You bring a lamp to my feet,יהוה and a light for my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your desires for me, your commandments.

Transcription

1 PASSION WEEK BEFORE THE RESURRECTION SATURDAY BEFORE PALM SUNDAY VESPERS I 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 119: I sat teaching in the temple day after day and you never laid hands on me. Now you have scourged me and lead me to be crucified. You bring a lamp to my feet,יהוה and a light for my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your desires for me, your commandments. I am sorely afflicted.

2 Give me life, O,יהוה according to your Word!,יהוה Accept my offerings of praise, O and teach me your law. Though I hold my life in my hands, I do not forget your law. Though the wicked try to ensnare me, I do not stray from your precepts. Your Will is my heritage forever, the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to carry out your Will forever, to endless ages. I sat teaching in the temple day after day and you never laid hands on me. Now you have scourged me and lead me to be crucified Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 16 me. helps me. No insult wounds יהוה Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.

3 I say to You: ''You are my Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer. I have no good apart from You." All my delight is in your saints, the faithful who dwell in your land. Those who choose things of this world as gods increase their sorrows. I will not pour out words of longing for those nor take their names upon my lips as praise. You,,יהוה are my portion and my cup. You are my fortune, my prize. My life s boundaries have been placed for me in pleasant places. I have been given a welcome heritage. I will bless You who give me counsel. In the night my heart instructs me. I keep You always before me. Because You are near, I shall stand firm. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices. Even my body rests securely, for You do not give me up to death, nor let your faithful see the grave.

4 You will show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy, in your hands, happiness forever. me. helps me. No insult wounds יהוה 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. Canticle: Philippians 2:6-11 Jesus the Christ humbled himself and, in obedience, accepted death, even death on a cross. Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not count equality with God, something to be grasped at. But emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. Being found in human estate, He humbled himself and became obedient, obediently accepting death, even death on a cross!

5 Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name above every other name. So that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God: Jesus Christ is Lord! Jesus the Christ humbled himself and, in obedience, accepted death, even death on a cross. Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING In its highest and most general sense, the doctrine of the Cross is that to which all adhere who believe that the vast movement and agitation of human life opens on to a road which leads somewhere, and that road climbs upward. The final stages of the ascent to

6 which it calls us, to compel us to cross a threshold, a critical point, where we lost touch with the zone of the realities of the senses. Towards the peaks, shrouded in mist from our human eyes, whither the Cross beckons us, we rise by a path which is the way of universal progress. The royal road of the Cross is no more nor less than the road of human endeavor supernaturally righted and prolonged. Teilhard de Chardin, The Divine Milieu CANTICLE OF MARY O Just and Compassionate One, the world has not known You, but I have known You because You have sent me. 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.

7 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. 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. O Just and Compassionate One, the world has not known You, but I have known You because You have sent me. 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.

8 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 Jesus, our Savior, You offered us joy and fullness of life. Yet we feared your love and destroyed your life among us. Have mercy on us. Overcome our weakness with your Holy Spirit that we may rise again to follow You. This we ask in your Name. Amen.

9 SATURDAY BEFORE PASSION SUNDAY 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. 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.

10 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 renewed heart. Amen. NIGHT PRAYER Keep watch, dear Abba, 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,

11 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. PALM SUNDAY LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 100

12 Come, let us worship Jesus Christ, God most powerful and everloving, who for our sake endured temptation and suffering. 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. 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. Come, let us worship Jesus Christ, God most powerful and everloving, who for our sake endured temptation and suffering. Glory to You, Source of all Being,

13 and to You, Eternal Word and to You, Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, forever and ever. Amen. Psalm 118 Blessed is the One!יהוה who comes in the Name of Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! good, we give thanks to You, for You are,יהוה and your steadfast love endures forever. Let our descendants say, ''Your steadfast love endures forever." Let the descendants of all women and men say, ''Your steadfast love endures forever." Let those who fear You,,יהוה say, ''Your steadfast love endures forever..יהוה You, In my distress, I called to You answered me and set me free. With You at my side, I do not fear. What can anyone do against me? You,,יהוה are at my side to help me. I shall withstand all evildoers.

14 ,יהוה It is better to take refuge in You, O than to trust in people.,יהוה It is better to take refuge in You, O than to trust in our leaders. All wickedness surrounded me. In Your Name,,יהוה I crushed it. It surrounded me like bees. It blazed like a fire among thorns. In Your Name,,יהוה I crushed it. I was pushed hard, and was falling, but You came to help me. You are my strength and my song. You are my salvation. triumphed. You have,יהוה Your judgement and your wisdom is exalted. You have triumphed over all. I shall not die. I shall live and recount your wondrous deeds. You,,יהוה have chastened me sorely, but have not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of justice, that I may enter and give thanks.

