
Morning Prayer
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Opening Hymn

Canon Kalantari
In the name of the Living God!
In the Name of the Holy Trinity!
Invocation
O God of steadfast love and faithfulness,
as I awaken this day in expectation,
I turn my heart toward you, for I am your beloved.
Fill me with your wisdom and insight,
and guide my feet into the way of peace
as I walk your righteous path. Amen.
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Preparation
Creator of light,
I greet you as the morning dawns.
Thank you for this new day.
May it be for me a sign
and an anticipation of your coming kingdom.
Fill me with the energy I will need
to love all whom I meet today.
I pray that I harm no one
and that I may have the mind of Christ
as I live in the world he came to save.
Receive my body, mind, and spirit
as a living sacrifice of thanksgiving
for the love you show me in Jesus Christ.
And where my wholeness is broken
let me seek you in repentance,
reach out to you for healing,
and lay my burdens before your throne of grace.
When the time for rest comes,
let me find my repose in you,
my comfort in life
and my hope of life everlasting,
through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
Hymn
Today’s Gospel
Matthew 5:13-20
Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
The Word of the Lord
The Lord's Prayer (in the original Aramaic)
Oh Thou, from whom the breath of life comes,
who fills all realms of sound, light and vibration.
May Your light be experienced in my utmost holiest.
Your Heavenly Domain approaches.
Let Your will come true - in the universe (all that vibrates) just as on earth (that is material and dense).
Give us wisdom (understanding, assistance) for our daily need,
detach the fetters of faults that bind us, like we let go the guilt of others.
Let us not be lost in superficial things (materialism, common temptations),
but let us be freed from what keeps us off from our true purpose.
From You comes the all-working will, the lively strength to act, the song that beautifies all and renews itself from age to age.
Amên (Sealed in trust, faith and truth -I confirm with my entire being).
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
God of mercy,
we come to you
because there is no better time or place
to give you our joys and our concerns
and to ask for your action
in changing the world around us.
We pray for those places in the world
that suffer for lack of water.
Give the world and its leaders
the wisdom they need and the resources they lack
so that no one suffers needlessly.
We pray for those who suffer
through natural or human-made disasters.
Let every one of us be part of a world embrace
so that, through prayer and possessions,
we may help to restore order and well-being.
We pray for those who lack a home
because of economic hardship or unjust forces.
Use us to build a better future for all.
You are merciful, O God, and you are just;
both your righteousness and justice imbue your love for your people.
So enable us to actively seek your love and justice
for all creatures of this earth.
All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ,
our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
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Closing Prayer
The Lord gives what is needed from day to day.
The Lord feeds us with light and bread.
The Lord comes into our midst whenever we call.
We move with joy into the coming days,
for Christ is with us. Amen.
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Postlude: