ErieOSBPrayer

Advent

2011-11-26T02:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,
These Advent prayers mark the end of this blog which has shared the prayer of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. Why? Because our newly redesigned community website once again includes a Pray With Us section for every day's Morning and Evening Prayer. You can now go to eriebenedictines.org if you would like to pray with us. Thanks for frequenting this site during the interim time leading up to our great new site! I hope it was a help to you. Susan, OSB

Morning Prayer
Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Christ shall come with great light;
all nations shall be awakened.

Psalm 97
God is eternal! Let earth rejoice;
let distant shores and isles be glad.
The Holy One is clothed in glory,
set firm in justice and truth.

The fire prepares God's path.
The enemy is consumed on every side.
The world is ablaze with light.
The earth trembles at the sight.

The mountains melt like wax
in the presence of the Holy One.
The skies proclaim justice;
the glory of God is seen by all.

Let those who trust in lifeless gods be confounded
and those who worship idols be ashamed.
All of Zion rejoices
because God judges with justice.

God indeed is the source of joy
and is exalted over all the earth.
God loves those who hate evil
and embraces all the faithful.

Light shines forth for the just
and gladness for those who speak truth.
They are set free from the wicked
and give glory to the holy name.

Christ shall come with great light;
all nations shall be awakened.

Praise God, Three in One,
both now and forever.
the God who is, who was, and is to come
at the end of the ages. Amen

Reading (select one from below)

Benedictus To hear our sisters sing the Benedictus click here.

Final Prayer
O God, increase our longing for Christ our savior and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of his coming may find us welcoming the light of the gospel for all people of our world. We ask this in the name of your son Jesus. Amen

Meditation
A person does more good in the place where divine Providence has put them than would all others with more talents. St. Julie Billiart

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Evening Prayer
Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

You shall speak peace to all nations,
and your glory shall be known from sea to sea.

Isaiah 61: 10-62:5
I rejoice heartily in the Holy One,
in God, the joy of my life.

I have been clothed with a robe of salvation,
enfolded in a garment of justice,
like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,
like a bride arrayed with jewels.

As fresh life spring up from the earth,
like a garden's promise in spring,
so shall God make justice and praise
spring up before all the nations.

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent;
for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet
until integrity shines out like the dawn
and salvation like a flaming torch.

Nations shall behold your integrity,
and all rulers your glory.
You shall be called by a new name
pronounced by the Holy One.

You shall be a crown of beauty,
a glorious diadem held by God.

No more shall you be called "forsaken,"
nor your land be called "desolate,"
but you shall be called "my delight,"
and your land "espoused."

As the newly married rejoice in each other,
so shall God rejoice in you.

You shall speak peace to all nations,
and your glory shall be known from sea to sea.

Praise God, Three in One,
both now and forever.
the God who is, who was, and is to come
at the end of the ages. Amen

Reading (select one from below)

Magnificat To hear our sisters sing the Magnificat click here.

The Magnificat antiphons for December 17-23 are the beautiful O Antiphons. As we've done every year, here is the link if you'd like to listen to Sr. Mary David's O Antiphons, sung by a small group of our sisters.

Final Prayer
O God, the day draws near when the glory of your Son will make radiant the night of the waiting world. May the darkness not blind us to the vision of wisdom which Jesus brings to us all. We ask all this in the name of your son Jesus. Amen

Meditation
Pray as you can and do not pray as you can't. Take yourself as you find yourself; start from that. Dom John Chapman

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Readings
Isaiah 40: 1-11
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,that she has received from God's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of Our God, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of God shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of God has spoken."

A voice says, "Cry out!" And I said, "What shall I cry?"All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of God blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God!" See, God comes with might, the arm rules; a reward is there, and recompense goes ahead. The Holy One will feed the flock like a shepherd; gather the lambs in arms, and carry them in to the bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.

Isaiah 40: 12-20
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of the hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has directed the spirit of the Holy One or has instructed God? Whom did God consult for enlightenment, and who taught the path of justice? Who taught knowledge, and showed the way of understanding? Even the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as dust on the scales; see, the isles are taken up like fine dust. Lebanon would not provide fuel enough, nor are its animals enough for a burnt-offering. All the nations are as nothing; they are accounted as less than nothing and emptiness. To whom then will you liken God, or with what likeness compare? An idol? A workman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold, and casts for it silver chains. As a gift one chooses mulberry wood—wood that will not rot—then seeks out a skilled artisan to set up an image that will not topple.

Isaiah 40: 21-31
To whom then will you compare me or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? The one who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because of great strength, mighty power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from God, and my right is disregarded by my God"? Have you not known? Have you not heard? God is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. The Holy One does not faint or grow weary; understanding is unsearchable. Power is given to the faint, strength to the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for our God shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 42: 1-9
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it,who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am God, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind,to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am God, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

Isaiah 43: 1-7
But now thus says God who created you, O Jacob, who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

Ordinary Time-November

2011-10-30T22:34:00.000-04:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Let all rejoice, burst into song.

Colossians 1

Praise to you, Maker of all.
You have prepared us to share
the wonderful things that belong to all those
who live in the presence of light.

For you have saved us from darkness,
gave us the wisdom of light.
You bought us our freedom and paid
with Christ's blood,
forgave us our sin and our guilt.

Christ is the image of God,
first-born of all creation.
All things continue in being through you.
for Christ is before all that is.

The world of the Spirit is living,
guiding with kindness and love.
Christ saved us all for your glory and praise
to give you all honor and thanks.

Christ is the head of the body.
We are the Church you began.
Christ is the first-born of all those who rise,
who rise from the dead through your love.

Through Christ a path has been cleared;
by this path we come to you.
Christ's death reconciled every being with you,
made peace for the world by the cross.

Let us all rejoice, burst into song.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Zachary:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here. Text/music: Mary David Callahan, OSB

Final Prayer: O Christ, we ask you to spread our tables with your mercy. And may you bless with your gentle hands the good things you have given us. Amen (Alcuin of York)

Meditation: "The power of God is capable of finding hope where hope no longer exists, and a way where the way is impossible." St. Gregory of Nyssa

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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

My eyes yearn for your saving help.
Be attentive to my pleading.

Psalm 121

I lift my eyes to the mountains.
Will they give my strength?
My help shall come from you,
O Maker of the heavens and the earth.

Ever-watchful, you guide my steps.
Guardian of Israel, you never sleep.

You guard and shade me, O God.
You stand at my side.
By day the sun shall not harm me
nor the moon by night.

You will guard me from evil;
you will protect my life
and watch over my coming and going,
now and forever.

My eyes yearn for your saving help.
Be attentive to my pleading.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Mary:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.
text/music: Mary David Callahan, OSB

Final Prayer: O God, give me the courage to be revolutionary as your Son Jesus Christ was. Give me the courage to loosen myself from this world. Teach me to stand up free and to shun no criticism. God, it is for your kingdom. Make me free, make me poor in this world. Then will I be rich in the real world, which this life is all about. Henri Nouwen

Meditation: "God is not threatened by differences. It is we who are." Richard Rohr

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Readings:
A reading from Tobit 13: 1-4
Bless Our God, the Eternal One whose reign endures for all times! God brings to us both pain and mercy; God leads us to the pits of Sheol and then rescues us from the great abyss--there is nothing that can escape God's hand. Praise God before all nations, O children of Israel. God has scattered you among the people, but has demonstrated great power even there. Glorify God before all living creatures, praise the One who is our ruler and parent forever.

