Fast.Pray.Give Lent 2013

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Lent 5

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Fast·Pray·Give
Week 5

Pastor's Peace

Grace to you and peace, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Really? Is it already the fifth week of Lent? Is it already Wednesday of the fifth week of Lent?

How many promises of moving toward a "more disciplined life" have I broken?

Roberta Bondi was one of my professors at Candler School of Theology. One of the ways that she defined "prayer" was: "shared life with God." She, also, spent a good deal of time studying the earlier abbas and ammas, the monastics. The Desert Mothers and Fathers were Hermits, Ascetics and Monks who lived mainly in the Scetes desert of Egypt, beginning around the 3rd century CE. They were believed to be the first Christians who abandoned the cities of the pagan world to live in solitude.

Citing the writings of the monastics, Roberta published some of their teachings to help we, contemporary Christians, work toward "disciplined prayer lives." Her work offers examples from the prayer lives of the abbas and ammas. Below is an example:

Pilgrim: I can't seem to be faithful to my discipline. I should give up.

Response: A brother asked one of the fathers: "If by chance I oversleep and am late for the hour of prayer, I am ashamed that others will hear me praying so late, and so I became reluctant to keep the rule of prayer." And, the old man said, "If ever you oversleep the dawn, rise when you wake, shut the door and the windows and say your prayers. For it is written, 'The day is thine and the night is thine. God is glorified whenever time it is...'"

In other words: "Keep working the plan."

Blessing for the Way,

Rev. Tracy

The source for this liturgy is Feasting On The Word: Liturgies for Year C, Worship Companion.

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Invitation to Lenten Discipline

Here's a little "bread for the journey"

A little bread for the journey...(again, from R. Bondi's work):

Pilgrim: I'm so critical of myself; I feel so guilty all the time.

Response: "...To throw yourself before God, not to measure your progress, to leave behind all self-will; these are the instruments for the work of the soul."

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Texts for Lent Week 4:

Isaiah 43:16–21 Philippians 3:4b–14

Psalm 126 John 12:1–8

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Prayers

Household Prayer: Morning

Loving God, in all I do this day, use me as a sign of your reconciling love.

Let me not view anyone from a human point of view,

but let me see all whom I will encounter with the eyes of Christ,

through whom I pray. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

Merciful God, if like the Prodigal Son I have strayed from you this day,

call me back to your loving embrace.

If like the elder son, I have harbored resentment for the grace you give to others, reprove me.

Help me claim in thought and deed the inheritance of the saints

who share with Jesus compassion and forgiveness to all who lose

their way. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

God our Provider,

out of your fullness you cause life to spring up in barren landscapes;

you have power to control troubled waters, making a path of safety;

you hear our cries and receive our tears; you restore us to joy and laughter.

You have done great things for us, O God, and are continually making all things new. We thank you, O God:

You are making all things new.

We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ,

whose life and ministry has guided us through this Lenten season and guides us in every season of life. In his suffering and death, he knows full well the troubles and pains we face in this earthly life. In his resurrection is the hope of our own. Surrounded by your overflowing love, we are not alone. We thank you, O God:

You are making all things new.

With thanksgiving we celebrate your care

and the gift of newness in our lives: for recovery from illness or injury; for calm after a time of unrest or turmoil; for a sense of direction after uncertainty;

for new life; for new opportunities. We thank you, O God:

You are making all things new.

We pray for people who wait in difficult places.

For those who are suffering and those at life’s end; for people struggling with employment and financial worries; for those estranged from loved ones; for those trapped in the grip of addiction; for people enduring emotional or spiritual turmoil.

Because you are able to make a way in every wilderness, we thank you, O God:

You are making all things new.

We pray for the needs of the world.

May peace invade places of war and justice crowd out oppression and cruelty. Protect soldiers and citizens alike from harm’s way and make all conflict cease. Bless leaders of communities, states, and nations, that they may speak the truth and work with others for the common good. Pour out healing on the earth itself, depleted and injured by our careless consumption and intentional greed. Comfort those devastated by natural disasters; strengthen those supplying shelter, food, and aid. Amid the chaos of this world, your Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. We thank you, O God:

You are making all things new.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. Amen.

For Your Reflection

John 12:1–8 draws our attention to three people: Mary, Judas, and Jesus.

It is easy enough to identify Mary as “the good disciple” and Judas as “the bad disciple” not only in this story but also in the larger story of Jesus’ life and death. We can (and do) make this judgment: Mary is accepted and affirmed, while Judas is rejected. But is this the judgment that the other person in the story would make? As one commentator puts it, “. . . if Jesus

came to save the lost, surely there is no one in the gospel story who is more lost than the one who betrays Jesus. . . . If the Good Shepherd can and does go to any length to save a lost sheep, is Judas beyond the saving grasp of the Good Shepherd?”† This is not a question with an easy answer. As this story

ushers you into Holy Week, consider how the cross, the grace of Christ, speaks to this story and to your own life story, which like most life stories may not be a simple “either/or” example of faithfulness, but a “both/and” mix of faithfulness and unfaithfulness.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Lent 4

Fast·Pray·Give
Week4

Pastor's Peace

Grace to you and peace, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps, one of the most challenging concepts for a contemporary Christian to understand is, "What is Sabbath Keeping?"

