Burgundy Region, France
Opening Prayer Jesus, I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires, and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, human respect, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices, and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to follow you along the narrow road to life. Amen -Henri Nouwen (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.”Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. -Joel 2:12-13 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin 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, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. -Psalm 51:7-8, 9-10 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” -Matthew 5:27-32 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. -Psalm 105:4 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. -Book of Common Prayer 
Bruges, Belgium
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