The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany / The Fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time

For Meditation and Contemplation Sunday, January 30, 2022 Opening Words O God— whose love is vast and measureless, wider than the universe, unlimited and infinite: In wonder and awe we worship you. O God— whose love will never run dry, will never fall short, will never fail: In wonder and awe we worship you. O God— whose love knows nothing of our distinctions, our notions of ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’, and which encompasses everyone: In wonder and awe we worship you. O God— we praise you that your love reaches us, in our struggles and our joys, in our hidden place of fear and shame, in our sorrow and disappointment: In wonder and awe we worship you. O God— we praise you that in your love you meet us as we are, where we are, sweeping aside any sense of inadequacy, overturning misplaced dependencies, and opening a window of light and hope, until we see in you our one true home: In wonder and awe we worship you. O God— we praise you that your love comes gently, a warm scented breeze in the winter hurricane, a creeping tide smoothing rough sand, a depth of stillness to a heart in turmoil: In wonder and awe we worship you. O God— your love is beyond all we can tell, yet we know that you are here with us, and that you care for every detail of our lives. We offer you hearts filled with gratitude: In wonder and awe we worship you. —by Louise Gough. Posted on Worship Words. http://worshipwords.co.uk/ Prayer Before Reading From the Scriptures Word of Holy Wisdom, Word of Sacred Truth, Word of Hallowed Life: Speak to us the message you would have us hear today. First Reading Jeremiah 1 4 Now the word of God came to me and said: 5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I dedicated you. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 6 I said, “But Sovereign God! I don’t know how to speak! I’m too young!” 7 But God said, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ Now, go wherever I send you. And say whatever I command you. 8 Do not fear anyone, for I am with you to protect you. It is God who speaks.” 9 Then God touched my mouth and said to me, 10 “Look, I am putting my words in your mouth. This day I appoint you over nations and territories, to uproot and to tear down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Prayer After the First Reading Holy God, you knew us before we took our first breath. You uttered your living Word and brought forth light, love, and life. You gathered us from the dust of the earth and called us your people. You sent us into the world to proclaim your mighty and wondrous deeds. You are with us even now as we continue our call. O God, in your righteousness, deliver us and set us free. Mighty God, you have done great things; who is like you? You alone are our rock of refuge. You alone are our strong fortress. You alone are our hope and in you alone is our trust. O God, in your righteousness, deliver us and set us free. Merciful God, your love never ends. We confess to you that we do not always share your love as we should. Where you have called us to live as one body, we exist as divided members. Where you have called us to give our Spirit-given gifts, we ignore your call. Where you have called us to forgive, we have forgotten your mercy. O God, in your righteousness, deliver us and set us free. Gracious God, do not be far from us! Strengthen us that we might be givers of your grace and may your steadfast love be known to all of your children. Send your Holy Spirit to empower our hands to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and love all as you have first loved us. O God, in your righteousness, deliver us and set us free. Loving God, hear today the prayers that we lift up to you. Be with those of us who are [name of community]. Give us hearts of courage and songs of your grace to tell others of your righteous acts and deeds of salvation. O God, in your righteousness, deliver us and set us free. Abundant God, be with those of us that yearn for your restoration and healing. Today, we ask your blessing upon [list names of those in need of healing]. We who are [name of community] also lift up to you those who we bring before you with our lips or within our hearts… O God, in your righteousness, deliver us and set us free. Faithful God, your power and your righteousness reach the heavens. Hear us, your servants, as we follow you to the day when faith, hope, and love will be upon the lips of all of us, your children. O God, in your righteousness, deliver us and set us free. Psalmody Psalm 71 1 In you, God, I take shelter— let me never be disappointed. 2 In your justice, rescue me, deliver me, turn your ear to me and save me! 3 Be mine, O mountain of strength! Send your decree—deliver me, for you are my rock, my fortress! 4 O God, rescue me from the hands of the violent, from the clutches of the thief and outlaw! 5 For you alone are my hope, God my sovereign— I have trusted you since my youth. 6 I have relied on you from the womb; you sustained me from my mother’s breast; to you I give constant praise. