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Post by Josephus I on Feb 3, 2011 9:26:56 GMT
Amen.
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Post by Alfred Dunholm on Feb 6, 2011 0:17:11 GMT
The fifth Sunday before Lent & Candlemas
Candlemas was actually Tuesday; however we shall use this Sunday to mark the presentation of Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. Our service today shall begin with contemplating the Nunct dimittis: the song of Simeon.
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, known commonly as Candlemas, marks the day when the Virgin Mary and Joseph took the 40 day old Jesus to be redeemed by the Jewish priests; as is Jewish tradition. Once there they encountered Simeon, an elderly man, who had received word from God that he would never die until he had seen the Messiah; hence the line “lettest thou thy servant depart in peace” marks his readiness for death having recognised Jesus as the Christ child. For many Christians this is a momentous occasion, not least because it signifies the end of Epiphany and the beginning of the countdown to Lent: the season where we occupy ourselves with self-contemplation and fast in recognition of our failure to follow the path God has laid before us. In the light of these thoughts let us pray.
Dear Lord, as we prepare ourselves in mind and body for the coming of this season of Lent we pray that you would make our hearts clean within us and guide our every moment on this earth. As we look in upon ourselves let us also look out upon your world and the troubles which wash around us as a vast and destructive ocean; may we stand firm in our resolve to live as our Lord and Saviour lives and never be worn down by the tide, though such a course might seem the easiest. At this time we cast our thoughts to the Middle East; give courage and wisdom to all those who rule there that they might do right by their people and bring peace to the land where your feet once trod. All this we ask in the name of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Post by Alfred Dunholm on Feb 13, 2011 20:00:47 GMT
The fourth Sunday before LentDear Lord, as we go about our daily lives help us to understand the path that is laid before us. We trust in our hearts that, through your Son Jesus Christ, you have given us a true guide for each situation in our daily lives. As we undertake this pilgrimage through life grant that we may stay on a true course, and come at the end of our lives to your everlasting Kingdom. In our Holy Anglican cycle of prayer we pray this day for the Diocese of Ocia, for their President and people; may that nation steer the course defined by your Heavenly Grace. In the real world we cast our thoughts this day to the people of Egypt; give their rulers the wisdom to make a peaceful transition to democracy and justice, and similarly guide those people of all the nations who desire peace. Amen. In honour of the Diocese of Ocia, for whom we pray this day, what follows is the "Cherubic hymn" by Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka (1804-1857) Apologises if the Russian or indeed the translation is wrong
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Post by Josephus I on Feb 14, 2011 6:59:17 GMT
Amen.!
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Post by Alfred Dunholm on Sept 25, 2011 22:39:23 GMT
And because it's been quite some time since i posted a collect I'll drop in a verse of a hymn I like too .
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Post by Josephus I on Oct 2, 2011 17:01:15 GMT
Amen. May the lord praise our glorious inactivity
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Post by Alfred Dunholm on Oct 16, 2011 14:20:44 GMT
*2 weeks later*
Verily so, Sire!
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