JE SUIS PARISIENNE - NOVEMBER 2015

For those who died  

Father of all, we pray to you for those we see no longer:
Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine upon them;
and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work
in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the wounded

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers:
Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your wounded
servants the help of your power, that their wounds may be healed, and that they may be restored to health and strength,
and their sorrows and the sorrows of those who love them
turned into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For all who mourn 

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort:
Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; give them comfort, consolation, and the peace that passes understanding to keep their minds and hearts in the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Prayers quoted or adapted from The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

PRAYERS FOR OKLAHOMA

 

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, on the devastation in Oklahoma:

The prayers of Episcopalians are with the people of Oklahoma in the midst of this tragic event.  May the spirit of God hover over the broken, lost, and grieving, and may they meet the love of God in their neighbors’ responses.

Prayer after a tornado especially for those who were directly impacted by the storm.

Merciful God,
Hear our cry for mercy in the wake of wind and water.
Reveal your presence in the midst of their suffering.
Help them to trust in your promises of hope and life
so that desperation and grief will not overtake them.
Come quickly to their aid that they may know peace and joy again.
Strengthen them in this time of trial
with assurance of hope in the death and resurrection
of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

(Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)

How to donate to groups helping the people who were affected by the storm.

UPDATE: Also, donate online to Episcopal Relief and Development, or send checks labeled "Tornado relief" to:

Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
924 N. Robinson
Oklahoma City, OK 73102. 

PRAY FOR BOSTON

Pray for those who died and their loved ones. Pray for the injured, some of them horribly. Pray there will be no more explosions.

TALKING TO FACEBOOK

Facebook asks, What's on your mind?"

What's on my mind? I've been reflecting on my Lent that was pretty much non-Lent, followed by a good Holy Week, which I've not yet got together in my head enough to write about.  For Lent, I did not give up anything, nor did I do anything positive that was any different from my daily life. Daily life seems to keep me pretty much occupied and out of trouble - most of the time.  During Holy Week, I attended services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, and it was all good.  We had a nice, quiet Easter Day, which was good, too.

And then there's the ongoing puzzle of prayers I say and hymns I sing, even as I don't really believe all that I pray and sing. What's even odder is that some of my favorite hymns include theology to which I do not subscribe.

That's what is on my mind, Facebook, as though you cared.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY

For the latest medical report on Joel and Margaret, see Margaret's blog. Turns out that Joel has RSV "--a viral infection that can cause secondary infection, and is dangerous in folks with health conditions as Joel has --with compromised immune systems and little ability to cough." Margaret's pneumonia is probably a secondary infection from RSV. 

For Joel and Margaret:

O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our help in time of need: We ask that you visit, and relieve your sick servants Joel and Margaret for whom our prayers are desired. Look upon them with the eyes of your mercy; comfort them with a sense of your goodness; preserve them from the temptations of the enemy; and give them patience in their illnesses. In your good time, restore them to health, and enable them to lead the rest of their lives in faith, and to your glory; and grant that they may dwell with you in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer (edited)

PLEASE PRAY FOR JOEL AND MARGARET

My dear friends Margaret and Joel need your prayers.  Joel is in the hospital being treated for pertussis.  Other ongoing health conditions put him at great risk in this situation.  Margaret is in a nearby hotel diagnosed with an active pneumonia-like infection dosing herself with prescribed antibiotics.  Trouble upon trouble.  Thank heavens Margaret's bishop is lovely and supportive.

See Margaret's blog.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants Joel and Margaret the help of your power, that their sicknesses may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

THE LONGEST NIGHT OR BLUE CHRISTMAS

 

Tonight, many churches will celebrate "Longest Night" or "Blue Christmas" services. From Episcopal Life.

During these shortest days and longest nights of the year, many Episcopal Church congregations are offering services meant to bring comfort to those who struggle to find the joy of the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Often called Blue Christmas or Longest Night services, many take place the evening of December 21, the night of the winter solstice, and are designed for people who are coping with loss. Those people hear the Christmas song that describes "the most wonderful time of the year with the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you 'Be of good cheer'" but instead feel they are living the lyrics of the 1957 hit "Blue Christmas" when Elvis Presley sings "I'll have a blue Christmas without you, I'll be so blue just thinking about you."

