NIGHT PRAYER: Sunday 5/3

On Sundays, Night Prayer takes its lead from some element from the day's liturgy

and today is the fifth Sunday in the Easter season.  In today's Gospel, we find Jesus at his last supper, bidding farewell to his friends and telling them that he is their way, their truth and their life...  Those images are beautifully set to music in John Becker's song, "Lead Me, Lord."  I suggest that tonight we listen first to the song (lushly arranged here by Mark Hayes) and then join together in the prayer... (If a video doesn't appear below, click here!)

 

 

 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, longing for their Lord,
for God's coming kingdom shall be theirs.
Blessed are the sorrowing, for they shall be consoled,
and the meek shall come to rule the world.

Lead me, Lord, lead me, Lord, by the light of truth
to seek and to find the narrow way.
Be my way; be my truth; be my life, my Lord,
and lead me, Lord, today.

Blessed are the merciful, for mercy shall be theirs,
and the pure in heart shall see their God.
Blest are they whose hunger only holiness can fill,
for I say they shall be satisfied.

Blest are they who through their lifetimes sow the seeds of peace;
all will call them children of the Lord.
Blest are you, though persecuted in your holy life
for in heaven, great is your reward.

Let's pray...

 

"By the narrow way..."

That's the way I need to go, Lord,
and I do need you to lead me
    to seek and to find the narrow way...

I'm so easily led down wider paths,
roads with broad, undefined shoulders:
    lots of room for weaving back and forth
    and waffling on decisions, choices
    and changes to be made...

The wider path is looser, less constricting,
leaving me free to follow the latest fad,
    the crowd's lead or whatever whim or fancy
    might currently be mine...

Multiple lanes on the road offer me
    more room than I need,
    more sway than is wise,
    more chances for losing my way...

It's the narrow way, your way, Lord
    that helps me focus on my goals,
    keeps me straight on the way that's mine,
    protects me from making wrong turns
    and leads me, always, closer to you,
    to your word, your grace and your love...

So lead me, Lord, by the light of truth,
lead me to seek and to find the narrow way.
Be my way; be my truth; be my life;

be my Lord - and lead me home...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen. 

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Homily: Am I on the right path?

 

Here's my homily for May 3, the Fifth Sunday of the Easter season. (If a video doesn't appear above, click here!)  My reflection is based on today's gospel and the text of my homily follows below. Note: towards the end of my homily I refer to Becket, a young boy who received Communion for the first time this morning.) 

 

So we're at the Last Supper - and Jesus says to his closest friends:
        “I'm leaving you. I'm gonna go away for a while
            - so I can prepare a place for you -
                a place where we can all be together.
        And don't worry, you know how to get there.”

 

Thomas, the doubter, says,

    “Lord, we have no idea where you're going. 

    How could we possibly know how to get there?

 

Jesus says,

“Thomas, I *AM* the way.”

 

And then Thomas says… 

 

Oh, wait! Thomas doesn't say anything!

 

Thomas keeps his mouth shut - possibly because Thomas thinks Jesus hasn't really answered his question. And he's hesitant to push it, to ask again.

 

Thomas was looking for directions, maybe even a map. But Jesus' response seems to beg the question. Maybe it's a riddle.  

                “Show me the way. Oh, I am the way!”

 

Well, the more important question for you and me this morning is this: Do you and I know the way? The way to the place Jesus has prepared for us in his father's house. Can you and I puzzle out the riddle - and how Jesus could be “the way?”

 

I'm not exaggerating here when I tell you that the directions to the place where Jesus has made something ready for us in heaven are the most critically important directions you and I could possibly ever receive, or understand, and follow.

 

The only way we can solve the riddle, the only way we can understand how Jesus IS the way, is to know who Jesus IS. Or better yet, and more simply: To. Know. Jesus.

 

To know Jesus is to find the map that leads to the place waiting for us in the Father's house. And we will know that Jesus is our way IF the road we're on is filled - as was his - with ups and downs, twists and turns, joys and sorrows, potholes and detours.

 

We'll know that Jesus is our way IF the road we're on, like his, is a path with its share of hardship, suffering, and sacrifice.

