Praying Together 2021

229 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. May the peace of Christ be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Saint John of the Cross was a spiritual leader and a poet. Let us ask his help to grow closer to God. (pause) May the prayer and poetry of Saint John, O God, help us to see the beauty of the world and know the wonder of its Creator. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the book of the prophet Hosea 14:4-9 Israel, you have rejected me, but my anger is gone; I will heal you and love you without limit. I will be like the dew — then you will blossom like lilies and have roots like a tree. Your branches will spread with the beauty of an olive tree and with the aroma of the forest. You will rest in my shade, and your grain will grow. You will blossom like a vineyard. I will answer your prayers and take care of you. I am that glorious tree, the source of your fruit. If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean. I am the Lord, and I lead you along the right path. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. RESPONSE Because God lovingly cares for all creation we put the needs of the world into his hands. For ears to hear the voice of God in prayer: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For wisdom to understand God’s plan for us: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For faith in the limitless love of God: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For wonder and awe at the beauty of creation: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the prayers in our hearts today: (pause while students offer their prayers aloud) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. DISMISSAL May the love of God guide our minds. Amen. May God bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. Tuesday St John of the Cross 14 December 2021 “You will blossom like a vineyard."