FIRST WEEK IN LENT SATURDAY VESPERS I

Transcription

1 FIRST WEEK IN LENT SATURDAY 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 141: 1-9 Accept us,,יהוה since we come with contrite heart and humbled spirit. Let our sacrifice be pleasing to You today. I call upon You, O.יהוה Make haste to help me. Give ear to my voice, when I call to You. Let my prayer rise as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!.יהוה Set a guard over my mouth, O Keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not incline my heart to evil, that I not busy myself with wicked deeds in company with those who work iniquity.

2 Let me not partake of their dainties! Let a good person strike or rebuke me in kindness, but let the oil of wickedness never anoint my head, for my prayer is constantly against wicked deeds. When those who do evil are given over to those who condemn them, then they shall learn that your Word is true. As a rock which one holds and shatters on the ground, so shall their bones be strewn at the mouth of the grave.,יהוה But my eyes are turned toward You, O my God all powerful and everloving. In You I seek refuge. Leave me not defenseless! Keep me from the trap which evil lays before me, and from the snares of evildoers. Accept us,,יהוה since we come with contrite heart and humbled spirit. Let our sacrifice be pleasing to You today. Glory to You, Source of all Being. Glory to You, Eternal Word. Glory to You, Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, forever and ever. Amen.

3 Psalm 142 If you call, יהוה will hear you; if you cry to her, She will say, Here I am..יהוה I cry out with my voice to You, O With my voice I make supplication to You. I pour out my complaints before You. Before You I place all my troubles. When my spirit is faint, You know my way! In the path where I walk, hidden traps surround me. I look to the right and watch, but no one takes notice of me. No human refuge remains for me. No one cares for my soul..יהוה I cry out to You, O I say, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Give heed to my cry, for I am brought low, indeed! Deliver me from those who would hurt me, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of my distress, that I may give thanks to your name!

4 Let your holy ones surround me, for You will deal graciously with me. If you call, יהוה will hear you; if you cry to her, She will say, Here I am. 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: Philippians 2: 6-11 Christ suffered for our sins. Innocent though He was, He suffered for the guilty, to lead us to God. In the body He was put to death. In the Spirit He was raised to life. 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

5 and became obedient, obediently accepting death, even death on a cross! 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! Christ suffered for our sins. Innocent though He was, He suffered for the guilty, to lead us to God. In the body He was put to death. In the Spirit He was raised to life. 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

6 The image of Jesus on the cross is the image of human sin in its most desecrated form. The cross thus becomes an image of defilement, a gross manifestation of collective human sin. Jesus, then does not conquer sin through death on the cross. Rather, Jesus conquers the sin of temptation in the wilderness by resistance-by resisting the temptation to value the material over the spiritual (you shall not live by bread alone) by resisting death.(if you are the son of God throw yourself down); by resisting the greedy urge of monopolistic ownership. Jesus therefore conquered sin in life, not in death. In the wilderness he refused to allow evil forces to defile the balanced relation between the material and the spiritual, between life and death, between power and the exertion of it. Delores S. Williams, Sisters in the Wilderness CANTICLE OF MARY Jesus was in the wilderness forty days, and was tempted by Satan. 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.

7 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. Jesus was in the wilderness forty days, and was tempted by Satan. INTERCESSIONS

8 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 Jesus, our Savior, You suffered hunger, thirst, and temptation as You prepared in the desert to preach the good news to your people. And then You offer the bread of heaven and living water to those who

9 hear You with faith. During this holy season of Lent, let us hunger and thirst anew for your Wisdom. Amen. FIRST WEEK IN LENT SATURDAY 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.

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

11 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. FIRST WEEK IN LENT

12 SUNDAY LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 67,יהוה Come, let us worship Christ 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. Let all the peoples praise You. The earth has yielded its fruit, for You, our God, has blessed us.

13 May You still give us your blessing till the ends of the earth revere You.,יהוה Come, let us worship Christ who for our sake endured temptation and suffering. 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 63: 1-9 Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days and was tempted by Satan. O God, You are my God, I long for You. My soul thirsts for You. My body seeks for You, as in a dry and weary land without water. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding your power and your glory. For your constant love is better than life. My lips will sing your praises. So I will bless You as long as I live.

14 I will lift up my hands and call on your Name. 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. Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days and was tempted by Satan. 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: Daniel 3: 57-88, 56 You shall worship the Most High, and She only shall you serve. All you works of God, praise Her. Praise and exalt Her above all forever.

