2017 03/01 Ash Wed Hours of Prayer (Lent)

Ash Wednesday

March 1^st

FAST Day

The first day of Lent, this is a day of repentance and change. The ashes, used in some traditions, is to evoke the Biblical symbol of penitence and mourning as well as contemplation of our mortality.

Nocturns-Matins

Midnight-3am

The Great Silence

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace,

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.        [The candle is lit.]

“I know that You can do all things

and that no purpose of yours

can be thwarted.

I had heard of you by the hearing

of the ear,

but now my eye sees you;

therefore I despise myself,

and repent in dust and ashes.”

                                  [Job 42:2,5-6]

Scriptures – Psalm 32

The Passion of Christ

At this hour we remember Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin; you may choose Ignatian Imaginative Prayer (appendix), or general reflection:

Matthew 26:57-58

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God, and

the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.   [candle out]

[You can add the Scriptures and Passion reflection to either Lauds or Compline if you aren’t observing Nocturns or Matins at the traditional times.]

Lauds 5-6am

Awakening/Resurrection

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace,

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.    [candle is lit]

“I know that You can do all things

and that no purpose of yours

can be thwarted.

I had heard of you by the hearing

of the ear,

but now my eye sees you;

therefore I despise myself,

and repent in dust and ashes.”

                                  [Job 42:2,5-6]

Centering Prayer [20 minutes]

Scriptures – Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God, and

the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.   [candle out]

Prime-Terce  8-9am

The Blessing Hour

Jesus’ Trial before Pilate

Centering Prayer [5 minutes]

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace,

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.    [candle is lit]

“I know that You can do all things

and that no purpose of yours

can be thwarted.

I had heard of you by the hearing

of the ear,

but now my eye sees you;

therefore I despise myself,

and repent in dust and ashes.”

                                  [Job 42:2,5-6]

Psalm 51:1-17

Doxology

Lectio Divina:

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

1.      Reading             (Lectio)

2.      Reflecting           (Meditatio)

3.      Responding         (Oratio)

4.      Resting            (Contemplatio)

Gloria Patri

Prayer

Unison Prayer

We confess to you,

O heavenly Father,

as your children and your people,

our hardness, and indifference,

and impenitence;

our grievous failures in your faith

and in pure and holy living;

our trust in riches

and our misuse of them,

our confidence in self, thro’ which

we multiply our own temptations.

We confess our timorousness

as your Church and witness

before the world, and the sin

and bitterness that all know

in their own hearts.

Give us all contrition & meekness

of heart, O Father,

grace to amend our sinful life,

and the holy comfort of your Spirit

to overcome & heal all our evils;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

   (Edward White Benson, 1829-1896)

Intercessions

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family, friends, & church.

Lord, in your mercy,

   receive our prayer.

…those who suffer

   and those in trouble.

Lord, in your mercy…

…the concerns of this community.

Lord, in your mercy…

…the world, its people,

and its leaders.

Lord, in your mercy…

…the church universal: its leaders,

   its people, and its mission.

Lord, in your mercy…

…the communion of saints.

Lord, in your mercy…

[individual concerns may now be shared]

Lord, in your mercy,

   receive our prayer.

     [when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Focus for the Day           (Wesley)

1.Will I do things today only because they please me?

2.Will I act opposite my urges?

3.Will I see inconveniences as chosen for me by God?

The Passion of Christ

At this hour we remember Jesus’ trial before Pilate; you may choose Ignatian Imaginative Prayer (appendix), or general reflection:

Matthew 27:1-2, 11-12

The Lord’s Prayer

The Kyrie

^The Noon ^Hour (Sext)

Illumination & Peace

The Crucifixion

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace,

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.        [candle lit]

“I know that You can do all things

and that no purpose of yours

can be thwarted.

I had heard of you by the hearing

of the ear,

but now my eye sees you;

therefore I despise myself,

and repent in dust and ashes.”

Psalm 95

Doxology

Prayer

Be Still         [based on Psalm 46:10]

1.      Pray/Say “Be Still and Know That I Am God.” Keep Silence.

2.      “Be Still & Know That I Am.”

