We’re All Blessed – A Sermon On Matthew 5:1-12

“Blessed.” Jesus says that word nine times in today’s gospel (Matthew 5:1-12). We often talk about ourselves or others as being blessed. “I’m blessed.” “She’s blessed.” “We’re really blessed.” You’ve said and heard those things, right? But here’s what I…

Blessing Candles on the Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas)

Forty days after Christmas the infant Jesus was presented in the temple of Jerusalem and placed in the arms of the old man Simeon (Luke 2:22-40) who declared: Lord, you now have set your servant free  to go in peace…

A Blessing Specific to the Feast of the Presentation

The Book of Occasional Services, one of the liturgical books in the Episcopal Church, offers several blessings specific to seasons and feast days. It does not, however, offer a blessing specific to the Feast of the Presentation, a major feast…

Epiphany House Blessing with Chalk

The Church has a custom of blessing homes (as well as proclaiming the date of Easter) on the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) and the week following. Family and friends gather to ask God’s blessing on their homes and…

Independence Day Prayers for America

A Thanksgiving for America Almighty God, giver of all good gifts; we thank you For this nation, our heritage, and for calling us to be the United States of America; For the founders of this country, the liberty they won…

A Blessing for the Feast of the Presentation

In a previous post I wrote about blessing candles on the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple. But what about a blessing specific to the feast itself? The Book of Occasional Services offers several blessings specific…

Blessing Candles on the Presentation of our Lord

The Feast of the Presentation, celebrated on February 2, is one of the major feasts in the church year. It is sometimes known as Candlemas or the Feast of the Purification. This feast is celebrated forty days after Christmas and…

Epiphany House Blessing with Chalk

The Church has a custom of blessing homes on the Feast of the Epiphany and the week following. Family and friends gather to ask God’s blessing on their homes and those who live in or visit the home. It is an…

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