Locus Communis

Aaron, by George Herbert

Holiness on the head,
         Light and perfections on the breast,
Harmonious bells below, raising the dead
         To lead them unto life and rest:
                Thus are true Aarons drest.

                Profaneness in my head,
         Defects and darkness in my breast,
A noise of passions ringing me for dead
         Unto a place where is no rest:
                Poor priest, thus am I drest.

                Only another head
         I have, another heart and breast,
Another music, making live, not dead,
         Without whom I could have no rest:
                In him I am well drest.

                Christ is my only head,
         My alone-only heart and breast,
My only music, striking me ev’n dead,
         That to the old man I may rest,
                And be in him new-drest.

                So, holy in my head,
         Perfect and light in my dear breast,
My doctrine tun’d by Christ (who is not dead,
         But lives in me while I do rest),
                Come people; Aaron’s drest.

Morning and Evening Prayer for the Week of Transfiguration

Sunday Evening Jan. 24th Saint Timothy Lord of the Church, we give You thanks for your servant Timothy, whose letters from Paul have instructed and guided the church these many years. Give us such faithful service in our own days too. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Morning Jan. 25th, Conversion of St. Paul Searcher of Hearts! You called Saul on the Damascus road, and in healing his blindness, you gave him vision of eternal things. By that grace, give me such seeing! Cause all the distractions of my heart to fail and give me eyes to see your truths, that I too may serve you faithfully unto death. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Evening Lord of Hosts, as you commanded your disciples to sell their cloaks and buy swords, yet prophesy that the meek shall inherit the earth: give me courage and a mind for justice, that I may do what is right and protect those who cannot protect themselves. But give me also a heart for mercy and meekness, that I may be a peacemaker, one of your children. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Morning Jan. 26th Saint Titus Lord of Creation, You sent your servant Titus to order the church, even as you ordered the world in the beginning. Grant me a spirit to serve the church as Titus did, setting in order all things in discord. Rightly order my heart, that my spirit be glad. Give me peace to live in the order You give, and not the order I would have. That in accord with your will, all my days may be right. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Evening In the Transfiguration of your Son, You gave mighty witness of your power to the disciples. Hold this before my eyes too, that by faith, I may know him, not just a man among the many men of history and Scripture, but as God in flesh, the eternal radiance who walks upon the earth, cloaked in humanity, even as You once walked among us, in the Garden. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Morning Jan. 27th John Chrysostom O God, you gave your servant John Chrysostom grace, eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all pastors such excellence in preaching, and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Evening Lord God, in the power of your Epiphany, You made eyewitnesses of Peter, James, and John. As they were made worthy to bear your Gospel, so You have made me–in a smaller way–a bearer of your truth. Give me a mind to realize and a mouth to give words to this truth. So then, as the three witnesses were not ashamed to speak of what they knew, I may have courage to speak. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Morning Jan. 28th Thomas Aquinas Lord God, we give thanks for the great theologians, whose work and words–though beyond our minds and common pastors and people–yet those works and words gave mighty answers to the vain philosophy of their ages, giving witness to your gospel among the wise. Grant such theologians in our own age, that your Word of salvation may also be spoken among the wise and erudite, that they too may receive Truth, all of us may bow before the Name of your beloved Son. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Evening As snow falls, the world grows silent. As the world quiets, I realize how noisy and distracting life is. O God who Speaks! Give me a quiet heart, and a quiet life, that I may know peace and hear You when You call. Beautiful is your world, and bright is the life You kindle in all the living. Give me a simple, quiet heart to delight in the world You have made. Amen. Our Father…

Friday Morning In great grace, You have given me another day, give me a heart to appreciate your mercy in this, that with gratitude all your gifts would not pass me by. Amen. Our Father…

Friday Evening Christ, today You endured crucifixion and bitter death. You were forsaken by the Father that I might never be alone. I do not appreciate this as I should. Purge all vanity and vainglory from me. Cleanse me from all distractions and wanderings of heart that, at least for this moment, I may see the cost of grace and the price of life in your crucifixion. Give me a heart to ascribe value to your Name, for the lavish mercy poured out in you most precious blood. Amen. Our Father…

Saturdays Morning O God, the source of eternal light: Shed forth your unending day upon all who watch for you, that our lips may praise you, our lives may bless you, and our worship tomorrow may give You glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father….

