This morning Jean led morning prayer.
I have grown to acknowledge this group of words as being words of value and sustenance.
Today’s liturgy included this canticle:
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The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
because he has anointed me.
because he has anointed me.
He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the broken-hearted,
to bind up the broken-hearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,
to comfort all who mourn,
to comfort all who mourn,
To give them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit,
That they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
For as the earth puts forth her blossom,
and as seeds in the garden spring up,
and as seeds in the garden spring up,
So shall the Lord God make righteousness and praise
blossom before all the nations.
blossom before all the nations.
You shall be called priests of the Lord;
they shall speak of you as ministers of our God.
they shall speak of you as ministers of our God.
It’s a sobre reminder that in confusing and saddening times, that we are called to bring good news, to comfort the mourning ….. in short, to be helpful in thoughts, words and actions.
Following this Jean invited us to light candles which symbolised those who had been killed in Norway as we prayed for the bereaved, the survivors, the nation and those charged with bringing justice in this horrendous case.
We continue to hold the people of Norway in our thoughts and prayers
The Shiny Headed Prophet 