15 .יהוה gate, This is your The just shall enter through it. I thank You for You have answered me. You alone are my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..יהוה doing, This is your It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which You,,יהוה have made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it..יהוה Save us, we beseech You, O O,יהוה grant us success..יהוה Blessed is the one who comes in The Name of Blessed are those who enter in Your Holy Name, for You, O,יהוה are our God, and You have given us light. Let us go forward in procession with branches, up to your holy altar. You are my God, I thank You. You are my God, I praise You. We give thanks to You,,יהוה for You are good, and your steadfast love endures forever.

16 Blessed is the One!יהוה who comes in the Name of Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Daniel 3:52-57 May we be counted among the faithful, with the angels and with the children. Triumphant over death, we sing with them, Hosanna in the highest! Blessed are You, God of our ancestors, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. Blessed be your Holy and Glorious Name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages. Blessed are You in the temple of your glory, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. Blessed are You on the throne of your kindom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. Blessed are You who look into the depths

17 from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. Blessed are You in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever. Blessed are You by all your works. We praise and exalt You above all forever. Blessed are You by all your works. We praise and exalt You above all forever. May we be counted among the faithful, with the angels and with the children. Triumphant over death, we sing with them, Hosanna in the highest! 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. Psalm 150.יהוה Blessed is He who comes in the Name of!יהוה Praise We praise You,,יהוה in your sanctuary. We praise You in your mighty heavens. We praise You for your powerful deeds.

18 We praise You according to your greatness. We praise You with trumpet sound. We praise You with lute and harp! We praise You with strings and pipe! We praise You with sounding cymbals, We praise You with clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes,.יהוה You, give praise to!יהוה Praise.יהוה Blessed is He who comes in the Name of 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 When fishes flew and forests walked And figs grew upon thorn, Some moment when the moon was blood Then surely I was born. With monstrous head and sickening cry And ears like errant wings,

19 The devil s walking parody On all four-footed things. The tattered outlaw of the earth, Of ancient crooked will; Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb, I keep my secret still. Fools! For I also had my hour; One far fierce hour and sweet: There was a shout about my ears, And palms before my feet. G. K. Chesterton The Donkey CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH The multitude, gathered for the feast, cried out: "Blessed be the one who comes in the Name of our God! Hosanna in the highest!" 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.

20 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 God 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. The multitude, gathered for the feast, cried out: "Blessed be the one who comes in the Name of our God! Hosanna in the highest!"

21 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, 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 Mother God, birthing always in our world of time, as we prepare to worship You today and this week

22 by our thoughts and actions, help us to call to mind these events in Jesus life at His entrance into Jerusalem where His Passion awaits the hour, so that we can see these historical events significance for each moment of our present lives. We ask this in Jesus Name, Amen. PALM SUNDAY 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. PALM SUNDAY MIDDAY PRAYER O God Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me.

23 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 are 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 your Word. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are 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 are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,

24 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. Day is here. I begin. PALM SUNDAY VESPERS II 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.

25 Psalm 110: 1-5, 7 Let the greatest among you become as the least, and the leader as one who serves. One: s revelation to the Anointed יהוה "Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies a stool for your feet. will send forth from Her Home יהוה your chalice of power. Hold it high over your enemies. Your people will give themselves freely on the day you lead your host upon the holy mountains. From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you. heart, has sworn, and She will not change יהוה ''You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek. The Anointed, standing at your side, on the day of wrath, will shatter those who believe they rule. He exacts judgement from the nations,

26 fills the valleys with corpses of evil, smashes their heads across the great earth. He will drink from the stream by the path. Therefore he will lift up his head. Let the greatest among you become as the least, and the leader as one who serves. 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 115 Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. Not to us,,יהוה not to us, but to Your Name give glory for the sake of your love and your truth! Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?

27 Our God is in the heavens. She does whatever She pleases. Others idols, desired treasures of this world, are silver and gold, only the work of human hands. They are worshiped for their mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They are worshiped for their ears, but cannot hear, worshiped for their noses, but cannot smell. They are worshiped for having hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk. No sound comes from their throats. Those who place them before all people to be worshiped and desired, are empty, like the idols, the desired treasures of this world. So are all who trust in them.,יהוה O you chosen people of trust in Her who is your help and your shield. Descendants of the first priests, trust in,יהוה who is your help and your shield.,יהוה trust in,יהוה You who fear

28 who is your help and your shield. us. been mindful of us and will bless יהוה She will bless the chosen people of God. She will bless the priests of the chosen people. She will bless those who fear Her Name, both great and small. May יהוה give you increase, you and all your children. May you be blessed by the Most High, who made heaven and earth! The heavens are יהוה s heavens, but the earth She has given to us.,יהוה The dead do not praise nor those who go down into silence.,יהוה But we who live, bless both now and forever. Amen.!יהוה Praise Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness.