3.      “Be Still & Know.”

4.      “Be Still.”

5.      “Be.”

Reflection on the Cross

Read and reflect (you may use Ignatian Imaginative Prayer) on:

Matthew 27:32

The Lord’s Prayer

Kyrie

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God, and

the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.   [candle out]

Nones     3-4pm

The Wisdom Hour

The Death of Jesus

Welcoming Prayer

1.      Focus, feel and sink into the feelings, emotions, thoughts, sensations in your body.

2.      Welcome God into it all.

3.      Let go by praying”

“I let go of the desire for…”

“I let go of the desire

  to change…”

Psalm 143 & Luke 18:9-14

The Death of the Messiah

Read and reflect (you may use Ignatian Imaginative Prayer) on:

Matthew 27:50

Kyrie

Vespers  6-8pm

The Twilight/Quiet Hour

Centering Prayer [5 minutes]

Phos Hilaron (O Gracious Light)

O gracious light, pure brightness

of the ever-living Father in heaven,

O Jesus Christ, holy & blessed!

Now as we come to the end

of our daily work

and the setting of the sun and

our eyes behold the vesper light,

We give you praise, O God:

Father, Son, & Holy Spirit.

O Son of God, O Giver of Life,

You are worthy at all times

to be praised by happy voices,

and to be glorified throughout

all the worlds.             [candle is lit]

Psalm 102

Doxology

Scripture- 2 Cor. 5:20b-6:10

Gloria Patri

Prayer

Unison Prayer (see above)

 We confess to you,

O heavenly Father,

as your children and your people,

our hardness, and indifference,

and impenitence;

our grievous failures in your faith

and in pure and holy living;

our trust in riches

and our misuse of them,

our confidence in self, thro’ which

we multiply our own temptations.

We confess our timorousness

as your Church and witness

before the world, and the sin

and bitterness that all know

in their own hearts.

Give us all contrition & meekness

of heart, O Father,

grace to amend our sinful life,

and the holy comfort of your Spirit

to overcome & heal all our evils;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

   (Edward White Benson, 1829-1896)

Intercessions   (see Prime-Terce Hour)

 In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family, friends, & church.

Lord, in your mercy,

   receive our prayer.

…those who suffer

   and those in trouble.

Lord, in your mercy…

…the concerns of this community.

Lord, in your mercy…

…the world, its people,

and its leaders.

Lord, in your mercy…

…the church universal: its leaders,

   its people, and its mission.

Lord, in your mercy…

…the communion of saints.

Lord, in your mercy…

[individual concerns may now be shared]

Lord, in your mercy,

   receive our prayer.

     [when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

Examen/Prayer Beads & Kyrie

Traditional Ignatian

1.      Become Aware of God’s Presence – Look back on the events of the day in the company of the Holy Spirit. The day may seem like a blur or a jumble… ask God to bring clarity & understanding.

2.      Review the Day with Gratitude – Gratitude is the foundation of our relationship with God. Walk through your day in the presence of God and note its joys, delights, and gifts. What did you receive from others? Give?

3.      Pay Attention to Your Emotions – Our emotions can help us detect the movement of God’s Spirit. Reflect on your feelings throughout the day. What is God saying through them? You will find some ways you fell short. Ask forgiveness for sins, but also look more deeply… feelings of frustration may mean God is pushing you in new directions, or concern for another may be the Spirit’s prompting to reach out.

4.      Choose One Feature of the Day and Pray From It – Ask the Spirit to direct you to something during the day particularly important. It may involve a positive or negative feeling, or an encounter with another, or a vivid moment. It may seem insignificant. Pray about it, let God guide your prayer. Does it lead to intercession, praise, gratitude, repentance… something else?

5.      Look Toward Tomorrow – Ask for light for tomorrow. Pay attention to feelings that surface as you. Let these feelings guide your prayer. Seek guidance, understanding, help, hope.

