CHRISTMAS SEASON JANUARY SECOND to JANUARY FIFTH WEDNESDAY JANUARY 2ND LAUDS. O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name.

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1 CHRISTMAS SEASON JANUARY SECOND to JANUARY FIFTH WEDNESDAY JANUARY 2ND LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 67 Christ is born for us. Come, let us adore Him. O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed your light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all lands learn your saving help. Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You. Let their countries be glad and exult for You rule our world with justice. With fairness You rule us. You guide our countries on earth. Let the peoples praise You, O God. Let all the peoples praise You. The earth has yielded its fruit,

2 for You, our God, has blessed us. May You still give us your blessing till the ends of the earth revere You. Christ is born for us. Come, let us adore Him. Glory be to You, Our Creator, to You, Our Redeemer, and to You, Our Sustainer, as it was, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. Psalm 36 You are the light of the world. Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in their hearts. There is no fear of God before their eyes. For they flatter themselves in their own eyes that their iniquity cannot be found out and hated. The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit. They have ceased to act wisely and do good. They plot mischief while on their beds. They are set on a way that is not good. They do not reject evil.

3 ,יהוה love, Your steadfast extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains. Your judgments are like the great deep..יהוה You save humans and animals alike, O How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and You give them drink from the river of your delights. For with You is the fountain of life. In your light we see light. O continue your steadfast love to those who know You, and your salvation to the upright of heart! Do not let the foot of the arrogant tread on me, or the hand of the wicked drive me away. There the evildoers lie prostrate. They are thrust down, unable to rise. You are the light of the world. Glory be to You, the Source of All Being,

4 to You, the Love Incarnate, and to You, Eternal Wisdom, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Canticle: Judith 16: 1, Let all creation bow down before You. And Judith sang: Strike up a song to my God with tambourines, and sing to God with cymbals. Improvise for Her a new song. Exalt and acclaim Her Name. I will sing a new song to my God. O God, great are You and glorious, marvelous in power and unsurpassable. Let your every creature serve You, for You spoke, and they were made. You sent forth your Spirit, and She created them. No one can resist your voice. For the mountains to their bases are tossed with the waters. The rocks, like wax, melt before your glance. But to those who fear You, You will show mercy.

5 Let all creation bow down before You. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Psalm 47 We sing praise to You, Most High. Clap your hands, all you peoples. Shout to God with songs of joy! For,יהוה the Most High, we must fearfully love, great Mother over all the earth! You subdue evil oppression, and challenge unjust countries. You chose our heritage for us, gave it to us out of love.,יהוה joy, You go up with shouts of with trumpet blast. We sing praise to You, sing praise, sing praise to You, Most High. For your realm is all the earth.

6 We sing to You our hymns of praise! Your reign is over all the lands, over all the peoples of this earth. The leaders of the peoples gather with the people of Sarah and Abraham's God. May all leaders of the earth pay heed to You who reigns over all. We sing praise to You, Most High. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING Recollection is just looking at Jesus more and more. It is our sweet occupation throughout the day. It has its consummation at our hours of prayer. The way to the possession of Jesus is in each hourly duty assigned to us. It is the thousand details and actions of daily life. We have only to bring to each of them a spirit of faith, and each moment will hold for us grace, and will hold for us God. Mother Aloysius Rogers, OCD, Fragrance from Alabaster

7 CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH He lay in the manger and still shone in heaven. He came to us, yet remained with our Eternal Mother. Blessed are You, God of our homes, our lands, for You have visited and redeemed your people, and have raised up a sign of strength for us in the midst of our lives of toil. As You spoke through the mouths of your holy prophets from of old, we are now to be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all which oppresses us. Now your mercy is given to us, as promised to our ancestors. Now your holy covenant is remembered, the oath You swore to Sarah and Abraham, to grant us deliverance from evil, so that we might serve You without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. And you, child, will be called the prophet of יהוה Most High,