Sabbath Keeping is a biblical mandate from Old Testament times. It is a time of "resting with God." That both Christian and Jewish traditions uphold this time as a sacred practice rooted in faith is significant, even for us today.

Dan Gilder, a UMC pastor in KY who has been practicing "Sabbath Keeping" for seven years, sums up this practice for him in the following way, "I use this time to relate, delight, reflect and rest." From Dan Gilder: "I turn off any electronics that might distract me. I try to spend time with relationships that give me life. I try to nap. I stop anything that reminds me that I am what I produce. The second part is to rest, just as God did in our creation. The other two are delighting and reflecting. Delighting is where you give yourself permission to enjoy the things that God has given you. On my Sabbath, I like to read. Some people I know like to work in the garden. That doesn't me life. The last one is reflection."

Other tips for Sabbath Keeping:

Start small. Choose a specific time to begin.

Set aside four hours the first week

Add one hour each week

Consider observing Sabbath with a close friend, prayer partner, your family, a small group. Accountability is important.

Make Sabbath Keeping part of your annual routine. Begin and end the day with prayer.

Think about "investing" in a week-long annual retreat.

Incorporate relating, delighting, reflecting and resting in your Sabbath Keeping.

Don't forget to nap. It helps the body recalibrate. (My personal favorite)

Blessing for the Way,

Rev. Tracy

The source for this liturgy is Feasting On The Word: Liturgies for Year C, Worship Companion.

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Invitation to Lenten Discipline

Here's a little "bread for the journey"

Thank you to Jennifer Weatherford for telling me about the History Channel's new series on The Bible.

From the History Channel's website:

The Bible comes to life in HISTORY’s epic new series. From Genesis to Revelation, these unforgettable stories unfold through live action and cutting-edge computer-generated imagery, offering new insight into famous scenes and iconic characters. Created by producer Mark Burnett and featuring an international cast that includes Roma Downey, this 10-hour docudrama explores the sacred text’s most significant episodes, including Noah’s journey in the ark, the Exodus and the life of Jesus.

This certainly sounds like something worth tuning into, especially during this Holy season of Lent.

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Texts for Lent Week 4:

Joshua 5:9–12:2 Corinthians 5:16–21

Psalm 32 Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32

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Prayers

Household Prayer: Morning

Loving God, in all I do this day, use me as a sign of your reconciling love.

Let me not view anyone from a human point of view,

but let me see all whom I will encounter with the eyes of Christ,

through whom I pray. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

Merciful God, if like the Prodigal Son I have strayed from you this day,

call me back to your loving embrace.

If like the elder son, I have harbored resentment for the grace you give to others, reprove me.

Help me claim in thought and deed the inheritance of the saints

who share with Jesus compassion and forgiveness to all who lose

their way. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

In peace let us pray to the Lord saying,

Lord have mercy.

For the church throughout the world, that all Christians may embody the reconciling love of Christ,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the nations of the world and its leaders, that all may dwell in peace

and that justice may be tempered by mercy,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the planet Earth, God’s gift to humankind, that all may share wisely its resources and conserve its riches for our children’s children and their children,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For our enemies, that we may regard them with the reconciling love

made manifest in Christ,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those who are sick or in trouble, for the defenseless, the weak, and the poor,

that they may be restored to wholeness of life and livelihood,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the lost, for those who have abandoned God, friends, or family,

and for those who have never known such love,

that they may come to know the joy of love’s embrace,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Loving God, hear the prayers of your people for the sake of our world,

and our Savior Jesus Christ, through whom we pray.

Amen.

For your Reflection

For Your Reflection

In what ways am I like the Prodigal Son?

In what ways am I like the elder son?

Monday, February 18, 2013

Week 2

Fast·Pray·Give
Week 2

Pastor's Peace

Grace to you and peace, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Well, we are on our way in the second week of Lent. How is your journey going? My confession is that I did well on “Fast” and great on the “Give” but, not so well on “Pray.”

I did okay with my ordinary “prayer” life but, I set as a goal “to set aside 30 minutes a day for intercessory prayer.” What I found was that I wanted to rush through the prayers…and, I found it hard to be centered, fully. And, one day, I didn’t even try.

The only thing that I know to do is to try to be better this week… I think that what is at the heart of Lent is to build on what you can do and increase it in strength. The key: the strength does not come from me.

Blessing for the Way,

Rev. Tracy

The source for this liturgy is Feasting On The Word: Liturgies for Year C, Worship Companion.

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Invitation to Lenten Discipline

Top Ten List: THINGS YOU CAN TRY FOR THE LENTEN SEASON

10. Try an electronic fast. Give up TV, Guitar Hero, texting, tweeting, e-mail and all things electronic for one day every week. (or everyday of Lent!) Use the time to read & pray.