 

We'll know that we're on the way of Jesus, IF it seems like, if it feels like the way of the Cross. Because that is the way of Jesus.

 

We'll know that Jesus is our way IF, like Jesus, we're not always sure where the road is heading. If, like Jesus, we need to, from time to time, pull over to the side: to rest, to reflect, to pray, to ask for the Father, “Where are you taking me? Where am I going?”

 

We'll know that Jesus is our way IF, like Jesus, we keep meeting

   - poor people who need our help,

   - hungry people, who cry for a place at our table,

   - sick people who need our company and our care,

   - sidelined people who need to be included,

   - difficult people who need our understanding,

   - strangers who need to be welcomed,

   - annoying people who need our patience,

   - persecuted people who need our defense,

   - and hurtful people who need our forgiveness.

 

But - and this is a big but…   

BUT, 

    if the road I'm on works to keep me

      from just those people,

   if the path I'm traveling protects me

      from even meeting such people,

   then there's a good chance

      that I've gone the wrong way,

      that I've taken a shortcut or a wrong turn,

      that I’m traveling in the wrong direction,

      that I’m lost…

A good chance that I'm not heading home

   to the Father's house.

A good chance at Jesus isn't the truth in my life.

A good chance that Jesus isn't my way.

 

That's why it's so important for us

   to gather here every Sunday, 

   to hear the truth of Jesus in the scriptures

      and the directions he offers us

         for keeping on the right path.

 

We gather here to celebrate his life in the Eucharist,

   to be nourished by his life in communion,

      (as Becket will be the first time this morning)

   to be nourished by his life in Communion

      so that we can be strengthened to reach out

            to those people we meet along the way Jesus IS.

 

We gather together to check the compass in our souls,

   to ensure we're walking in the footsteps of Jesus,

following Jesus, who is our way, home to the Father,

   to the place the Lord has readied for us in the kingdom.

 

So, the riddle is solved.

 

We DO know where Jesus was heading when he told his friends at the Last Supper that he was leaving them for a while.

 

We know that he has returned - he rose from the dead - and he wants to take us home with him, to where he is, with his Father.

 

And we know the way that leads there.

 

We know that Jesus, himself,

   Jesus, is the way.

 

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Pause for Prayer: SUNDAY 5/3

Lord,

what will you ask of me today?

 

   - my awareness?

   - my attention?    

   - my affection?

   - my forgiving someone who's hurt me?

   - my reconciling rather than holding a grudge?

   - making peace in a war I'm waging? 

   - a change of mind?

   - a change of heart?

   - a change of habit?

 

   - helping someone who needs me?

   - reaching out to someone who misses me?

   - including someone who's often left out?

   - walking the path you call me to follow?

   - taking the high road instead of the shortcut?

   - following you  - no matter the cost?

 

    - a change in attitude?

    - a change in my thinking?

    - a change in my schedule?

 

   - telling the truth when I'd rather not?

   - being more honest - with myself?

   - confessing my faults and sins to you?

  

   - more time off my several screens?

   - more time spent in peaceful silence?

   - more time close to you in prayer?

 

   - or maybe something else, Lord,

         something known only to you and me:

 

            ____________________________

 Help me know, Lord, 

    what you ask of me today, Lord,

and give me the grace and the strength, 

   the wisdom and will 

        to do it - today...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Saturday 3/2

Something in the setting sun
turns my heart to musing on times past,
returning to remember, lest I forget,
times of sorrow, times of joy...

Something at the end of day
finds me rummaging through memories,
sorting out the best ones,
like sifting through an attic's treasures...

Something now this evening, Lord,
stirs my grateful heart with souvenirs
of long-ago-but-not-forgotten joy, 
of peace embedded deep within my soul...

Something at this eventide
comforts and consoles, reminding me,
in good times and in bad,
you've always been my best, beloved friend...

Something here at twilight, Lord,
renews my faith and hope in you,
and kindles in my heart of hearts
the fire of your love...

Something in the setting sun
now turns my heart to you, Lord, 
with soulful, happy memories, dreams
to keep me safe in sleep tonight...

Protect me, Lord, as evening comes

    and watch over me when I fall asleep

that awake, I might keep watch for you

    and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen. 

This is a beautiful arrangement of an old hymn, perfect for this evening's prayer...