8 for you will go before Our Holy One to prepare יהוה s ways, to give knowledge of salvation to all people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the loving-kindness,יהוה of the heart of who visits us like the dawn from on high. darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace. He lay in the manger and still shone in heaven. He came to us, yet remained with our Eternal Mother. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray. OUR MOTHER Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say:

9 Amma in heaven, Holy is Thy Name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER O Mother and Father in One, You sent Jesus to save us and to teach us to love one another. Heal our prejudices and open our hearts. Give us a hunger to see the beauty and goodness that You see in us, and the beauty and goodness You see in all peoples. This we ask in Jesus' Name. Amen. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 2ND CHRISTMAS SEASON LECTIO DIVINA O God Amma, come to my aid.

10 Make haste to help me. Wisdom, I rest in Your embrace. Help me to let go of words when they no longer are necessary. Have me remember that You are with me in both words and silence. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 2ND CHRISTMAS SEASON MIDDAY PRAYER O God, Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. ANGELUS The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

11 Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with Thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt amongst us. Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with Thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we might be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Help me to have faith in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember that I do not walk alone.

12 Day is here. I begin. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 2ND CHRISTMAS SEASON VESPERS I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me. Give ear to my voice when I call to You. Let my prayer be counted as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 27 I You are my dwelling place. In You I take my rest. help. You are my light and my,יהוה Whom shall I fear? You are the stronghold of my life. Before whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me

13 uttering slanders against me, it is they, my enemies and foes, who shall stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war break out against me, yet will I trust. One thing I have asked of You, for this will I seek, that I may dwell in your holy house all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of your countenance and the holiness of your temple. In your shelter You will hide me in the day of trouble. You will conceal me under the cover of your tent. You will set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be raised above my foes who surround me. And I will offer in your tent sacrifices with songs of joy. I will sing and make music to You.

14 You are my dwelling place. In You I take my rest. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 27 II It is You, O,יהוה that I seek. Hear my voice when I cry aloud. Be gracious to me and give answer! You say to me: "Seek my face. Seek the face of God. Your face, O God, I do seek. Hide not your face from me. Do not dismiss me in anger. You have been my help. Do not cast me off or forsake me, O God, my help! Though father and mother forsake me, You, O,יהוה will receive me.

15 .יהוה Teach me your Way, O Lead me on a level path. Give me not up to the will of evildoers, who bear false witness and breathe out violence. I believe I shall see your goodness in the land of the living..יהוה Hope in Be strong and take heart. Hope in,יהוה the Most High! It is You, O God, that I seek. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Colossians 1: Jesus is the image of the invisible Divine.

16 Let us give thanks to God for having made us worthy to share the inheritance of the saints in light. She had delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kindom of Her beloved Son, Jesus, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. In Jesus all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things visible and invisible. All things were created through Jesus. All were created for Jesus. Jesus is before all else that is. In Him all things hold together. Jesus is the head of the body, the church. Jesus is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything, He might be above all others. In Jesus all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him, to reconcile all things to God,

17 whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His Cross. Jesus is the image of the invisible Divine. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING Meanwhile Kristin was walking swiftly on her way, by the forest path that led over the hills. All the time she could not but think of Brother Edvin. So had he walked and walked, year in, year out, from early spring to deepest winter. Over the mountain paths,under black scaurs and white snowfields. He had rested him at the sœters, drunk of the beck, and eaten of the bread that sœter-girls and horse-herds bore out to him then he had bidden farewell and called down God s peace and benison on fold and cattle. Down through the sighing woods of the hillsides he had passed, down into the Dale; tall and stoop-shouldered, with head bent forward, he had wandered along the high-road past the well-

18 tilled farms and the dwelling-places and everywhere, wheresoever he passed, his loving intercessions for all men left, as it were, fair weather in his track. Sigrid Undset, Kristin Lavransdatter CANTICLE OF MARY יהוה Let us dance with delight in and let our hearts be filled with rejoicing, for eternal salvation has appeared on the earth, alleluia. My Soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit has rejoiced in You, my Savior, for your regard has blessed me, poor, and a serving woman. From this day all generations will call me blessed, for You who are mighty, have made me great. Most Holy be your Name. Your mercy is on those who fear You throughout all generations. You have shown strength with your arm. You have scattered the proud in their hearts' fantasy.

