Sarum Prayer
God be in my head—and in my understanding
God be in my eyes—and in my looking
God be in my mouth—and in my speaking
God be in my heart—and in my thinking
God be at my end—and at my departing
Cloud of Witnesses Meditation
As we move into prayer, call to mind the ancestors—loved and admired ones who have gone before us and surround us in the cloud of witnesses. Over the next half minute, simply name them and be open to their presence with you in the spirit.
Request for Divine Presence
Psalm 130: 3
My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning, more the watchmen for the morning.
Refrain for the Reading
Psalm 103: 1
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless God’s holy name.
Reading
Luke 9: 61–62
Yet another said, “I will follow you, sir, but first let me say good-bye to my people at home.” Jesus replied, “No one who sets their hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of heaven.”
Refrain
Psalm 103: 1
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless God’s holy name.
Psalm 124
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side
—let Israel now say—
if it had not been the LORD who was on our side,
when our enemies attacked us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us;
then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
then over us would have gone
the raging waters.
Blessed be the LORD,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Refrain
Psalm 103: 1
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless God’s holy name.
Petition from the Lord’s Prayer
Give us this day our daily bread.
Amen.
Prayer for Loved Ones
Over the next minute simply name your loved ones, calling each to mind in love, lifting each in the embrace of remembered love, to the God who is the source of all love.
Prayer to Face the Frustrations of the Day
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
A Pause for Appreciation
Let your awareness rest on someone or something you appreciate.
A Closing Petition
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Benediction
Go in peace, wash your hands, love your neighbor—you are not alone.