Moment of Oneness - January 6, 2021

photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplanh

Today, January 6^th, we traditionally celebrate Epiphany. The Magi discover Jesus.

Opening Prayer:  Dear Holy One, what will our epiphanies be this year? May we be aware of all the many ways you are present in our lives. We are filled with distractions and can’t find you. Yet you never leave us.  May we discover you again and again. Amen

A reading from Matthew

You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor-but hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for your persecutors.  This will prove that you are children of God. For God makes the sun to rise on the good and the bad alike; God’s rain falls on the just and the unjust.

A reading from Rumi

What in your life is calling you, when all the noise is silenced, the meetings adjourned…the lists laid aside, and the wild iris blooms by itself in the forest…what still pulls on your soul?

Moment of silent reflection

Prayers of Petition: (Garth Hewitt)

God it is a new year full of new opportunities

We ask forgiveness for the past

And make resolutions for the future.

May we show your love and live your way

May we take time to pause and draw strength

And let our souls catch up

And be refreshed through the year

May we show your love and live your way.

May we remember the poor and forgotten

The marginalized and the weak

And find ways to show your compassion

May we show your love and live your way

May the healing hope of the gospel be integral to our lives

So that the ways of justice and peace are reflected in us

May we show your love and live your way

May we take time to see the beauty of your world -

To see the beauty of trees, flowers, birds, and animals-

To cherish them and work for the sustaining of our garden home-

So that we leave it in good state for generations to come

May we show your love and live your way.

May our hearts be refreshed by joy, music, creativity, love, and hope

So we in turn can bring hope and joy to others

Throughout this year may we show your love and live your way

Closing Prayer 

Holy One, it is You who pulls on our souls. Your message is the same through the ages, “Love one another as I have loved you.”  We begin again right now, not with New Year resolutions, but with the excitement of discovering you everywhere in all off creation. May we be blessed with thousands of Epiphanies. Amen.