Bruges, Belgium
Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, enlarge our hearts and minds toward all those things that reflect the Trinitarian passion. Amen -Richard Foster (1942 - ) (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. -Psalm 33: 20-22 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Thanks be to you O God that I have risen this day to the rising of this life itself. May it be a day of blessing, O God of every gift, a day of new beginnings given. Help me to avoid every sin, and the source of every sin to forsake and as the mist scatters from the crest of the hills may each ill haze clear from my soul. -Prayer from the Iona Community (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus When the Holy Spirit comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. -John 16: 8-11 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. -Romans 8:26 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. -I Peter 5: 6-11 
Skopje, Macedonia
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