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 or admired ones whose memory brings you strength. Feel free to include figures of the past who inspire you. Over the next half minute.
Refrain for the Reading and Psalm
Psalm 71: 21
You strengthen me more and more, you enfold and comfort me
Reading
James 2: 8
You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Refrain
You strengthen me more and more, you enfold and comfort me
Psalm 1: 1–4
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
Refrain
Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.
Petition from the Lord’s Prayer
Your will be done on earth as in heaven!
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, whatever comes to mind over the next half minute.
A Closing Petition
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Benediction
Let us go in peace, wash our hands, love our neighbor—we are not alone.