A reading from Tobit 13: 5-6
God will punish you for your sins but will show you mercy again and again. God will gather you from among the nations among whom you are scattered. If you trust in God with your whole heart and soul and act justly before our Creator, then the Most High will seek you out and will no longer hide from you. See the wonders God has worked for you, and thank God at the top of your lungs. Praise the God of Justice and glorify the Ruler of the ages.

A reading from Tobit 13: 9-10
O Jerusalem, holy city, God punished you for your evil deeds, but God will once again show mercy on the children of the Just. Praise the goodness of the Just. Praise the goodness of the Most High and bless the Ruler of all ages. May the Tabernacle of the Most High be rebuilt and may God bring happiness to all of us who are exiles and show love to those of us who are suffering, for all generations and all times.

A reading from Tobit 13: 13-16
Go, then, and rejoice for the children of the Just, for they will be gathered together and will praise the Ruler of the ages. Happy are those who love you, and happy are those who rejoice in your blessings. Happy are those who grieve with you through your many sufferings, for they will one day rejoice with you and witness your glory forever. My soul praises Our God, Our Ruler, who will rebuild Jerusalem as a dwelling place for all time. I will be happy if a small remnant of my descendants survive to see your glory and praise the Ruler of the heavens.

Ordinary Time-October

2011-10-01T08:11:00.003-04:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Let me sing of your law, loving God. May all people love your holy word.

Psalm 19

The heavens declare your glory, O God,
and the firmament proclaims your works.

Day unto day pours out the story;
night unto night makes known the beauty.
Without a word,
without a sound,
without a voice being heard,
their message fills all the earth,
resounding to the ends of the universe.

There you placed a tent for the sun,
rejoicing like a champion on the course.
At the horizon is the rising of the sun;
to the furthest edge of the sky is its course.
There is nothing concealed
from its burning heat.

Your teaching is perfect,
renewing life.
Your decrees are trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
Your law is truth
gladdening the heart.

Your words are holy,
enduring forever.

More desirable than gold are your words,
even the finest of gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
honey from the comb.

So in them I find instruction;
great reward is in their keeping.
Can I detect my own failings?
Cleanse me from my unknown faults.
From pride preserve me
and let it not rule me.
Then I shall be blameless,
clean from grave offense.

May the words of my mouth
and the thoughts of my heart
be acceptable in your presence, O God,
my glory, my rock.

Let me sing of your law, loving God. May all people love your holy word.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Zachary:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here. Text/music: Mary David Callahan, OSB

Final Prayer:
Incline us, O God, to think humbly on ourselves, to be saved only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow creatures with kindness, and to judge all they say and do with the charity which we would desire from them ourselves. Amen (Jane Austen)

Meditation: "O God, enfold me in the depths of your heart; and there hold me, refine, purge, and set me on fire." Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

My lips are filled with your praise, with your glory all day long.

Psalm 93

O God, you are robed in beauty
and clothed with great strength.
All glory and splendor
cannot equal your presence.

The world you made firm,
never to be shaken;
your rule stands firm from of old,
for you are the Eternal One.

The raging waters rise up;
the stormy seas lift their voice.
The waters thunder loud and wild
but you are the God of all strength.

Greater than the roar of crashing waters,
more glorious than the surgings of the sea,
you are glorious forever,
and your decrees are to be trusted.

In your presence is the beauty of holiness.
All who swell there give you praise.
Through never-ending ages,
let the glory of your name resound.

My lips are filled with your praise, with your glory all day long.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Mary:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.
text/music: Mary David Callahan, OSB

Final Prayer:
Jesus, send your peace into my heart that I may be contented with the mercies of this day and confident of your protection for this night. And having forgiven others, even as you forgive me, may I go to rest in tranquility and peace. Amen. (St. Francis of Assisi)

Meditation:"God has enough of all good things except one: of communication with humans God can never have enough." Mechtild of Magdeburg

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Readings:
A reading from Galatians 4: 12
Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

A reading from Galatians 8: 8, 10
Behold, the days are coming, says God, when I will conclude a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah..this is the covenant I will establish with the house of Israel after those days...I will put my laws in their minds and I will write them upon their hearts. I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

A reading from Galatians 1: 17-19
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know God, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which God has called you, what are the riches of the glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of God's power for us who believe, according to the working of God's great power.

A reading from Galatians 3: 14-19
For this reason I bow my knees before God, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of God's glory, you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through the Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Ordinary Time-September

2011-09-01T00:30:00.001-04:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

"Create a clean heart in me, O God."

Psalm 51

A clean heart create for me, O God;
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall return to you.

For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering,
you would not accept it.

My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled,
O God, you will not spurn.

"Create a clean heart in me, O God."

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Zachery:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here.
text/music: Mary David Callahan, OSB

Final Prayer:
"Incline us, O God, to think humbly of ourselves, to be saved only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with the charity which we would desire from them ourselves. Amen." (Jane Austen)

Meditation:

"If God does not hear our prayer in a way we can see, let us go on praying all the same." St. Julie Billiart

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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

"If today you hear God's voice, harden not your hearts."

Psalm 90

You turn us back to dust, saying, "Return, O children of the earth.:
For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.

You make an end of them in their sleep;
the next morning they are like the changing grass,
Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades.

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O God. How long?
Have pity on your servants.

Fill us at daybreak with your kindnesses,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
And may the gracious care of our God by ours;
prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!

"If today you hear God's voice, harden not your hearts."

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Mary:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.
text/music: Mary David Callahan, OSB

Final Prayer:
Watch, O God, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Jesus Christ. Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones. And all for your love's sake. Amen. (St. Augustine)

Meditation:

"Keep your conscience pure; be careful not to fall; but if you fall, hasten to rise again." St. Maximilian Kolbe

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Readings:

A reading from Ecclesiastes 1: 1-11

The words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher,
vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
What do people gain from all the toil
at which they toil under the sun?
A generation goes, and a generation comes,
but the earth remains for ever.
The sun rises and the sun goes down,
and hurries to the place where it rises.
The wind blows to the south,
and goes round to the north;
round and round goes the wind,
and on its circuits the wind returns.
All streams run to the sea,
but the sea is not full;
to the place where the streams flow,
there they continue to flow.
All things* are wearisome;
more than one can express;
the eye is not satisfied with seeing,
or the ear filled with hearing.
What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done;
there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there a thing of which it is said,
‘See, this is new’?
It has already been,
in the ages before us.
The people of long ago are not remembered,
nor will there be any remembrance
of people yet to come
by those who come after them.

A reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

A reading from Ecclesiastes

Ordinary Time-August

2011-07-30T21:31:00.002-04:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Sing a new song of blessing, sing to God. Sing to the source of life and goodness.