19 You have put down the mighty from their seat, and have lifted up the powerless. You have filled the hungry with good things, and have sent the rich away empty. You, remembering your mercy, have helped your people, as You promised Sarah and Abraham, mercy to their children, forever. יהוה Let us dance with delight in and let our hearts be filled with rejoicing, for eternal salvation has appeared on the earth, alleluia. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray. OUR MOTHER Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say: Amma in heaven,

20 Holy is Thy Name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER: O God, You have called us to follow Jesus with joy and vigor. Have mercy on our hesitations and our weaknesses, and give us the trust and strength we need to step forward in the Way. This we ask in the Name of Jesus. Amen. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 2ND CHRISTMAS SEASON COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Psalm 63: 1-9

21 I am encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. My soul feasts on You and my mouth praises You, as I think of You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night. For You have been my help. In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You. Your hand upholds me. All are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. NIGHTLY EXAMEN O Wisdom, Give me strength to look at your gift of my day with your eyes, not merely my own. Help me in my remembering each moment, especially my deeper emotions. Guide me to understanding as to where I have gone wrong, in my life and within me. Have my confession be sincere and trusting in your mercy and love. Enlighten me as to where I need to change

22 for tomorrow. ACT OF CONFESSION Most merciful Amma, I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved You with my whole heart. I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. Have mercy on me and forgive me, so that I may delight in your Will, and walk in your ways with a renewed heart. Amen. NIGHT PRAYER Keep watch, dear Amma, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, dear Amma. Give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

23 CANTICLE OF SIMEON Amma, you can now release me from my waiting forwardly, release me in peace as You promised, for my eyes have seen your saving light which You have prepared for all peoples. FINAL PRAYER Into your hands, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Jesus. MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS THURSDAY JANUARY 3RD LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 100 Christ is born for us. Come, let us adore Him. We cry out with joy to You, O,יהוה all the earth..יהוה We worship You with gladness, O We come before You, singing for joy.

24 We know that You,,יהוה are God. You made us. We belong to You. We are your people, the women and men and children held within your Hands. We pass into your gardens, giving thanks. We enter your Home with songs of praise. We give thanks to You and bless your Name.,יהוה You, Indeed, how good are eternal your merciful love. You are faithful from age to age. Christ is born for us. Come, let us adore Him. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son and to You, the Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 57 Jesus is the human face of divine mercy.

25 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of your wings I take refuge till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry to God Most High, to You, who has always been my help. May You send from heaven and save me and shame those who trample upon me. God, send your truth and your love. My soul lies down among lions, who greedily devour the peoples of the earth. Their teeth are spears and arrows, their tongues a sharpened sword. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth! They laid a snare for my steps. My soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my path but they fell in it themselves. My heart is steadfast, O God. My heart is steadfast.

26 I will sing and make melody! Awake, my soul! Awake, lyre and harp! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to You,,יהוה among the peoples. I will praise You among all the lands for your love reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! Jesus is the human face of divine mercy. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Canticle: Jeremiah 31: Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Hear the Word of,יהוה O lands. Proclaim it on distant coasts and say:

27 She who scattered our peoples, now gathers them together, and guards them as shepherds guard their flocks. will ransom her Chosen People יהוה and redeem them from the hands of their conquerors. Shouting, they shall climb to the heights of Her Home. They shall come streaming to the Holy One's blessings: the grain, the wine, and the oil, the sheep and the oxen. They themselves shall be like watered gardens. Never again shall they languish. Then the young shall make merry and dance, old men and women as well. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will console and gladden them after their sorrows. I will lavish choice portions upon them, and my people shall be filled.יהוה with my blessings, says Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Glory be to You, the Mothering God,

28 and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Psalm 48 Blessed be His Most Precious Blood. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. You are great,יהוה and worthy to be praised in your holy temple. Your holy mountain, rising in beauty, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the home of your sovereignty. Within its walls, You show yourself its stronghold. For invaders assembled together. Together they advanced. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded. In panic they took to flight. Trembling took hold of them there, like the anguish of a woman giving birth. By the east wind You have shattered the ships of fear.

