Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81507551772
Meeting ID: 815 0755 1772
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GAUDETE!
Welcome to our Moment of Oneness in the Third Week of our ADVENTure. Each of the four candles in the Advent wreath represent an aspect of our relationship with the Holy One: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, with a fifth candle on Christmas represending celebrating remembrance of the birth of Jesus. In this “Moment” we will share brief prayers reflecting the candles, with special focus on the 3rd or “Gaudete” candle. We Jesus-followers know sometimes it is difficult to be joyful in our world today, but it is essential that we recharge our spiritual batteries for the road ahead.
“We light this third candle and remember that in the heart of every person on this earth, and in all of creation there burns the spark of luminous goodness – the presence of the Divine. Let us kindle the light of joy!”
Light of The World - Lauren Daigle (Christmas story)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4nvVw8z6K8
GAUDETE PRAYER 1 Joy
In the midst of our exiles, O Spirit of Anticipation, your light is eclipsed by cynicism and despair. The wilderness continues beyond our expectations, and the probability of hope lasting in our souls seems unlikely.
The peace to which we seek is often covered by the fog of hopelessness. And yet, occasionally, even in the nighttime of our spiritual deserts, we are able to see the light in the distance.
Even when hope is small and the light is dim, we celebrate the moments that we detect possibilities ahead.
This candle is aflame with joy to optimistically announce the glow in life’s murkiness and the mirth that grows as we grow closer to the birth of the Christ. It will keep Hope alive in our minds and hearts. Amen.
GAUDETE PRAYER 2 Light of Peace
Uneasiness stems from the unrest in our world. News echoes from our TVs and phones alerting us of turmoil around the globe. From what happens in our communities, schools, and world, it’s often tough to find harmony.
Words between neighbors reflect a dismal connection with fellow children of God. Bullies in schools, workplaces, and other institutions cloud our once happy souls.
Yet even as we stand in the midst of commotion and even when anxiety stirs within our hearts, God is with us. The buzzing of hatred will not be the final noises we hear as God’s song of serenity will rise above the clamor.
Our candle sings out a joyful flickering song of peace. Our eyes are drawn like a magnet to the flame that promises peace as we work for justice in our world, knowing that harmony will come. The turmoil of the outside world and the unrest in our souls will convert to peace that goes beyond all understanding. The light of peace and hope will transform our world to holy tranquility. And you will be with us in the peaks and valleys of our journeys, God of Placidness. Amen.
GAUDETE PRAYER 3 Prayer of the World in Waiting
All over the world, the frigid winds drive us back into our winter abodes nearly isolating us from our neighbors and capturing our uplifted spirits until Spring. As night arrives earlier than yesterday’s appearance, we ask that this season refuses to keep us from spiritual seclusion as we fight against our natural tendency to hibernate. At times in the midst of Winter, Spirit of Anticipation, your light is eclipsed by cynicism and despair. The peace to which we seek is covered by the fog of hopelessness.
And yet, occasionally, even in the nighttime of our spiritual deserts, a small light can be seen in the distance. Even when hope is small and the light is dim, we celebrate the moments that we detect possibilities ahead.
We light the candle of joy to optimistically announce the glow in life’s murkiness and the mirth that grows as we grow closer to the celebration of the birth of the Christ. May this season of long nights be filled with warm memories and inviting plans to follow the Light and be joyful again. Amen
We Are Bethlehem by Alana Levandoski
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLpdfXSIdFo
GAUDETE PRAYER 4 A Prayer for Focus
Spirit of Strength who abides with us in the sparkles and shadows- in the midst of this glitzy season filled with every distraction known to people,
Give us the focus to finish what we’ve started. May Advent draw our attention to the sweetness of the journey- Not the saccharine superficial sentiments of cultural expectation.
May Advent enliven our spirits and energize our tired minds. May Advent drive us away from disturbances and give us the moxie to reach into the caverns of injustice to aid in the delivery of God’s holy righteousness. Amen
GAUDETE PRAYER 5 A Prayer for Peace
Uneasiness stems from the unrest in our world. News echoes from our TVs and phones alerting us of turmoil around the globe. From what happens in our communities, schools, and world, it’s often tough to find harmony.
Words between neighbors reflect a dismal connection with fellow children of God. Bullies in schools, workplaces, and other institutions cloud our once happy souls.
Yet even as we stand in the midst of commotion and even when anxiety stirs within our hearts, God is with us. The buzzing of hatred will not be the final noises we hear as God’s song of serenity will rise above the clamor.
Today we watch and remember the Gaudete candle of peace to remember that harmony will abide. The turmoil of the outside world and the unrest in our souls will convert to peace that goes beyond all understanding. The light of peace and hope will transform our world to holy tranquility.
And you will be with us in the peaks and valleys of our journeys, God of Placidness. Amen.
GAUDETE PRAYER 6. Prayer for Love
Tensions rise between neighbors. Hate lurks in stores and on roads, in school hallways and political discussions. Humanity focuses more on its own individual well being instead of the well being of all.
Yet animosity isn’t the last word, and hate will never win because God’s love endures forever. Divine love dissipates all venom and sweetens all bitterness.
Even as we walk in the shadow filled valleys of toxic interactions, God’s love is lighting the path to the future. Through the Spirit of the Christ in our world, the vapors of hate will not last in our world. Love will spread from person to person, lifting the toxic fogs that linger between people.
We light the candle of love to clear the cloud of hate in our world and dissolve the mists of gloom as the Christ enters our world and brightness continues to grow.
Amen.
Only Love by Jordan Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfcn9SBK4xA
The prayers from this Moment of Oneness are used with permission of:
(c)2021 Rev. Michelle L. Torigian. Permission to use in a worship service (including a streamed service) with attribution.
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