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Prayer After the Psalm Reading To you, O God, we call out for help, for you are our rock and our fortress. Listen to the prayers we raise before you today. Rescue those who are under the power of injustice and cruelty, and cleanse our hearts of the desires that do violence against your people. O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge. Protect and nurture the young, who are just learning the promise of your constant presence; keep them safe and cover them with your gracious love. O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge. Let your mercy surround those who are old, especially those whose health or mind or family fail them; let your strength lift them up, and let your praises be on their lips. O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge. Stand with all who seek to serve you faithfully. Give them steadfast hope by the power of your Holy Spirit, and let them celebrate the righteous acts you do through them day after day. O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge. Reveal yourself in family and community gatherings this week, that as loved ones gather together for Thanksgiving, each generation may tell another about the wonders of your love. Bless and watch over all who travel. O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge. Revive and comfort those who face trouble and calamity among us, and let your healing presence be with all who are ill Bring your people up from the depths, to your honor. O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge. Show your faithfulness to those who face death or walk in the shadow of grief Strengthen your people to sing your praises even in the darkness, and watch over the souls of all who rest in you. O God our protector: Be our rock of refuge. God our rock, we call to you now and always. Amen. Gospel Reading Luke 4 20 Rolling up the scroll, Jesus gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he said to them, “Today, in your hearing, this scripture passage is fulfilled.” 22 All who were present spoke favorably of him; they marveled at the eloquence of the words on Jesus’ lips. They said, “Surely this isn’t Mary and Joseph’s son!” 23 Jesus said to them, “Undoubtedly you’ll quote me the proverb, ‘Physician, heal yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your own country the things we heard you did in Capernaum.’ 24 But the truth is, prophets never gain acceptance in their hometowns. 25 “The truth is, there were many women who were widowed in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens remained closed for three and a half years and a great famine spread over the land. 26 It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but to a woman who had been widowed in Zarephath, near Sidon. 27 Recall, too, that many had leprosy in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one was cured except Naaman the Syrian.” 28 At these words, the whole audience in the synagogue was filled with indignation. 29 They rose up and dragged Jesus out of town, leading him to the brow of the hill on which the city was built, with the intention of hurling him over the edge. 30 But he moved straight through the crowd and walked away. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Prayer After the Gospel Reading Holy God, you knew us before we knew ourselves. You consecrate us even now to be your servants. Create in us hearts worthy to be your prophets that we might go where you send us, and speak the Word that you give us. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, place your words upon our lips and your grace upon our hearts so that we might pluck up and pull down, destroy and overthrow, build and plant, as you, alone, have commanded. Amen. Invitation To Healing and Wholeness Let us in humble spirit and truth of being confess our brokenness before God and one another. Prayer of Brokenness/Confession Loving-Spirit, we confess that we have put our trust in worldly idols of wealth and power. We confess that we have sought worldly measures of success in fortune and notoriety. We confess that the systems of power in this world have made us complacent with the status quo. We confess that systemic sin is often invisible to us; we do not often recognize the power and privilege we have. Forgive us for not expanding our vision to see what You see: the structures that amplify the voices of the majority and silence the marginalized; the brokenness of the people around us from the structures of disenfranchisement; the pain and suffering of so many in our community. Call us to accountability. Bring us to the path of justice, reconciliation, and healing. Open our hearts, O Loving-Spirit, to repentance, to Your correction, and to Your healing and peace. Amen. Prayer Of Thanksgiving Merciful God, we praise you that you give strength for every weakness, forgiveness for our failures, and new beginnings in Jesus Christ. Especially we thank you for the guidance of your spirit through this day . . . signs of new life and hope . . . people who have