Let us pray (in silence) [that we may love God in our hearts and in our actions]
Pause
Lord, [or God of compassion]
direct our hearts
by the action of your mercy,
for without your help
we cannot please you;
through Jesus Christ
who is alive with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The above ancient prayer is used by Roman Catholics and Episcopalians/Anglicans and others. It has a long, shared history which you can find here with commentary and reflection: Ordinary 24. The above is my rendering in my Book of Prayers in Common.
Many, at this time, celebrate Creation Season.
A creation reading of the lectionary for the Sunday between 11 and 17 September:
The Exodus reading once again, like last week, is oozing with images drawn from creation: cloud, darkness, sea, wind, and fire. It highlights the force of nature and reminds us of recent devastation which may be due to human abuse of nature. Psalm 114 has wonderful poetic images about mountains, sea, earth, and rocks. Paul reminds us of the appropriateness of different attitudes to creation. And the Gospel challenges us to “pay it forward” – we are responsible for what future generations inherit.
Please add, in the comments below, any further creation insights from the lectionary readings, as well as other creation resources that will be useful this month.
My Introduction to the lectionary readings (the usual introduction format)
Resources off this site:
Textweek
Resourcing Preaching Down Under
Girardian reflections on the Lectionary