29 As we have heard, so we have seen,,יהוה in the temple of in the temple of the Most High which She establishes forever. O God, we ponder your love in the midst of your temple. Your praise, like your Name reaches to the ends of the earth. With justice your hands are filled. Let the mountain be glad! Your people rejoice because of your judgments. Walk through Her Temple. Walk all round it. Number its rooms. Examine its hallways that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. You will always be our guide. Blessed be His Most Precious Blood. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all,

30 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus us. have mercy on,יהוה Christ, have mercy on us. Wisdom, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, splendor of the Eternal Mother, have mercy on us.

31 Jesus, brightness of eternal light, have mercy on us. Jesus, Sovereign of glory, have mercy on us. Jesus, sun of justice, have mercy on us. Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us. Jesus, most amiable, have mercy on us. Jesus, most admirable, have mercy on us. Jesus, the mighty God, have mercy on us. s Jesus, father of the world to come, have mercy on us. Jesus, Angel of great counsel, have mercy on us.

32 Jesus, most powerful, have mercy on us. Jesus, most patient, have mercy on us. Jesus, most obedient, have mercy on us. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us. Jesus, lover of chastity, have mercy on us. Jesus, lover of us, have mercy on us. Jesus, God of peace, have mercy on us. Jesus, author of life, have mercy on us. Jesus, example of virtues, have mercy on us.

33 Jesus, zealous lover of souls, have mercy on us. Jesus, our God, have mercy on us. Jesus, our refuge, have mercy on us. Jesus, father of the poor, have mercy on us. Jesus, treasure of the faithful, have mercy on us. Jesus, good Shepherd, have mercy on us. Jesus, true light, have mercy on us. Jesus, eternal wisdom, have mercy on us. Jesus, infinite goodness, have mercy on us.

34 Jesus, our way and our life, have mercy on us. Jesus, joy of Angels, have mercy on us. Jesus, King of Patriarchs and Matriarchs, have mercy on us. Jesus, Master of the Apostles, have mercy on us. Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, have mercy on us. Jesus, strength of Martyrs, have mercy on us. Jesus, light of Confessors, have mercy on us. Jesus, wisdom of Doctors have mercy on us. Jesus, purity of Virgins, have mercy on us.

35 Jesus, crown of all Saints, have mercy on us. Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus. Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus. From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus. From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus. From your wrath, deliver us, O Jesus. From the snares of the devil, deliver us, O Jesus. From the spirit of fornication, deliver us, O Jesus. From everlasting death, deliver us, O Jesus. From the neglect of your inspirations, deliver us, O Jesus.

36 By the mystery of your holy Incarnation, deliver us, O Jesus. By your Nativity, deliver us, O Jesus. By your Infancy, deliver us, O Jesus. By your most divine Life, deliver us, O Jesus. By your labors, deliver us, O Jesus. By your agony and Passion, deliver us, O Jesus. By your Cross and dereliction, deliver us, O Jesus. By your sufferings, deliver us, O Jesus. By your Resurrection, deliver us, O Jesus.

37 By your Ascension, deliver us, O Jesus. By your institution of the most Holy Eucharist, deliver us, O Jesus. By your joys, deliver us, O Jesus. By your glory, deliver us, O Jesus. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Jesus. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Hear us, O Jesus. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Jesus. Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us. St. Bernardine of Siena and his student St. John of Capistrano

38 CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH The Word was made flesh, and He lived among us, full of grace and truth. From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace, alleluia. Blessed are You, God of our homes, our lands, for You have visited and redeemed your people, and have raised up a sign of strength for us in the midst of our lives of toil. As You spoke through the mouths of your holy prophets from of old, we are now to be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all which oppresses us. Now your mercy is given to us, as promised to our ancestors. Now your holy covenant is remembered, the oath You swore to Sarah and Abraham, to grant us deliverance from evil, so that we might serve You without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. And you, child, will be called the prophet of יהוה Most High,

