Invitatory Psalm 95 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness. In the greatness of your compassion cleanse me from my sins.

Transcription

1 ASH WEDNESDAY LAUDS O Abba, O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 95 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness. In the greatness of your compassion cleanse me from my sins.,יהוה You, Come, let us sing with joy to calling out to Our Rock who protects us. Let us move closer to your Holy presence with gratitude, and in our psalms sing joyously to You! For You, יהוה, are great, with supreme power over all the other things we deem powerful in our lives. The depths of the earth are in your hands. The peaks of the mountains are yours. The sea is yours, for You made it. Your hands formed dry land.

2 So come, let us worship, kneel, bow before You,,יהוה our Creator. You are our God and we are the people You tend, the people held within your hands. If only we finally heed your voice: Oh do not harden your hearts, as you did in the desert wilderness where your ancestors tried and tested Me though they had seen My marvelous acts. All forty years I strove with that generation who wandered in the desert, till I said, These people have errant hearts. They will never honor My Ways. And I swore in My anger that never would they come to My place of rest. Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness. In the greatness of your compassion cleanse me from my sins. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son,

3 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 51 Rend your hearts and not your garments. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. In your abundant mercy blot out my sins. Wash me thoroughly from my offenses, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my offenses, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so You are justified in your sentence and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in a sinful world. For You desire truth in my innermost being. Teach me wisdom in the depths of my heart. O purify me, and I shall be clean. O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

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

5 in gifts offered on your altar. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Canticle: Jeremiah 14: You, O,יהוה are slow to anger and rich in compassion. Let my eyes stream with tears night and day, without rest, for the virgin daughter of my people is smitten with a great wound, with a very grievous blow. If I walk out into the field, behold those slain by the sword! If I enter the city, behold the diseases of famine! Both the prophet and the priest ply their trade throughout the land, ignorant of their doings. Have You utterly rejected Judah? Is our land loathsome to You?

6 Why have You smitten us so that there is no healing? We looked for peace to no avail, for a time of healing, but terror comes instead. We acknowledge our wickedness, and the guilt of our ancestors, for we have sinned against You. Spurn us not for your Name's sake. Do not dishonor your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us, and break it not. You, O,יהוה are slow to anger and rich in compassion. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Psalm 100,יהוה A contrite and humble heart, O you will not spurn. We cry out with joy to You, O,יהוה all the earth.

7 .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.,יהוה A contrite and humble heart, O you will not spurn. 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.

8 READING You are a people holy to God Most High; God has chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be Her people, Her treasured possession. It was because God loved you and kept the oath that was sworn to your ancestors, that She has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that our Most High is God, the faithful Protector who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love Her and keep the commandments to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:6, 8-9 CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. 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.

9 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. When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.

10 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 As we begin Lent, O,יהוה strengthen us in our endeavors against evil. Bless our efforts to live in

11 union with you and all the people of the world. Help us to discover whatever interferes with loving each other. We ask this in union with all people who begin this season in your Name. Amen. ASH WEDNESDAY LECTIO DIVINA O God Amma, come to my aid. O God Abba, 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. ASH WEDNESDAY MIDDAY PRAYER O God Amma, come to my aid. O God Abba, make haste to help me. ANGELUS

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

13 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. ASH WEDNESDAY VESPERS I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me, O Abba. 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 135 Wash me from my guilt and cleanse me of my sin.

14 !יהוה Praise.יהוה Praise the Name of Give praise, O seekers of יהוה s Will,,יהוה you that stand in the house of in the courts of the house of our God. Praise,יהוה for יהוה is good. Sing to Her Name, for She is gracious. For יהוה has chosen Jacob for Herself, Israel as her own possession. For I know that יהוה is great. Our Sovereign is above all gods. Whatever יהוה pleases, She does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. She it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth. She makes lightnings for the rain and brings out the wind from her storehouses. She it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both human beings and animals. She sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt,

15 against Pharaoh and all his servants. She struck down many nations and killed mighty kings Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to her people Israel. Wash me from my guilt and cleanse me of my sin. 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 135 II I acknowledge my offense. My sins are before me always. Your Name, O,יהוה endures forever, your renown, O,יהוה throughout all ages. For יהוה will vindicate her people, and have compassion on her seekers of her will.

