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August 27 – St. Monica (331-387)
Invitation to Worship
The God of Love Who hears our prayer: Come, let us praise and adore!
We make the Sign of the Cross over our lips as we begin.
O Holy ONE + open my lips,
~And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Let all creation praise the greatness of God!
Let the universe extol the glory of Adonai!
Morning Hymn
Now from the heavens descending is seen a glorious light,
the bride of Christ in splendor, arrayed in purest white.
She is the holy city, whose radiance is the grace
of all the saints in glory, from every time and place.
This is the hour of gladness for bridegroom and for bride.
The Lamb’s great feast is ready, his bride is at his side.
How blest are those invited to share his wedding feast:
the least become the greatest, the greatest are the least.
The One enthroned in heaven takes up a dwelling place
among this chosen people, who see God face to face.
No sound is heard of weeping, for pain and sorrow cease,
and sin shall reign no longer, but love and joy and peace.
See how a new creation is brought at last to birth,
a new and glorious heaven, a new and glorious earth.
Death’s power for ever broken, its empire swept away,
the promised dawn of glory begins its endless day.
PSALMODY
Antiphon/Refrain
In the day of my distress I sought Adonai, my hands were raised at night without ceasing.
Psalm 76/77
I cry to you, O God!
I plead with you to hear me!
By day I seek you in my distress
by night I raise my hands in prayer,
but my spirit refuses to be consoled.
I groan when I remember you;
when I think of you, I grow faint.
You keep me from falling asleep.
Troubled, I cannot speak.
I consider how things used to be,
and remember the years gone by;
All night, memories fill my heart,
I brood and am full of questions.
Will God always forget me?
Never again be pleased?
Has God stopped loving me
and cut me off forever?
Can God forget how to pity,
or anything block God’s endless compassion?
It troubles me to think
the Almighty seems to have grown weak.
I recall your awesome deeds
your wonders in days gone by.
I reflect on all you have done,
and your works and mighty deeds.
You, Adonai, are holy.
What god can compare with you?
You are the God of power,
strong among all the nations.
You reached out to save your people
the children of your handmaids and servants.
When they saw you the waters churned,
shuddering and writhing in wonder,
with awe, convulsed to their depths.
The clouds poured down their rain,
thunder shook the heavens,
lightning darted like arrows.
As the thunder rolled across the sky,
and flashes lit up the world,
the earth trembled and quaked,
as you set a path through the sea,
a way through the raging waters
with no trace of your steps in the sand.
You guided your people like a flock,
with Moses and Aaron as shepherds.
READING 1 Corinthians 10:17-11:2
Brothers and sisters: “Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends oneself that is accepted, but the one whom the Lord commends.
I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to Christ to present you as a pure bride to her one husband.
Silent Prayer
Responsory
R. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong * so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. V. The Lord has dethroned the powerful and lift up the lowly * so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. V. Glory to the Abba and the Word, and the Breath of Love.
Canticle of Zachary– Luke 1:68-79
Antiphon
You answered her prayer, O God,
you did not disregard her tears which fell upon the earth wherever she prayed.
Blessed + be Adonai, the God of Israel,
Who visits this people to set us free
Raising for us a sign of salvation
In the house and family of David.
God promised throughout past ages
In words of holy prophets
To save us from our enemies,
And from the control of our oppressors.
Adonai favored our ancestors
And remembered the sacred covenant.
The pledge to Abraham and Sarah
Is now renewed for us;
That freed from the grip of our foes
We might worship without fear
And be both just and holy
For the rest of our days.
And you, child, called “prophet of the Most High,”
Will go ahead to prepare the way,
By teaching this people of salvation
Through forgiveness of their sins.
For the loving compassion of the Holy One
As the Rising Sun will shine upon us
To illumine the darkness and dispel death’s shadow
To guide our feet on the way of peace.
Glory to the ONE and to the WORD
and to the BREATH of Love!
As always before,
so now and evermore. Amen.
You answered her prayer, O God,
you did not disregard her tears which fell upon the earth wherever she prayed.
Intercessory Prayer
You called St. Monica to be a model of faith for her sons and woman of prayer
~free us to use our gifts and talents as ministers of the Good News wherever you lead us.
St. Monica wanted nothing more than to see her husband and sons open their hearts and minds to the truth and to use their gifts in service of God and the Church;
~ may all who are parents, teachers, and mentors recognize and nurture the special gifts and talents you give to each child and student.
St. Monica struggled with depression and addiction for most of her adult life;
~may those who suffer from these find strength in prayer, encouragement from their communities and the help that they need.
Create new hearts in us, O God,
~ and fill us with your Holy Spirit.
Prayer of Jesus
Our Father …
Closing Prayer & Blessing
Holy One and God of endless Compassion, you are the praise of all your saints and the joy of all creation. We rejoice today in the fellowship of your blessed servant Monica who prayed with tears for the conversion of her sons. We give you thanks for her life of devoted service and prayer and her legends which continue to delight and inspire us. Fill us with life and light, and give us perseverance to serve you all our days; For yours is the power and glory of love now and forever. Amen.
May the Love of Christ inspire us with compassion for all who suffer,
and may he bring us all to everlasting life. ~Amen.
Let us bless the world with peace.
~And give thanks to God.