Psalm 96

Sing unto God a new song.
All the earth, burst forth in praise.
Sing and bless God's holy name.

Proclaim God's help day after day;
tell among the nations this glory
and these wonders to all people.

God is great, worthy of praise,
glorious beyond all gods;
all other gods are as nothing.

It was God who made the universe
in beauty, dignity, and holiness,
with splendor in this holy place.

Give to God, you families and nations;
give of your precious gifts.
Give praise, and honor God's name.

Bring an offering and enter God's presence.
Stand in this holy place;
walk reverently, O Earth.

Proclaim to the nations,
"God is eternal."
The world is made firm in its place;
people will be judged in fairness.

Let the skies ring with joy;
let the fullness of the sea exult;
let the bounteous land rejoice.
All the woodland trees dance with joy
in the presence of God
who comes to govern the earth.

With justice God will govern the universe
and all people with truth.

Sing a new song of blessing, sing to God. Sing to the source of life and goodness.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Zachery:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here.
text/music: Mary David Callahan, OSB

Final Prayer:
O God, take from me everything that distances me from you. Give me everything that brings me closer to you. Detach me from myself to give my all to you. Amen (St. Nicholas of Flue)

Meditation:

"I believe in the surprise of the Holy Spirit. The story of the Church is a long story, filled with the wonders of the Holy Spirit. Why should we think that God's imagination and love might be exhausted?" Leon Joseph Cardinal Suenens

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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

God is a lamp for my steps. I will not falter in the darkness.

Psalm 119

Your word is a lamp for my steps,
a light for my path.
I resolve to carry out your will.

O God, I am deeply afflicted.
Give me live according to your word.
Accept my praise
and teach your ways to me.

I would rather risk my life
than forget your law.

Though the wicked try to ensnare me,
I do not stray from your path.

Your will is my heritage forever,
the joy of my heart.
I resolve to carry out your will.

God is a lamp for my steps. I will not falter in the darkness.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Mary:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.
text/music: Mary David Callahan, OSB

Final Prayer:
O God, you have mercy on all, take away from me my sins, and mercifully set me ablaze with the first of your Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a human heart, a heart to love and adore you, a heart to delight in you, to follow you, and enjoy you. Amen (St. Ambrose of Milan)

Meditation:
"I believe that we have no real access to who we really are except in God. Only when we rest in God can we find the safety, the spaciousness, and the scary freedom to be who we are, all that we are, more than we are, and less than we are." Carl Jung
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Readings:
A reading from Micah 2: 12-13
I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob, I will gather the survivors of Israel; I will set them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in its pasture; it will resound with people. The one who breaks out will go up before them; they will break through and pass the gate, going out by it. Their king will pass on before them, our God at their head.

A reading from Micah 3: 9-12
Hear this, you rulers of the house of Jacob and chiefs of the house of Israel, who abhor justice and pervert all equity, who build Zion with blood and Jerusalem with wrong! Its rulers give judgment for a bribe, its priests teach for a price, its prophets give oracles for money; yet they lean upon God and say, "Surely God is with us. No harm shall come upon us." Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed as a field; Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins, and the mountains of the house a wooded height.

A reading from Micah 4: 1-2
In days to come the mountains of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills. Peoples shall stream toward it, and many nations shall come and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of God, to the house of the God of Jacob; that we may be taught holy ways and learn to walk in these paths."

A reading from Micah 6: 6-8
"With what shall I come before God, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will God be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" God has told you, O mortal, what is good and what God requires of you: to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.

Ordinary Time-July

2011-06-30T10:26:00.002-04:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

At the dawning of the day let all sing praise to God.

Psalm 137

By the rivers of Babylon
we sat and wept,
remembering Zion.
On the poplars that grew there
we hung up our harps.

It was there our captors asked us for songs,
our oppressors, for joy,
"Sing to us," they said,
"one of Zion's songs."

O how could we sing
the song of God on alien soil?
If I forget you, Jerusalem,
let my hand wither!

Let my tongue cleave to my mouth
if I remember you not,
if I prize not Jerusalem above my joys!

At the dawning of the day let all sing praise to God.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Zachery:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here.
text/music: Mary David Callahan, OSB

Final Prayer:
God, open our eyes that we may see you in our brothers and sisters. God, open our ears that we may hear the cried of the hungry, the cold, the frightened, the oppressed. God, open our hearts that we may love each other as you love us. Renew in us your spirit. o God, free us and make us one. Amen (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta)

Meditation:

"The very best and utmost attainment in this life is to remain still and let God act and speak in you." Meister Eckhart
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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

One thing I seek: to dwell in your presence, O God, all the days of my life.

Canticle of Titus 3: 4-7

When the kindness and love
of our Savior appeared,
our worthy deeds were no reason for this.
God's mercy alone, in kindness and care,
with patience and love,
all this gave us new life.

New birth, new creation, as we were baptized,
renewal by Spirit was lavished on us.
Through Jesus alone salvation is ours,
and grace makes us worthy of eternal life.

One thing I seek: to dwell in your presence, O God, all the days of my life.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Mary:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.
text/music: Mary David Callahan, OSB

Final Prayer:
"O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve you. Enkindle your love in me along the next stretch of road before me. I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closed down, a new prospect will open before me, and I shall meet it with peace. Amen (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)

Meditation:

"Searching for the face of Christ must be the desire of all Christians." Pope Benedict XVI
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Readings:A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 1: 3-11

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 2: 1-11

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is God, to the glory of God the Creator.

A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 2: 14-18

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.

A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 4: 4-9

Rejoice in God always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Holy One is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Pentecost

2011-06-06T10:50:00.000-04:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Justice shall flourish in God's time, and fullness of peace

Psalm 122

I rejoiced when I heard them say,
"Let us go into God's house."

We stand within your gates, O Jerusalem.
You are built as a strongly compact city.
It is there that the tribes go up,
every tribe belonging to God.

For Israel's law it is,
there to praise God's name.
In Jerusalem were set
the judgment seats of David's house.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray,
"Peace be with you."
For love of God's house
I will ask for your good.

Justice shall flourish in God's time, and fullness of peace

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Zachery:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here.

Final Prayer:
O God, bless us, and all that we use and do, with the blessing of your love and mercy. Awaken in us our true image. Water with your rain the dry places of our hearts and souls. Let your Holy Spirit lead us from our beginnings until our final days, and be our guide, inspiration and hope. Amen

Meditation:
"Prayer is the raising of the mind to God. We must always remember this. The actual words matter less." Bl. Pope John XXIII

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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

Sing a new song of blessing, sing to God; sing to the source of life and goodness.

Psalm 111

I will thank you, God, with all my heart
in the meeting of the just and the assembly.
Great are your marvelous works,
to be pondered by all who love them.

Radiant and glorious your work;
your justice stands firm forever.
We remember your wonders.
You are compassion and love.

You give food to those who keep faith,
keeping your covenant ever in mind.
You have shown your splendor to your people,
giving them the lands of the nations.