16 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak. They have eyes, but they do not see. They have ears, but they do not hear, and there is no breath in their mouths. Those who make them shall become like them.!יהוה O house of Israel, bless!יהוה O house of Aaron, bless!יהוה O house of Levi, bless!יהוה bless,יהוה You that fear Blessed be יהוה from Zion, She who resides in Jerusalem.!יהוה Praise I acknowledge my offense. My sins are before me always. 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: Revelations 15: 3-4 I turn to you, O,יהוה and seek your salvation.

17 Great and wonderful are your works, O Holy One, the Almighty One! Just and true are your ways, Teacher, Protector of all the ages! Who shall refuse You honor, or the glory due your Name? For You alone are holy. All peoples shall come and worship in your presence. Your judgments are clearly seen. I turn to you, O,יהוה and seek your salvation. 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 Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for God's good pleasure. Do all things without murmuring

18 and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish. Philippians 2: 12b-15a CANTICLE OF MARY,הוה A clean heart create for me, O and a steadfast spirit renew within 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.

19 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.,הוה A clean heart create for me, O and a steadfast spirit renew within 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

20 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 Make us reconciled to You, O God, that we may put on the holiness of your Beloved Son and give You glory. Help us to live this season as true disciples on our way to transformation. Grant this as we journey to You with Jesus, our brother. Amen. ASH WEDNESDAY COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. O God, Abba, 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,

21 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 for tomorrow. ACT OF CONFESSION Most merciful Amma, I have sinned against You in

22 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. CANTICLE OF SIMEON Amma, you can now release me from my waiting forwardly, release me in peace as You promised,

23 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. THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY LAUDS O Abba, O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 67 If today you hear Her voice, harden not your heart. 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

24 for You rule our world with justice. Delight in Your Will 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. May You still give us your blessing till the ends of the earth revere You. If today you hear Her voice, harden not your heart. 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 143: 1-11,יהוה morning, In the early I remember your steadfast love..יהוה Hear my prayer, O Give ear to my supplication! In your justice and faithfulness, answer me!

25 Do not call the one who seeks your desire to judgment, for no one is righteous before You. For evil pursues my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like the dead, long forgotten. Therefore my spirit faints within me. My heart within me is appalled. I remember the days gone before. I ponder on all You have done. I muse on what You have wrought. To You I stretch out my hands. My soul thirsts for You like parched land. O,יהוה make haste to answer me! My spirit fails within me! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the grave. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in You I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.

26 Deliver me, O,יהוה from my enemies! I have fled to You for refuge! Teach me to do Your Will, for You are my God! Let your good spirit lead me in ways that are level and smooth! For Your Name's sake, O,יהוה save my life! In your justice bring me out of trouble.,יהוה morning, In the early I remember your steadfast love. 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: Isaiah 66: 10-14a I have sheltered you as a hen shelters her brood! Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her. Rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her, that you may suck and be satisfied with her consoling breasts,

27 that you may drink deeply with delight from the abundance of her glory.,יהוה For thus says "Behold, I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream. As nurslings, you shall be carried upon her hip, and fondled on her lap. As a mother comforts a child, so will I comfort you. You shall be comforted in your holy sanctuary. You shall see, and your hearts shall rejoice, your beings flourish like the grass. I have sheltered you as a hen shelters her brood! Glory be to You, Eternal Mother, and to You, the Beloved Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 147: 1-11 Through You, the blind see, the lame walk, and the poor hear your good news.

28 !יהוה Praise It is good to sing praise to You, our God, for You are gracious and merciful. To You our praise is due. You, O,יהוה build up your chosen dwelling. You gather the outcasts of your beloved lands. You heal the broken-hearted, and bind up their wounds. You fix the number of the stars, and give to each its name. You,,יהוה are great and almighty, your wisdom beyond all measure, for You,,יהוה lift up the poor and downtrodden. You put oppression to rout. We sing to You, O,יהוה with thanksgiving, make melody upon the lyre! You cover the heavens with clouds. You prepare rain for the earth, make mountains sprout with grass. You provide beasts with their food, and the young ravens that cry.