helped us . . . those who struggle for justice . . . expressions of love unexpected or undeserved . . . Almighty God, you know all needs before we speak our prayers, yet you welcome our concerns for others in Jesus Christ. Especially we pray for those who keep watch over the sick and dying . . . those who weep with the grieving . . . those who are without faith and cannot accept your love . . . the aged who are lonely, distressed or weak . . . your Church and people in every time and place . . . Blessed are You and blessed is your Kin-Dom, now and forever. Amen. —Book Of Common Worship, PC (USA), Daily Prayer, Friday Evening Prayer Intercession For your Church: that we may grow in faith, hope, and love, and help others to discover the joy of these virtues . . . For all who are called to be prophets: that God will give them a clear insight into the truth, the strength to endure rejection and suffering, and convincing words to touch hearts about injustice and lack of love . . . For one another: that we may hear God’s call to us, courageously respond to it, and share God’s message in our words and deeds . . . For the grace to be supportive and loving: that we may rejoice in the success of others, let go of past injuries and disappointments, and encourage one another toward fuller lives . . . For renewal and deepening of love: that the Spirit of God will help us to love one another as God has loved us . . . For married and engaged couples: that God will help them to have generous love toward each other and be signs of God’s love in society . . . For growth in loving service: that God will help us to lay down our lives in service of family, community, and our suffering sisters and brothers . . . For all who have experienced rejection and persecution for being Christian: that they may persevere in their faith and be witnesses to Christ in every situation . . . For all who are ill: that God’s Spirit will strengthen and restore them, protect the human family from additional waves of the pandemic, inspire all who are researching cures, and strengthen all who are caring for the sick . . . For members of religious communities: that their witness and dedication to the Gospel may be an inspiration and source of continuing renewal within the Church . . . For a greater awareness of our responsibility to be stewards of God’s creation: that God will help us understand the interconnectedness of life and work to preserve the health of the air, water, and land that God has created . . . For all who are recovering from disasters: that God will help the people of Tonga, speed the assistance that they need, and give them strength and courage . . . For all who will be participating in the Olympic games: that God will guide them safely to their destinations, preserve them from illness, and help them to perform well . . . For public and private schools: that the students may grow in their knowledge and love of God and that the schools will give witness to the Gospel and be a light in our society . . . For peace: that the Spirit will inspire world leaders to resolve differences through dialogue and reduce tensions in Eastern Europe to avoid violence . . . —Joe Milner, the Liturgy Planning Team for St. Francis Xavier College Church on Saint Louis University (Silence) We lift these prayers to you, O God of all compassion and mercy. knowing that you provide for our needs even before we ask, and that our prayers change not you, but transform us to be ever more like the people you have created and redeemed us to be. Blessed are you, and blessed is your Kin-Dom, world without end. Amen. Going Forth I Corinthians 12.31-13.13 (selected verses) 31 Now I will show you the way which surpasses all the others. 1 Even if I can speak in all the tongues of earth—and those of the angels too—but do not have love, I am just a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy such that I can comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge, or if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away everything I own to feed those poorer than I, then hand over my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, and it is not snobbish; 5 it is never rude or self-seeking; it is not prone to anger, nor does it brood over injuries. 6 Love doesn’t rejoice in what is wrong, but rejoices in the truth. 7 There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure. 8 Love never fails. Prophecies will cease; tongues will be silent; knowledge will pass away. 9 Our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect. 10 When the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. My knowledge is imperfect now; then I will know even as I am known. 13 There are, in the end, three things that last: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Provoking God, calling us through the face of the Other: free our fickle hearts from our need to divide and exclude the foreign and the misfit; lead us through the storms of rage to a clear and new beginning; through your love, of which hatred cannot touch. Amen. —Prayers for An Inclusive Church. Steven Shakespeare © 2008 Canterbury Press.