 

We hold before God:
those for whom life is very difficult;
those who have difficult decisions to make , and who honestly do not know the right thing to do.

We hold before God:
those who have difficult tasks to do and to face, and who fear they may fail in them;
those who have difficult temptations to face, and who know only too well that they may fall to them, if they try to meet them alone.

We hold before God:
those who know that they can be their own worst enemies.

We hold before God:
those who have difficult people to work with;
those who have to suffer unjust treatment, unfair criticism, unappreciated work.

We hold before God:
those who are sad because someone they loved has died;
and any who are disappointed in something for which they hoped very much.

William Barclay

From Celtic Daily Prayer. 

On the one-week anniversary of the shootings in Newtown, Connecticut. 

O God, whose beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them: Give us grace to entrust the children and all those whose lives were taken yesterday in Newtown to your never failing care and love, and bring us all to your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: Deal graciously with the families of Newtown in their grief. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer, p. 494 (The Daily Office)

AGAIN, AGAIN, AND AGAIN - COME TOGETHER AND STOP THE SHOOTINGS

The Maddow Blog

"We're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics," Obama said during a brief address from the White House, where he repeatedly wiped away tears.

"We've endured too many of these tragedies in the past few years. Each time I learn the news, I react not as a president, but as anybody else would, as a parent. And that is especially true today," said Obama, the father of two daughters.

Tom and I have close friends who live in Newtown, and we've visited there several times.  The small town is not a place anyone would have imagined such a tragedy happening.  I talked to my friend today to express my sympathy, shock, and horror for what has happened.  Such a terrible tragedy affects the entire community. 

I pray for those who died that they will rest in peace and rise in glory, and I pray for all who love them, that they will somehow find comfort, consolation, and peace.  I join in the prayers of many that the injured will recover and for strength for their families and friends.  I pray for the people in the community of Newtown and that we, as a country, will come together, as President Obama said, beyond politics to find ways to stop this sort of tragedy from happening again, and again, and again, for we can no longer call the mass shootings isolated incidents. 

PLEASE PRAY FOR MR CATOLICK

Mr CatOLick, creator of the bitingly clever videos which caricature the follies of church folk, mainly those in high places, is going through a very bad time.  He needs our prayers and our support now.  Let him know you care either at his blog or on Facebook, if you are Tom Catolick's friend.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Mr C the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

PLEASE PRAY....

From Mark at Enough About Me:

My Brother, Jeff . . .

. . is dying.

We got the news this weekend. The timeline is not certain, but the cancer is back and inoperable, his heart is not moving fluid out, the pain medication, which is necessary, cannot help but have a negative effect on the heart's action. He is realistic, but calm. He knows death is a certainty, but sees the gift of it in bringing his focus to doing rather than procrastinating.

And - of course - we all know death is a certainty, for each and every one of us. Rather gets lost in this season's preaching, doesn't it?

There has to be a death to be a resurrection.

How sad to receive the news any time, but especially now at Eastertide.

May God the Father bless Jeff, God the Son heal him, God the Holy Spirit give him strength. May God the holy and undivided Trinity guard his body, save his soul, and bring him safely to his heavenly country; where he lives and reigns for ever and ever.  Amen.

(Book of Common Prayer)

May god give courage and strength to Jeff and to all who love him and care for him.  May the peace of God which passes understanding keep their minds and hearts in Christ Jesus.

Thanks to Paul the BB for the image at the head of the post. 

BLOGGING LESS - PRAYER REQUEST

Due to increased family responsibilities, I've been posting much less lately. I ask your continued prayers for my extended family, children and grandchildren, who are in situations where much prayer is needed for strength and courage under difficult circumstances. These are not situations open to drastic change, only to change for the better in relationships within the constraints of present circumstances. I know you understand why I cannot go into detail, nor can I mention names, but God knows the names and the needs, and I trust that God will hear and respond to our prayers.