29 You delight not in the strength of the horse, nor take pleasure in human indulgence, but You delight in those who revere You, in those who hope in your love. Through You, the blind see, the lame walk, and the poor hear your good news. Glory be to You, the Source of all Being. Glory be to You, Eternal Word. Glory be to You, Holy Spirit. As it was, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. READING And sometimes the heart is dry and feels nothing, or else, by the temptation of our enemy, reason and grace drive the soul to implore our Lord with words, recounting his blessed Passion and his great goodness. And so the power of our Lord's word enters the soul and enlivens the heart and it begins by his grace faithful exercise, and makes the soul to pray most blessedly, and truly to rejoice in our Lord. This is a most loving thanksgiving in his sight. Julian of Norwich, Showings CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH

30 Happy are they who walk in your ways. Blessed are you, God of our homes, our lands, for you have visited and redeemed your people, and have raised up a sign of strength for us in the midst of our lives of toil. As you spoke through the mouths of your holy prophets from of old, we are now to be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all which oppresses us. Now your mercy is given to us, as promised to our ancestors. Now your holy covenant is remembered, the oath you swore to Sarah and Abraham, to grant us deliverance from evil, so that we might serve you without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. And you, child, will be called the prophet of God Most High, for you will go before Our Holy One to prepare יהוה s ways, to give knowledge of salvation to all people

31 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. Happy are they who walk in your ways. 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

32 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 Creator of the universe, grant us the strength to bear our sufferings and our weaknesses. Help us to carry our burdens with a renewed faith and continued belief in your love for us. Give us lightness of heart and compassion for those we live and work with. This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen. THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY LECTIO DIVINA O Abba, come to my aid. O Amma, 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.

33 THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY MIDDAY PRAYER O God Amma, come to my aid. O God Abba, make haste to help me. ANGELUS The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with Thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

34 And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt amongst us. Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with Thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we might be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Help me to have faith in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember that I do not walk alone. Day is here. I begin. THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY VESPERS

35 I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me, O Abba. 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 144: 1-10 I will sing a new song to You, for You are my refuge. Blessed are You,,יהוה my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle. You are my rock and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I take refuge. You bring peoples under your rule. O,יהוה who are we that You care for us, mortal flesh, that You keep us in mind, we, who are merely a breath, whose days are like a passing shadow? Lower your heavens, O,יהוה and come down! Touch the mountains that they smoke!

36 Flash your lightnings and scatter them. Shoot your arrows and put them to flight. Stretch forth your hand from on high. Rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of alien foes, whose mouths are filled with lies, and whose hands are raised in perjury. To You will I sing a new song, O God. On a ten-stringed harp I will play to You, who give rulers their victory, who rescue David, your servant. I will sing a new song to You, for You are my refuge. 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 144 II.יהוה Happy are the people whose God is To You, O,יהוה I will sing a new song.

37 I will play on the ten-stringed harp, to You who give rulers their victory, who set David your servant free. Rescue me from the evil sword, and deliver me from alien foes, whose mouths are filled with lies, whose hands are raised in perjury. Let our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like graceful columns adorned as though for a palace. Let our granaries be full, with crops of every kind. May our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields. May our cattle be heavy with young, suffering no mischance in bearing. May there be no ruined wall, no exile, no cry of distress in our streets. Happy the people with such blessings!.יהוה Happy the people whose God is.יהוה Happy are the people whose God is Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother,

38 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: Revelations 11: 17-18; 12: 10b-12a Now is the time of salvation for those who revere Your Name. We praise you, God Almighty, who is and who was. You have assumed your great power. You have begun your reign. The nations have raged in anger, but then came your day of wrath and the moment to judge the dead, the time to reward those who fulfill Your Will, the prophets, and the holy ones who revere you, the great and the small alike. Now have come the salvation and the power and the kindom of our God and the authority of Her anointed one, for the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night,

39 has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! Now is the time of salvation for those who revere Your Name. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING Through your passion and death, make me die unto myself and live unto you alone. Through your glorious resurrection and wonderful ascension make me advance daily from strength to strength. The Exercises of Saint Gertrude CANTICLE OF MARY Happy are they who delight in יהוה 's law

40 and meditate on it night and day. 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.

41 Happy are they who delight in יהוה 's law and meditate on it night and day. 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.

42 PRAYER O Mother and Father God, grant us the strength to bear our sufferings and our weaknesses. Help us to carry our burdens with a renewed faith and continued belief in your love for us. Give us lightness of heart and compassion for those with whom we live and work. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen. THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. O God, Abba, 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.

