Hagia Sophia: Istanbul, Turkey
Opening Prayer
“I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly” -Jesus (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible I will give thanks to you, Lord, for you are good; your lovingkindness endures forever. I will give thanks to you for your unfailing love and your wonderful acts to all your people, for you satisfy the thirsty soul and fill the hungry soul with good things -Psalm 107: 1, 8,9 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin I know, O Lord, that my life is not my own; it is not for me to direct my steps. O Lord, correct me, but with justice—Not in Your anger, lest You reduce me to nothing. -Jeremiah 10:23-24 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. -John 8:14-16 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others O Lord, I know that You will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor -Psalm 140:12 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Holy Spirit, powerful Consoler, Sacred Bond of the Father and the Son, Hope of the afflicted, descend into my heart and establish in it Your loving dominion. Enkindle in my tepid soul the fire of Your Love so that I may be wholly subject to You. We believe that when You dwell in us, You also prepare a dwelling for the Father and the Son. Deign, therefore, to come to me, Consoler of abandoned souls, and Protector of the needy. Help the afflicted, strengthen the weak, and support the wavering. Come and purify me. Let no evil desire take possession of me. You love the humble and resist the proud. Come to me, glory of the living, and hope of the dying. Lead me by Your grace that I may always be pleasing to you. Amen. -Augustine of Hippo (354-430) 
Upper Franconia, Germany
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