Third Sunday After the Epiphany/Third Sunday In Ordinary Time

Third Sunday After the Epiphany Third Sunday In Ordinary Time Year C January 23, 2022 Jesus unrolled the scroll . . . and proclaimed God's promise fulfilled. Together In Worship Spirit Of the Living God Daniel Iverson (1926) (For Music click Here) Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me, Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me. Prayer O God, who is spoken-Word, living-Love, and liberating-Justice: Open the scroll of your truth and life within our hearts and minds. May we hear anew your message of Jubilee. May we rejoice in your presence. For you have come to set us free and to claim each of us as your own. The year of your favor has dawned. In its light we see new possibilities, new opportunities. Empower us to shine forth as a reflection of your Sacred Glory, that all may know that you are a God who never abandons your people. For you love each and everyone of us, as if we were the only one. Amen. Nehemiah 8. 1-3, 5-6, 8-10 All the people came together in the broad expanse before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses which God had given to Israel. On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the scribe brought out the Book of the Law before all the assembled people, women and men, and children old enough to understand the reading. Ezra read the book aloud from early morning till noon while facing the broad expanse before the Water Gate, in the presence of the women and men and children. All listened attentively to the Book of the Law. Ezra, standing on the raised platform, opened the book in the presence of all the people. When he opened the book all stood up. When Ezra blessed the Most High, the great God, all the people raised their hands with the response, “Amen, Amen”; then they bowed their heads and worshipped God lying face down on the ground. Reading from the Book of the Law, they interpreted it and gave it meaning so that the people understood it. Then Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe, along with the Levites, instructed the people, saying to all of them, “This day is holy to the Most High, your God. Do not mourn. Do not weep”—for the people all had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah continued, “Go now and enjoy rich food and sweet wine, and be certain that you send a share to those who cannot provide for themselves, for this day is holy to God. Let no one be sad, for God’s joy is your strength.” —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Psalm 19 The heavens herald your glory, O God, and the skies display your handiwork. Day after day they tell their story, and night after night they reveal the depth of their understanding. Without speech, without words, without even an audible voice, their cry echoes through all the world, and their message reaches the ends of the earth. For in the heavens the sun has pitched a tent. It comes forth with the grandeur of a wedding procession, with the eagerness of an athlete ready to race. It rises at one end of the sky and travels to the other end, and nothing escapes its warmth. Your law, O God, is perfect; it refreshes the soul. Your rule is to be trusted; it gives wisdom to the naive. Your purposes, O God, are right; they gladden the heart. Your command is clear; it gives light to the eyes. Holding you in awe, O God, is purifying; it endures. Your decrees are steadfast, and all of them just. They are more precious than gold, than the purest of gold, and sweeter than honey, than honey fresh from the comb. In them your faithful people find instruction; there is great reward in keeping them. But who can detect one’s own failings? Forgive the misdeeds I don’t even know about! Keep your faithful one from presumption as well, so that my faults never control me. Then I will be blameless and innocent of a grave error. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing in your sight, God, my rock and my redeemer! —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Luke 4. 14-21 Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and his reputation spread throughout the region. He was teaching in the Galilean synagogues, and all were loud in their praise. Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. Entering the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his habit, Jesus stood up to do the reading. When the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed him, he unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: “The Spirit of our God is upon me: because the Most High has anointed me to bring Good News to those who are poor. God has sent me to proclaim liberty to those held captive, recovery of sight to those who are blind, and release to those in prison—to proclaim the year of our God’s favor.” Rolling up the scroll, Jesus gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he said to them, “Today, in your hearing, this scripture passage is fulfilled.” —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Response To the Word He has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. Luke 4:18 Jesus stood up, unrolled the scroll just as had Ezra, the priest-scribe, and announced to the assembly and to us that God is in our midst this day. Earth is holy now. Anoint our being and doings, Touch all our days, with grace. Let us honor this world and its people. —by Anne Osdieck Prayer For the Day Bringer-Of-Good-News, your Spirit moves