9. Start a prayer rhythm. Say a prayer every time you brush your teeth, hear an ambulance, or check your e-mail. Before you text someone, pray for them.

8. Read one chapter in the Bible each day. (Matthew's a good book to start with. Psalms, too.)

7. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it (maybe even yourself.)

6. Give up soft drinks, fast food, tea or coffee. Give the money you save to help folks in Haiti or others in crisis.

5. Create a daily quiet time. Spend 30 minutes a day in silence and prayer.

4. Cultivate a life of gratitude. Write someone a thank you letter each week and be aware of how many people have helped you along the way.

3. Be kind to someone each day.

2. Pray for others you see as you walk to and from classes or drive to and from work.

1. Volunteer one hour or more each week with a local shelter, tutoring program, nursing home, prison ministry or a Habitat for Humanity project. (http://www.upperroom.org/lent101)

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Texts for Lent Week 2:

Texts for Lent Week 2:

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Philippians 3:17-4:1

Psalm 27 Luke 13:13-35

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Prayers

Household Prayer: Morning

Dear God,

I do not know all of the challenges that face me this day,

but still I pray:if I should be tempted by desire for earthly gain,

remind me of my citizenship in heaven.

If I should be distracted by hunger,

satisfy me with your Holy Spirit until I hunger no more.

Let me walk in the way of Christ so that my life testifies in deed and word,

“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

Dear God,

great is your mercy to me,

even when I have not remembered you.

Where I have strayed from your path,

forgive my sins and show me the way to salvation.

Grant me rest this night that I may rise refreshed in my commitment

to the way of my Lord, Jesus Christ,

in whose name I pray. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

In peace let us pray to the Lord saying,

Lord have mercy.

For the church throughout the world,

that all who bear the name of Christ

may find true repentance for their sins

and walk in the ways of peace,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the nations of the world,

wherever there is poverty, war, or oppression of human spirit,

that all people may repent of the evil they do to one another,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the planet Earth, God’s gift to humankind, that we repent of selfish or thoughtless exploitation and tend it with care so that all may share justly in its bounty,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the leaders of the nations,

that they may work for the common good of all people and repent of arrogant nationalism,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For our enemies, that we may learn to love them with regard for God’s compassion, forgiving wrongs and seeking reconciliation,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those who are sick or in trouble,

for the defenseless, the weak, and the poor, that they may find help in their time of need, and that the church may heed their cry,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Loving God,

hear the prayers of your people for the sake of our world.

With our prayers, accept the dedication of our lives that we may minister to the world in the name of Jesus, through whom we pray. Amen.

For your Reflection

In Luke 13:35 Jesus says, “And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’” To what sort of “seeing” does Jesus refer? Is Jesus calling for more than a verbal declaration that he is the Messiah? How might I live so that I become a testimony that Jesus is truly the one who comes in the name of God

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Lent 2013

Fast·Pray·Give
Week 1

Pastor's Peace

Grace to you and peace, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Welcome to Lent! Lent is an opportunity for reflection, prayer and action centered in the life, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Each week during Lent, we will publish this newsletter. The Newsletter will include prayers and liturgy based upon the current week's lectionary reading. The source for this liturgy is Feasting On The Word: Liturgies for Year C, Worship Companion.

What is offered here are resources for you and your family as you make your walk where Jesus walked. Receive this as "bread for the journey."

How will you "Fast·Pray·Give" this week?

Blessing for the Way,

Rev. Tracy L. MacKenzie, Pastor
Horseshoe Drive United Methodist Church

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Invitation to Lenten Discipline

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

The early Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection.

It became the custom of the Church that before the Easter celebration, there should be a forty-day season of spiritual preparation.

During this season, converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism.

It was also a time when persons who had committed sins and had separated themselves from the community of faith were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to participation in the life of the Church.

In this way, the whole congregation was reminded of the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the need we all have to renew our faith.

I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to observe a Holy Lent:

By self-examination and repentance,

By prayer, fasting, and self-denial

And, by reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word, to make a

right beginning of repentance

And as a mark of our mortal nature.

Let us now bow before God our Creator and Redeemer. (The United Methodist Book of Worship)

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Texts for Lent Week 1:

Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Romans 10:8b-13

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Luke 4:1-13

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Prayers
The season of Lent sets us on a journey.

The journey begins in the wilderness.

We follow the way of Jesus,

who faced trials, trouble, temptation, and testing.

Like Jesus, we are not alone.

The Holy Spirit is with us. God’s Word is on our lips.

Our call is to trust in God alone,

to do God’s will in all things.

For God leads us not only into the wilderness,

but also through the wilderness.

Prayer of the Day

God Most High, thank you for signs of your power and grace, shown to us even in the wilderness.

Give us courage to stand firm in your Word in every time of trial and testing,
that we may enter the land of your freedom and receive the salvation you so generously give;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Almighty God, we pray for all who live in places of threat and danger.

We trust in you , for you are able to make peace in the midst of warfare and turn rough places into level ground. Teach us to prepare a table where enemies may feast instead of fight.