Meteora, Greece
Opening Prayer
Teach me, my God and King, in all things thee to see, and what I do in anything to do it as for thee. -George Herbert (1593-1633) (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible Hear my cry, O God; Listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to You, I call as my heart grows faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. -Psalm 61:1-3 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Have mercy, tender God, forget that I defiled you, wash away my sin, cleanse me from my guilt. I know my evil well, it stares me in the face, evil done to you alone before your very eyes. You love those centered in truth; teach me your wisdom. Wash me with fresh water, wash me bright as snow. Oh God, my Father, reshape my heart. -Psalm 51:7-10 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. -Matthew 5:21-26 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and Others During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. -Hebrews 5:7 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Loving God who holds us by the hand, cast out our fears by your love. Help us to love our enemies, to accept our hardships and to cling firmly to you, for you have power over all, in the triumph of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. -Benedictine Prayer 
Wittenberg, Germany
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