On Sundays, Night Prayer will focus on an element from the day's celebration of Mass. Tonight our prayer is rooted in the second scripture: Philippians 4:6-9 My homily today focused almost exclusively on this text. For prayer this evening, you'll find Paul's words below with cues and space for you to think on the things he invites us to consider... Tonight's song is a soothing choral setting of the same text.
Finally, brothers and sisters, think on these things:
whatever is true...
What are the truths by which you live?
the truths which root you in your faith?
the truths that shape my life?
Think on these things...
whatever is honorable...
What in your life do you respect and honor?
who are the people you admire and esteem?
to whom, to what are you loyal and devoted?
Think on these things...
whatever is just...
What works of justice are you proud to support?
what injustices move you to act?
how might you be more honest, fair and just?
Think on these things...
whatever is pure...
What's the purest thing you've ever seen?
whatever is lovely...
the purest love you've ever known?
the purest hope you've ever had?
Think on these things...
Where do you find beauty in the world around you?
who's the loveliest woman, the loveliest man
you've ever known?
what do you find to be lovely in God? in prayer?
in the arts, in science, in yourself?)
Think on these things...
whatever is gracious...
Who are the kind and gracious people in your life?
what gracious things have others done for you?
have you told God you're grateful
for his gracious mercy?
Think on these things...
If there is any excellence
in the lives and work and love of those around you
and if there is anything worthy of praise, admiration, acclaim and appreciation
Think on these things...
And then the God of peace will be with you...
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.
Think On These Things by Lee Dengler
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Whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there's any excellence
or anything worthy of praise:
think on these things,
think on these things
What you have heard from me,
what you have learned from me,
what you have seen in me
you, too, must do
and if you do
the God of peace will be with you
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there's any excellence
or anything worthy of praise:
think on these things,
think on these things,
think on these things,
think on these things
I was in a very dark, angry, anxious mood on Sunday, and I prayed all morning for it to lift. Then I listened to your homily, and the Spirit spoke to me and lifted me! And I have felt better all week. Thank you for allowing the Spirit to use you!
ReplyDeleteThose are very sweet words for a preacher to read! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
ReplyDelete