Dear Friends,
This weekend is full of opportunities for prayer. In our national life we remember on Memorial Day those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy, as we continue to pray for peace in the world. In our family lives we celebrate graduations, the beginning of summer relaxation, rest, and travels, even as we give thanks for all those we love but see no longer. Sunday will be Trinity's Annual Memorial Garden Remembrance service. In our lives as God's people, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, as Jesus promised. The Spirit is ever present enlivening our hearts and guiding us in our lives as followers of Christ. Of course, we are not separate people as citizens, family members, followers of Christ; but are God's beloved in all aspects of our being and our doing. This weekend, may you know yourself fully as one who is called Beloved, as you pray, remember, celebrate, and relish the beauty of God's good Creation.
In this full time, I offer these prayers from our Episcopal Book of Common prayer, for you and your family to pray wherever you are. Consider adding them to your prayers for a day, a weekend, or a season, for God knows, we need more prayer and we as God's people are the ones to pray!
For Heroic Service (BCP, p.839)
O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Peace (BCP, p. 815)
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one God; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
For the Good Use of Leisure (BCP. p. 825)
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May your weekend be prayerful and blessed!
Nancy+
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