Also, I seem to be spending an inordinate amount of time on maintenance of my old body, with doctor visits, medical tests, upcoming dental appointments, all crowding in on me in a brief period of time, thus leaving me with less free time to spend online.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who sets us in families: We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them, we ask you, every root of bitterness and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection the members of the families. Turn the hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be kind and loving one to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

(The first prayer is a paraphrase from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church, and the second is a direct quote.)

Image 'borrowed' from my dear friend, Paul the BB.

PLEASE PRAY...

...for retired Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, James Brown, who is in the hospital ill with pneumonia.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant James the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Book of Common Prayer)

Update from Ann Fontaine:

And for Bishop Gene Robinson - whose mother is dying and who broke his foot.

Lord, hear our prayers.

PLEASE PRAY...

...for JCF's father:

Also, would all please pray for my dad (and myself)? He fell yesterday (natch, he didn't tell me till today >:-/). The ER xrays were inconclusive on his wrist, but it's splinted, and we'll go for further evaluation tomorrow.

He's not in too much pain (I think!), but I'm feeling the after-effects of the ~STRESS~.

Thank you.

...for David@Montreal on the loss of his cat, Georges:

the cat pic on your blog was wonderful- and purrfect timing as when i got home from family Christmas night it was to find that Georges- my old orange tabby had passed on. Georges' decline was relatively sudden, and thankfully appeared to be painless.We had been together at least 12 years and he had previously been with a Canadian soldier who gave him up when she was posted to Afghanistan.

...for Gracie, Fran's family dog, who is doing poorly, and for Fran, her husband, and her step-daughter. The family have suffered loss lately, and another loss will be hard on them.

...for members of my family who will face difficult days today and tomorrow.

...for Lee (Caminante) to find a place to live SOON and a parish that needs her.

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfil now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

PLEASE PRAY...

Ann Fontaine asks for prayers for her friend Joan's husband, Dale, who had surgery today for a tumor on his pancreas. The biopsy showed cancer, which was discovered early so they are hopeful.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Dale the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please pray for a situation in my family that involves several family members, for healing and for a satisfactory resolution to the problems.

O merciful Father, who has taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve your children: Look with compassion upon the sorrows of your servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, let your face shine upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PLEASE PRAY FOR MRS MADPRIEST'S MOTHER AND FATHER

First there was this a few days ago from MadPriest:

We've just got back from an unexpected, two day visit to Norfolk, made necessary by Mrs MP's parents having a fire in their home and her mum ending up in hospital. Things were bad but not as bad as they could have been and, although it's going to take a few months, their bungalow will be cleaned, repaired and redecorated courtesy of their insurers. Some other stuff that needed sorting out also went surprisingly well.

And then today:

Having only just got back from Norfolk I received a phone call earlier today in which I was told that police had broken into my father in law's house this morning and found him lying comatose on the floor. So he is now in the same hospital as my mother in law and we are back on the road again tomorrow, travelling all the way back to Norfolk.

Pray for Mrs MadPriest and MadPriest for safe travels.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants Alan and Pam the help of your power, that their sicknesses may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PLEASE PRAY FOR LOLA AND KATHERINE

From Ann:

Please pray for my friend Lola -- healing from her cancer and relief from the side effects from the medications that are supposed to be killing off the cancer cells.

Lola is a rock for her church--time to be a rock for her.

Amen.

Update from Doxy:

My grandmother (Katherine) has had a stroke. I’ve just spoken with my cousin, who is with her at the hospital, but I’m waiting to hear directly from the doctor to find out how bad it is.

(She went down to Georgia for Thanksgiving with her sister, my cousin, and her family. She wasn’t feeling well before she went, but she insisted on going. Sigh.)

More later….prayers would be appreciated.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants Lola and Katherine the help of your power, that their sicknesses may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYERS PLEASE...

