Lent & Cross, Need Or Trial, Orthodox

Protection Prayer – St Basil

Blessed are You, O Lord, Master Almighty, Who lights the day with the light of the sun illuminates the night with flashes of fire, Who calls us to pass through the length of the day and to draw near to the beginning of the night; hear our prayer and the prayer of all You people; and as you have forgiven all our sins hear…

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Poets, Thanksgiving

We Thank Thee – John Oxenham

We thank Thee, Lord,That of Thy tender grace,In our distressThou hast not left us wholly comfortless. We thank Thee, Lord,That of Thy wondrous might,Into our nightThou hast sent down the glory of the Light. We thank Thee, Lord,That all Thy wondrous ways,Through all our days,Are Wisdom, Right, and Ceaseless Tenderness. . – John Oxenham (1952-1841) (Novel writer, journalist, poet, and…

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Holy Spirit & Pentecost, Preaching & Reflecting

Song To The Holy Spirit

Lord, Holy Spirit,You blow like the wind in a thousand paddocks,Inside and outside the fences,You blow where you wish to blow. Lord, Holy Spirit,You are the sun who shines on the little plant,You warm him gently, you give him life,You raise him up to become a tree with many leaves. Lord, Holy Spirit,You are the eagle with her young,Holding them…

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Creation, Thanksgiving

Psalm Of The Cosmos

Loving God, loving God,all creation calls you blessed,and so do we, and so do we. Loving God,all your creation calls you blessed.Your spirit imprints the whole universe with life and mystery.Yes, all creation proclaims your love.We now join this chorus of praise. Loving God,all of nature calls you blessed,and so do we. For you have woven an intimate tapestryand call…

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Creation, Praise

Creation Praise – Francis of Assisi

Most High, all powerful, good Lord,to you all praise, glory and honour and all blessing;to you alone, Most High, they belongand no one is worthy of naming you. Praised by you, Lord God,with all your creatures,especially Brother Sun,who brings day, and by whom you enlighten us;he is beautiful, he shines with great splendour,of you, Most High, he is a symbol.…

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Pastors

The Priest On Sunday Night

This prayer is Michel Quoist’s on reflection on his ministry… Tonight, Lord, I am alone.Little by little the sounds died down in the church.The people went away,And I came home,Alone.I passed people who were returning from a walk.I went by the cinema that was disgorging its crowd.I skirted café terraces where tired strollers were tryingto prolong the pleasure of a…

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Poets

The Baby – Michel Quoist

The mother left the carriage for a minute, and I went over to meet the Holy Trinity living in the baby’s pure soul. It was asleep, its arms carelessly laid on the embroidered sheet. Its closed eyes looked inward and its chest gently rose and fell As if to murmur: This dwelling is inhabited. Lord, you are there. I adore…

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Mystics, Old Age

Ageing Prayer – Terisa Of Avila

Lord, You know better than I know myself,that I am growing older and will someday be old.Keep me from the fatal habit of thinkingI must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving tostraighten out everybody’s affairs.Make me thoughtful but not moody;helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom,it seems a pity not…

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Love, Mystics

Love Song – Terisa Of Avila

Majestic Sovereign, Timeless Wisdom,Your kindness melts my hard, cold soul. Beautiful Lover, Selfless giver,Your beauty fills my dull, sad eyes. I am yours, you made me.I am yours, you called me.I am yours, you saved me.I am yours, you loved me.Let me never leave your presence. Give me death, give me life.Give me sickness, give me health.Give me honour, give…

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Pastors, Preaching & Reflecting

Pastor’s Prayer – Martin Luther

Dear heavenly Father, speak. I gladly remain silent as a child and learner. If I lead your the church with my own knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, I would have been sunk long ago. Therefore, dear God, help me to get out of the way, that You may guide and direct it. I will gladly forsake my point of view and…

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Faith, Lament

Overcrowded! – Michel Quoist

Lord, why did you tell me to love all humanity, my brothers and sisters? I have tried, but I come back to you, frightened… Lord, I was so peaceful at home, I was so comfortably settled. It was well furnished, and I felt cozy. I was at peace. Sheltered from the wind, the rain, the mud. I would have stayed…

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Pastors, Praise

Teach Us The Art Of Praise – C.H. Spurgeon

O God, teach us to begin the music of heaven! Grant us grace to have many rehearsals of the eternal Hallelujah. ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.’ Grant us grace that we may not bring Thee blessings merely because Thou dost feed us, and clothe us, and because we receive…

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