have been met richly in learning to bring the totality of our human experience before him, knowing that he invites us to share with him our joys and blessings, as well as our sorrows and frustrations. Our heart is not to leave this pursuit, but to allow those foundations that have been laid in forming and shaping us to continue to draw us collectively into God’s presence with one another. With that we will be transitioning in our focus from the Psalms to the Gospels. Where as the Psalms teach us how to be with God, the Gospels reveal to us in Christ the fullness not only of God’s redemptive plans, but the nature of his character and being. Paul reminds us that we are “being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” by beholding the glory of the Lord. In Christ “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Over these next few months we hope to organize our days and life around the life and person of Jesus, breaking up the Gospels into a monthly reading plan that we can journey on together. Jesus...the one who fills up the law and the prophets...the one who is the foundation and cornerstone that every apostle built upon...the one who unites all things in himself as the fullness of God’s redemptive plan...the one who is preeminent and in whom all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell...invites us to be with him, our Immanuel. We encourage you to join us in this pursuit. We will be gathering to reflect on and share together in how the Lord is meeting us through this study on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursday of every month. As we pursue this journey we attend to the ‘well traversed way’ the Psalmist spoke of in Psalm 23, a road leading us into the deeply dug and worn ruts of righteousness. Click Here for the Monthly Reading Plan “You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace.” ~ Augustine
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 Opening PrayerO Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of your Eternal Father, You said with your most pure lips: Without me you can do nothing. O Lord, my Lord, with faith I embrace in my heart and soul the words you have spoken. Help me a sinner, to accomplish the task that I begin for your sake in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirt. Amen -Eastern Orthodox prayer before beginning any action (Be still before God) Prayer of the BibleYou O God save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down. For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. -Psalm 18:27-30 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of SinJesus forgive me my sin and set me free from all evil passions, heal my heart of all disordered affections; that, I may be made fit to love, courageous to suffer, and steady to persevere. (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of JesusI am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. -John 15:1-5 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and OthersIn all my prayers for others, I always pray with Joy. -Philippians 1:4 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing PrayerPraise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. ~The Common Doxology (1674) Go, sent by the Father into the world to love & serve in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit  photo 1 Taken in Meteora, Greece 'Greek Orthodox Monastery
photo 2 Taken in Meteora, Greece 'Valley of Monasteries'  Opening PrayerJesus, sometimes we feel the fire in us is going out, help us to remember we were not the one who lit that fire. -Brother Roger (1915-2005) (Be still before God) Prayer of the BibleO God, you are my God; with all that I am I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because Your constant overflowing love is better than life, my lips will praise you. I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied in you and my mouth will sing words of adoration with joyful lips, -Psalm 63 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of SinLord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner -The Jesus Prayer (5th Century) (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of JesusJesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” -John 14:6-14 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and OthersBe joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing PrayerThe Divine Embrace—Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in Your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and Love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen! -The Book of Common Prayer, 101 Go, sent by the Father into the world to love & serve in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit  photo 1 Taken in Karpas, Cyprus
photo 2 Taken in Glees, Germany  Opening PrayerDear Lord, today I thought of the words of Vincent van Gogh: “It is true there is an ebb and flow, but the sea remains the sea.” You are the sea. Although I experience many ups and downs in my emotions and often feel great shifts and changes in my inner life, you remain the same. Your sameness is not the sameness of a rock, but the sameness of a faithful lover. Out of your love I came to life; by your love I am sustained; and to your love I am always called back. There are days of sadness and days of joy; there are feelings of guilt and feelings of gratitude; there are moments of failure and moments of success; but all of them are embraced by your unwavering love. O Lord, sea of love and goodness, let me not fear too much the storms and winds of my daily life, and let me know that there is ebb and flow but that the sea remains the sea. Amen -A Prayer by Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) (Be still before God) Prayer of the BibleGive thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. -Psalm 105:1-5 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of SinIt is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. The Lord says to us, ‘Turn to me with all your heart, for I am tender and compassionate’ (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of JesusGod’s care for humanity is so great that he sent his unique Son among us, So that those who count on him might not lead a futile and failing existence, But have the undying life of God Himself. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. -John 3:16 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and OthersBlessed be God who hears me when I pray. -Psalm 28:6 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing PrayerSo this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 The Message Go, sent by the Father into the world to love & serve in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit  photo 1 Taken in Gozo, Malta
photo 2 Taken in Dakar, Senegal  Opening PrayerO Gracious and holy Father, give us wisdom to perceive You, intelligence to understand You, diligence to seek You, patience to wait for You, eyes to see You, a heart to meditate upon You, and a life to proclaim You; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord -Benedict of Nursia (480-547) (Be still before God) Prayer of the BibleHear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips. May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped. I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings -Psalms 17:1-8 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of SinMost merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen! -Book of Common Prayer (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Example of JesusAfter Jesus had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone -Matthew 14:23 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and OthersHallelujah! Thank GOD! Pray to him by name! -Psalm 105:1 The Message (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing PrayerOh Lord Jesus, we see from you how you delighted to be alone with your Father, may we also discover the joy of being with our Father. As we are healed and restored in His presence may we always follow your example Jesus, who strengthened by time with the Father went down where the needy people suffer, bent low by oppression and the burden of sin and lifted them to new life. Go, sent by the Father into the world to love & serve in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit  photo 1 Taken in Cluny, France
