Moment of Oneness – December 16, 2020

 

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81507551772

Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772

To connect by phone dial: +1 646 558 8656

Opening Prayer: We recall the ministry of Jesus focused on bringing justice and equality to those who were oppressed and voiceless. As we join in prayer this evening may we commit to living a life that keeps justice and compassion uppermost in our mind.  May we embrace the divine nature with which we are born, leading us to be voices for the voiceless, for the forgotten, for the oppressed in our society.  May our efforts be blessed by the Spirit of Life and Love.  Amen. 

READING

First Coming by Madeleine L’Engle

He did not wait till the world was ready, 

till men and nations were at peace.

He came when the Heavens were unsteady, 

and prisoners cried out for release.

He did not wait for the perfect time,

He came when the need was deep and great.

He dined with sinners in all their grime, 

turned water into wine. He did not wait

till hearts were pure. In joy he came 

to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.

To a world like ours, of anguished shame 

he came, and the Light would not go out.

He came to a world which did not mesh, 

to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.

In the mystery of the Word made Flesh 

the Maker of the stars was born.

We cannot wait till the world is sane 

to raise our songs with joyful voice, 

for to share our grief, to touch our pain,

He came with Love:  Rejoice! Rejoice!

Reflection time

Prayers of Petition

Eternal God, you are love, love made clear in the life of Jesus.
You come:
In the hope kindled that keeps us from despair
In the peace shared that encourages comfort
In joy that makes hearts sing
You are near, very near

You come:
In the sudden shock of ‘aha’ moments
In the laughter of a child
In times of spontaneous affection
You are near, very near

Please come:
To the ones who have given up hope
To the depressed and the despairing
To the war-torn places and the conflicted hearts
Come near loving God, come very near.

Please come:
To people who are worrying
To the sick and to the dying
To those who are sobbing
Come near loving God, come very near.

Please come:
To the ones whose faith is strong
To the ones who look for you
To the many who worship you this day
Come near loving God, come very near.
Amen                Janice Freeston

Closing Prayer: Holy Mystery, as people committed to love for all, we work to bring justice and compassion to all that we do.  We serve from the depths of our being, which is the Divine presence born within us.  May we, through our actions, bring joy and happiness to you and to those whose lives we touch.  Amen.