within our midst. Throughout your Creation there is not a time or place without your Word of anointing. Anoint us, O God, that we would proclaim the Good News that is the freedom from oppression. May the poor be blessed, their poverty undone. May those enslaved be truly free, without discrimination as to skin color, gender identity, and sexual orientation. May the blind have vision that sees beyond the shadows of this pandemic, the unrest and violence that persists in so many places, the lies and half-truths that ensnare our gullible naivete, the political wrangling that pits one against another and emboldens the sins of empire, and the disasters within your Earth that destroy and kill and render people helpless. Give us the fresh start of your new day and keep us forever within the love and life that is your Kin-Dom. Amen. Prayer Of Intercession —adapted from Joe Milner, Catholic Campus Ministry, St. Louis University We pray for the Church: that we may recognize our identity as members of the Body of Christ and manifest the Good News in our lives, our families, and our workplaces . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For openness to the Holy Spirit: that we may nurture and develop the gifts that the Spirit has given us and use them to build up the Body of Christ and in service of others . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For the gift of discernment: that leaders and every member of the Christian community will listen for God’s invitations and further the mission of Jesus in all the ways which the human family needs healing and enlightenment . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For teachers and preachers: that God will inspire them with words that will renew the faith of those who hear them and encourage them to greater trust in God’s providence . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For greater openness to God’s Word: that we may allow God’s Word to enter our deepest selves, enlighten the darkness of our hearts, and free us to live as daughters and sons of God . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For all who are discerning their vocation: that God will lead them to people and experiences which will help them recognize how God is calling them to use their lives and gifts in the service of others . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For the members of Congress: that the Spirit will move them to greater cooperation, guide them in addressing the greatest issues in people’s lives, and inspire them with ways promote the common good . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For all who steward earth’s resources: that we may recognize all of creation as God’s gift to us and grow in awareness of our responsibility to care for the earth . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For all who struggle with emotional and mental illness: that they may come to know a time of God’s favor and receive peace and relief from their struggles . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For all who are dying: that they may be reconciled with those who are important to them and peacefully commend themselves to God’s healing embrace . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For healing within churches: that God will free us from rivalries and past wounds so that we can work together in serving Christ who brought forgiveness to all . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For families experiencing estrangement and divorce: that God will guide them through difficult times, help them to respect one another, and to care for their children . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For all who are ill: that the healing mission of Jesus will continue through our care for the sick, and may they experience support and assistance from their faith community . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For greater attention to God’s Word: that we may recognize the words of scripture as sources of Spirit and Life that will help us live more fully and faithfully each day . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For peace and a reduction in international tensions: that God will give all leaders a bigger vision, remove fear from their hearts, and pull back troops in Eastern Europe . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. For the well-being of your Creation and Earth as the home you have made for us: Guide within your wisdom the stewardship of your providence and the measures needed to prevent further damage and destruction to your world . . . in your compassion and mercy, hear our prayer, O God. Amen. Closing Thoughts A Prophet’s Blessing This blessing finds its way behind the bars. This blessing works its way beneath the chains. This blessing knows its way through a broken heart. This blessing makes a way where there is none. Where there is no light, this blessing. Where there is no hope, this blessing. Where there is no peace, this blessing. Where there is nothing left, this blessing. In the presence of hate. In the absence of love. In the torment of pain. In the grip of fear. To the one in need. To the one in the cell. To the one in the dark. To the one in despair. Let this blessing come as bread. Let this blessing come as release. Let this blessing come as sight. Let this blessing come as freedom. Let this blessing come. —by Jan Richardson https://paintedprayerbook.com/2013/01/20/epiphany-3-to-proclaim-release

