Phoenix, Arizona
Opening Prayer
Oh, Lord my God, You have called me from the sleep of nothingness merely because in your tremendous love you want to make good and beautiful beings. You have called me by my name in my mother’s womb. You have given me breath and light and movement and walked with me every moment of my existence. I am amazed, Lord God of the universe, that you attend to me and, more, cherish me. -Joseph Tetlow, SJ (1930- ) (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD. -Jeremiah 1:5-8 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin “O LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Look upon us, we pray.” -Isaiah 64:1,9 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” -Mark 3:1-3 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers. -Psalm 39:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -Book of Common Prayer 
Puno, Peru
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