Twenty-fourth Week of Ordinary Time, Saturday, November 18, 2023
Today, we invite you to reread, rest and reflect on the prayers of the past week.
Lectionary Readings for Today:
Psalm 90:1-8, 12
Ezekiel 7:10-27
Matthew 12:43-45
We enter your sacred prayer space with the desire to be imitators of you. We may be persecuted by those who do not understand. But, in your presence we are surrounded by a wonderful community of believers. We feel encouraged to receive your word and teachings with joy.
Lift us, LORD, out of the mire of self-righteousness. Fill us with your perfect love, so we will live honourably upon this earth. Walk with us as we journey on your Ancient Path, so we will enter your gates with thanksgiving and rejoicing.
You watch over us in your vineyard. You water and nourish us, guarding us from harm. Breathe your life into us, so we will sing about your fruitful vineyard and tell others of your loving ways.
How wondrous are your ways! In your wisdom, you place your shepherd-skills into your family–Creator, Christ, and Spirit. You are our Good Shepherd. Likewise, you place shepherds among us, who have learned from you how to care for your sheep.
We enter your sacred prayer space, hungry and in need of your nourishing food. You do not require us to come to you already fed and prepared. You welcome us, inviting us to take a seat at your table, in your presence, surrounded by your community.
You call us by the name you gave us. We are your Beloved, you are with us. You fill us with grace and mercy, may we never forget we are a gift of you. There is no god or person like you, loving God. We take our eyes off our circumstances, we worship you and praise you because you help us.