15 All you angels, sing Her praise, you heavens and waters above. Sun and moon, and stars of heaven, sing praise with the heavenly hosts. Every shower and dew, praise Her. Give praise, all you winds. Praise, you fire and heat, cold and chill, dew and rain. Frost and chill, praise Her. Praise God, ice and snow. Nights and days, sing hymns of praise, light and darkness, lightnings and clouds. Let all the earth bless Her. Praise and exalt God above all forever. Let all that grows from the earth give praise together with mountains and hills. Give praise you springs, you seas and rivers, dolphins and all water creatures. Let birds of the air, beasts wild and tame, together with all living peoples, praise and exalt Her above all forever..יהוה O All Lands, praise Praise and exalt Her above all forever.

16 Give praise you priests, servants of the Most High, spirits and souls of the just. Holy ones of humble heart, sing your hymns of praise. Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, praise Her. Praise and exalt Her above all forever. Sing praise to Her and highly exalt Her forever. Let us bless God, Holy Mystery, Source of All Being, Word, and Spirit. Let us praise and exalt God above all forever. Blessed are You, O God, in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever. You shall worship the Most High, and She only shall you serve. 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,

17 world without end. Amen. Psalm 149 Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous,.יהוה that He might bring us to Praise!יהוה Sing praise to Her. Give praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let the people of the land be glad in its maker. Let Zion's heirs exult in the Most High. Let them praise God s Name with dancing, and make music with timbrel and harp. For You,,יהוה take delight in your people. You adorn the humble with victory. Let the faithful exult in their glory. In their rest, let them sing for joy. Let the praises of God be on their lips and two-edged swords in their hands, to wreak vengeance on all that is wicked, and chastisement on all injustice, to bind what is evil in chains and oppression in fetters of iron, to carry out the sentence preordained. This is glory for all Her faithful ones.

18 !יהוה Praise Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous,.יהוה that He might bring us to Glory be to You, the Source of All Being, to You, the Love Incarnate, and to You, O Wisdom, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. READING So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to God, your Rock, do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine

19 and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to God. And do not be grieved, for the joy of God is your strength." So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, "Be quiet, for this day is holy. Do not be grieved." And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Nehemiah 8:8-12 CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH You shall worship יהוה alone. You shall serve only Her. 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,

20 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 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. You shall worship יהוה alone.

21 You shall serve only Her. 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

22 O,יהוה as the day begins, give us joy in your Word, your Covenant. Have us remember that Jesus did not come to do away with the Law, yet also have your Wisdom enter our hearts. Grant us open eyes and ears, so as to hear the tiny whisper of the Spirit when She comes as our guide, as Jesus did throughout His life on earth. Amen. FIRST WEEK IN LENT 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. FIRST WEEK IN LENT SUNDAY MIDDAY PRAYER

23 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. 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,

24 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. Day is here. I begin. FIRST WEEK IN LENT SUNDAY 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

25 as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 110: 1-5, 7 You cannot live by bread alone,.יהוה but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of 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.

26 He exacts judgement from the nations, 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. You cannot live by bread alone,.יהוה but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of 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 114 Repent and believe in the Good News. When Israel went forth from Egypt, Jacob and Rachel's heirs from an alien people, Judah became God s sanctuary, Israel, the dominion of the Most High. The sea looked and fled. Jordan turned back on its course. The mountains skipped like rams,

27 the hills like yearling lambs. What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back? Mountains, that you skip like rams and ewes, hills, like yearling lambs? Tremble, O earth,,יהוה at the presence of at the presence of the God of your ancestors, who turns the rock into a pool, the flint into a spring of water. Repent and believe in the Good News. 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. 1 Peter 2: Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man will come true. For to this you have been called,

28 because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When He was abused, He did not return abuse. When He suffered, He did not threaten, but He entrusted himself to the One who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man will come true. 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 Brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you

29 ought to live and to please God, as you are doing, you should do so more and more. For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4: 1, 7 CANTICLE OF MARY Keep watch over us, eternal Saviour. Do not let the cunning tempter overcome us, for You have become our helper at all times. 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,

30 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. Keep watch over us, eternal Saviour. Do not let the cunning tempter overcome us, for You have become our helper at all times. 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.

