Assisi, Italy
Opening Prayer
In my distress may I see your favor, O Lord my God, and humble myself greatly before you, the God of my fathers, for I know that you are God. -2 Chronicles 33:12-13 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult -Isaiah 60:1-5 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Oh God search me; shine your light into my soul that I may see its condition. May I be confident in your mercy, knowing well that you are restoring me even now. Reveal where I have left your path and speak gentle but firm words of correction. And guide me back to your life-giving ways and to your loving and strong embrace. -A2J Community (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.” -Mark 8:22-26 (Think deeply on the life and words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Help us Lord, to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer. Amen -Romans 12:2 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer O God, it is by your gift that evening follows day and that rest restores us after labor, while we rejoice to receive these blessings, make us mindful that they come from your gracious hand. Amen -Augustine of Hippo (354-430) 
Rotorua, New Zealand
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