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY/SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The Second Sunday After the Epiphany
The Second Sunday In Ordinary Time

January 16, 2022

The Wedding At Cana

When Water Becomes Wine

Resources For Meditation and Contemplation

Opening Prayer
God of the Vineyard, Wine-Making-One: At the wedding feast at Cana you gladdened the guests with divine generosity, filled to the brim and flowing over.
You offer only the choicest of vintage made from the grapes of your Kin-Dom; the fruit of love that is poured out in life-giving abundance.
Your love knows no boundaries filling all of creation, people both near and far.
May the stream of your Spirit enter every nook and cranny until all are saturated in your justice-creating and peace-making realm. Be our Bridegroom, the church's betrothed, that we may serve you and one another in this day and forevermore. Amen.




Prayer For the Day
O God of steadfast love, at the wedding in Cana your Only-Begotten and Beloved One turned water into wine, delighting all who were there. Transform our hearts by your Spirit, that we may use our varied gifts to show forth the light of your love. Amen.
—https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/




Reading From the Gospels
John 2. 1-11
Three days later, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there.
Jesus and his disciples had likewise been invited to the celebration.
At a certain point, the wine ran out, and Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no wine.”
Jesus replied, “Mother, what does that have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”
She instructed those waiting on tables, “Do whatever he tells you.”
As prescribed for Jewish ceremonial washings, there were six stone water jars on hand, each one holding between fifteen and twenty-five gallons.
“Fill those jars with water,” Jesus said, and the servers filled them to the brim.
“Now,” said Jesus, “draw some out and take it to the caterer.” They did as they were instructed.
The caterer tasted the water—which had been turned into wine—without knowing where it had come from; the only ones who knew were those who were waiting on tables, since they had drawn the water.
The caterer called the bride and groom over and remarked, “People usually serve the best wine first; then, when the guests have been drinking a while, a lesser vintage is served. What you’ve done is to keep the best wine until now!”
Jesus performed this first of his signs at Cana in Galilee; in this way he revealed his glory, and the disciples believed in him.
—Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible (pp. 2379-2380). Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.

Bless the Water and the Wine

—Image: Water into Wine © Jan L. Richardson
https://paintedprayerbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/blog-WaterIntoWine.jpg

Prayer of Transformation
Beloved,
you make the water of my life into wine,
my ordinary into your holy.
You request miracles of me
the moment before I know I’m ready.
What was for purification of uncleanness
you make into celebration of beauty.
You change my despair to gratitude
in secret, my dark certainty to wonder.
You make this life into a wedding feast,
my faithful marriage to the Holy One.
Always you turn piety into a party.
And always the best is yet to come.
This wine is not for discussion.
It’s to drink. It’s good. It’s really good. Let’s dance.
—Source: Steve Garnaas-Holmes, Unfolding Light




Prayer of Intercession
You, O God, are almighty, endless in power and in love. When we have no power to help ourselves help us to know we can trust in you, in your presence and in your power.
We pray for the Church that it may know its true resources and power are from you; that it may be enabled to proclaim your saving power and your love. Give your Church the ability to be a healing instrument in the world, to bring peace and to proclaim your presence.
God in your mercy hear our prayer.
We remember all who struggle for survival, the poor and the oppressed, the hungry and the homeless, all who feel powerless. We ask you to bless all who strive to bring justice and peace to our world.
God in your mercy hear our prayer.
We give thanks for all who have enriched our lives by their love and goodness. We ask that your love may be experienced in our homes and among our loved ones and friends. We pray for homes where there is conflict, violence or abuse, especially for any who live in fear or feel unable to change.
God in your mercy hear our prayer.
Give strength to the weak, refresh the weary, encourage the fearful and protect all who are endangered. We remember friends and loved ones who are ill or in need of comfort and refreshment.
God in your mercy hear our prayer.
We rejoice that you give us life in all its abundance and life eternal. We pray for all our loved ones departed that they may have the fullness of life in your Kin-Dom.
God in your mercy hear our prayer.




Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Loving God, the world is full to the brim with your grace, yet so often we see only what we do not have.

Joyful God, you call us to glorify and enjoy you forever, yet so often we insist that faith must be cut and dried, strait-laced, and serious.

Calling God, you ask for obedience to your will, yet so often we prefer our own way to yours.

Forgive our faltering faith, O God.

Soften our hard hearts, unclench our grasping hands, and open our darkened eyes, that we may follow you into Kin-Dom life. We pray to you, O God, who makes all things new. Amen.




Closing Prayer
O Divine Lover,
who constantly stirs the waters of our souls,
unconcerned with the debris and dirt
which has lain hidden in the depths for so long;
who gently lights the colours and awakens the flavours
which we had forgotten we held within us,
revealing the wine that is our true being;
With relief and gladness, we praise and And in loving response we offer ourselves
to be poured out for other thirsty ones
who long to taste the sweetness
of your generous love.
thank you
for your love and healing;
Amen.
—https://sacredise.com/water-to-wine/




Prayer To Take With You
God of the wrong crowd,
sharing bread
with the unwanted and imperfect:
take our pious disdain,
fill us with new wine,
that we might be transformed
in body and in soul.
Amen.