29 Glory be to You, Eternal Mother, and to You, Her beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Revelations 19: 1, 5-7 At the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is God all powerful and ever loving, to the glory of God. Salvation, glory, and power belong to You. Your judgments are honest and true. All of us, ready to do Your Will, sing praise to You. We worship You reverently, both great and small. You, our Almighty God, are Creator of heaven and earth. Let us rejoice and exult, and give You glory. The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun, and the bride has made herself ready. At the Name of Jesus every knee should bow,

30 in heaven, on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is God all powerful and ever loving, to the glory of God. Glory be to You, Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING Let us say to Christ: blessed is He who comes in the name of God, the king of Israel. Let us hold before him like palm branches those final words inscribed above the cross. Let us show him honor, not with olive branches but with the splendor of merciful deeds to one another. Let us spread the thoughts and desires of our hearts under his feet like garments, so that entering us with the whole of his being, he may draw the whole of our being into himself and place the whole of his in us. Let us say to Zion in the words of the prophet: have courage, daughter of Zion, do not be afraid. Behold, your king comes to you, humble and mounted on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden. St. Andrew of Crete

31 CANTICLE OF MARY It is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed. But after I have risen, I will go before you into Galilee. There you will see me. 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. 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.

32 You, remembering your mercy, have helped your people, as You promised Sarah and Abraham, mercy to their children, forever. It is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed. But after I have risen, I will go before you into Galilee. There you will see me. 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, Holy is Thy Name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven.

33 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, our Savior, You came with a message of love from a merciful and compassionate Father Mother God. In reply, we betrayed You, condemned You unjustly and nailed You to the Cross. Have mercy on us. Let your Holy Spirit overcome our fears that we are unable to rise above our betrayal of You. This we ask in your Name, Eternal Word, one with the Source of all Being and with the Holy Spirit for all ages. Amen. PALM SUNDAY COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Psalm 63: 1-9

34 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

35 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 Abba, 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.

36 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. MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 95 Come, let us worship Jesus Christ, God most powerful and ever loving, who for our sake endured temptation and suffering.,יהוה You, Come, let us sing with joy to calling out to Our Rock who protects us.

37 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. 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.

38 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. Come, let us worship Jesus Christ, God most powerful and ever loving, who for our sake endured temptation and suffering. Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 42 Jesus said, My soul is sorrowful to the point of death. Wait here and keep awake with me. Like the deer that yearns for flowing streams, so my soul is longing for You, my God. My soul is thirsting for my God, the living God. When shall I come and see the face of God?

39 My tears have become my food by night and day, while I hear it said all day, "Where is your God? These things will I remember as I pour out my soul: how I led the throng to the house of God with shouts of gladness and songs of thanksgiving, the multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down my soul, why disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I will again praise Her, my help and my God. My soul is cast down within me, therefore I think of You from the far lands, from all lands. Deep calls to deep, in the thunder of your waters. All your waves and your billows have swept over me. By day You,,יהוה will send me your steadfast love, and at night your song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I will say to You, my God, my Rock,

40 "Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of oppression?" As with a deadly wound, my adversaries taunt me, saying to me all the day long: "Where is your God? Why are you cast down, my soul, why disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Her, my help and my God. Jesus said, My soul is sorrowful to the point of death. Wait here and keep awake with me. Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son and to You, Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Sirach 36: 1-5, Now sentence is being passed on this world. Now the prince of this world is to be overthrown. Come to our aid, O God of the universe, and put all the nations in dread of You! Raise your hand toward the unbelievers, that they may realize your power. As You have used us

41 to show them your holiness, so now use them to show us your glory. Thus they will know, as we know, that there is no god but You. Give new signs and work new wonders. Show forth the splendor of the works of your hands. Gather all the scattered tribes, that they may come to their land. Show mercy to the people called by your Name: Israel, whom You named your first-born, and all the peoples from everywhere. Take pity on all of us in each of our lands, your dwelling place among all lands. Fill our lands with your majesty, your temple with your glory. Now sentence is being passed on this world. Now the prince of this world is to be overthrown. 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.