Saturday Evening Thank you, O God, for revealing your Son Jesus Christ to us by the light of his resurrection: Grant that as we sing your glory at the close of this day, our joy may abound in the morning as we celebrate the Paschal mystery; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father…

Sunday Morning Today, I rise to return to the Source. You, the source of time and the world and all that is in it. In the worship of your assembly, I will meet You, my Maker. As I return to my first origin, refashion me again. Amen. Our Father…

The Divine Image

To Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love
All pray in their distress;
And to these virtues of delight
Return their thankfulness.

For Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love
Is God, our father dear,
And Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love
Is Man, his child and care.

For Mercy has a human heart,
Pity a human face,
And Love, the human form divine,
And Peace, the human dress.

Then every man, of every clime,
That prays in his distress,
Prays to the human form divine,
Love, Mercy, Pity, Peace.

And all must love the human form,
In heathen, Turk, or Jew;
Where Mercy, Love, and Pity dwell
There God is dwelling too.

BY WILLIAM BLAKE

Morning and Evening Prayers for Second Week in Epiphany

Sunday Evening Jan. 17th, St. Anthony Lord God, your servant Anthony went alone into the desert to defeat the temptations of the devil, the world, and our sinful natures. And though intending solitude, he taught many learners who renewed the life of the church. We give thanks for his example. Teach our hearts to treasure solitude, as Christ himself did, as a source of peace and prayer and restoration. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Morning Lord God, You have given me many gifts. Give me also eyes to see them, and a will to put them to work. Give success to my labors, and give me a humble heart that gives glory to You alone. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Evening Lord God, You have taught that justification, the redemption of sinners and wandering children, is by faith alone. Strip from me all pride that would try to earn salvation. Give me a heart which trusts only in Thee. Then, I will be your child, trusting You, my Father, in all things. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Morning Engrave, on my heart, your law: to keep no idols. Keep me in true worship. Drive from my soul all things which I look to for hope, comfort, or protection, except Thee. Let no power, possession, or position take the first place in my heart, except Thee. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Evening God of the Church, today we remember Henry, pastor of the church, and missionary to the Fins. Great was your work in him, to convert a strange and stubborn people. Give us grace, to be united in the church, despite many differences. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Morning Jan. 19th, Sarah Father, You blessed Sarah with children. Help us to see all children, each and every one, as a blessing from your hand. Fill us with laughter, and grace in our last years. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Evening As You have shown your Son again this Epiphany, give me the faith which sees him, active and working. In the forgiving of sins, the preaching of the divine Word, and the sacrament of the altar. Most of all, give eyes to see the results, the fruits of your hidden work there. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Morning Jan 21st, St. Agnes God of the Martyrs, under the persecution of Diocletian, your courageous servant Agnes said to the executioner: “Strike, without fear, for the bride does her Spouse an injury if she makes Him wait.” Give us such a spirit, to fear nor suffering, but to see death as as a small thing in comparison to your great Love. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Evening “Endure fools gladly.” Lord God, I can endure foolish people. I can keep my tongue and suffer in silence. But gladness comes from You alone. Make me happy, even beneath the foolishness of others, then I will be glad often, for there is no lack of foolishness in the world, and in you there is no lack of joy. Amen. Our Father…

Friday Morning I give You thanks for my church, just as it is. My congregation, pastor, and sanctuary. Bless them all, crown their efforts with your providence, and preserve us in all our labors until we all, servants, stand before You, the Master. Amen. Our Father…

Friday Evening Wisdom teaches, in harmony with Scripture, that cleanliness is next to godliness, by the many examples and expressions in the sacred writings. Give me hands to keep my things clean and healthy. Give me a clean spirit, that I may rest in a peaceful conscience. Amen. Our Father…

Saturday Morning Tomorrow, I will go into your temple and receive, from the hands of your priest, the great sacrifice, the Lamb, slain from the foundations of the world. Give me reverence for the holiness of your worship. Give me faith to see your mystery. Give me eternal life, that I may see the fullness of the marriage feast in the world to come. Amen. Our Father…

Saturday Evening Lord God of Heavenly Armies, all might and power is yours, yet You have given some small power to man. Terrible and dread are the powers of war upon the earth. Yet, greater are your angel legions, restraining evil until the last of your children is born. Give me faith in your power, that I may walk with confidence upon any ground. Amen. Our Father…

Sunday Morning Today I will stand with saints and sinners, the least of whom is me. Give me humility, to not look at the sins of others, but only at my own. In repentance, give me grace to see the glory that You have granted to me. Amen. Our Father…

Why did Christ flee without the Holy Innocents?