39 for you will go before Our Holy One to prepare יהוה s ways, to give knowledge of salvation to all people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the loving-kindness,יהוה of the heart of who visits us like the dawn from on high. darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace. The Word was made flesh, and He lived among us, full of grace and truth. From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace, alleluia. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray. OUR MOTHER Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say:

40 Amma in heaven, Holy is Thy Name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER Almighty,יהוה your Son s humanity, born of the Virgin, was a new creation, untainted by our sinful condition. Renew us, then, in Christ and cleanse us from all trace of sin. Amen. MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS THURSDAY JANUARY 3RD LECTIO DIVINA O God Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me.

41 Wisdom, I rest in Your embrace. Help me to let go of words when they no longer are necessary. Have me remember that You are with me in both words and silence. MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS THURSDAY JANUARY 3RD MIDDAY PRAYER O God, Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. ANGELUS The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

42 Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with Thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt amongst us. Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with Thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we might be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Help me to have faith in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember that I do not walk alone.

43 Day is here. I begin. MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS THURSDAY JANUARY 3RD VESPERS I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me. Give ear to my voice when I call to You. Let my prayer be counted as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 30 fear? is my light and my help. Whom shall I יהוה,יהוה You, I will praise for You have rescued me and have not let evil triumph over me. O,יהוה I cried to You for help and You have healed me.

44 You have raised my soul from the dead, restored me to life from among those gone down to the grave.,יהוה We sing praises to You, O we your people, and give thanks to your Holy Name. For your anger lasts but a moment, your favors for a lifetime. At night there may be weeping, but joy comes with the morning. I said to myself in my prosperity, "Nothing will ever disturb me.",יהוה By your favor, O You have made me strong as a mountain. When You hide your face, I am dismayed. cried. to You I,יהוה To You I make supplication: What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the grave? Can dust praise You, or tell of your faithfulness?

45 Hear, O,יהוה and be gracious to me! Be my help! You have turned my mourning into dancing. You have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that I may praise You with full voice, and give thanks to You,,יהוה forever. fear? is my light and my help. Whom shall I יהוה Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 32 It is your face, O God, that I seek. Hide not your face. Happy are they whose faults are forgiven, whose sins are covered.,יהוה You, Happy are they to whom ascribe no guilt, in whose spirits there is no deceit.

46 When I declared not my sin, my body wasted away with groanings all the day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me. My strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. When I acknowledged my sin to You, and did not hide my guilt,.יהוה I said: "I will confess my sins to You, O Then You did forgive me the guilt of my sin. So let all who are faithful to You offer prayers. In times of distress, the rush of the flood waters will not reach them. For You are a hiding place for me. You preserve me from trouble. You surround me with deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go. I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not keep you.

47 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in You. We rejoice in You and are glad. Let all the upright in heart rejoice and shout for joy. It is your face, O God, that I seek. Hide not your face. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Revelations 11: 17-18, 12: 10b-12a You are יהוה s temple. you. s Spirit dwells in יהוה We praise You, God Almighty, who is and who was. You have assumed your great power. You have begun your reign. The nations have raged in anger, but then came your day of wrath

48 and the moment to judge the dead, the time to reward those who fulfill your Will, the prophets, and the holy ones who revere You, the great and the small alike. Now have come the salvation and the power and the kindom of our God and the authority of Her Anointed One, for the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! You are יהוה s temple. you. s Spirit dwells in יהוה Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all,