42 Psalm 19: 1-6 Jesus leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection. He endured the cross, disregarding the shamefulness of it, and has taken his seat at God s right hand. The courts of heaven ring with praise of God. The heavens tell of Her glory. and the firmament proclaims Her handiwork. Day unto day pours forth the story and night unto night reveals its knowledge. No speech, no word, no voice is heard, yet their voice goes out to all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them She set a tent for the sun. It comes forth like a bridegroom. It comes forth like a bride leaving her chamber, rejoices like a champion running its course. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its course to the end of them. There is nothing concealed from its heat. The teaching of יהוה is perfect and revives the soul. The decrees of יהוה are sure

43 and give wisdom to the innocent. The statutes of יהוה are just and rejoice the heart. The instructions of יהוה are clear and give light to the eyes. The fear of יהוה is pure and endures for ever. The judgments of יהוה are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. By all these things, those seeking your Will are enlightened, and in keeping them, there is great reward. Who can tell how often one offends? Cleanse me from my secret faults. Above all, keep those who seek your Will from presumptuous sins. Let them not get dominion over me. Then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense. Let the words of my mouth

44 and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O,יהוה my rock and my redeemer. Jesus leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection. He endured the cross, disregarding the shamefulness of it, and has taken his seat at God s right hand. Glory be You, our Mother and Father in One, and to You, the Beloved Son and to You, Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING One understands so well now our dear Lord's prayer in Gethsemane, his fear, and his courage. But whatever happens in the future, it seems to me that in this which we are now experiencing, he is saying, "Fear not, it is I." I can't explain, but several times today, when I felt I could really cave in, suddenly, right in the midst of myself, his voice seemed to say that, "Fear not, it is I," and I felt vaguely that somehow or other our becoming Christ--the consummation of our love for him--has to take this form of knowing something of his Passion, so that even the feeling of fear, and the awful moments

45 when one just wants to cry and cry like a child, need not shame us, because they are all part of Christ's own experience in us. The Letters of Caryll Houselander CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH O,יהוה glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with You before the world was made. 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.

46 And you, child, will be called the prophet of God 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. O,יהוה glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with You before the world was made. 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

47 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 Jesus, as the time of your passion and death approached, You found comfort in the company of your friends. In the truest sign of friendship, You gave your life for them and for us. Let our relationship with one another be a sign of your presence. Amen. MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK LECTIO DIVINA

48 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. MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK 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 are 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.

49 Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your Word. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are 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 are 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.

50 Day is here. I begin. MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK 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 139: 1-18, He had no beauty, no majesty to draw our eyes, no grace to make us delight in him. O,יהוה You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I stand. You discern my thoughts from afar. You mark when I walk or lie down. With all my ways You are acquainted.

51 Before a word is on my tongue, behold, O,יהוה You know the whole of it. Behind and before You besiege me. You lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too high, beyond my reach. O where can I go from your spirit, or where can I flee from your presence? If I climb to heaven, You are there. If I lie in the grave, You are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the depths of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, your hand shall hold me fast. If I say, "Let darkness cover me, and the light around me be night," even darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to You. He had no beauty, no majesty to draw our eyes, no grace to make us delight in him. Glory to You, Source of all Being, and to You, Eternal Word

52 and to You, Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, forever and ever. Amen. Psalm 139 II I will grant Him very many people as His own, for surrendering Himself to death. For it was You who formed my inmost parts, knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You for the wonder of my being, for the wonder of all your works. Already You knew me well. My body was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret and molded in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book they all were written, the days that You had formed for me How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast the sum of them! If I count them, they are more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with You. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Test me and know my thoughts!

53 See that I follow not the wrong way, and lead me in the way of life eternal. I will grant Him very many people as His own, for surrendering Himself to death. Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Ephesians 1: 3-10 God has given freely of Her goodness to us in Her beloved Son, in whom we gain our freedom through the shedding of His blood. Praised be You, the Father. Praised be You, the Mother of Jesus, our Christ. You have blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. You have chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless in your sight.

54 We have been predestined to be your children through Jesus Christ. Such was the purpose of Your Will, that all might praise the glorious favor bestowed on us in Christ. In Christ and through His blood, we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of divine grace lavished upon us. For You have made known to us in all wisdom and insight, the mystery of the plan set forth in Christ, a plan to be carried out in Christ, in the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth. God has given freely of Her goodness to us in Her beloved Son, in whom we gain our freedom through the shedding of His blood. 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,

55 is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING A true and faithful friend of God will have a heart strengthened to be able to carry the cross of Christ. All that such a person suffers is Christ's suffering and not our own. For we are one body in Christ in many members, united and bound together by the bond of love. Christ accepts such a person as part of his own body. He witnessed to this when he said, Whatever you do to the least of these my own, you do to me." The affliction of Christ must be fulfilled in every member until the suffering Christ is brought to completion. Just as Christ is the lamb who was slain since the beginning of the world, so he will also be crucified until the end of the world. In this way the body is perfected in length, width, depth, and height in the love of Christ. This passes all understanding, for in this Christ will be filled with all the fullness of God. Hans Hut, Early Anabaptist Spirituality CANTICLE OF MARY As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life.