Why did Christ desert those whom He knew were being sought because of him, and whom He knew would be killed for his sake? Brothers, Christ did not despise his own soldiers but promoted them. He enabled them to participate in a victory without struggle. He gave them the gift of the crown even before their bodies had grown. It was Christ’s will that they pass over vice for virtue, and attain heaven before earth and share in the divine life immediately. Thus it was that Christ sent his soldiers ahead. He did not abandon them. He gathered up his ranks. He did not leave them behind.

Morning and Evening Prayer for First Week in Christmastide

Sunday Evening Dec. 27 Again, Father, You have spoken to me in the preaching of your word. Give me ears to hear and a heart to believing, that in believing, I know Thee. And in knowledge of Thee, find all thing: joy, peace, courage, knowledge of myself, and final love Amen. Our Father…

Monday Morning As I return to work, I give You thanks for all that I am able to do. Only the young work without the aches of age, and only the old work without the burden of inexperience–I thank you that I am as I am. I thank You that I am capable for all I am capable of. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Evening This world is full of many good things, and I am richly blessed. Yet, in all that I have, let me not forget Thee, the only possession that matters and the source of all things. Without You, all food is ashes, all possessions are burdens, and all clothing vanity. But in contentment with your grace, all is honey, sunshine, and golden raiment. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Morning Lord God, daily I sin much and seldom think of it. Give me eyes to see my faults and mistakes, that where I can, I may improve, and where I cannot, I may learn to bear my cross and see your grace, even in my failings. Help me to see them as teachers and causes of empathy and of courage. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Evening Father, too often I become angry at pointless things, and then when some true cause for righteous indignation comes, I let the moment pass by. Give fire to my spirit, not to rage against the petty aggravations of the world, but to hate sin, death, and the devil. That in this too, I may imitate You. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Morning Lord Jesus, on this day You were betrayed. And while I can point the finger at Judas, my heart knows that it was my false faith which kissed You, and my hands which accept the gifts of the world to abandon You. Give me a true sorrow for my sins, that I may truly repent. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Evening Creator, today I have seen many of your children. Open my eyes to see them as bearers of your image and objects of your redemption. That in seeing them as You do, I may see your hand at work in every live. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Morning Father, sometimes my life feels so scattered. I do not know where I am going. I feel lost in the schedule and busy-ness of all I do and everywhere I go. Give direction to my heart, that I may see the goal of my labors and the aim of my life–to see You in Paradise. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Evening Lord of Hosts, You command the angel legions yet send a helper for every small child. Give me a heart to trust your hidden work. That especially when I cannot see, You punish evil and protect the innocent. Amen. Our Father…

Friday Morning Immortal God, I am but one of the small ones among the race of man, and yet my heart would know your ways. Give me faith to see you working in adversities, laboring in hard places, and working mercy in cold hearts. Amen. Our Father…

Friday Evening Mighty God of heavenly armies, while there is an eternal peace inside your Son, the Christ, yet there is evil and war upon the earth. Convert stony hearts. Cast down wickedness, and in your stern justice cast down evil from the world. Preserve the faithful and the innocent. And give us all hope in the final victory and resting place–the promised land, kingdom come, heaven. Amen. Our Father…

Saturday Morning Lord of Glory, You have made all the great things of this world and universe, and yet You care for the grass and the sparrow and also for me. Often I am proud, and think that strength means independence, even independence from Thee. Give me eyes to see how much of my being depends on your providence. Give me a child’s faith in the goodness of my Father. Teach me that if I will be your child today, tomorrow I will grow beyond what I could be on my own. Amen. Our Father…

