Collect for Holy Cross Day:
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was
lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself:
mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have
grace to take up your cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.
AMEN
The twisting Path to Spirituality
This week I had another opportunity to walk
the labyrinth at Bon Secours. In Spiritual Direction that day we discussed
the amazing ability we as humans have of turning everything into work. It
was a heart-opening exercise for me as I saw that in my own perfectionist
thinking, I had even turned prayer into work! After all, shouldn’t there
be a “right” way and a “wrong” way to pray? My struggle has been in the
practice of contemplation – rather than sitting quietly with God and just being
in God’s presence,
I often manage to check
to see if my breathing is correct, if I’m getting rid of all my thoughts like a
good girl, if I “feel” anything....in other words, I check to see if my
contemplative practices are done the “right” way, and in the process, miss the
point completely!
How easy it is for us to focus on
what needs to be done rather than on the grace of the moment. Our
commitments to being whole persons, body mind and spirit, and our commitments to
career and family can all translate into one more thing we need to improve, one
more thing we need to do “correctly,” and we miss the beauty that awaits us.
Its all part of the slowing down process, and
that is what has made the labyrinth a powerful symbol to me recently. The
labyrinth is a twisted path that turns at odd moments, that seems to be ending
only to continue, and then, as one is finally used to the rhythm of the turns
and twists, it ends, and one finds oneself outside the circle. It is so
much like our life – full of the unexpected, brimming with potential and
blessing at every turn, if only we allow ourselves to see with the eyes of God.
The idea of contemplation is that we walk that path WITH God, conversing,
listening, being attentive to God’s plan, not ours. It is not
a matter of doing something “right,” it is a manner of
being.
I keep a small labyrinth on my desk now.
When I have one of those days when my brain seems to be missing, I pull it
out, and follow the path. Somehow it helps remind me that God is in the
midst of our twisting world. And that is all I need to
know.
O God, help me to see as far as I can
and then trust
you with all beyond my sight;
I ask to know your will and way,
and for
your strength to do and to follow it,
Day by Day.
AMEN
contributed
by Alice Ober
Debra’s Midweek Meditation
"Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether
I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are
standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith
of the gospel."
From Phil 1: 21-30
This is a modern picture of the river Gangitis
outside Philippi where Paul met with a small band of worshipers and preached the
Gospel of Christ. Lydia was one of the first believers who helped spread
the Good News.
The next few weeks we will be studying Philippians, another of Paul's
epistles. This one was written in prison to a group that Paul deeply
admired and cared about.
The small group at Philippi were persecuted by the Romans and yet stayed
firm in their faith.
The letter to the Philippians is a love letter as well as a letter of
encouragement. In the first part of the letter Paul says this:
"For God
is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ
Jesus."
Paul, a prisoner, is not imprisoned within his
heart.
And we, although we may feel imprisoned by schedules and
responsibilities, sorrows or trials, may look at his example and follow
suit.
We each have time to encourage others in the faith. We may write a
letter or take someone a meal or sit with someone and really listen to their
story. We may add someone to our prayer
list.
Part of living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ is engaging in
servant ministry toward others.
Bless someone this week with your
care.
Blessings to you,
Almighty, most holy
Debra
Most high and supreme God,
All good,
Supreme good,
Totally good,
You Who alone are good,
May we give back to You
All praise,
All glory,
All grace,
All
honor,
All blessing
And all good.
So be it.
So be
it.
Amen
from the Office of the
Passion, St. Francis Assisi
Daily Morning Prayer
http://www.missionstclare.com/english/index.html
This Week At St. James
Sunday: Sister Pat in the 8:00, 9:00 and
10:15
liturgies
Sunday
School at
10:15
Sunday
School Teacher’s meeting during coffee
hour
Youth
Focus meeting during coffee
hour
Stewardship
Meeting, 11:45
Prayers Etc.
We continue to pray for victims of Katrina and those who
work with them.
Contributions can be made to Episcopal Relief and
Development.
Prayer Needs from St. James:
Chloe
Sarah
J. Vallie L.
Anna B.
Margaret
Jeffrey
Natalie K.
Mary Anne S.
Those in need of healing and their
families:
Matty
Henry
H. Joel B.
Susan L.
Nancy B.
Rosemary
MS
Gloria
C.
Charles
Dave
Chris
L. Sean N.
Maria R.
Earl C.
David W.
Charlie M.\
Ellie
Linda
S. JB, Heather,
Chase & Sandy
Rose
B. and her children Frank & Connie D.
Aris
Lelia
G. Bill L.
Joan
B. Charlotte M.
Joan’s mother
In Closing:
God Our Father,
In obedience to you
Your only Son
accepted death on the cross
For the salvation of mankind.
We acknowledge
the mystery of the cross on earth.
May we receive the gift of redemption in
heaven.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
AMEN
from the Liturgy of the
Hours
Pax et Bonum,
Loree+