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 as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light … Continue reading Blessing Candles on the Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas)
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 in the liturgical year. The following blessing has been prepared based upon the collects and gospel reading (Luke 2:22-40) for the day: May Almighty God, … Continue reading A Blessing Specific to the Feast of the Presentation
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 those who live in or visit the home. It is an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our home, our comings and … Continue reading Epiphany House Blessing with Chalk
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 for themselves and us, and for the torch of freedom they lit for nations then unborn; For the natural majesty and beauty of this land; … Continue reading Independence Day Prayers for America
Last evening, May 1, our parish celebrated its feast day, the Feast of St. Philip. The evening included Holy Eucharist and a dedication and blessing of the newly completed labyrinth and prayer garden using the liturgy below. + + + Through the ages, Almighty God has moved his people to set apart holy places for prayer and to recognize and celebrate God’s presence in those … Continue reading Blessing of a Labyrinth
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 to seasons and feast days. It does not, however, offer a blessing specific to the Feast of the Presentation, a major feast in the liturgical … Continue reading A Blessing for the Feast of the Presentation
May Almighty God enlighten the eyes of your heart to see that his blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above the heavens that he might fill all things. Amen. May he who ascended into heaven prepare a place for you; that where he is you might also be, and reign with him in glory. Amen. May you who believe that our Lord Jesus … Continue reading Ascension Day Blessing
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 commemorates the presentation of Jesus and the purification of Mary in the Jerusalem temple (Luke 2:22-40). The name “Candlemas” focuses attention on the candlelight procession … Continue reading Blessing Candles on the Presentation of our Lord
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 invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our home, our comings and goings, our conversations, our work and play, our joys and sorrows. … Continue reading Epiphany House Blessing with Chalk
May God bless you with discomfort… at easy answers, hard hearts, half-truths, and superficial relationships. May God bless you so that you may live from deep within your heart where God’s Spirit dwells. May God bless you with anger… at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people. May God bless you so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless you with … Continue reading A Franciscan Blessing For Justice And Peace
