From the East Syrian Orthodox Offices
Strengthen, O our Lord and our God, our weakness in thy compassion, and comfort and help the wants of our soul in thy loving kindness; waken the sleep of our thoughts and lighten the weight of our limbs. Illuminate the darkness of our minds, and stretch forth your arm and confirm us, and give us strength and a helping hand, so we may arise and confess and glorify you, without ceasing all the days of our life, Lord of all.
Amen.
Breath Meditation Practice
Take some deep breaths: In through the nose, out through the mouth, three at least or more. As your mind wanders, return your focus to the breath.
Saturday Reading
Psalm 43:1, 3–5
Vindicate me, my God,
and plead my cause
against an unfaithful nation.
Rescue me from those who are
deceitful and wicked…
Send me your light and your faithful care,
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.
Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God.
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Serenity Prayer
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.
Prayer for Loved Ones
Take a minute (more if you like) to simply name your loved ones. Practice not over-thinking—just naming. Focus on your feeling of love for each one.
Prayer from a Celtic Liturgy
May eternal truth be always on our hearts
That the God who breathed this world into being
Placed stars into the heavens
And designed a butterfly’s wing
Is the God who entrusted their life
to the care of ordinary people
became vulnerable that we might know
how strong is the power of Love
A mystery so deep it is impossible to grasp
A mystery so beautiful it is impossible to ignore
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orders all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Amen.
Closing: Breath Prayer
On the in breath: God became vulnerable that we might know. On the out breath: how strong is the power of Love. If you like, pick another line to return to through the day.
Benediction
Go in peace: wash your hands, love your neighbor, you are not alone.