 

Abide with me, 'tis eventide 

   lyrics by M. Lowrie Hofford

Tune: WELCOME GUEST

 

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Abide with me; 'tis eventide.

The day is past and gone;

The shadows of the evening fall;
The night is coming on.
Within my heart a welcome guest,
Within my home abide.

O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, 'tis eventide.
O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, 'tis eventide.

Abide with me; 'tis eventide.
Thy walk today with me
Has made my heart within me burn,
As I communed with thee.
Thy earnest words have filled my soul
And kept me near thy side.

Abide with me; 'tis eventide,
And lone will be the night
If I cannot commune with thee
Nor find in thee my light.
The darkness of the world, I fear,
Would in my home abide.

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Pause for Prayer: Saturday 5/2

Nearly all the folks reading this post will be familiar with the song, On Eagle's Wings, by Fr Michael Joncas - and not only familiar - but intimately and spiritually familiar.  Although composed by a Catholic priest, Eagle's Wings has become a favorite, a staple in the liturgical repertoire of Christians across the denominational spectrum.

Joncas was a seminarian when he composed this song for the funeral of a friend's father and the lyrics (based on Psalm 91) still offer comfort and support to those who find themselves in need of consolation and hope. 

What many may not be aware of is that Joncas wrote Eagle's Wings in 1976, making this year the 50th anniversary of its appearance...

As we pray together this morning...

 

Let's remember all who have found 

    solace and peace

        in the words and melody of this beautiful song...

 

Let's remember all those

    who are moved to tears, 

    whose souls are stirred 

    and whose hearts find healing

       each time they hear and sing this piece...

 

Let's give thanks for the grace of God

    who lifts us up on eagle's wings

        when grief and sorrow 

            weigh us down...

 

Let's remember the gift of God

    who holds us in the palm of his hand, 

the gift that's ours in the word of God,

    set to a simple tune, 

to bear us up on the breath of dawn

    and to make us shine like the sun...

 

Amen. 

 

On Eagle's Wings by Michael Joncas 

 

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You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord
Who abide in His shadow for life
Say to the Lord, "My refuge
My rock, in whom I trust!"

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

The snare of the fowler will never capture you
And famine will bring you no fear
Under His wings, your refuge
His faithfulness, your shield

You need not fear the terror of the night
Nor the arrow that flies by day
Though thousands fall about you
Near you it shall not come

For to His angels He's given a command
To guard you in all of your ways
Upon their hands they will bear you up
Lest you dash your foot against a stone

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NIGHT PRAYER: Friday 5/1

Earlier this week I had lunch with a friend I've known for many, many years. There was a time when our stories were much more closely intertwined than now they are - and yet there's a bond that survives the passing of years, of decades...  For such friendships I am truly grateful...

 

I want to pray this evening, Lord, 

for all the folks 

who love and care for me,

who count me as a friend,

who hold me in their thought and prayer,

though long it's been since last we met...

And I want to pray this evening, Lord, 

for all the folks I carry in my heart,

in my thoughts and prayer: 

dear friends I love and care for

though long it may have been 

since last we met and talked...

And it could be I remember folks

who long ago forgot my name

and I may still be dear to some

- I don't remember meeting...

 

But that does not diminish, Lord,

the care with which I hold them 

nor the spot they keep for me,

for it's love that seals the bond

and it's grace that gives us memory

of all the ways your Spirit seeks

to make us one in you...

So, thank you, Lord, for every tie

of friendship, love and prayer

that draws and binds us all together, 

tethered by your mercy,

by your blessing and your peace...

Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake

    and watch over me while I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

    and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen. 

 

I've chosen this song for several reasons: first, it's message; second, that it can be prayed in terms of all the friends we have - and - the friend we have in Jesus; and third, because the video of these 276 singers is a visual of that great chorus of friends (old and new, near and far, remembered and forgotten) who surround us with their love...