Going Forth
Intoxicating-Spirit, you fill us with the wine of your love.
May we drink deeply, without reservation, allowing your marriage to us to free our lives in celebration.
Bring us to that place where life is not only lived in facing the challenges of being faithful and fending off the things that would have us be true to you and to ourselves, but also in festive joy and jubilation of celebration.
For we lack the balance that is needed.
We strive to live in puritan and predictable ways as if life is a chore to be completed.
We long to extol the life that is a pure and simple gift, abundant and free.
Increase our joy.
Embolden our trust.
Sanctify our playfulness.
Inspire our imagination.
Grant us the ability to dream big and to follow those dreams.
All to your praise and glory, and to the life you have called us to live. Amen.




—Wedding at Cana by Duccio di Buoninsegna
Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY—January 9, 2020

		JESUS IS BAPTIZED BY JOHN THE INAGUARATION OF JESUS MINISTRY A LITURGY FOR MEDITATION AND CONTEMPLATION Use As Much Or As Little As You Choose
		You Are My Beloved One In Whom I Am Well Pleased CENTERING IN PREPARATION The Spirit dances in the water, waiting in baptism to join us in the fire of God’s love. Come to the waters. Come to the Spirit. Come to the journey of a lifetime—a journey through death to life everlasting. —Scifres, Mary; Beu, B. J.. The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022. OPENING WORDS Our God is a God of power and strength! God has created each of us with tender care. Our God is a God of majesty and awe! God walks with each of us every step of the way. Our God is a God of glory and wonder! God loves each of us with tenderness and passion. Our God calls us each by name. God calls each of us to unite in worship together. PRAYER FOR WORSHIP Divine Spirit, descend upon us this day, as you descended upon Jesus on the day of his baptism. In the midst of our brokenness, we long to touch the healing of your Spirit, as you touch us with your love. In the presence of evil all around us, we yearn to be protected by the holy fire of your sustaining Spirit. As we remember, with gratitude, our baptism this day, remind us that we are a people of the water— a pople emade one and whole, through the Spirit made known in Christ Jesus. Amen. —Scifres, Mary; Beu, B. J.. The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022. TRISAGION You speak, O God, and the world reverberates in your love. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One: speak your love to us. You claim a people, O God, and they become your Beloved, heirs of your Kin-Dom. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One: make us your people claimed by your love. You name what you choose and call it beloved; in pleasure you delight in your choosing. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One: named by your love may we bring you delight. PRAYER OF THE DAY O God of all creation, You came into the world that we might know love and new life. Pour your Spirit on your church, that it may fulfill Christ’s command to live the gospel everywhere; that the proclamation of the good news might be heard throughout the earth. Reassure us, that we are your beloved people. Defend us against all evil and temptation. Give us grace to bear faithful witness to you. Endue us with love, keep us constant in prayer, empower us for the service of love. Amen. —The Abingdon Women’s Preaching Annual, Series 2, Year C. GLORIA Glory be to God on high. God's glory be the light in which we live. Peace to God's people on earth, Peace is the good will we share in common. Thanks be to God. PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Come to the word, seeking the presence of the living God. We come seeking life with Christ in the promise of our baptism. Come to the word, seeking forgiveness for the hurts you have caused others. We come to offer our very selves as a living sacrifice. Come to the word, seeking acceptance, with hearts ready to be born anew. We come to receive God’s Spirit. Listen for the word of God. —Scifres, Mary; Beu, B. J.. The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022. FIRST READING Isaiah 43:1-7 1 But now thus says the God of Hosts, the One who created you, O Jacob, the One who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. 4 Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; 6 I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my daughters and sons from far away and from the end of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” PSALMODY Psalm 29 1 Ascribe to God, O heavenly beings, ascribe to God glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to God's name the glory it is due, worship God in holy splendor. 3 The voice of God is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, God, over mighty waters. 4 The voice of God is powerful; the voice of God is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the God breaks the cedars; God breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 God makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of God flashes forth flames of fire. 8 The voice of God shakes the wilderness; God shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of God causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in God's temple all say, “Glory!” 