49 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING The name of Jesus is the glory of preachers, because the shining splendor of that name causes his word to be proclaimed and heard. And how do you think such an immense, sudden and dazzling light of faith came into the world, if not because Jesus was preached? Was it not through the brilliance and sweet savor of this name that God called us into his marvelous light? When we have been enlightened, and in that same light behold the light of heaven, rightly may the apostle Paul say to us: Once you were darkness, but now you are light in God; walk as children of light. So this name must be proclaimed, that it may shine out and never be suppressed. But it must not be preached by someone with sullied mind or unclean lips, but stored up and poured out from a chosen vessel. That is why God said of Saint Paul: He is a chosen instrument of mine, the vessel of my choice, to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and queens, and the sons and daughters of Israel. In this chosen vessel there was to be a drink more pleasing than earth ever knew, offered to all humankind for a

50 price they could pay, so that they would be drawn to taste of it. Poured into other chosen vessels, it would grow and radiate splendor. For God said: He is to carry my name. A sermon by Saint Bernardine of Siena CANTICLE OF MARY,יהוה Let us rejoice and be glad in for the eternal salvation has appeared in the world, alleluia. My Soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit has rejoiced in You, my Savior, for your regard has blessed me, poor, and a serving woman. From this day all generations will call me blessed, for You who are mighty, have made me great. Most Holy be your Name. Your mercy is on those who fear You throughout all generations. You have shown strength with your arm. You have scattered the proud in their hearts' fantasy.

51 You have put down the mighty from their seat, and have lifted up the powerless. You have filled the hungry with good things, and have sent the rich away empty. You, remembering your mercy, have helped your people, as You promised Sarah and Abraham, mercy to their children, forever.,יהוה Let us rejoice and be glad in for the eternal salvation has appeared in the world, alleluia. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray. OUR MOTHER Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say: Amma in heaven,

52 Holy is Thy Name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER Jesus, the very thought of Thee With sweetness fills the breast! Yet sweeter far Thy face to see And in Thy presence rest. No voice can sing, no heart can frame, Nor can the memory find, A sweeter sound than Jesus' name, The Saviour of mankind. O hope of every contrite heart! O joy of all the meek! To those who fall, how kind Thou art! How good to those who seek! But what to those who find? Ah! this Nor tongue nor pen can show The love of Jesus, what it is,

53 None but His loved ones know. Jesus! our only hope be Thou, As Thou our prize shalt be; In Thee be all our glory now, And through eternity. Amen. Bernard of Clairveau MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS THURSDAY JANUARY 3RD COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Psalm 63: 1-9 I am encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. My soul feasts on You and my mouth praises You, as I think of You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night. For You have been my help. In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You.

54 Your hand upholds me. All are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. NIGHTLY EXAMEN O Wisdom, Give me strength to look at your gift of my day with your eyes, not merely my own. Help me in my remembering each moment, especially my deeper emotions. Guide me to understanding as to where I have gone wrong, in my life and within me. Have my confession be sincere and trusting in your mercy and love. Enlighten me as to where I need to change for tomorrow. ACT OF CONFESSION Most merciful Amma, I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved You with my whole heart. I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. Have mercy on me and forgive me, so that I may delight in your Will, and walk in your ways with a

55 renewed heart. Amen. NIGHT PRAYER Keep watch, dear Amma, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, dear Amma. Give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. CANTICLE OF SIMEON Amma, you can now release me from my waiting forwardly, release me in peace as You promised, for my eyes have seen your saving light which You have prepared for all peoples. FINAL PRAYER Into your hands, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Jesus.

56 CHRISTMAS SEASON FRIDAY JANUARY 4TH LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 95 Christ has appeared to us. Come, let us adore Him.,יהוה You, Come, let us sing with joy to calling out to Our Rock who protects us. Let us move closer to your Holy presence with gratitude, and in our psalms sing joyously to You! For You,,יהוה are great, with supreme power over all the other things we deem powerful in our lives. The depths of the earth are in your hands. The peaks of the mountains are yours. The sea is yours, for You made it. Your hands formed dry land.

