A Concord Pastor Comments: NIGHT PRAYER: Sunday 12/11

On Sundays, Night Prayer will focus on an element from the day's celebration of Mass. Tonight's prayer picks up the annual call to Rejoice on the third Sunday of Advent: we are half-way through this season to Christmas. St. Paul reminds, to "rejoice always" and to "give thanks to God in all circumstances." That's scriptural language for having an "attitude of gratitude." It's important for us, especially in hard times, to remember the good days and to treasure memories of peace and joy we've known, even if those gifts seem not at hand today...

I rejoice, Lord,
   in every joy I've ever known...

I rejoice in joy forgotten:
   help me remember and savor it...

I rejoice in the simple joys of youth
   even if my youth was not always joyful...

I rejoice for all the good times past:
   let me not forget them
   or lose them among lesser memories...

I rejoice in the hard times I've known

when you had my back

and saw me through 'til all was well...

I rejoice in the hope that lifts my spirits -
   even if sometimes hope has left me disappointed...

I rejoice in those who love me:
   family, friends and each kind stranger
   whose path crosses mine today...

I rejoice just in knowing
   that you want me to be happy, Lord,
   in mind and heart, in peace...

I rejoice in knowing you forgive me, Lord,

each and every time I fall

and turn to you for pardon...

I rejoice in all the second chances
   you've so generously given me
   and all the new beginnings you've allowed me...

I rejoice in knowing that even when I'm sad
   your gifts of peace and joy are there for me
    and wait for me...

Help me claim what joy I've turned away
   when I was hurt and angry, Lord
    - or sinking in self-pity...

I rejoice in knowing, Lord,
   that my burdens aren't forever
   that all shall be well,
   that all shall be well,
   that all manner of things shall be well...

In all times, Lord, in good and in bad,
   I thank you for the joy
   of simply knowing you...

And because I know you love me,
I rejoice, Lord, I rejoice...

Amen.

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.

Rejoice by Brand Bichsel and Rebekah Bichsel

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Lift your eyes
Don’t worry about tomorrow
Peace will come
And still every anxious thought
Cause He’s not done
Forever and always faithful

Rejoice, Rejoice Oh My Soul
He is good    He is always good
Rejoice, Rejoice Oh My Soul
He is good    He is always good to us

Place your trust
In what you can’t see with your eyes
He’s enough to shoulder the weight you carry
Victory is found in the name of Jesus

Rejoice, Rejoice Oh My Soul
He is good    He is always good
Rejoice, Rejoice Oh My Soul
He is good    He is always good to us
Yes, He is - He never fails
He's so good

This is where my peace comes from
Immovable One, Unshakeable God
There’s freedom, where I place my trust
Immovable One, Unshakeable God
I know where my peace comes from
Immovable One, Unshakeable God
There’s freedom where I place my trust
Immovable One, Unshakeable God

Rejoice, Rejoice Oh My Soul
He is good    He is always good
Rejoice, Rejoice Oh My Soul
He is good    He is always good to us

Advent Blessing

composed by Michael Joncas and Alan Hommerding

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