Your works are justice and truth;
your precepts are all of them sure.
Standing firm for ever and ever;
they are made in faithfulness and truth.

You have sent deliverance to your people
and established your covenant forever.
Holy and glorious is your name.

To honor you is the first stage of wisdom;
all who do so prove themselves wise.
Your praise will last forever!

Sing a new song of blessing, sing to God; sing to the source of life and goodness.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Mary:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.

Final Prayer:
O God, give us the great gifts of the Holy Spirit and bestow on us peace in time of struggle and calm in the midst of trouble.

Meditation:
"Prayer is not asking for what you think you want but asking to be changed in ways you can't imagine." Kathleen Norris, author of Cloister Walk.

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Readings:

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (22:1-5)

Paul began, "My brothers and sisters, listen to what I am about to say to you in my defense." When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew they became all the more quiet. And he continued, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city. At the feet of Gamaliel I was educated strictly in our ancestral law and was zealous for God, just as all of you are today. I persecuted this Way to death, binding both men and women and delivering them to prison. Even the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify on my behalf. For from them I even received letters to the brothers and set out for Damascus to bring back to Jerusalem in chains for punishment those there as well.” The Word of God.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (22:6-11)

Paul continued, "On that journey as I drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from the sky suddenly shone around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' I replied, 'Who are you, sir?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting.' My companions saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. I asked, 'What shall I do, sir?' I received this answer, 'Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do.' Since I could see nothing because of the brightness of that light, I was led by hand by my companions and entered Damascus.” The Word of God.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (22:12-16)

"A certain Ananias, a devout observer of the law, and highly spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me and stood there and said, 'Saul, my brother, regain your sight.' And at that very moment I regained my sight and saw him. Then he said, 'The God of our ancestors designated you to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of his voice; for you will be his witness before all to what you have seen and heard. Now, why delay? Get up and have yourself baptized and your sins washed away, calling upon his name.'” The Word of God.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (22:17-21)

"After I had returned to Jerusalem and while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw the Righteous One saying to me, 'Hurry, leave Jerusalem at once, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' But I replied, ' They themselves know that from synagogue to synagogue I used to imprison and beat those who believed in you. And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being shed, I myself stood by giving my approval and keeping guard over the cloaks of his murderers.' Then he said to me, 'Go, I shall send you far away to the Gentiles.'" The Word of God.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (28: 3-30)

Paul made one final statement. "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah: 'Go to this people and say: You will indeed hear, but not understand. You will indeed look, but never see. For this people’s heart has grown dull; they will not hear with their ears; they have closed their eyes, so they may not see with their eyes and listen with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them.' Let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." Paul remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the reign of God and taught about Jesus Christ. The Word of God.

Easter II

2011-05-17T11:26:00.001-04:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Psalm 8

Through all the universe
your glorious name resounds, O God.

You are praised above the heavens.
It is the mouths of children praising you
that silences all your foes
and shames all who seek revenge.

I am filled with awe
at the sight of the heavens,
the sun, moon, and stars which you set in place.
Who are we that you care for us?

You have made us little less than gods;
with glory and honor you created us.
You charged us to care for all creation,
all of them sheep and cattle,
wild animals and birds of the air,
fish and whatever swims the paths of the seas.

Through all the universe
your glorious name resounds, O God.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Zachery: Our Sisters singing the Benedictus is online here.

Final Prayer:
O God, look on your people with kindness and bring all to the glory of the resurrection. Amen.

Meditation:
"Do not abandon yourself to despair. We are the Easter people, and hallelujah is our song." Pope John Paul II

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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Psalm 147

O praise God, Jerusalem!
Zion, praise the Holy One
for restoring the bars of your gates
and blessing the people within you,
for establishing peace on your borders
and feeding you with finest wheat.

God's word is sent out to the earth,
and swiftly runs the command
to scatter new snow,
spread mist like ashes,
and hurl down hail like stones.

The waters freeze at God's touch.
At the word of the Holy One,
the breeze warms and the water runs.

God reveals the word to Israel,
to the faithful each law and decree.
No other nation has enjoyed such blessings.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Mary: Our Sisters singing the Magnificat is online here.

Final Prayer:
O God, may these Easter mysteries give us new purpose and bring us to a new life in you. Amen.

Meditation:
"Preach the truth as if we had a million voices, for it is silence that kills the world." St. Catherine of Siena

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Readings:

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 5:12-16
Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. Yet more than ever believers were added, great numbers of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured. The Word of God.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 6:8-18
Stephen, filled with grace of power, worked great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called synagogue of the Freedman, that is, people from Cyrene, Cilicia, Alexandria and Asia, engaged Stephen in debate. But they proved no match for the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke. They persuaded some to make the charge that they had heard Stephen speaking blasphemies against Moses and God, and in this way they incited the people, the elders, and the scribes. All together they confronted Stephen, seized him, and led him off to the Sanhedrin. There they brought in false witnesses, who said: “This one never stops making statements against the holy place and the law. We have heard Stephen claim that Jesus the Nazarean will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses handed down to us.” The members of the Sanhedrin who sat there stared at him intently. Throughout, Stephen’s face seemed like that of an angel. The Word of God.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-49
Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears God and does what is right is acceptable. You know the message sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witness to all that he did both in Judea and Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us, who were chosen by God as witnesses and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead.

All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have received?” So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days. The Word of God.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 15: 1-6
Some people came down to Antioch from Judea and began to teach the assembly: “Unless you believe according to Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” This created dissension and much controversy between them and Paul and Barnabas. Finally it was decided that Paul and Barnabas, and some others, should go up to see the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about the question. The church saw them off and they made their way through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling everyone about the conversion of the Gentile people as they went. Their story caused great joy. When they arrived in Jerusalem they were welcomed by that church, as well as by the apostles and the elders, to whom they reported all that God had helped them to accomplish. Some of the converted Pharisees then got up and demanded that such Gentile people be told to keep the Mosaic law. The apostles and the elders accordingly convened to look into the matter. The Word of God.

Easter I

2011-04-23T07:06:00.002-04:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, I take shelter in you.
I say to you, "You are my God."
My happiness lies in you alone."

You place in my heart a marvelous love
for the faithful ones who dwell in your land.
Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows.
Never will I offer their offerings of blood.
Never will I take their name upon my lips.

O God, you are my portion and my cup;
it is you yourself who are my prize.
The lot marked out for me is my delight;
welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me.

I will bless you, for you give my counsel.
even at night you direct my heart.
I am always aware of your presence.
You are at my side; I shall stand firm.

And so my heart rejoices, I sing for joy;
my body shall rest in safety.
For you will not leave me among the dead
nor let your beloved know decay.

You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence.
You will be my happiness forever.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Zachery:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here.

Final Prayer:
O God, may the life we received in the Easter sacraments, grow in our hearts both now and forever. Amen.

Meditation:
Alleluia! This is the day you have made for us, risen Lord, a day of happiness and joy! We pray to you, Lord: make each day that you give us the most beautiful day of our lives, because it is the day you have chosen for us to encounter you, O risen Christ." Thomas Merton

Photo: Stephanie Schmidt, OSB

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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Psalm 98

Sing a new song to the God of all life
who has worked marvels for us,
whose holiness and strength
have brought salvation.