photo 2 Taken in Gozo, Malta  Opening PrayerGod of light, eternal and bright-shining, do not allow the noises and shadows of this fleeting world to confuse us . Do not allow the deceptions of this world to muddle us. Give us strength to bear and face willingly the evils that we encounter. -Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) (Be still before God) Prayer of the BibleHe who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."…He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. -Psalm 91:1-5 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of SinO Lord, God of hosts, be with us. For we have no helper in our hardships and tribulations but You. Absolve, forgive, and remit, O God, our transgressions; those which we have committed willingly and those we have committed unwillingly, those which we have committed knowingly and those which we have committed unknowingly, the hidden and manifest, O Lord forgive us, for the sake of Your Holy name by which we are called. -the Agpeya of the Coptic Church (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. -Luke 12:32-34 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and OthersBe joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing PrayerRemember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing you have received, fading symbols of honor, trappings of power, but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage -Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) Go, sent by the Father into the world to love & serve in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit  photo 1 Taken in Assisi, Italy
photo 2 Taken in La Verna, Italy  Opening PrayerO God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, Have mercy upon us. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy upon us. O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful, Have mercy upon us. O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God, Have mercy upon us -Book of Common Prayer (Be still before God) Prayer of the BibleAnswer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent…Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. -Psalm 4:1-8 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of SinIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness -I John 1:9 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of JesusAs he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam". So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. -John 9:1-7 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and OthersOh, God, listen to my prayer; please open your ears. -Psalm 39:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing PrayerAlmighty and ever-living God, oh Lord Jesus Christ. I come sick to the Doctor of Life and unclean to the Fountain of Mercy, blind to radiance of Eternal Light, and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Lord, in Your great generosity heal my sickness, wash away my defilement, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness. Amen. -St. Thomas Aquinas Go, sent by the Father into the world to love & serve in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit  photo 1 Taken in Wachau Valley, Austria
photo 2 found on public domain  Opening PrayerJesus all for Jesus all I am and have and ever hope to be. All of my ambitions hopes and plans I surrender these into your hands. For its only in your will that I am free, For its only in your will that I am free. Jesus all for Jesus, all I am, and have, and ever hope to be -Robin Mark (Be still before God) Prayer of the BibleLord, while I live I will praise you. I will sing praises to you while I have my being I will not trust in men of power. My hope is in you, O Lord, my God for you raise those who are bowed down and you will reign forever -adapted from Psalm 146:2,3,8,10 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of SinOut of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! IF you O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness. -Psalm 130:1-4 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ -Matthew 25:34-43 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and OthersBe cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. -I Thessalonians 5:17-18 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing PrayerAlmighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be very easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen -Book of Common Prayer Go, sent by the Father into the world to love & serve in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit  photo 1 Taken in Paola, Italy 'Santuario di San Francesco'
photo 2 Taken in Phoenix, Arizona 'Woodland Community Garden'  Opening PrayerFor God alone my soul in silence waits; from Him comes my Salvation –Psalm 62:1 (Be still before God) Prayer of the BibleLord, the earth is yours and all its fullness, the world and all who dwell in it. For you have founded it on the seas, and establish it on the waters. Therefore I will not lift up my soul to an idol but I will seek your face. -adapted from Psalm 24:1,2,4,6 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of SinBut now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me from all my sins -Psalm 39:4-8 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of JesusJesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. -Luke 15:11-32 Prayer for Ourselves and OthersPray to God the Father, through the power of our Master Jesus, through the love of the Spirit -Romans 15:30 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing PrayerFather, I abandon myself into Your hands. Do with me what You will. Whatever You do, I will thank You. I am ready for all. I accept all. Let only Your will be done in me, as in all Your creatures, And I’ll ask nothing else, my Lord. Into your hands I commend my spirit; I give it to You with all the love of my heart, For I love You, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into Your hands. Because You are my Father. -Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) Go, sent by the Father into the world to love & serve in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit  photo 1 Taken in Delphi, Greece
photo 2 Taken in Prodigal Son  Opening PrayerJesus, your light is shining within us, let not my doubts and my darkness speak to me; Jesus, your light is shining within us, let my heart always welcome your love. -Brother Roger (1915-2005) (Be still before God) Prayer of the BibleKeep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -Psalm 16 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of SinLord Jesus, come yourself, and dwell with us, be human as we are, and overcome what overwhelms us. Come into the midst of my evil, come close to my unfaithfulness. Share my sin, which I hate and which I cannot leave. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” -Matthew 22:37,38 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and OthersDuring the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. -Hebrews 5:7 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing PrayerFrom prayer that asks that I may be Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee, From fearing when I should aspire, From faltering when I should climb higher From silken self, O Captain, free Thy soldier who would follow Thee. From subtle love of softening things, From easy choices, weakenings, (Not thus are spirits fortified, Not this way went the Crucified) From all that dims Thy Calvary O Lamb of God, deliver me. Give me the love that leads the way, The faith that nothing can dismay The hope no disappointments tire, The passion that will burn like fire; Let me not sink to be a clod; Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God -Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) Go, sent by the Father into the world to love & serve in the name of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit  photo 1 Taken in Taize, France
photo 2 Taken in Gozo, Malta |
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