Jazz Vespers Service Inspires

                                                                           (Photo is property of Susan Wicker)

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.

                                                                                               (Photo is property of Susan Wicker) 

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":

"Lord it is night. The night is for stillness. 
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."

                                                                                               (Photo is property of Susan Wicker)

HOW CAN AN INDIVIDUAL SPREAD PEACE IN THE WORLD?