God has made salvation known,
revealed justice to the nations.
God has remembered a merciful love
for the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth
have seen the salvation of God.

Shout to God, you earth;
burst into music.
Sing praise with the harp,
ring out your joy.
With trumpet and the sound of the horn,
acclaim God, the Giver of Life.

Let the sea, the world, and all people
resound with gladness.
Let the rivers clap their hands,
the hills ring out their joy
at the presence of God.

God comes to govern with justice and fairness,
with a measure beyond all understanding.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Canticle of Mary:
Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.

Final Prayer: If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, alleluia.

Meditation:
Easter is for us all a dying to sin, to passion, to hatred and enmity, and all that brings about disorder, spiritual and material bitterness, and anguish. This death is indeed only the first step toward a higher goal--for our Easter is also a mystery of new life." Blessed Pope John XXIII

Photo: Ann Muczynski, OSB

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Readings:

Acts of the Apostles 1: 1-11
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the reign of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for God’s promise. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

So when they had come together they asked Jesus, “Is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that God has set. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will by my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” As they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” The Word of God.

Acts of the Apostles 1: 12-14
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas, son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. The Word of God.

Acts of the Apostles 1:21-26
“One of the men who has accompanied us during all the time that Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us – one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said “God, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias and he was added to the eleven apostles. The Word of God.

Acts of the Apostles 2:22–28
“You Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus the Nazarean was sent to you by God with miracles, wonders and signs as credentials. These God worked through Jesus in your midst, as you well know. Jesus was delivered up by the set purpose and plan of God; you even made use of pagans to crucify and kill him. God freed Jesus from death’s bitter pangs, however, and raised him up again, for it was impossible that death should keep its hold on him. David says of the Promised One: ‘I have set God ever before me, with God at my side I shall not be disturbed. My heart has been glad and my tongue has rejoiced. My body will live on in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to the nether world. Nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. You have shown me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence.’” The Word of God.

Acts of the Apostles 2:36-47
”Let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified, the Messiah.” When they heard this, they were deeply shaken. They asked Peter and the other apostles, “What are we to do?” Peter answered: “You must reform and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, that your sin may be forgiven; then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was to you and your offspring that the promise was made, and to all those still far off, whom God calls.” In support of this testimony, Peter used many other arguments, and kept urging, “Save yourselves from this generation which has gone astray.” Those who accepted this message were baptized, some three thousand were added that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common. They would sell their possessions and goods and distribute to all as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home, and ate their food with glad and generous heart; praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day many were added to the number of those who were being saved. The Word of God.

Acts of the Apostles 3:1-10
Once, when Peter and John were going up to the temple for prayer at the
three o’clock hour, one crippled from birth was being carried in. They would bring him in every day to the temple gate called “the Beautiful” to beg from the people as they entered. Seeing Peter and John on their way in, the one crippled from birth asked them for alms. Peter fixed his gaze on the crippled one; so did John. “Look at us!” Peter said. He gave them his whole attention, hoping to get something. Then Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you! In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarean, walk!” Then Peter took him by the hand. Immediately he began to walk around and went into the temple with them – walking, jumping about and praising God. When the people saw him moving and giving praise to God, they recognized that he was the one who was crippled sitting at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. They were struck with astonishment – utterly stupefied at what had happened.
The Word of God.

Acts of the Apostles 4:13-22
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another. They said, “What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it. But to keep it from spreading further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them. “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more than forty years old. The Word of God.

Acts of the Apostles 4:32–36
The community of believers was of one heart and one mind. None ever claimed anything as their own; rather, everything was held in common. With power, the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Great respect was paid to them; nor was there anyone needy among them, for all who owned property or houses, sold them and donated the proceeds. They used to give the proceeds to the apostles to be distributed to all according to their need. There was a certain Levite from Cyprus named Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas, meaning “son of encouragement.” Barnabas sold a farm that he owned and made a donation of the money. The Word of God.

Lent II

2011-03-31T10:15:00.002-04:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

O God, do not forget the poor! Let the nations see your justice.

Psalm 10

O God, why do you stand far off
and hide yourself in times of distress?
The poor are trapped in snares.

Let the wicked be caught in their schemes,
arrogantly they claim,
"We will not be punished.
There is no God."
Such are their thoughts.

Deceit and oppression fill their hearts.
They lie in wait to murder the innocent.

Their eyes watch for the helpless.
They lurk in hiding to seize the poor
and drag them away.

The helpless fall beneath this violence.
They think to themselves,
"God forgets and does not see.

Why do the wicked renounce you
and think you will not bring justice?

O God, do not forget the poor!
You have seen their trouble and sorrow.
The helpless trust themselves to you,
for you are their refuge.

Break the power of the wicked!
Let nothing evil remain,
for you are the God of Justice.

O God, you hear the cry of the poor
and strengthen their hearts.
You protect the rights of the oppressed
so the wicked strike terror no more.

Blessings, glory and honor
be to God again and again.
Praise and thanksgiving forever
be to the Eternal. Amen

O God, do not forget the poor! Let the nations see your justice.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here.

Final Prayer: O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of your presence, your love, and your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to you, we shall see your hand, your purpose, your will through all things. Amen

Meditation: To give alms is a work greater than miracles. To feed the hungry in the name of Christ is a work greater than raising the dead in Christ's name. When you work miracles, you are God's debtor; when you give alms, God is your debtor." St. John Chrysostom

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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

Make clear the way that leads to you.

Psalm 5

Listen to my words, O God;
give answer to my pleading.
Attend to the sound of my cries,
for to you I lift my voice.
At dawn I call to you in hope.

You are not one who is pleased with evil;
the boastful shall not stand in your sight.
The deceitful and bloodthirsty you turn away.

But, I, through the abundance of your love,
will enter your house.
I am filled with awe in your presence.

Because my enemies are near,
guide me in your justice.
Make clear the way that leads to you.

In the mouths of the wicked
no truth can be found.
Their hearts are full of treachery;
their throats are open graves;
all honey their speech.

Declare them guilty, O God.
Let them fail by their design.
Drive them out for their many crimes,
for they have defied you.

Let those you protect be glad
and ring out their joy.
You shelter those who love your name;
in you they rejoice.

You bless the just;
you surround them with favor.

Blessings, glory and honor
be to God again and again.
Praise and thanksgiving forever
be to the Eternal. Amen

Make clear the way that leads to you.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.

Final Prayer: O God, the helper of the helpless, the hope of those who are past hope, the savior of the tempest-tossed, the harbor of the voyagers, the physician of the sick. You know each soul and our prayer, each home and its need. Become to each one of us what we most dearly desire, receiving us all into your kingdom, making us children of light. Pour on us your peace and love, O God. Amen.

Meditation: The bread you do not use in the bread of the poor. The garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of the ones who are naked. The shoes you do not wear are the shoes of one who is barefoot. The money you keep locked away is the money of the poor: the acts of charity you do not perform are so many injustices you commit. St. Basil the Great

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Readings:

Hebrews 8: 10-13
"This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days," says our God. "I will put my laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach one another or say to each other, 'Know your God,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful towards their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." In speaking of a new covenant, the first one has been made obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old will soon disappear.

