Week One
Friday Evening
Greeting and Doxology
PSALM 46
Come! See the wonders God does across the earth!
Our sure defense,
our shelter and help in trouble,
God never stands far off.
So we stand unshaken
when solid earth cracks
and volcanoes slide into the sea,
when breakers rage
and mountains tremble in the swell.
The Lord of cosmic power,
Jacob’s God, will shield us.
A river delights the city of God,
home of the Holy One Most High.
With God there, the city stands;
God defends it under attack.
Nations rage, empires fall.
God speaks, earth melts.
The Lord of cosmic power,
Jacob’s God, will shield us.
Come! See the wonders
God does across the earth:
everywhere stopping wars,
smashing, crushing, burning
all the weapons of war.
And end to your fighting!
Acknowledge me as God,
high over nations, high over earth.
The Lord of cosmic power,
Jacob’s God, will shield us.
READING
Romans 15:1-6
We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of that scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Let us be one heart, one voice, in singing your praise, O God.
I acclaim the greatness of the Lord,
I delight in God my savior,
who regarded my humble state.
Truly from this day on All ages will call me blest.
For God, wonderful in power,
has used that strength for me.
Holy the name of the Lord!
Whose mercy embraces the faithful,
one generation to the next.
The mighty arm of God
scatters the proud in their conceit,
Pulls tyrants from their thrones,
and raises up the humble.
The Lord fills the starving
And lets the rich go hungry.
God rescues lowly Israel,
recalling the promise of mercy,
the promise made to our ancestors,
to Abraham’s heirs for ever.
INTERCESSIONS
With mercy and compassion, God cares deeply for those in need. Let us speak confidently of our needs.
For those who suffer persecution and discrimination:
~ May they receive the grace of patient endurance and public support.
For those who struggle to live their gospel call:
~ May they find courage in the face of contrary values.
For those who minister to their sisters and brothers in the human community:
~ May they be responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable.
For all who face serious illness:
~ May they know God’s comfort and peace.
For our families, friends, communities and all people of God:
~ May they be blessed with spiritual renewal.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
PRAYER
Merciful God, the earth is charged with the wonders of your glory. You are shield and shelter for those who call to you in their need. Be with us as we work to build your reign upon earth. Be our shield against persecution, our shelter in times of weariness. Wrap those who are in pain in the embrace of your mercy. This we ask in the name of Jesus who died that we might live. Amen.
BLESSING
May God’s blessing be upon us. Amen
May God’s light lead us in the way of Righteousness. Amen.
May our lives be patterned on Christ Jesus. Amen.