57 So come, let us worship, kneel, bow before You,,יהוה our Creator. You are our God and we are the people You tend, the people held within your hands. If only we finally heed your voice: Oh do not harden your hearts, as you did in the desert wilderness where your ancestors tried and tested Me though they had seen My marvelous acts. All forty years I strove with that generation who wandered in the desert, till I said, These people have errant hearts. They will never honor My Ways. And I swore in My anger that never would they come to My place of rest. Christ has appeared to us. Come, let us adore Him. Glory be to You, the Source of All Being, to You, the Love Incarnate, and to You, O Wisdom,

58 for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Psalm 51 You will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,יהוה offered on your altar. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. In your abundant mercy blot out my sins. Wash me thoroughly from my offenses, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my offenses, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so You are justified in your sentence and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in a sinful world. For You desire truth in my innermost being. Teach me wisdom in the depths of my heart. O purify me, and I shall be clean. O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow. Fill me with joy and gladness.

59 Let the bones You have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my guilt, and blot out all my offenses. Create in me a clean heart. Put a steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not from your presence. Take not your Spirit from me. Give me again the joy of your salvation. With a willing spirit uphold me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will return to You. Deliver me from death, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing out your saving help. Open my lips and my mouth will sing your praises. For You take no delight in sacrifice. Were I to give a burnt offering, You would not be pleased. A broken spirit You accept. A contrite heart, You will not despise. In your goodness, show favor to our lands. Rebuild the walls of your temple. Then You will delight in just sacrifices, in gifts offered on your altar.

60 You will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,יהוה offered on your altar. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Canticle: Isaiah 45: 15-25,יהוה Thus says my people shall be filled with my good things. Truly You are a God who is hidden, the savior of our country! They are put to shame and disgraced. The makers of idols are put to confusion.,יהוה Our lands are saved by with everlasting salvation! You shall never be put to shame or disgraced for all eternity.,יהוה For thus says the creator of the heavens, who is God, the designer and maker of the earth,

61 who established it, not creating it as chaos, but designing it to be lived in. I am,יהוה and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, in a land of darkness. I have not said to the descendants of my people, "Look for me in chaos." I,,יהוה speak the truth, I declare what is right. Come and assemble, gather together, you survivors of the nations! They are without knowledge who bear wooden idols and pray to gods that cannot save. Come here and declare in counsel together! Who declared this from the beginning and foretold it from of old??יהוה I, Was it not There is no other besides me, a just and saving God! Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth, for I am God. There is no other!

62 By My Self I have sworn, uttering my just decree and My Word which cannot be changed. To me every knee shall bend. By me every tongue shall swear, saying,,יהוה You, "Only in are justice and righteousness. You,,יהוה shall be the vindication and the glory of all the descendants of your people.,יהוה Thus says my people shall be filled with my good things. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Psalm 100 is great and worthy to be praised יהוה in the city of our God. We cry out with joy to You, O,יהוה all the earth..יהוה We worship You with gladness, O We come before You, singing for joy.

63 We know that You,,יהוה are God. You made us. We belong to You. We are your people, the women and men and children held within your Hands. We pass into your gardens, giving thanks. We enter your Home with songs of praise. We give thanks to You and bless your Name.,יהוה You, Indeed, how good are eternal your merciful love. You are faithful from age to age. is great and worthy to be praised יהוה in the city of our God. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. READING The only thing separating us from the love of God is our own recognition of it! If one knew it, that God is

64 the highest of all which is good, it would be impossible not to love God alone above all else. In fact, to know God truly is to love God so dearly that it would be impossible to hold something else dear beside God, even if threatened with eternal punishment! Yes, if I knew God truly, I would experience in my soul and spirit such a pure joy that this joy would surge through my body and make even my body wholly without pain or suffering, immortal and glorified. Leonhard Schiemer, Early Anabaptist Spirituality CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH For love of us, O Christ our God, You emptied yourself and took on our nature, restoring our humanity, alleluia. Blessed are You, God of our homes, our lands, for You have visited and redeemed your people, and have raised up a sign of strength for us in the midst of our lives of toil. As You spoke through the mouths of your holy prophets from of old, we are now to be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all which oppresses us. Now your mercy is given to us,