56 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. 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.

57 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life. 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, 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.

58 PRAYER Jesus, as the time of your passion and death approached, You continued to embrace your humanity, readying to die for us. Help us to live your acceptance and love more deeply with our own humanity. Let our relationship with one another be a sign of your love. Amen. MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK 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.

59 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

60 renewed heart. Amen. NIGHT PRAYER Keep watch, dear Abba, 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.

61 TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 67 Come, let us worship Jesus Christ, God most powerful and everloving, who for our sake endured temptation and suffering. 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.

62 Let all the peoples praise You. The earth has yielded its fruit, for You, our God, has blessed us. May You still give us your blessing till the ends of the earth revere You. Come, let us worship Jesus Christ, God most powerful and everloving, who for our sake endured temptation and suffering. 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 43 case. plead my,יהוה From deceitful and cunning men and women rescue me. Defend me, O God, and plead my cause against a people that chooses to be blind to divinity. From the deceitful and the unjust, rescue me! For You are the God in whom I take refuge. Why have You cast me oft? Why do I go mourning because of oppression?

63 O send out your light and your truth. Let these be my guide. Let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling place. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy, and I will praise You with my singing, O God, my God. Why are you cast down, my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God. I shall again praise Her, my help and my God. case. plead my,יהוה From deceitful and cunning men and women rescue me. 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: Isaiah 38: 10-14, 17b-20

64 soul. you have defended the cause of my,יהוה You have redeemed my life, יהוה my God. Once I said, "In the noontime of life, I must depart! I am consigned to the gates of death for the rest of my years." יהוה I said, "I shall not see in the land of the living. No longer shall I see my companions among the dwellers of this world. My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me like a dwelling in the plains swept away by a tornado. Like a weaver I have rolled up my life, being cut off from the loom. Day and night You give me over to torment. I cry for help until daybreak. Like a lion You break all my bones. Day and night You give me over to torment. Like a swallow or crane, I clamor. I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weary gazing upward. I am oppressed.

65 Be my security! Restore me to health, make me live! It was for my welfare that I had great bitterness. You have held back my life from the pit of destruction. You have cast all my sins behind your back. For the nether world cannot thank You. Death cannot praise You. Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. The living, the living give You thanks, as I do this day. Parents make known to their children your faithfulness. You, O,יהוה will save us. We will sing to stringed instruments all the days of our lives in your holy dwelling. soul. you have defended the cause of my,יהוה You have redeemed my life, יהוה my God. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ,

66 and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Psalm 65 My servant, the Just One, will justify many. He will take their faults on himself. Praise is due to You, O God in our land, and to You shall vows be made, to You who hear our prayer. To You shall all flesh come, because of its sins. When our offenses bear us down, You forgive them all. Blessed are we whom You choose and draw near, to dwell in your gardens! We are filled with the goodness of your house, your holy temple! With wonders You deliver us, O God of our salvation. You are the hope of all the earth and of far distant seas. By your strength, You established the mountains, girded with might. You still the roaring of the seas,

67 the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples. Those who dwell at earth's farthest bounds stand in awe at your wonders. You make the sunrise and sunset shout for joy. You care for the earth, give it water. You fill it with riches. Your river of God is full of water. You provide the people with grain, for so You have prepared it. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. You crown the year with your bounty. Abundance flows in your path. The pastures of the wilderness flow. The hills gird themselves with joy. The meadows clothe themselves with flocks. The valleys deck themselves with grain. They shout and sing together for joy. My servant, the Just One, will justify many. He will take their faults on himself. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son,

68 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 The Christ who went to the poor like steel to a magnet was poor himself. He was poor in his origins and in his birth, but even more so when he left behind the uncertain but more or less stable life of a village tradesman and took to wandering about the country without job, home, or income. Yet finally even that was not enough, for cultural and economic poverty only symbolize the deeper poverty of human beings. The deepest poverty is the lack of God, and only a poor God could be vulnerable enough to share that, a God who had 'emptied himself and become 'obedient even to death', as the poor have to be, who die young at the will of others. The poor Christ is not just the wandering preacher who had nowhere to sleep unless somebody took him in, he is above all the one who died. Rosemary Haughton, The Passionate God CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Before the festival day of the Passover,