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Recently, the end of a series of jazz vesper services at Zion Lutheran Church in western Massachusetts drew a large group of attendees.
The music lifted the soul as well as prayers and messages that were part of the evening.
I would like to share two of the prayers that touched my heart and, it is my sincere hope that they will touch your heart, too.
For sure, I saw a tear or two from people in the audience. The service was that beautiful.
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Below was the benediction from Pastor Tim.
Its message is so powerful and could make such a difference in the world if every human being on earth would just follow these suggestions.
"Go out into the world in peace. Have courage.
Hold on to what is good. Return no one evil for evil.
Strengthen the faint-hearted, Support the weak, Help the suffering. Honor everyone.
Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
And now may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy spirit, be with you now, and remain with you always. Amen."
Here is the "Night Prayer":
Let us be still in the presence of God. It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done. Let it be.
The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you.
The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace.
The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities.
In your name we pray. Amen."
HOW CAN AN INDIVIDUAL SPREAD PEACE IN THE WORLD?
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8 comments:
Hi Susan! I can see why these prayers were so powerful...I really liked them. Especially the line "The night is for stillness." How I wish I could be more still and trusting!
How can I spread peace? I remember this saying, "If you want peace, work for justice." If we are all treating each other with equality and with love, we will have peace.
Wishing peace for you this weekend,
Ceil
Hi Susan, Blessings to you this Sunday. These are beautiful prayers and I thank you for sharing.
Having just moved, I truly believe we can make a difference in the world, simply by loving and respecting our neighbors.
Hello from Spain: beautiful pictures. Interesting sentences. Very inspiring. Peace is very necessary to live. Keep in touch
How can we keep peace in the world? Just follow the "Golden Rule" ! Love your neighbor as you would love yourself. I love these pictures in today's post! We have jazz vespers at the Episcopal church near by which I have been too and loved.
Susan, Your post made my day...so much so that I had to share it with my son. Lovely photos, thoughts, and prayers. It's a great example of how one individual can spread peace in this world. In general I believe that teaching by example helps spread peace. Vickie
You just did, my friend......you just did.
love,
~Sheri
Music can indeed move the spirit.
Have a lovely 4th of July!
My favorite was the first one - I am always trying to figure out how in the world to keep peace.
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