September 16, 2009

One of the greatest moments in anybody's developing experience is when he no longer tries to hide from himself but determines to get acquainted with himself as he really is.
---Norman Vincent Peale---

Lord,
Fill us with the resplendent light
Of your eternal love.
May we love you above all things,
And our brothers and sisters for your sake.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
---From the Liturgy of the Hours---

Ember Days

Four times a year, the church sets aside three days assigned to the spiritual disiciplines of Fasting and Prayer. These are called Ember Days. The word Ember comes from the Anglo-Saxon ymbren, which means a circuit or revolution. Indeed, it is thought that the tradition of Ember days may be of Celtic origin, coming from the four times a year in which there is seasonal change.

Pope Leo I (440-461) first set aside Ember Days as a custom in the Christian Church in order that a law of abstinence might apply to every season. Ember Days were also thought to be proper times for the ordination of Clergy, a practice that continues to this day.

Ember days gives us an opportunity to step back and examine our hearts in order to re-allign ourselves with the work of Christ. As the change of seasons causes us to think about what we need to prepare for fall, or winter, Ember days are there for us to think about how to go forward with our journey of faith.

The Bishop Claggett Center offers Ember Quiet Days four times a year. This one is on Saturday, and the Rev. Amy Richter is the leader. If you are looking for an opportunity for some reflection, I recommend these days to you.

O God of Peace,
Who has taught us that
In returning and rest
We shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence
Is our strength;
By the might of your Spirit,
Lift us, we pray, to your presence,
Where we may be still
And know that you are God...
---Book of Common Prayer---

Daily Morning Prayer

Daily Morning Prayer

This Week at St. James

• Saturday: Collington Square Cancelled! Ember Day Retreat, Claggett
• Sunday: 9:00 Lecture Series begins: Dr. Philip Norman, on Science and Faith; 3-6 pm Church/Academy Picnic
• Monday: 10:00 CS Lewis Book Study
• Wednesday: 8:30 Healing Eucharist
• Thursday: SJA Parent Teacher Night

Prayers Etc.

For those on our prayer list:

• David
• Owen
• Betsy
• Gracie
• Read
• David W.
• Mimi B.
• Ann W.
• Dan P.
• Jack D.
• Chuck S.
• Barry M.
• Joe S.
• Frank O.
• Carey B.
• Martina
• Jack and Carol
• Georgie
• Lil A.
• Adam M.
• Ken
• Cathy
• Margie M.
• Diane M.
• Gracia
• Valerie W.
• Bill B.
• Doug H.
• M.C.

For Matt Rogers, our postulant
For those who are deployed and their families.

Lord Jesus,
You are in the midst of those
Who gather in your name,
- hear the prayers of your universal Church.
Lord Jesus,
you prepare a dwelling place
In your Father’s house for all who love you.
- help your Church to grow in divine love.
Lord Jesus,
you never cast out anyone who comes to you,
- open your Father’s house to all who have died.
---From the Liturgy of the Hours---

In Closing:

God our Father,
Gifts without measure flow from your goodness
To bring us your peace.
Our life is your gift.
Guide our life’s journey,
For only your love makes us whole.
Keep us strong in your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
---From the Liturgy of the Hours---

Pax et Bonum,
Loree+

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