65 as promised to our ancestors. Now your holy covenant is remembered, the oath You swore to Sarah and Abraham, to grant us deliverance from evil, so that we might serve You without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. And you, child, will be called the prophet of יהוה Most High, for you will go before Our Holy One to prepare יהוה s ways, to give knowledge of salvation to all people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the loving-kindness,יהוה of the heart of who visits us like the dawn from on high. darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace. For love of us, O Christ our God, You emptied yourself and took on our nature, restoring our humanity, alleluia. INTERCESSIONS

66 For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray. OUR MOTHER Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say: Amma in heaven, Holy is Thy Name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER: Holy One of peace, You called us to be your people of peace, inviting us to fullness of life and joy with all peoples. Let us never forget your mercy to us and to all throughout the ages. This we ask in the Name of Jesus who lives with You and

67 the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. CHRISTMAS SEASON FRIDAY JANUARY 4TH LECTIO DIVINA O God Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Wisdom, I rest in Your embrace. Help me to let go of words when they no longer are necessary. Have me remember that You are with me in both words and silence. CHRISTMAS SEASON FRIDAY JANUARY 4TH MIDDAY PRAYER O God, Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. ANGELUS

68 The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with Thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt amongst us. Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with Thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

69 Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we might be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Help me to have faith in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember that I do not walk alone. Day is here. I begin. CHRISTMAS SEASON FRIDAY JANUARY 4TH VESPERS I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me. Give ear to my voice when I call to You. Let my prayer be counted as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

70 Psalm 41 me. I cried to You for help and You have healed,יהוה I will thank You for ever. Blessed are they who consider the poor! trouble. You deliver them in the day of,יהוה You guard them and give them life. They are called blessed in the land. You do not give them up to temptation. You sustain them on their sickbeds. You heal them of all their infirmities. As for me, I said: O,יהוה be gracious to me. Heal me, for I have sinned against You." Some could say of me in malice: When will you die and your name perish?" They come to see me, uttering empty words, while their hearts gather mischief, and spread it abroad. They whisper about me, imagining the worst of me. They say, "A deadly thing has come upon you. You will not rise from where you lie." Even my friend in whom I trusted,

71 who ate of my bread, has turned against me. But You, O,יהוה be gracious to me. Raise me up in your great mercy. By this I shall know that You are pleased with me, that evildoers have not triumphed. You have upheld me in my integrity, and set me in your presence forever. Blessed are You,,יהוה the God of our land, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen. me. I cried to You for help and You have healed,יהוה I will thank You for ever. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Psalm 46 has given Her Son all power יהוה in never ending love, and all peoples will serve Him.

72 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea, though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble at its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the sacred home of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city. It shall not be overthrown. God shall help it at the break of day. The nations make much ado, and the realms are shaken. God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away. The Eternal Sovereign over all the hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our stronghold.,יהוה Come now and look upon the works of who does awesome things on earth. It is She who makes war to cease in all the world, who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,

73 and burns the shields with fire. Be still, then, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. us. over all the hosts is with יהוה The God of Jacob is our stronghold. has given Her Son all power יהוה in never ending love, and all peoples will serve Him. Glory be to You, the Source of all Being and to You, the Eternal Word and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Revelations 15: 3-4 All peoples will come and adore You, Jesus, God made human. Great and wonderful are your works, O Holy One, the Almighty One! Just and true are your ways, Teacher, Protector of all the ages!

74 Who shall refuse You honor or the glory due your Name? For You alone are holy. All peoples shall come and worship in your presence. Your judgments are clearly seen. All peoples will come and adore You, Jesus, God made human. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING We have not grasped the ultimate seriousness and sacredness of a single human act because we have not understood how absolutely unique every human being really is. To be unique is not a matter of peculiar differences but of outstanding fidelity. When all is said and done that is what the spiritual life is all about, fidelity: to myself and the God who calls me to become more and more gracefully myself, my very best self; not in isolation but in communion with the whole human race. My passion must go on mounting until I am so faithful that God