  

Compline 9-10^pm

The Vigilant Hour

Jesus’ Arrest in the Garden

Psalm 130

Gethsemane

Read and reflect (you may use Ignatian Imaginative Prayer) on:

Matthew 26:30-32

Centering Prayer [20 minutes]

2017 02/28 Shrove Tuesday Hours of Prayer

Tuesday,

February 28^th

  

Shrove Tuesday

Matins-Lauds 6am

“The Awakening/Resurrection Hour”

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.                                      [The candle is lit.]

From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same,

the Name of the Lord shall be praised.              

[Mal. 1:11]

“I will give my servant as a light to the nations:”     

[Isa. 49:6b]

the tribes of the earth shall come to the light,

and kings to the brightness of his rising…              

[Isa. 60:3]

Salvation shall reach to the ends of the earth.    

[Isa. 49:6b]

Centering Prayer or Beads

(20-30 minutes)

Scripture – Hebrews 2:1-10

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen. [The candle goes out.]

Prime-Terce 8am

“The Blessing Hour”

Song: Oh Do Lord, Oh Do Remember Me

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.        [The candle is lit.]

From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same,

the Name of the Lord shall be praised.                      

[Mal. 1:11]

“I will give my servant as a light to the nations:”              

[Isa. 49:6b]

the tribes of the earth shall come to the light,

and kings to the brightness of his rising…                       

[based on Isa. 60:3]

Salvation shall reach to the ends of the earth.             

[based on Isaiah 49:6b]

Scripture – Psalm 26

Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.      

Scripture – John 1:19-28

Lectio Divina

1.    Reading       (Lectio)

2.    Reflecting     (Meditatio)

3.    Responding  (Oratio)

4.    Resting        (Contemplatio)

Gloria Patri

[traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now,

and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen. Amen.  

Prayer

Unison Prayer

I praise you for the life that stirs within me

I praise you for the bright and beautiful world into which I go;

I praise you for the earth and sea and sky,

         for scudding cloud and singing bird;

I praise you for the work thou hast given me to do;

I praise you for all that thou hast given me

         to fill my leisure hours;

I praise you for my friends;

I praise you for music and books and good company

         and all pure pleasures.

                                                            (John Baillie, 1886-1960,

                                                            Scottish Presbyterian, Professor,

                                                            Wrote “A Diary of Private Prayer”)

Intercessions:

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders, its people, and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

     [individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

     [when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

and the glory, forever. Amen.

Kyrie & Closing

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

OR [The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison.

Kyrie eleison.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen. [The candle goes out.]

Sext (Noon) 12pm

“The Hour of Illumination,

  Peace, & Re-Commitment”

Song: Oh Do Lord, Oh Do Remember Me

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.        [The candle is lit.]

From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same,

the Name of the Lord shall be praised.                      

[Mal. 1:11]

“I will give my servant as a light to the nations:”              

[Isa. 49:6b]

the tribes of the earth shall come to the light,

and kings to the brightness of his rising…                       

[based on Isa. 60:3]

Salvation shall reach to the ends of the earth.             

[based on Isaiah 49:6b]

Scripture – Psalm 28

Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.      

Scripture – Romans 11:1-6

Reflection

[someone may share briefly, or reflect silently]

Gloria Patri

[traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now,

and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen. Amen.  

Prayer

Examen or Prayer Beads [Kids]:

[If in Community, a leader equipped to do so may lead;

otherwise, reflect on the questions printed below.]

[Use Prayer Beads as an alternative to the Examen.]

[For mid-day Examen, we make use of John Wesley’s

prayerful self-reflection questions. For this day/hour:]

Humility

1.    Have I labored to conform all of my thoughts, words and actions to these fundamental maxims: “I am nothing, I have nothing, I can do nothing?”

2.    Have I set apart some time this day to think upon my infirmities, follies, and sins?

3.    Have I ascribed to myself any part of any good which God did by my hand?

Intercessions:

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders, its people, and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

     [individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

     [when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

and the glory, forever. Amen.

Kyrie & Closing

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

OR [The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison.

Kyrie eleison.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen. [The candle goes out.]

Nones 4pm

“The Wisdom Hour”

Call to Prayer & Reflection

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the

  race, I have kept the faith.”                                       

                          [2 Timothy 4:7, ESV]

“I press on toward the goal for the prize  

  of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”         

                          [Philippians 3:14, ESV]

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great

  a cloud of witnesses,

  let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin

  which clings so closely, and let us run

  with endurance the race that is set before us.”  

