Athens, Greece
Opening Prayer
Speak peace to my heart, Lord Jesus. This world has taken its toll, its noise and confusion, its doubts and fears, have troubled and wearied my soul. Lord Jesus, speak peace to my soul. -Don Francisco (1946- ) (Silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible For God alone my soul waits in silence, from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; In the balances they go up; they are lighter than a breath. If riches increase, set not your heart on them. Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this; that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work. -from Psalm 62 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Lord wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, and put a new and right spirit within me. -Psalm 51: 1-2, 9-10 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. -Matthew 6:30-34 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayer for Ourselves and Others For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. -I Peter 3:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer O Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me a right faith, a certain hope and a perfect love, understanding and knowledge, O Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command. Amen! -Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) 
Scottsdale, Arizona
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