You've Got A Friend by Carole King

   - performed by London City Voices

 

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When you're down and troubled

And you need some love and care 

And nothing, nothing is going right 

Close your eyes and think of me 

And soon I will be there 

To brighten up even your darkest night 

 

You just call out my name 

And you know wherever I am 

I'll come running to see you again 

Winter, spring, summer or fall 

All you have to do is call 

And I'll be there 

You've got a friend 

 

If the sky above you 

Grows dark and full of clouds 

And that old north wind begins to blow 

Keep your head together 

And call my name out loud 

Soon you'll hear me knocking at your door 

 

Now, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend 

When people can be so cold? 

They'll hurt you, yes, and desert you 

And take your soul if you let them

Oh, but don't you let them 

 

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Pause for Prayer: Praying for Workers

    Saint Joseph the Worker by Michael O'Brien

Today is the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

Please join me in my litany to Joseph, the patron saint of all workers...

 

For those who have lost a job

    and for those who are overworked and need rest...

         Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For laborers around the world
    who are underpaid, neglected and abused... 

        Saint Joseph, pray for us....

 

For all those who grow and raise the food we eat,
    who stock the shelves, bake the bread,
        cut the meat, arrange the fresh produce,
            ring up, bag or deliver my groceries... 

                Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For all those whose hard, dirty, gritty work
    benefit us, our comfort and our life style... 

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For those who work in in the government

    for liberty, justice and freedom for all...

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For all victims of human trafficking

    who are bought and sold as commodities... 

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For all those who design and plan, 

    dig and construct, and clean and maintain

    the buildings and malls, the schools and the stores

    where we live, work, buy and sell, learn and play

        day by day,  from dawn to dusk 

            and through the night... 

                 Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For all those whose wages force them to live

    pay check to pay check - or always in debt... 

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For restaurant workers 

    who prepare and cook our food,         

    who mix our drinks, serve our meals and

    who clean up after us once we're gone...    

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For all those whose everyday toil and work

    puts their lives on the line for us,

for first responders, law enforcement, 

    fire fighters and military,  

for all who work to ensusre

    our welfare, safety and freedom... 

            Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For those who build homes and cities 

    where people may live and work and play...

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For all those who repair and fix

     our cars, our plumbing,

       our phones and computers, 

          our household appliances, our HVAC,

     our flooded basements and all the tasks

        we always need done by tomorrow!

             Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For all those who work to care for our health
    no matter when or how sick  we may be,
        always on call for our care...

            Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For all those who fill the potholes 

    and  plow the roads,

who shovel our paths, cut our lawns, trim our hedges, 

    rake our leaves and weed our gardens,

making our streets, our yards and our homes,

    the places we all call home...

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

For all those who teach and instruct us,

    who tutor, coach and train us, 

       who preach the word and pray for us;

    who sculpt, paint and draw for us, 

        who sing, play and act for us,

    who research, write and compose for us,

    who find and report the news for us,

        good news and bad, 24/7/365... 

            Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

 For those who work 

    to help others find work...

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For those who hire

     those who are called unemployable...

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For those who do the work

    that no one else wants to do...

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For those whose working days are over, 

    and now live in retirement...

        Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For those who feel defined by their work

    who find it hard to relax and slow down,

        and be present to the moment...

            Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

For those whose work is justice and peace,

    in our nation, the Church and the world...

         Saint Joseph pray for us... 

  

For all of those who, in hundreds of ways,

     make our lives every day

        finer, easier, happier, safer, 

        healthier, freer and more peaceful,

     on account of the daily work they do

        serving you, O Lord, and their neighbors...

           Saint Joseph, pray for us...

 

Bless the work of our hands, O Lord,

    through the prayer of Saint Joseph the Worker:

may our work serve all who live in need

    and give glory and praise to you,

        the Maker of heaven and earth...

Amen. 

May the Work I've Done Speak For Me  

    by Sullivan Pugh

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May the work I’ve done speak for me

May the work I’ve done speak for me

When I’m resting in my grave

There is nothing to be said

May the work I’ve done speak for me

 

May the life I live speak for me

May the life I live speak for me

When the best I try to live

My mistakes he will forgive

May the life I live speak for me

 

May the service I give speak for me

May the service I give speak for me

When I’ve done the best I can

and my friends don’t understand

May the service I give speak for me

 

 The work I done

 it seems so small

 Sometimes it seems like

 seems like nothing at all

 But when I stand before my God

 I want to hear him say - Well done!

 May the work I've done speak for me

 

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