Saturday Evening The night is deep and the world is asleep. And though many of the world’s cares are vain and silly because of its deep vanity, and I am not immune to such folly, yet You care, even for these. To the tired, You give sleep. To the ungrateful, You give food. To the godless, You give life. Not the least of these is me. I wonder at your great mercy. And all that I can give is my thanks and praise, Great Giver. Amen. Our Father…

Sunday Morning Again, I rise to glorify your name in the assembly of the righteous. I praise You, that your grace makes me worthy to stand where Moses and David and Elijah stood. There, I will shout the festival shout, the Amen, the Gloria, as priests and prophets of old. Open my heart to see the greatness of this thing. Amen. Our Father…

Morning and Evening Prayers for the Second Week in Christmas and the Epiphany

Sunday Evening Lord of Hosts, for all the glory you have given to man, yet our lives are short among the long ages of the earth. In the storms of winter, there is still danger to mortal life. For all the power of man, the cold of winter still takes its toll. Give us humble hearts beneath the firmament of creation. Give us awe at the power of the works of your hand. For we give You thanks for your great glory. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Morning Ancient of Days, before time began its endless course, before the earth or the seas, before the stars of the sky–You were. You–first and highest–are not shamed to give us a new mercy. Again, you have given us fresh grace in a new day. You have not grown weary of endless ages of love, but still You have given us another day of life. Another day of breath. Another day to lift up our eyes to the majestic, the ineffable, the eternal. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Evening Lord God, You have given water for the fishes, skies for the birds, and the earth for all beasts. You have given particular grace to me, a human. I bless You for your gift of words, which are water and air to me. I thank You for little words of greeting and hello. I give You thanks for the beauty of music, and the language of love. I give You thanks for my name, which You have written in the book of life, because of my baptism. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Morning Lord Jesus, You were not shamed to grow in the house of a carpenter, and your Father did make the world in six days in the power of his hand. I give you thanks for my hands. For the work they can do, for all that they hold, for all that I can touch and know. I wonder to think that everything in the whole world is in your hand. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Evening Eternal Spirit! Fire of the prophets and secret glory of the hidden God, long have You worked, while hidden from the eyes of men. You renew the face of the earth. You give life to your Church, which without is but dying men. You kindled life in Adam, kindle life in me today. Give me zest and zeal for fresh air and bright light and the vigor of life until death claims me. Give fire to my belly, to enjoy all that is good, and take nothing for granted. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Morning Jan. 6th, The Epiphany of Our Lord O God, who by the leading of a star did manifest thy only-begotten Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know You by faith, to your presence, where we may behold your glory face to face; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Evening Lord God, at Ajalon, You gave victory to your people by the power of the angels and the lengthening of the day. This miracle is beyond my power to create or even understand. By your mighty power, give your people victory again, before the setting of the sun. For the devil, the world, and the nature of sin stand against us, and only You fight for us. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Morning Father, You still call us children, though I have done little to earn such love. Give me faith, not in what I can do to earn love. For I cannot do more than Christ has done. Rather, give me faith in your nature: that You are the eternal Father, who cannot forsake his children. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Evening Lord of Virtue, give me fortitude, make me strong. Long is the day, and great the temptations of the world, and my flesh is weak against these. Give strength to my body, strength to my will, strength to my soul. That I may stand strong against temptations, against the fragility of men, and against the coming night. Lend me the power of your hand. Amen. Our Father…

Friday Morning Holy God! You called the men of old to build altars and make sacrifice to your name. Great were the altars of Abraham and Solomon, but small is the altar of my little church. Give me faith to see that is not the greatness of the altar, but the greatness of the God which matters most. Give me faith to see the sacrifices there. Give me reverence for what You have made holy. Amen. Our Father…

Saturday Morning Lord of Angels, You care for the littlest and the least. By the hands of your servants, watch over me this day. Protect me where I go. Guide all that I do. Amen. Our Father…

Saturday Evening Matchless Lord, there is none like You in all the earth, and none among the heavens can claim likeness with You in glory or might or in mercy. Because there is no other name in heaven, because there is no where else that can go to find the words of eternity, so tomorrow I and my brothers and sisters will gather to praise your name in the church, the temple of living stones. Give my voice strength, to sing your glory. Give my words truth, to rightly confess and all the more speak your word in the festal shouts of the divine service. And give me faith to see your work and your hidden Spirit. Amen. Our Father…

