Opening Prayer
What is going to open my heart wide? Nothing but love. Once the heart has been melted down in this gentle flame, what a pleasure it is, dear Jesus, to run along this new path…till I shall be able to follow you with a new song; what song will it be? It can only be the song of love.” -Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897) (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his love endures forever. To Him alone who does great wonders, for his love endures forever. Who by his understanding made the heavens, for his love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his love endures forever -Psalm 136: 1-5 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin There isn’t anyone on earth who continually does good and never sins. -Ecclesiastes 7:20 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” -John 13:34-35 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others I love you, Lord because you have heard my voice and my supplications. Because you turned your ear to me, I will call on you as long as I live -Psalm 116:1-2 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Too late have I loved you, O Beauty so ancient, O Beauty so new. Too late have I loved you! You were within me but I was outside myself, and there I sought you! In my weakness I ran after the beauty of the things you have made. You were with me, and I was not with you. The things you have made kept me from you, the things which would have no being unless they existed in you! You have called, you have cried, and you have pierced my deafness. You have radiated forth, you have shined out brightly, and you have dispelled my blindness. You have sent forth your fragrance, and I have breathed it in, and I long for you. I have tasted you, and I hunger and thirst for you. You have touched me, and I ardently desire your peace. -Augustine of Hippo (354-430) |