For Lesley at Lesley's Blog, who will celebrate her mum's life at her funeral this coming Tuesday.

For whiteycat over the next couple of weeks as she attempts to find a solution to the problems with her cat, Snowy.

Thank you.

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom

Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfil now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.

UPDATE ON ANN AND JIM'S GRANDSON AND ON BIRDIE

From his mother:

He went in for his X-ray yesterday and the results came back today and were perfectly normal (he and I even got to look at the X-ray just after it was taken-- it was pretty cool). The next step is the ultrasound in 2 weeks.

Thanks for your encouragement and support. It means a lot to us.

Please continue your prayers.

If you recall, we prayed for Birdie a while back. Brian at Noble Wolfe received the following from Birdie:

I am finishing my fourth course of chemo, which will bring a new wave of cluelessness. But that's okay, because today's exam showed NO MEASURABLE TUMOR in my breast—and the last exam said the same about the node tumor. The large tumor measured six by seven centimeters at the start of chemotherapy, and the node was three centimeters. The kind of cancer I have (triple negative) is not always responsive to chemo, so we didn't know what to expect.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's working. I am so thankful and full of hope for my future. Hope is the stuff of life.

Thanks be to God, to all who prayed for Birdie, and for all who cared for Birdie during her illness.

PLEASE PRAY...

...for Jim and Ann's grandson.

Heavenly Father, watch with us over your child, and grant that he may be restored to that perfect health which it is yours alone to give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

UPDATE: Also from Ann:

An update on Aileen for whom we prayed.

P.S. The following is the final update on Aileen, written by Aileen herself after six months in a coma, and three months of relearning how to do EVERYTHING. These are messages to friends taken from her Facebook homepage which her husband updated during this ordeal for all of us who prayed for this young mother:

September 24, 2011 I am doing MUCH better, and I AM at home...yay!...How are You and John doing? We miss you guys...and love you!

September 30, 2011 I really appreciate it...I am actually doing VERY well...I am able to walk short distances w/ a walker which is VERY exciting!!...Thanks for your words of encouragement...

Thanks be to God, to all who prayed, to all who cared for Aileen.

This is good news, indeed! If you recall, Aileen is married to Mike and has two little boys

PLEASE PRAY...

From Ann Fontaine:

Asking for prayers for Ann A. -- a long time friend-- who has to go back for more chemo as her cancer is growing again.

Also for Vashti Thompson -- a little girl who has been very sick.

Vashti and I take this time to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers, support, care, and concern -- expressed or not – during this time of our daughter, Vashèd’s medical uncertainty. On Monday, Sept. 26, Vashed presented flu symptoms with a fever that would not break plus cough and a sore throat. Her Pediatrician ordered some lab work, which showed severe anemia, an enlarged spleen, and fused but well-functioning kidneys (apparently congenital). As all this was inexplicable, she recommended further evaluation, which we sought at the HIMA Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico where we have been all of this past week.

In the last few days Vashèd has been pricked, poked and seen through in ways no 7-yr old (her birthday is actually October 25) should have to endure – constant drawing of blood, a sonogram, a chest X-Ray, a CT scan, a hemoglobin electrophoresis, and a bone marrow respiratory biopsy – but all of it necessary. The initial analyses of these tests are showing no malignancy and nothing extraordinary, and we continue to pray that it remains that way. Her hemoglobin count is up; and red and white blood cells as well as blood platelets are stable. Vashèd is in high spirits and is ready to return to school. We hope to be back home for church this week-end. There is follow-up with the Hematologist in the next couple weeks.

Vashti and I continue to ask for your prayers.

Also for JimB's wife:

And please add Sue-z whose broken foot is incredibly painful and debilitating. My love can barely walk the few feet from our bed to the dinner table without crying. She WILL heal, and it will get better, but watching her now hurts.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants Ann A. and Sue-Z the help of your power, that their sicknesses may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heavenly Father, watch with us over your child Vashèd, and grant that she may be restored to that perfect health which it is yours alone to give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.