Sunday Morning Again, I rise and go where You have called me. If I have no other home than this, my church, let me love it. That in the habitation of your house, I may hear You speak and your testimonies live in another generation. Amen. Our Father…

Morning and Evening Prayers for the Fourth Week in Advent

Sunday Evening Dec. 20th, Katharina von Bora Luther Lord God, You blessed your teacher Martin Luther with a good wife. As a good wife is greater than riches, I give you thanks for the good wives and their families of my church. Bless their labors and quiet their cares. Make them faithful and true, and open the eyes of their children and husbands to appreciate them. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Morning Dec. 21st, St. Thomas Your servant was remembered for his doubts, and I have mine. I have not seen Thee and yet I would believe. Bless me, doubts and all, with faith. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Evening Lord God, your servant taught that we are unhappy because we desire too little and because our hopes are too small. Give me a heart for full desires. Contentment with my whole life. Charity with everyone I know. Peace for the world. Joy to all mankind. Leave no one and nothing out. Extend your kingdom to all corners of my life and all corners of the world and fill my heart with a desire to see this all. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Morning There are many fears and anxieties which cloud this time of year. Some are honest cares of this world and others are vain vanities. Help me to attend to cares, but to put aside vanities so that my live will be meaningful and worthy of the grace given me. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Evening Father, You give different gifts to all your children. You have given me my intellect, more than some and less then others. Give me contentment with my gift, and the spirit to use it to its fullest. Keep me from pride over those who have less, or bitterness with those who have more. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Morning You drew your people of old through the Red Sea and the river Jordan, yet they forgot your mighty works. In baptism You wrought mighty salvation by your grace in the water and the word. Let me not forget this, but live always in the truth of my baptism. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Evening Creator of all, while the world around me sleep in winter, yet you are at work preparing new life in the spring. Let me not think that when I cannot see You, You are not working. Give me trust in your hidden work and secret hands. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Morning, Comforter, there are many at this time who are filled with memories of sorrow and loneliness. For them, You have promised a family. For those whose melancholy is great, give a greater mercy, and teach me to mourn with those who mourn. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Evening Christmas Eve Lord and God, by coming into the world as one of us, You have done a wondrous thing. In this, You have begun to redeem the world. Though tis a a thing to wondrous for me, let the awe of Christmas fill my heart with faith. Amen. Our Father…

Friday Morning Christmas Day Lord, today is a quiet day in which the world little remembers your incarnation. Amid all the fills the world, remind me of your hidden work. Far from the eyes of the world, You have made a beginning for my salvation, and my hope is in Thee. Amen. Our Father…

Fridays Evening The day is cold, but your love is warm. Open my eyes to see your many blessings: a warm home, food, and clothing. Give me honest contentment for they riches, which are so much more than others have. Amen. Our Father…

Saturdays Morning Dec. 26th St Stephen Lord, today we remember the first deacon, Stephen and his death for the witness of your church. In all the decorations, bright music, and holiday joy, let me not forget the cost of such laughter and the tear that I did not weep. Help me to see victory and joy, even in death, as the death of your saints is blessed in your sight. Amen. Our Father…

Saturday Evening Lord God, in your birth you were worshipped by shepherds, hated by Herod. The poor praise You, and the powerful seek your place. I have so much more than a shepherd. And my many possessions do not help me to seek you. But make me poor in spirit, so that I may see and seek You aright. Amen. Our Father…

Sunday Morning Today is the third day of Christmas, and your love has not failed me, though I often forget it. In remembrance of You, take from me what distracts and confuses. Give me a heart singly dependent on Thee, that in worshipping You, I may have my heart’s desire. Amen. Our Father…

