Phoenix, Arizona
Opening Prayer
O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. -Psalm 131: 1,2 (Silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, you set the beams of your chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! -Psalms 104: 1-4, 35 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Loving Father, thank you for understanding my faithless wanderings, forgive me all of my sin and bring me into your loving embrace. -A2J Community (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus When Jesus sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. -Matthew 5:1-12 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and Others I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. -I Timothy 2:1 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer O Lord, prepare me for all the events of the day; for I know not what a day may bring forth. Give me grace to deny myself; to take up my cross daily, and to follow in the steps of my Lord and Master. Amen. -Matthew Henry (1662-1714) 
Oceanside, California
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