Opening Prayer
Behold, I have graven you upon the palm of my hand, that is what Jesus came on earth to do: to proclaim, to give us the Good News that God loves us, that we are precious to Him. -Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) (Silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me. -Psalm 31:1-3 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin You do not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is Your love for those who fear You; as far as the east is from the west, so far have You removed our transgressions from us. -Psalm 103: 10-12 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam". So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. -John 9:1-7 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for ourselves and others Oh, GOD, listen to my prayer; please open your ears. -Psalm 39:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of your Eternal Father, You said with your most pure lips: Without me you can do nothing. O Lord, my Lord, with faith I embrace in my heart and soul the words you have spoken. Help me a sinner, to accomplish the task that I begin for your sake in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirt. Amen -Eastern Orthodox prayer |