Morning and Evening Prayers for the Third Week of Advent

Sunday Evening Dec. 13th St. Lucy Almighty God, I give you thanks for the witness of your servant Lucy, who served the poor in dark places, being herself a light of your mercy. Hold her up in my heart, that I would honor her as You do, giving honor to the saints–not as the world honors–but as You honor service and servanthood. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Morning Dec. 14th John of the Cross Lord God, as your servant, John, renewed the life of contemplative prayer in his time, grant us such fervent hearts in our time. Kindle lively spirits within us, that seek You in all things. In the changes and chances of life. In the wide world, and in our hearts. Give us hearts that yearn for scripture, prayer, and the holy sacrament, that by these we may direct our spirits to You are our origin and beginning. Amen. Our Father…

Monday Evening As the world prepares for Christmas with money and vanity, prepare my heart better. Give me ears to hear your Word, that it may prepare my heart to hear your voice. Give me worthy lips to sing your praises. Give me a body worthy to receive your sacrament. Open my soul to receive greater things. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Morning Fix in my mind firm knowledge of Hope. That as You give it to me in Christ Jesus, I might come to a fuller knowledge day by day. And that knowing You by Hope, I would not fear the dangers of this world, but trust in You, who made it. Amen. Our Father…

Tuesday Evening At the end of another day, I give You thanks for the opportunity to work. As all work is pleasing to You, I am grateful that I am still able to do some work. Give me strength and determination to accomplish much, and thereby imitate You, who did work for six days in making the world. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Morning Lord God, You have put so many people in my life, and I often take them for granted. Forgive me that. Open my eyes in thankfulness for the blessing of my fellow men. Remind me that, though imperfect, they bear your Image. And for that, are precious. Amen. Our Father…

Wednesday Evening Lord Jesus, on this night, You were handed over to the authorities by a false friend. The world is full of such, and at times I have been no better. Change the hearts of ones like Judas and like me. Give honest repentance to betrayers, and in your eternal mercy, forgive us all for the sake of the sufferings of your Son, our Lord. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Morning Lord, give me simplicity. A simply heart, to love what is good. A simple mind, to know You and the world rightly. Simple hands, that do their work. A simple mouth, that speaks only truth. A simple stomach that is pleased with health. Lord, give me simplicity. Amen. Our Father…

Thursday Evening Dec. 17 Daniel and the Three young Men Lord God, your servants were faithful in the time of exile. As I am now an exile and stranger on this earth, keep my hope fixed in heaven. Grant strong faith, until You call me to the fatherland. Amen. Our Father…

Friday Morning At Massah and Meribah, your people complained of your mercy and denigrated your grace after being brought out of slavery in Egypt. I am not so different from these. My heart has little thanks. Yet, You feed me, all the days of my life. For this, I am not thankful enough. But, now, make me remember. You, in whose mind are all people and all times. Amen. Our Father…

Friday Evening Lord Jesus, on this night You were crucified, broken so that the world might be restored. This great mystery: my healing in your wounds, my joy in your suffering, are too much to bear. So great is your divine love. So great, your mercy. A crown of thorns for You, that I might be a child of God. Amen. Our Father…

Saturday Morning Dec. 19th Adam and Eve Lord God, I do not live of myself alone. But, I am a child of Adam and Eve, my first father and mother. Such glory You gave, in your Image and your Spirit. And such sin in their disobedience, which lives in my heart still. I am willful and prideful. But by your greater mercy, forgive us our many sins. Amen. Our Father…

Saturday Evening Tomorrow I will gather with all your saints in worship. Give me faith to see fully, not only those present in body, but all the company of heaven, present–even beyond death–in Christ. As I have been baptized and been brought into your body, the church, grant me a heart to see what my eyes cannot. Amen. Our Father…

Sunday Morning Lord of joy, I give You thanks for the opportunity to worship. There are many who are prevented by the laws of their land and the evils of false religion. Let me not take this for granted. Give me a true spirit of appreciation for this, and all You have done for me. Amen. Our Father…

BC:AD

This was the moment when Before
Turned into After, and the future’s
Uninvented timekeepers presented arms.

This was the moment when nothing
Happened. Only dull peace
Sprawled boringly over the earth.

This was the moment when even energetic Romans
Could find nothing better to do
Than counting heads in remote provinces.

And this was the moment
When a few farm workers and three
Members of an obscure Persian sect
Walked haphazard by starlight straight
Into the kingdom of heaven.

U.A. Fanthorpe