Hebrews 10: 15-18
And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," God says: "I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds. I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Jeremiah 7: 1-7
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Holy One: Stand in the gate of the house of God and proclaim there this word, and say, "Hear the word of God, all you people of Judah, you that enter these gates to worship. Thus says the God of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your doings, and let me dwell with you in this place. Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of God, the temple of God.’ For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors for ever and ever."

Jeremiah 10: 1-5
Idolatry has brought ruin on Israel. Hear the word that God speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says our God: "Do not learn the way of the nations, or be dismayed at the signs of the heavens; for the nations are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are false: a tree from the forest is cut down, and worked with an axe by the hands of an artisan; people deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk.
Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor is it in them to do good."

Lent I

2011-03-07T09:04:00.000-05:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Search me, O God, and try me, test my heart and my mind.

Psalm 26

Uphold my cause, O God,
for I walk in integrity.
I trust in you;
I shall stand firm.

Search me and try me;
test my heart and my mind,
for your love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your truth.

I never take my place with sinners,
nor do I join with hypocrites.
I hate the company of the wicked;
I take no part in their plotting.

I wash my hands in innocence
and take my place in your presence,
singing a hymn of thanksgiving,
proclaiming all your wonders.

O God, I love the beauty of your dwelling,
the place of your glory.
With sinners do not condemn me.
They offer bribes, plotting evil.

As for me, I walk in integrity.
Redeem me and show me your mercy.
My foot stands on level ground;
I will bless you in the great assembly.

Blessings, glory and honor
be to God again and again.
Praise and thanksgiving forever
be to the Eternal. Amen

Search me, O God, and try me, test my heart and my mind.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here.

Final Prayer:
O God, of love, source of all blessings, help us to pass from our old life of sin to the new life of grace in you. Help us to move closer to life in following your Way. Amen.

Meditation:

"God does not command us to live in hair shirts and chains, or to chastise our flesh with scourge, but to love the Holy One above all things and our neighbor as ourselves." St. Charles of Sezze
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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

O God you are the rock of our strength. Teach us to walk the path of truth.

Psalm 62

In God alone I am at rest;
my help comes from the Holy One.
I shall not be disturbed;
I shall stand firm.

How long will the wicked attack me?
They break me down
as though I were a crumbling wall.

Their plan is only to destroy;
they take pleasure in lies.
With their mouths they utter blessings,
but in their hearts they curse.

In God alone I am at rest;
my help comes from the Holy One.
I shall not be disturbed;
I shall stand firm.

In God is my safety and glory,
the rock of my strength.
Take refuge in God, all you people,
trusting at all times,
pouring out your hearts in praise.

A simple breath is all we are,
whether rich or poor, great or small.
When weighed in a balance,
all will be lighter than a breath.

Do not rely on violence
or oppress the poor.
Do not set your heart on riches,
even though they may increase.

God has spoken and I have heard:
"I am the source of your strength.
All will be repaid according to their deeds."

Blessings, glory and honor
be to God again and again.
Praise and thanksgiving forever
be to the Eternal. Amen

O God you are the rock of our strength. Teach us to walk the path of truth.

Reading: (Select one from below)

Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.

Final Prayer:
As Brother Roger of Taize prayed, "Christ, savior of all life, you come to us always. Welcoming you in the peace of our nights, in the silence of our days, in the beauty of creation, in the hours of great combat within, welcoming you is knowing that you will be with us in every situation, always." Amen

Meditation:

"The patience and humble endurance of the cross, whatever nature it may be, is the highest work we have to do." St. Katherine Drexel

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Readings:

Jeremiah 1: 4-10
Now the word of God came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Ah, O God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy."But God said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them,for I am with you to deliver you, says the Holy One." Then God put out a hand and touched my mouth; and said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."

Jeremiah 3: 11-14
Then our God said to me: "Faithless Israel has shown herself less guilty than false Judah. Go, and proclaim these words towards the north, and say: 'Return, faithless Israel, says your God. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, says your God; I will not be angry for ever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against your God, and scattered your favors among strangers under every green tree, and have not obeyed my voice, says your God. Return, O faithless children, says Your God, for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.'"

Jeremiah 4: 13-18
Look! He comes up like clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles—woe to us, for we are ruined! O Jerusalem, wash your heart clean of wickedness so that you may be saved. How long shall your evil schemes lodge within you? For a voice declares from Dan and proclaims disaster from Mount Ephraim. Tell the nations, "Here they are!" Proclaim against Jerusalem, "Besiegers come from a distant land; they shout against the cities of Judah. They have closed in around her like watchers of a field, because she has rebelled against me, says our God. Your ways and your doings have brought this upon you. This is your doom; how bitter it is! It has reached your very heart."

Jeremiah 5: 20-25
Declare this in the house of Jacob, proclaim it in Judah: Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but do not see, who have ears, but do not hear. Do you not fear me? says God; Do you not tremble before me? I placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass; though the waves toss, they cannot prevail, though they roar, they cannot pass over it. But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say in their hearts, "Let us fear our God, who gives the rain in its season, the autumn rain and the spring rain, and keeps for us the weeks appointed for the harvest." Your iniquities have turned these away, and your sins have deprived you of good.

Ordinary Time

2011-02-01T00:10:00.001-05:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

The holy mountain is the joy of all the earth.

Psalm 48

Great is the Creator, worthy of all praise!
Let the city of God rejoice.
The holy mountain, beautiful where it rises,
is the joy of all the earth.

Mount Zion, center of the earth,
is the dwelling place of God.
In the midst of the city is the Holy One,
the strength of all who enter there.

Invaders assembled together,
intent on destroying the city.
When they saw the heights of Zion,
they were terrified and fled in fear.

In the city which you uphold forever,
in this city we have seen anew
your great wonders of the past.

In your temple we reflect on your love.
Your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
you extend your justice over all lands.
Judah rejoices;
Mount Zion is full of joy.

So walk through Zion,
walk all around it;
count the number of its towers.
Consider well all its walls.
See how strongly it is built.

Tell all those of future generations
that such is the God who saves,
who lives forever and always.
the One who guides us in safe paths.

The holy mountain is the joy of all the earth.

Praise God who dwells in our hearts,
both now and forever. Amen.

Reading (select one from below):

Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here.

Final Prayer:
Now you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel, Amen.

Meditation:

Whatever God does, the first outburst is always compassion. Meister Eckhart
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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

Teach me to follow the path that leads to you.

Psalm 27

O God, you are my saving light;
in your presence I am not fearful.
You protect my life,
freeing me from fear.

When the violent seek to oppress me,
seek to tear me down,
they themselves stumble and fall,
while my heart remains undaunted.

There is one thing I ask of you;
for this I long;
to live in your house
all the days of my life.

You provide me with a place of safety,
build a shelter to protect me.
In you I find refuge from the violent.
My heart praised you in song and dance.