31 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 Eternal Mother, You are our refuge, as You continue to call us to go forth into a world that has such anger and mistrust. Help us to bring your joy in all your creation to those who have let their fear overcome any sense of being beloved. We ask this through the Name of Jesus who brought your love to all people. Amen. FIRST WEEK IN LENT SUNDAY COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Psalm 63: 1-9

32 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

33 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.

34 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. FIRST WEEK IN LENT MONDAY LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 24 Come, let us worship Christ, who for our sake endured temptation and suffering. Yours is the earth and its fullness, the world and all who dwell there, for You have founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers.

35 ? יהוה Who shall climb your mountain, O Who shall stand in your holy place? Those with clean hands and pure hearts, who do not desire what is vain, who have not sworn so as to deceive their neighbors. They shall feel blessed by You, treated justly by a loving God. Like Jacob, this is a generation of seekers, a generation seeking your presence. Lift the gates of the world high! Let the gates of eternity be lifted high! Let enter the God of glory! Who is this God of glory? valiant, who is mighty and יהוה valiant against all injustice. O gates, lift up your heads. Grow higher, ancient doors. Let enter the God of glory! Who is this God of glory? You, O,יהוה are Mother over all! You, O,יהוה are Father of Glory!

36 Come, let us worship Christ, who for our sake endured temptation and suffering. Glory be to You, Our Mothering God, and to You, Our Mothering Christ, and to You, Our Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Psalm 5:1-9, יהוה It is You whom I invoke, O In the morning you hear me..יהוה words, Give ear to my Give heed to my groaning. Attend to the sound of my cry, O God, Most High, for it is You to whom I pray. In the morning You hear my voice. I prepare a sacrifice for You, watching and waiting. You are not a god delighting in evil. No sinner is your companion. The boastful may not stand before You, before your holy face. You hate all that is evil.

37 You destroy all that is false. The deceitful and the bloodthirsty.יהוה You chastise, O But I, through the abundance of your love, will enter your holy house. I will worship at your holy temple, filled with awe. Lead me, O,יהוה in your justice. There are those who seek to seduce me. Make clear your way before me, for there is no truth in their mouth. Their heart is destruction. Their throat is a wide-open grave, all flattery their speech. Let all be glad who take refuge in You, forever sing out their joy. Shelter those who love your Name. May they ever exult in You, for You bless the just.,יהוה You cover them with favor, O as with a shield of love.

38 .יהוה It is You whom I invoke, O In the morning you hear me. 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. Canticle: 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 Our Eternal Mother and Father in One, we praise the splendour of your Nname.,יהוה Blessed may You be, O the God of our ancestors of the desert, from eternity to eternity. Yours, O,יהוה are grandeur and power, majesty, splendor, and glory, for all in heaven and on earth is Yours.,יהוה Yours is the kindom, O and You are exalted over all. Riches and honor are from You. You have dominion over all. In your hands are power and might. It is yours to give grandeur and strength to all.

39 Therefore, our God, we give You thanks and we praise the beauty of your Name. Our Eternal Mother and Father in One, we praise the splendour of your Name. Glory be to You, the Source of All Being, to You, the Love Incarnate, and to You, Wisdom, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Psalm 29 Adore יהוה in Her holy court. Give, heavenly beings, give to יהוה glory and power. Give to יהוה the glory of her Name. Worship יהוה in holy splendor. For יהוה s voice is heard on the waters, thundering on many waters. The voice of יהוה is powerful, splendor. s voice, full of יהוה Your voice shatters the cedars. It shatters the cedars of our land.

40 You make the mountains skip like a calf and the plains like a young wild ox. Your voice, O,יהוה flashes flames of fire. Your voice shakes the wilderness. It makes the oak trees whirl, and strips the forests bare. You, O,יהוה thunder! In your temple all cry: "Glory!" You sit above the flood. You sit,,יהוה our Protector forever. May You give strength to your people, and bless your people with peace. Adore יהוה in Her holy court. 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 It's when we face for a moment the worst our kind can do, and shudder to know the taint in our own selves, that awe

41 cracks the mind's shell and enters the heart: not to a flower, not to a dolphin, to no innocent form but to this creature vainly sure it and no other is god-like, God (out of compassion for our ugly failure to evolve) entrusts, as guest, as brother, the Word. Denise Levertov, On the Mystery of the Incarnation CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH You shall be holy, as I, your Eternal Mother, is holy. 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,

42 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. You shall be holy, as I, your Eternal Mother, is holy. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray.

