Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Opening Prayer
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They are like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” -Lamentations 17:7-8 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah -Psalm 24: 7-10 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive -Colossians 3:12-13 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple, whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” -John 21: 4-7 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. -Colossians 4:2 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Faithful Guide, You sit at the gate of my life, inviting me to eagerly enter the newness stretching before me. As I attend to the old burdens that have weighed me down with worry, I look ahead with hopeful expectation to what my heart most needs…I seek to let go of what keeps me unloving. I long to contribute to peace in this world…Attune me daily to the beauty in all of creation. Embrace me with Your peace and tender mercy. I give You my love as I walk into this new beginning, Amen. -Joyce Rupp (1943-) 
Zion National Park, Utah
|