Caught up in your beauty,
I speak of my heart's desire:
to find the fullness of life,
dwelling in your presence forever.

Without you I am lonely and desolate;
do not reject me.
You are my heart's consolation;
there is no other.

Teach me to follow
the path that leads to you.
My oppressors plan violence against me;
false witnesses speak my name maliciously.

Your goodness fills my life.
In fidelity of heart I wait,
I wait to share the vision of your love,
to savor the sweetness of your presence.

Teach me to follow the path that leads to you.

Praise God who dwells in our hearts,
both now and forever. Amen.

Reading (select one from below):

Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.

Final Prayer:
O God, creator of all, look on your people in their moments of need, for you alone are the source of our peace. Show us how great is the call to serve, that we may share in the peace of Christ for all. Amen.

Meditation:

When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than that proceeding from the mouth. St. Bonaventure

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Readings

Malachi 3: 1-4
Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the One whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the God of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner's fire or like the fuller's lye. He will sit refining and purifying, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to God. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please God, as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Habakkuk 2: 1-3
I will stand at my guard post, and station myself upon the rampart, and keep watch to see what will be said to me and what answer I will receive to my complaint. Then God answered me and said, "Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late."

Habakkuk 3: 1-6
O God, I have heard your renown and feared, O God, your work. In the course of the years revive it, in the course of the years make it known; in your wrath remember compassion! God comes from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Covered are the heavens with God's glory, and with praise the earth is filled. Splendor spreads like the light; rays shine forth from the side, where power is concealed. Before God goes pestilence, and the plague follows the steps. God pauses to survey the earth; the look of the Holy One makes the nations tremble. The eternal mountains are shattered, the age-old hills bow low along God's ancient ways.

Habakkuk 3: 16-19
I hear and my body trembles; at the sound, my lips quiver. Decay invades my bones, my legs tremble beneath me. I await the day of distress that will come upon the people who attack us. For though the fig tree blossom not nor fruit be on the vines, though the yield of the olive fail and the terraces produce no nourishment, though the flocks disappear from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet will I rejoice in the Holy One and exult in my saving God. God is my strength; making my feet swift as those of hinds and enabling me to go upon the heights.

Ordinary Time-January

2011-01-05T16:21:00.000-05:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:

O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Happy are they who dwell in the presence of God.

Psalm 66

Shout joyfully to God, all you on earth,
and proclaim God's name.
Render glorious praise;
say to the God of all life,
"How tremendous your deeds!

Because of the greatness of your strength
your enemies yield to you.
Before you all the earth shall bow,
shall sing to you,
sing to your name."

Come and see the wonders of God;
awe-inspiring are these deeds.
The sea was turned into dry land,
and Israel passed through dry-shod.

Let us rejoice in the Holy One
who governs forever.
God's presence is within all nations;
rebels shall not be victorious.

O people, bless the Holy One;
let the song of praise resound.

The God of all life
has kept our feet from stumbling.
God has tested us,
refined us like silver in fire.

We were led into snares
with a heavy burden on our backs.
We passed through fire and water
and have been oppressed,
but God sent us relief,
leading us to a place of rest.

Burnt offerings I bring to God's dwelling;
it is three I will fulfill my vows,
the vows which I have promised,
which I spoke in my distress.

Come, listen, all you who reverence God.
I will recount what has been done for me,
I will extol the Holy One,
with praise always on my tongue.

If there had been evil in my heart,
God would not have listened.
But truly I have been heard;
my prayer has been answered.

Blest be God who did not reject my prayer,
for constant love is the eternal promise.

Happy are they who dwell in the presence of God.

Praise God who dwells in our hearts,
both now and forever. Amen.

Reading (select one from below):

Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Zachery (Benedictus) is online here.

Final Prayer:

All-powerful Holy One, you have made known the birth of the Savior by the light of a star. May He continue to guide us with his light, for he lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Meditation:

We become saints not by violently overcoming our own weakness, but by letting God give us the strength and purity of God's Spirit in exchange for our weakness and misery. Thomas Merton

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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:

O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy
Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.

Holy is God, ever our strength, holy and living forever.

Psalm 110

God said to the anointed,
"Come, you have a place with me;
yours will be a seat of honor.
I will subdue your enemies.

The authority of your truth
will stretch beyond Zion.
You will govern in the midst of your enemies,
for yours is strength from the day of your birth.

In the beauty of holiness,
like dew from the womb of the morning,
in silence and mystery,
I have begotten you.

I have spoken and I will not change;
you are anointed forever.
All will come, offering signs of respect.
I am always with you;
on the day of judgment the wicked will perish.

Drink from the brook by the wayside,
and you shall be refreshed."

Holy is God, ever our strength, holy and living forever.

Praise God who dwells in our hearts,
both now and forever. Amen.

Reading (select one from below):

Our Sisters singing the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) is online here.

Final Prayer:

O Holy One, your love never fails. Keep us in your love and provide for all our needs. We ask this, as we do all things, in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Meditation:

We should strive to keep our hearts open to the sufferings and wretchedness of other people, and pray continually that God may grant us that spirit of compassion which is truly the spirit of God. St. Vincent de Paul

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Readings

II Cor. 1: 3-7

Blessed be the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.

II Cor. 4: 5-12

For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Savior and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

II Cor. 5: 16-21

From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making an appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

II Cor. 6:16-18

For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says God, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you and you shall be my sons and daughters."

Christmastide

2010-12-24T00:05:00.001-05:00

Morning Prayer

Opening Prayer:

O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Together let us celebrate God's love,
And proclaim God's faithfulness!

Ephesians 1

Praised be God, the Eternal One,
who has made us holy in Christ,
given us every blessing.

Before the world began, we were chosen
to be holy and blameless in Christ,
to be full of love.

Our inheritance through Christ Jesus
is to be adopted daughters and sons.

Such was God's will and pleasure--
that all might praise
the glorious favors of God,
conferred on us in the Beloved.

It is in Christ
that we have been redeemed.
So generous is God's favor to us.

We have been given the mystery,
the plan that was made known in Christ,
to be carried out in the fullness of time--
to bring all things in the heavens and on earth,
gathered into one in Christ.

Together let us celebrate God's love,
And proclaim God's faithfulness!

Praise God, Three in One,
both now and forever.
the God who is, who was, and is to come
at the end of the ages. Amen

Reading (select one from below):

Benedictus To hear our sisters sing the Benedictus click here.

Final Prayer:

God of Love, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of light. Make us faithful to your Word, that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Jesus the Christ, Amen.

Photo by Charlotte Anne Zalot, OSB
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Evening Prayer

Opening Prayer:

O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Send forth your light and your truth.
Look to us and we shall be saved.

Psalm 81

Ring out your joy to God;
acclaim God, our source of strength.

At the new moon, raise a song:
play the timbrel, the sweet sounding harp, and the lute.
At the full moon, the trumpet resounds;
let all gather for the solemn feast.

This is God's command,
It was made a decree for Israel
when God led them out of Egypt.

I voice I did not know said to me,
"I lifted the burden from your shoulder;
you were freed from slavery.
You called in distress and I saved you.

