Gozo, Malta
Opening Prayer
Father God, it is difficult to admit to myself and to others my weaknesses and failures, but You know all too well this about me. Help me to remember You are God and I am not, and help me to embrace that I am Yours. Amen -A2J Community (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah -Psalm 61:1-4 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Holy God, Lord most gracious! Rebuke us not in your anger, nor chasten us in your wrath! Holy you have called us to come to you. We feel unworthy, for we have failed you again and again. We feel like running away, yet you keep calling us. Have mercy on us, O God. Have mercy! -The Book of Common Worship (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” -Mark 14:39-42 (Think deeply on the life and words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Lord, help us to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. -Galatians 6:2 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer “In me there is darkness, but with You there is light; I am lonely, but You do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with You there is help; I am restless, but with You there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with You there is patience; I do not understand Your ways, but You know the way for me.” “Lord Jesus Christ, You were poor and in distress, a captive and forsaken as I am. You know all man’s troubles; You abide with me when all men fail me; You remember and seek me; it is Your will that I should know You and turn to You. Lord, I hear Your call and follow; help me.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) 
Rotorua, New Zealand
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