Reflection

Centering Prayer: mercy from Matthew 15

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.

Each time through this story search for 1-2 words to describe what’s in the heart of:

• Jesus

• The 12

• Canaanite woman

Final verse of “You Alone”

Prayer (Modibied from ACS setting 11)

P: Holy God, you alone are holy, you alone are God.

C: The universe declares your praise:

P: beyond the stars; beneath the sea; within each cell; with every breath.

C: We praise you, O God.

P: Generations bless your faithfulness:

C: through the water; by night and day; across the wilderness;

P: out of exile; into the future.

C: We bless you, O God.

P: We give you thanks for your dear Son:

C: at the heart of human life;

P: near to those who suffer;

C: beside the sinner; among the poor;

P: with us now.

C: We thank you, O God.

L: For God alone my soul waits,

C: my hope is in him.

Prayer in the Spirit:

(Adapted from the Center for Contemplative Living)

L: Jesus says: "Love the Lord your God will all your heart,

C: and with all your soul

L: and with all your mind.

C: This is the =irst and greatest commandment.

L: The second is like it:

C: Love your neighbor as your self."

(Psalm 62:6)

(Matthew 22:37-39)

L: Come, Holy Spirit, Come

C: Ignite within me the living =lame of Your love.

P: Welcome...

L: Welcome….

C: Welcome…

We surrender ourselves to God: letting go of all our needs, desires, compulsions &. the clutter of life

L: I let go of my desire for Power and Control...

C: I release them to you Lord Christ.

L: I let go of my desire for Safety and Security...

C: I release them to you Lord Christ.

Pause

Pause

L: I let go of my desire for Affection and Approval...

C: I release them to you Lord Christ.

Pause

L: I let go of my desire to Change Situations... People... Emotions...

C: I release them to you Lord Christ.

Pause

L: Oh God, Come to my assistance.... Oh Lord, make haste to help me.

C: Thank you Lord Christ for taking these burdens upon yourself at the cross...

L: Thank you for Your Love and Mercy and Grace…

C: I let go of my desire for security, affection, control and embrace this moment as it is.

Silence stand

P: We join our hearts and lift our voices in prayer as Jesus taught us:

C: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. Communion song song song distribution please remain standing as you return to your seats

P: Gracious God, you bless us with gifts of guidance, new life, growth in grace, and fruitful labor. Accept the birst fruits of time and toil, bield and orchard we offer here. Bless and multiply these gifts to our nurture and the care of your creation; for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

P: In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this in memory of me.

P: Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in memory of me.

P: Remembering his love for us on the way, at the table, and to the end, we proclaim the mystery of faith: C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

P: We pray for the gift of your Spirit: in our gathering; within this meal; among your people; throughout the world.

P: Blessing, praise, and thanks to you, holy God, through Christ Jesus, by your Spirit, in your church, without end.

C: Amen.

P: The holy Three, the holy One increase your hope, strengthen your faith, deepen your love, and ☩ grant you peace.

C: Amen.

P: May God give you peace and comfort this night, and his light and joy, in this world and the next.

C: May God bless us and protect us, and pour out the abundance of life upon us. Amen.