Intercessions ~ Sixth Sunday in Easter

This week,/ Pope Francis has called for a Day of Prayer for All of Humanity./ We join him,/ interceding for humankind where there is great sickness,/ famine,/ draught,/ war or injustice./ We pray to the Lord.

We ask for world leaders who help people to make sense of what's happening;/ leaders who understand the feelings of people,/ who create trust,/ protect the weak, and model inclusiveness./ We pray to the Lord.

These days,/ we  witness and ask blessings for the heroism of doctors and nurses,/ and the many who provide services to the nation./ We ask a new depth of conscience for those who display selfishness or greed;/ who show little regard for the common good./ We pray to the Lord.

For ourselves and the calming of our anxieties and worst imaginings./ Every day, may we embrace the things that truly matter most./ We pray for those who are shut-in and suffering loneliness and fear./ We pray to the Lord.

Spring announces,/ with its gifts of birth and new growth,/ its melting and warming,/ that we can change./ We ask for that change of heart which overcomes the bitter divisions/ leaving the nation weaker./ We pray to the Lord.

Around the world,/ more than 300,000 people have died in recent weeks from the Coronavirus pandemic./ We pray for them,/ and the sorrowing spouses,/ siblings,/ young children,/ parents and friends they leave behind./ We pray to the Lord.

A Healing Prayer at Bedtime

These monks are at Compline, the last of the seven times they gather each day in their chapel to pray together. Most monks know Compline by heart. It is the prayer that invites the monks to briefly review the day with its twists and turns. 

All monks have a story, and living and working closely with each other, with people they would never have chosen to live, I expect there is more than a little daily damage to repair come evening. We can join them with this Healing Prayer at Bedtime. Many of us were  taught as children to "say" our bedtime prayers. Perhaps we abandoned the practice long ago. I would call this a wonder-working prayer that we may memorize before (or as) we put our own heads on the the pillow each night.

Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit go back into my memory as I sleep. Every hurt that has ever been done to me - heal that hurt. Every hurt that I have ever caused to another person - heal that hurt. All of the relationships that have been damaged in my whole life that I am not aware of - heal those relationships.

But Lord, if there is anything that I need to do - if I need to go to a person because he is still suffering from my hand - bring that person to my awareness. I choose to forgive and I ask to be forgiven. Remove any bitterness that may be in my heart, Lord, and fill the empty spaces with your love. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Daffodil ~ Mary's Stars

April and May are Daffodil months. Here is a row of Daffodils against a blue, spring sky. The trumpet part of the flower is called the corona; the whorl of ray-like petals (called sepals) gives us the  impression of a star. Again, prior to Cromwell's 16th century destruction, all the flowers and herbs of England were named after some aspect of Mary's life. An anonymous Medieval wonder-r with a child-like imagination saw "Mary's Stars" in the daffodil.

Perhaps the flower-namer had in mind the verse from the Book of Revelation 12:1: "A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars."

Is the woman the Church during a time of persecution? Is it pregnant Mary, the Mother of God? And what are the stars? Saint-authors and scholars have named them. But knowing Mary's life in the scriptures and in our own lived experience, we can name the twelve stars too. See what you think. I would suggest however, that at the end of your reading, you go back and put your own name at the head of each line (and change the pronoun if necessary). Why? Because Mary is the first disciple, modeling for us how to be. So, what's said of her, might well be said of each of us, who also long for Christ. Yes?

Before a Cluster of Daffodils—Mary's Starry Crown

Mary, in her rejoicing prayer.
Mary, without arrogant pride.
Mary, in her grateful joy.

Mary, who takes the part of the lowly.
Mary, the garden-like receiver of God's Seed-Word.
Mary, the great believer.

Mary, the Lord's First Disciple.
Mary, of the clean of heart.
Mary, who becomes a House of God.

Mary, who puts herself into God's hands.
Mary, who listens deeply.
Mary, who models our longing for Christ.