On the church calendar, today is the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Today's Night Prayer is drawn from our rites of initiation, when those preparing to be baptized receive the sign of the Cross all over their bodies. As you reflect on these words this evening, make the sign of the cross (+) on your own body (actually doing this will make a difference in your prayer!)
-I receive the sign of the Cross + on my forehead…
With this sign of your love, strengthen me, Lord:
may I learn to know you more
deeply
and to follow you more
faithfully...
- I receive the sign of the Cross +
on my eyes…
Day by day,
may I see your glory all around me, Lord:
may I see your face
in everyone I know and
meet...
- I receive the sign of the Cross +
on my ears…
Open me to your voice, Lord:
in the whisper of your Holy Spirit,
in the scriptures and in my prayer,
and in the words of my
brothers and sisters…
- I receive the sign of the Cross +
on my lips…
Cleanse and purify my speech, Lord:
may I speak your name only with reverence;
may all my words be true
and charitable;
may no unkind words
pass my lips.
- I receive the sign of the Cross +
on my shoulders…
Help me take up and shoulder my burdens, Lord,
and always remember
you're there to help me carry my cross...
- I receive the sign of the Cross + over my heart…
Remind me, Lord,
when I rise in the morning and lay down at night
to invite and welcome you into my heart,
to make of my heart your home...
- I receive the sign of the Cross +
on my hands…
may you be known in all I do, Lord,
may the work of my hands be the work of peace;
may I never use my hands to harm.
may my hands be ready to lift up, support
and carry my neighbor...
- I receive the sign of the Cross + on my feet…
May I always walk in your footsteps, Lord:
may my steps always lead me
closer to you,
may I never stray from the
path of your Word...
Keep me always safe
in the shadow of your Cross
and may I always find in its shade, Lord,
the mercy and peace, the blessing and pardon,
your victory has won for me...
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.
The Cross Has the Final Word by Newsboys
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