January 12, 2004
monday, monday...
I woke up a little sore and sluggish this morning. No good reason, just slept funny I guess. But it is taking its toll on my mood. I am so easy that way.
So, to remedy my funk, I turn to Fosdick and J. Philip Newell. Fosdick, I have been told, is my grandfather's favorite preacher. My grandfather (My step-mom's dad) was a pulpit preacher until he was 80. He lives in a nursing home in Richmond now. Rev. Dr. Paul B. Watlington, Jr. is a good man. I have learned some about what to do, and not to do, as a pastor and preacher from him and his kids.
Newell is one of my favorites. He is tied in with the folk at Iona and has authored several worship books for them. Some of his stuff is a little Celtic-cheesy, but most is really good. If you wish to read through today's office, feel free to continue with this post.
Ps 139: 1-2
O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
Opening Prayer and Thanksgiving
Thanks be to you O God
that I have risen this day
To the rising of life itself.
May it be a day of blessing,
O God of every gift,
A day of new begining given.
Help me to avoid every sin
And the source of every sin to forsake
And as the mist scatters
from the crest of the hills
May each ill haze clear
from my soul O God.
Scripture Reading
This is and the meditation are from Fosdick
Luke 6: 27-28, 32-38�But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.�If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
�Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.�
"Think of these words first, not as difficult commandments laid on us, but as revelations of the Master's own spirit. What a wealth of generosity! What a lavishness of goodwill! Read the passage over, using it as a window to look into Jesus' own heart. Remember that He both really felt and actually lived what these words expressed. Compare your own life now with the boundless magnanimity of the Master, and consider what it means that you cannot help being instinctively ashamed of yourself in the presense of such a spirit." (p. 17 The Manhood of the Master)
Intercessions
O Christ of the Poor and the yearning
Kindle in my heart within
A flame of love for my neighbour,
For my foe, for my friend,
for my kindred all.
From the humblest thing that lives
To the name that is highest of all
Kindle in my heart within
A flame of love.
Pray for the coming day and for justice and peace.
Closing Prayer
This day and this night
may I know O God
The deep peace
of the running wave
The deep peace
of the flowing air
The deep peace
of the quiet earth
The deep peace
of the shining stars
The deep peace
of the Son of Peace.