Superior, Arizona
Opening Prayer
As the light of dawn awakens earth’s creatures and stirs into song the birds of the morning so may I be brought to life this day. Rising to see the light to hear the wind to smell the fragrance of what grows from the ground to tase its fruit and touch its textures so may my inner senses be awakened to you, O God. -Celtic Benediction (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him’” -Lamentations 3:21-24 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin O Lord, you are not slow concerning your promises, as some count slowness, but you are patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in a day, If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of the world. -John 11:5-9 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. -Ephesians 3:21 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Gracious Savior, thank you for opening the way of freedom. I do love you Lord, and ask you to empower me to put that love in action by remaining in You. Grant me the courage and humility to draw near to You. Strengthen my will to remain in You. Make my life a living witness to You. Amen -Leanne Payne (1932-2015) 
Wallhausen, Germany
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