Easter Festival: Gozo, Malta
Opening Prayer
O Brother Jesus who wept at the death of a friend and overturned tables in anger at wrong let me not be frightened by the depths of passion. Rather let me learn the love and anger and wild expanses of soul within me that are true expressions of your grace and wisdom. And assure me again that in becoming more like you I come closer to my true self made in the image of outpouring love. -Celtic Prayer (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” -Psalm 90:2 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin Jesus, You are the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world -John 1:29 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. -John 4:47-50 (Think deeply on these life-giving words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. -Matthew 18:19 (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen -Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) 
Noravank Monastery: Yeghegnadzor, Armenia
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