43 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 and Eternal One, we thank You for your mercy and love. Your law of love guides our way, and your mercy heals and restores our courage. Help us to persevere in our Lenten resolutions, and to accept your mercy toward our falls. This we ask through Jesus who showed us your Way. Amen.

44 FIRST WEEK IN LENT MONDAY 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. FIRST WEEK IN LENT MONDAY 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.

45 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, 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

46 in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember that I do not walk alone. Day is here. I begin. FIRST WEEK IN LENT MONDAY 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 11 oppressed. cares for the weak and יהוה In יהוה I have taken my refuge. How can you say to my soul: "Fly like a bird to the mountains. See the wicked bending the bow.

47 They have fitted their arrows on the string to shoot the upright in the dark. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? But יהוה is in Her Holy Temple, heaven. whose throne is in,יהוה Her eyes look down on the world. Her gaze tests mortal flesh. She tests the just and the wicked, and Her soul hates those who love violence. She will chastise those who do evil. A scorching wind shall be their lot. She is just and loves justice. The upright shall behold Her face. Teach us how to act justly, and to walk humbly with one another. Glory be to You, the Creator, to You, the Redeemer, and to You, the Sustainer, as it was, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. Psalm 15 Create in me an upright spirit

48 that I may serve You in others. tent, who shall visit in your,יהוה and dwell on your holy mountain? She who walks blamelessly, and does what is right, who speaks the truth from her heart, and does not slander with her tongue. She who does no wrong to others, nor casts reproaches on her neighbors, who prays the godless to repent,.יהוה and honors those who fear She who keeps her pledge, come what may, who takes no profit from injustice, nor accepts bribes against the innocent. The woman who acts thus will stand firm forever. Create in me an upright spirit that I may serve You in others. Glory be to You, the Source of all Being, and to You, Eternal Word, and to You, the Holy Spirit,

49 as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Ephesians 1: 3-10 chose us in Her Son יהוה and made us Her adopted daughters and sons. Blessed be You, the Father, 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. 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,

50 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 chose us in Her Son יהוה and made us Her adopted daughters and sons. 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. READING For the sake of humility it is often good for others to know our weaknesses and tax us with them. When a woman holds herself humbly because of her weakness, it is easy for her to please others and calm those who are angry with her.

51 God protects and frees the humble, loves and consoles them. She leans down to the humble, She bestows great grace on them, She lifts them from their lowliness into glory. God calls the humble gently to Herself, and to them She reveals Her secrets. If a humble woman is humiliated, she is happy enough and at peace, because her support is God and not the world. Imitation of Christ (words changed to include women) CANTICLE OF MARY Come and receive your inheritance, for I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. 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.

52 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. Come and receive your inheritance, for I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. 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

53 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 Eternal Mother, you know the depths of our sorrow over our sins. Even though it s painful, we know this sorrow is a gift of grace. We would far rather be aware of our sins and mourning over it, than to be oblivious of it, because awareness of our sinfulness leads us to repentence and turning back toward You. We thank you for this grace and for your mercy, through Jesus who carried our sins with the Cross. Amen.

54 FIRST WEEK IN LENT MONDAY 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.

55 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 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.

56 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. FIRST WEEK IN LENT TUESDAY LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name.

57 Invitatory Psalm 100 Come, let us worship Christ, 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 Christ, who for our sake endured temptation and suffering. Glory to You, Source of all Being,

58 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 24 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Yours is the earth and its fullness, the world and all who dwell there, for You have founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers.? יהוה Who shall climb your mountain, O Who shall stand in your holy place? Those with clean hands and pure hearts, who do not desire what is vain, who have not sworn so as to deceive their neighbors. They shall feel blessed by You, treated justly by a loving God. Like Jacob, this is a generation of seekers, a generation seeking your presence.

59 Lift the gates of the world high! Let the gates of eternity be lifted high! Let enter the God of glory! Who is this God of glory? valiant, who is mighty and יהוה valiant against all injustice. O gates, lift up your heads. Grow higher, ancient doors. Let enter the God of glory! Who is this God of glory? You, O,יהוה are Mother over all! You, O,יהוה are Father of Glory! Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Glory be to You, Our Mothering God, and to You, Our Mothering Christ, and to You, Our Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Canticle: Tobit 13: 8-11, Turn to me, O God, and show me your face. For You scourge, O God, and then have mercy.

