Lent Daybook, 24: Gathered
A Lent daybook for these 40 days of prayer. Join me, won't you? (see previous Lent daybook 2018 posts here)
Is this your first time to practice Lent? Here's a simple introduction: How we prepare for Lent.
*Note: If you're reading this in email, the formatting usually looks much better at the website. Just click the post title to get there.*
Study for the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci (source)
all readings for today: Genesis 49:29--50:14, Psalm 97, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Mark 8:1-10
excerpts:
“When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
Then Joseph fell on his father’s face and wept over him and kissed him.”
*
”The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.”
*
”For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
*
”And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people...The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand were present.”
* Monday - Thursday Scripture readings are taken from the Book of Common Prayer (Year 2). On Fridays, I'll include the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday which are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B).
prayer for today :
“In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. {Sit in silence for a moment.}
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For our pastor; and all clergy and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For the special needs and concerns of our friends, family, and community, especially [______].
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life. We are especially thankful for [______].
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name forever and ever.
Amen.”
Spiritual practice for today:
This week, fast criticism. From the clerk moving slowly to the homeless vet on the streets, consider carefully that Jesus knows them by name. Today, seek to know more, assume less, and air prayers for Jesus' "least of these" boldly in the presence of your shared Father God. (source: 40 Days of Decrease)
(see all Lent daybook posts from 2017 here)