                          [Hebrews 12:1, ESV]

Scripture – Acts 7:30-34

Welcoming Prayer

[Kids may look at media for this prayer time here:              ]

At the hour of Nones, we are preparing to finish the day well, practicing the art of letting go, and

pondering things we must leave undone; all of which can usher us to a place of contemplating our own vulnerabilities, frailties, and mortality. It is also a time by which we may have accumulated a lot of negative and false things as the day has gone on… and we need some healing and restoration.

1.    Focus, feel and sink into the feelings, emotions, thoughts, sensations and commentaries in your body.

2.    Welcome God in the feelings, emotions, thoughts, commentaries or sensations in your body by saying, “Welcome.”

3.    Let go by repeating the following sentences:

·        “I let go of the desire for security, affection, control.”

·        “I let go of the desire to change this feeling/sensation.”

Kyrie

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

Vespers-Compline 8pm

“The Twilight/Quiet Hour”

Song: Oh Do Lord, Oh Do Remember Me

Phos Hilaron (O Gracious Light)

O gracious light, pure brightness

         of the ever-living Father in heaven,

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the end of our daily work,

         and the setting of the sun,

         and our eyes behold the vesper light,

We give you praise, O God:

         Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

O Son of God, O Giver of Life,

You are worthy at all times to be praised

         by happy voices, and to be glorified

         throughout all the worlds.  [Candle is lit.]

Scripture – Psalm 36

Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.      

Scripture – Deuteronomy 6:16-25

Gloria Patri

[traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now,

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.  

Prayer

Song Prayers:

[Favorite Songs are Listened to, Viewed, Shared, or

Sung Together for as Long as is Appropriate or Good.]

Intercessions:

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders, its people, and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

     [individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

     [when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

and the glory, forever. Amen.

Kyrie

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

OR [The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison.

Kyrie eleison.

[The Candle Goes Out.]

[Children can be sent off to bed, after which this

Prayer Hour concludes with an Evening Examen.]

Examen

My Past, Present, and Future

1.    Center – Take a deep breath. Let your mind become quiet. Ask God to make his presence known around and within you.

2.    Gratitude – Spend a few moments thanking God for one or two blessings of today.

3.    Past – Ask God to reveal your past spiritual state of being this past day (or over a longer period). Were you spiritually free or unfree? Ask God to show you the consequences of spiritual freedoms and unfreedoms. Thank God for the good, ask for forgiveness and healing from painful memories.

4.    Present – Ask God to reveal your spiritual state at the present moment. What are your strongest feelings and thoughts now? Turn them over to God, and ask him to make them holy. At this moment, are you free or unfree? Give thanks or ask for healing.

5.    Future – What attitudes and feelings are you likely to have tomorrow? Will it be a challenge to live in God’s freedom tomorrow? If so, why and how will it be challenging? What will be the most challenging moment? What grace or virtue will you need from God to live in his freedom? Ask God for it. (Strength, Fortitude, Patience, Fidelity, Peace, Gentleness, etc.)

6.    New Freedom – What would tomorrow be like if you were spiritually free all day long? Daydream about such a wonderful day. Allow yourself to imagine great desires (coming from God) that rise up in you tomorrow. Ask God to show you how to walk through this kind of day.

Resolution – If you feel called to do so, make a resolution to be the kind of person God is calling you to be; a particular way to live in freedom.

Vigils-Nocturns 10pm

“The Great Silence” or “The Vigilant Hour”

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.        [The candle is lit.]

From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same,

the Name of the Lord shall be praised.                      

[Mal. 1:11]

“I will give my servant as a light to the nations:”              

[Isa. 49:6b]

the tribes of the earth shall come to the light,

and kings to the brightness of his rising…                       

[based on Isa. 60:3]

Salvation shall reach to the ends of the earth.             

[based on Isaiah 49:6b]

Scripture – 1 Kings 19:9-18

Centering Prayer or Beads

(20-30 minutes)

The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen. [The candle goes out.]