10 God sits enthroned over the flood; God sits enthroned as sovereign forever. 11 God give strength to the people, O God! Bless your people with peace! SECOND READING Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, the Anointed One Chosen of God 16 John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; whose sandals I am not fit to untie! That One will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 Winnowing fork in hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff will burn with unquenchable fire." 21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are mine, the Beloved One; in whom I am well pleased." CALL TO RECONCILIATION As the baptized of God, let us seek to bring to fulfillment the redemption and reconciliation that is ours in God's love. PRAYER FOR REDEMPTION AND HEALING Holy One, we confess that we live at times as if You are far away. We live at times as if You are above us, distant in a cloud. We have forgotten the humanness of Your life, that You were born as vulnerable and messy as us. You were baptized as we were baptized, in water from this earth You created. You called forth followers who were Your friends. You celebrated at weddings and had family members tell you what to do. Remind us to invite You into the mess of our lives, O God, for You have lived it and experienced it. You know what it is like to be rejected by family, to be feared, to be forgotten, and to be loved and accepted and cared for. Remind us that You are very near to us, not only in Spirit, but in experience. You know us. You know our hearts. You know our lives. May we rejoice and celebrate that You are dear to us, and we are dear to You. Amen. —Rev. Mindi @ http://rev-o-lution.org/ WORDS OF ASSURANCE Do not worry, sisters and brothers, for God has redeemed you and called you by name. Do not worry, children of the promise, for God is with us even now, gathering the lost into the light of everlasting love and faithfulness. —Scifres, Mary; Beu, B. J.. The Abingdon Worship Annual 2022. PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Glorious God, as Jesus prayed at his baptism, your mothering Spirit brooded over him, providing sustenance and strength. So brood over us today as we offer our prayers for the church and world saying, Mothering Spirit, stir us with your power. We pray for your church: may your word spark our lives with truth and joy as we serve one another to the glory of your name. Mothering Spirit, stir us with your power. We pray for all leaders and people around the globe: may your justice provoke us to shape a peaceful world where all work for the common good. Mothering Spirit, stir us with your power. We pray for the well-being of your creation: may your goodness startle us to the horror of our exploitation and abuse. Mothering Spirit, stir us with your power. We pray for all who suffer grief or sickness of any kind: may your tender presence abide with us and hasten our healing. Mothering Spirit, stir us with your power. We pray for all who lack the essentials of life: may your righteousness raise us up to walk together with respect and dignity for all. Mothering Spirit, stir us with your power. We pray for those who have died, that your steadfast love may shelter them in the peace of your eternal light. Mothering Spirit, stir us with your power. O God, you have made us, formed us, and called us by name, and you have redeemed us in Christ. Receive our prayers this day, for your life-giving Spirit is powerful to save. Amen. —Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 1. THE PRAYER OF JESUS Our God, in whom we are named and blessed and beloved, is enthroned in the heavens. Holy is your name above all names. May your realm come, your will be done; here and now as it is in heaven. Provide us with our daily measure. Forgive us when we forget we are yours and that you have claimed us, as we forgive those who do likewise. Test not our faith and love for we are still learning how to be your people, but keep us from all evil. For yours is the Kin-Dom, the Power, and the Glory. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND DEDICATION Wellspring of Life, we ne,water and air to live. By our breath we know Your Spirit; by the waters we know death and life. We are birthed into this world in the water of the womb, and born into You by the breath of the Spirit. In our baptism, we remember that we are both fully born of You and of this earth. As Jesus came to us, may we understand our unity in You. May we grow in understanding of our connection to the earth and all of creation. May we do our part to clean our water and air, to remember these gifts from You, gifts through the earth, that are part of us. In the name of Christ, who was born of Mary and brings us into new life now on Your beautiful earth, we pray. Amen. —Rev. Mindi @ http://rev-o-lution.org/ SENDING FORTH We have been with Jesus to the River of Jordan, river of life, river of promise. Go forth in the joy of life, — to live as children of promise. —Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 1. DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING May the grace of Jesus Christ, who stood with sinners on the river bank, uphold you. May the voice of God resound in your heart—you are my Beloved, in whom I am well pleased. May the remembrance of your baptism keep you in the way of God's justice and peace. Amen.