Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Opening Prayer
O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, Have mercy upon us. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy upon us. O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful, Have mercy upon us. O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God, Have mercy upon us -Book of Common Prayer (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible How good it is to thank you, Lord, to praise your name, Most High, to sing your love in the beginning of each day. I am in awe of who you are and what you do, Lord how deep are your thoughts. -Psalm 92 1,2,5 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin It is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. The Lord says to us, ‘Turn to me with all your heart, for I am tender and compassionate’ -Romans 2:4, Joel 2:13 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” -Mark 1: 9-11 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. -Psalm 119:147-148 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me Open unto me, light for my darkness, Open unto me, courage for my fear Open unto me, hope for my despair, Open unto me, peace for my turmoil Open unto me, joy for my sorrow, Open unto me, strength for my weakness Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion, Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness, Open unto me, love for my hates Open unto me, Thy Self for myself, Lord, Lord, open unto me! -Howard Thurman (1899-1981) 
Cusco, Peru
|