60 You cast down to the depths of the nether world, and bring up from the great abyss. No one can escape your hand. Praise God, you believers, before the skeptical. For though you are scattered among them, you have seen Her greatness even there. Exalt God before every living being, because You, God, are the Most High, God forever and ever. God has scourged you for your iniquities, but will again have mercy on you all, Gathering you from all the skeptical, among whom you have been scattered. When you turn back to the Holy One with all your heart, to do only what is right, then She will turn back to you, God s face will no longer be hidden. So now consider what has been done for you, and give praise with full voice. Bless the God of righteousness, and exalt the Rock of the ages. In the land of my exile, I praise You, O God, and show your power and glory to a sinful country.

61 ''Turn back, you sinners! Do what is right. Perhaps God may look with favor upon you and show you mercy. As for me, I exult in Her and my spirit rejoices. Let all speak of God s eternal protection and love, and sing Her praises in our homes. Turn to me, O God, and show me your face. 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 33 Blessed are those who hear your Word and keep it. Rejoice in,יהוה O you righteous. Praise is fitting for loyal hearts. We give thanks to יהוה with the lyre, make melody with ten-stringed harps. Let us sing a song that is new, and play skillfully, full of gladness.

62 For the Word of יהוה is faithful, and all Her works to be trusted. She loves justice and righteousness, and fills the earth with Her steadfast love. By the Word of יהוה the heavens were made, by the breath of Her mouth all the stars. She gathers the waters of the oceans. She stores up the depths of the seas..יהוה Let all the earth fear All, who live in the world, stand in wonder. For She spoke, and it came to be. She commanded. It sprang into being. She frustrates the designs of the nations. She upsets the plans of the peoples. The counsel of יהוה stands forever, the thoughts of Her heart to all generations., יהוה Happy are they whose God is the peoples She has called for Her heritage. From the heavens יהוה looks forth. She sees all the peoples of the earth. From the place where יהוה dwells, She gazes on all the dwellers of this earth, She who fashions the hearts of them all

63 and observes all their deeds. Rulers are not saved by their armies, nor leaders preserved by their strength. A vain hope for safety are our weapons. Despite their power they cannot save. Truly the eye of יהוה is on those who fear Her, on those who hope in Her steadfast love, to deliver their souls from death, and keep them alive in famine..יהוה Our soul waits for She is our help and our shield. In Her do our hearts find joy. We trust in Her Holy Name.,יהוה us, Let your love be upon even as we place all our hope in You. Blessed are those who hear your Word and keep it. Glory be to You, the Source of All Being, to You, the Love Incarnate, and to You, Eternal Wisdom, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

64 READING Every good impulse, every noble deed we perform is of God, Christ in us. At the very same time there is an evil, complacent nagging going on, trying to discourage us, trying to impugn our motives, trying to spoil everything of good we do. This complacency, self-satisfaction, is to be scorned and silenced. It shows pride even to be surprised and grieved at the baseness, like sediment, at the bottom of every good deed. As long as we live there will be a war, a conflict between nature and grace, nature again and again getting the upper hand for the moment, only to be put down rigidly. If we have faith and hope it is impossible to be discouraged. The Dorothy Day Book CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH The Word that goes forth from My mouth shall not return to me empty. 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

65 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 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.

66 The Word that goes forth from My mouth shall not return to me empty. 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.

67 PRAYER O Holy One, our Creator, You care for us with the love of a father and a mother. You know our weakness, and You raise us up. You know our strength, and You challenge us to grow. Teach us to do the same for our sisters and brothers. Make us all worthy to be called your children. We ask this in the Name of Jesus, our brother. Amen. FIRST WEEK IN LENT TUESDAY 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. FIRST WEEK IN LENT TUESDAY MIDDAY PRAYER

68 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. 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,

69 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. Day is here. I begin. FIRST WEEK IN LENT TUESDAY 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

70 as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 20 Only in You, O,יהוה will my soul be at rest. May יהוה answer in time of trouble! May Her Name protect you. May She send you help from her sanctuary, and give your support from your home. May She remember all your offerings and receive your sacrifice with favor. May She give you your heart's desire and fulfill every one of your plans. May we ring out our joy at your victory.יהוה and rejoice in the Name of May יהוה grant all our prayers. Now I know that יהוה will give victory to your Anointed. She will reply from her holy heaven with the help of Her Hand. Some trust in chariots or horses,.יהוה but we trust in the holy name of They will collapse and fall,