I answered, concealed in the storm cloud;
at the springs of Meribah I tested you.
Listen, my people, to my warning.
O Israel, if only you would hear me!

I am your God.
You may worship no other.

I brought you out of Egypt,
but you did not listen to me;
you refused to obey.
So I left you in your stubbornness of heart
to follow your own ways.

If only you would listen, my people,
and walk in my ways.
At once I would subdue your foes
and humble your enemies.

I would feed you with finest wheat
and satisfy you with honey from the rock."

Send forth your light and your truth.
Look to us and we shall be saved.

Praise God, Three in One,
who dwells in our hearts
both now and forever. Amen

Reading (select one from below):

Magnificat To hear our sisters sing the Magnificat click here.

Final Prayer:

God of light, unchanging God, draw us beyond the limits which this world imposes, to the life where your Spirit makes all life complete. We ask through Jesus, our Messiah. Amen.

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Readings

Luke 1: 6-12
While they were there, the time came for her delivery. She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.
There were shepherds in the area living in the fields and keeping nightwatch by turns over their flock. The angel of God appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them; they were very much afraid. The angel said to them, "You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you--news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in David's city, a savior--the Messiah--has been born to you. Let this be a sign to you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger."

Matt. 2: 1-6
After Jesus' birth--which happened in Bethlehem of Judea, during the reign of Herod--astrologers from the East arrived in Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the newborn ruler of the Jews? We observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay homage." At this news Herod became greatly disturbed, as did all of Jerusalem. Summoning all the chief priests and religious scholars of the people, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.
"In Bethlehem of Judea," they informed him. "Here is what the prophet has written: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah, since from you will come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Isaiah 52: 7-10
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, "Your God is King!" Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, our God restoring Zion.
Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For our God comforts the people, God redeems Jerusalem. God's holy arm has been bared in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God."

Luke 2: 15-20
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go straight to Bethlehem and see this event that God has made known to us." They hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger; once they saw this, they reported what they had been told concerning the child. All who heard about it were astonished at the report given by the shepherds. Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart.

Luke 2: 21
When the eighth day arrived for the child's circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Meditation:

Come, O God, and cover me with the night. Spread your grace over us as you assured us you would do. Your promises are more than all the stars in the sky; your mercy is deeper than the night. O God, it will be cold. The night comes with its breath of death. Night comes; the end comes; you come. O God, we wait for you, day and night. Amen

An African Prayer Book, Ghanaian prayer

Advent

2010-11-27T00:05:00.001-05:00

Morning Prayer
Opening Prayer:
O God open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Christ shall come with great light;
all nations shall be awakened.

Psalm 97
God is eternal! Let earth rejoice;
let distant shores and isles be glad.
The Holy One is clothed in glory,
set firm in justice and truth.

The fire prepares God's path.
The enemy is consumed on every side.
The world is ablaze with light.
The earth trembles at the sight.

The mountains melt like wax
in the presence of the Holy One.
The skies proclaim justice;
the glory of God is seen by all.

Let those who trust in lifeless gods be confounded
and those who worship idols be ashamed.
All of Zion rejoices
because God judges with justice.

God indeed is the source of joy
and is exalted over all the earth.
God loves those who hate evil
and embraces all the faithful.

Light shines forth for the just
and gladness for those who speak truth.
They are set free from the wicked
and give glory to the holy name.

Christ shall come with great light;
all nations shall be awakened.

Praise God, Three in One,
both now and forever.
the God who is, who was, and is to come
at the end of the ages. Amen

Reading (select one from below)

Benedictus To hear our sisters sing the Benedictus click here.

Final Prayer
O God, increase our longing for Christ our savior and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of his coming may find us welcoming the light of the gospel for all people of our world. We ask this in the name of your son Jesus. Amen

Meditation
A person does more good in the place where divine Providence has put them than would all others with more talents. St. Julie Billiart

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Evening Prayer
Opening Prayer:
O God come to my assistance, O God make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Redeemer, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

You shall speak peace to all nations,
and your glory shall be known from sea to sea.

Isaiah 61: 10-62:5
I rejoice heartily in the Holy One,
in God, the joy of my life.

I have been clothed with a robe of salvation,
enfolded in a garment of justice,
like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,
like a bride arrayed with jewels.

As fresh life spring up from the earth,
like a garden's promise in spring,
so shall God make justice and praise
spring up before all the nations.

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent;
for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet
until integrity shines out like the dawn
and salvation like a flaming torch.

Nations shall behold your integrity,
and all rulers your glory.
You shall be called by a new name
pronounced by the Holy One.

You shall be a crown of beauty,
a glorious diadem held by God.

No more shall you be called "forsaken,"
nor your land be called "desolate,"
but you shall be called "my delight,"
and your land "espoused."

As the newly married rejoice in each other,
so shall God rejoice in you.

You shall speak peace to all nations,
and your glory shall be known from sea to sea.

Praise God, Three in One,
both now and forever.
the God who is, who was, and is to come
at the end of the ages. Amen

Reading (select one from below)

Magnificat To hear our sisters sing the Magnificat click here.

The Magnificat antiphons for December 17-23 are the beautiful O Antiphons. As we've done every year, here is the link if you'd like to listen to Sr. Mary David's O Antiphons, sung by a small group of our sisters.

Final Prayer
O God, the day draws near when the glory of your Son will make radiant the night of the waiting world. May the darkness not blind us to the vision of wisdom which Jesus brings to us all. We ask all this in the name of your son Jesus. Amen

Meditation
Pray as you can and do not pray as you can't. Take yourself as you find yourself; start from that. Dom John Chapman

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Readings
Isaiah 40: 1-11
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,that she has received from God's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of Our God, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of God shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of God has spoken."

A voice says, "Cry out!" And I said, "What shall I cry?"All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of God blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God!" See, God comes with might, the arm rules; a reward is there, and recompense goes ahead. The Holy One will feed the flock like a shepherd; gather the lambs in arms, and carry them in to the bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.

Isaiah 40: 12-20
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of the hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has directed the spirit of the Holy One or has instructed God? Whom did God consult for enlightenment, and who taught the path of justice? Who taught knowledge, and showed the way of understanding? Even the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as dust on the scales; see, the isles are taken up like fine dust. Lebanon would not provide fuel enough, nor are its animals enough for a burnt-offering. All the nations are as nothing; they are accounted as less than nothing and emptiness. To whom then will you liken God, or with what likeness compare? An idol? A workman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold, and casts for it silver chains. As a gift one chooses mulberry wood—wood that will not rot—then seeks out a skilled artisan to set up an image that will not topple.

Isaiah 40: 21-31
To whom then will you compare me or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? The one who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because of great strength, mighty power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from God, and my right is disregarded by my God"? Have you not known? Have you not heard? God is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. The Holy One does not faint or grow weary; understanding is unsearchable. Power is given to the faint, strength to the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for our God shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 42: 1-9
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it,who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am God, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind,to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am God, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

Isaiah 43: 1-7
But now thus says God who created you, O Jacob, who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."