43 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 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

44 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. 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.

45 You have redeemed me, O Jesus. FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY LAUDS O Abba, O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 24 wisdom. is the source of all יהוה Come, let us adore Her. 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.

46 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! wisdom. is the source of all יהוה Come, let us adore Her. 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.

47 Psalm 51.יהוה Remember me, O Make yourself known in time of affliction. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. In your abundant mercy blot out my sins. Wash me thoroughly from my offenses, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my offenses, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so You are justified in your sentence and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in a sinful world. For You desire truth in my innermost being. Teach me wisdom in the depths of my heart. O purify me, and I shall be clean. O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow. Fill me with joy and gladness. Let the bones You have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my guilt, and blot out all my offenses.

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

49 Make yourself known in time of affliction. 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: Tobit 13: 8-11, Your love and your kindness extend to all the nations of the earth. For You scourge, O God, and then have mercy. 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

50 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. ''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. Your love and your kindness extend to all the nations of the earth. 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.

51 Psalm 147: You feed us with the finest wheat. O praise,יהוה all our lands! Praise the Most High, for She strengthens the bars of your gates, blessing your children within you, establishing peace in your borders, feeding you with the finest of wheat. You send out Your Word to the earth. Your command runs swiftly, giving snow like wool, scattering hoarfrost like ashes. You cast forth your ice like crumbs. Who can stand before your cold? You send forth Your Word, and melt them. You make the wind blow, and the waters flow. You make Your Word known to your people, your statutes and decrees to the people of your lands. You have not dealt thus with any other people. You have not taught them your decrees.!יהוה Praise

52 You feed us with the finest wheat. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING We must not let ourselves be surpassed in love by anybody. It is the first, the greatest, the divine virtue. Our example is Jesus, bleeding on the Cross with a thousand wounds. Whoever wants to win over the world to higher ideals, must have the courage to come into conflict with it. The world in the end runs after the one who has the courage to do that which it lacked the courage to do. But this conflict with the world is hard. It caused Christ to die on the Cross. The Beatification of Father Titus Brandsma, Carmelite CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH A broken, humble heart, O,יהוה You will not scorn. 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

53 for us in the midst of our lives of toil. As you spoke through the mouths of your holy prophets from of old, we are now to be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all which oppresses us. Now your mercy is given to us, as promised to our ancestors. Now your holy covenant is remembered, the oath you swore to Sarah and Abraham, to grant us deliverance from evil, so that we might serve you without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. And you, child, will be called the prophet of 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.

54 darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace. A broken, humble heart, O,יהוה You will not scorn. 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

55 as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER O Holy One of Eternal Compassion, enfold us in your mother s arms to comfort us in the hope of redemption from all our sins that will come to light during this day s penance and fasting for Lent. We ask this through our Redeemer Jesus who walks with us side by side, giving us strength and faith to continue in the Holy Spirit s joyful Wisdom. Amen. FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY LECTIO DIVINA O God Amma, come to my aid. O God Abba, 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.

56 FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY MIDDAY PRAYER O God Amma, come to my aid. O God Abba, make haste to help me. ANGELUS The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with Thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

57 And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt amongst us. Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with Thee: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we might be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Help me to have faith in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember that I do not walk alone. Day is here. I begin. FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY VESPERS I call upon You, O Amma.

58 Come quickly to me, O Abba. 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 145 I Every day I will bless You and praise Your Name forever. I will give You glory, God. I will bless Your Name for ever. I will bless You day after day and praise Your Name for ever. Great is,יהוה highly to be praised. Her greatness cannot be measured. Age to age shall proclaim your works, shall declare your mighty deeds, shall speak of your splendour and glory, tell the tale of your wonderful works. They will speak of your terrible deeds, recount your greatness and might. They will recall your abundant goodness.

59 Age to age shall ring out your justice. compassion, is kind and full of יהוה slow to anger, abounding in love. How good is יהוה to all, compassionate to all her creatures.,יהוה All your creatures shall thank you, O and your friends shall repeat their blessing. They shall speak of the glory of your reign and declare your might, O God, to make known to women and men your mighty deeds and the glorious splendour of your reign. Yours is an everlasting kindom. Your rule lasts from age to age. Every day I will bless You and praise Your Name forever. 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 145 II You are near to all who call to You

60 with sincere and upright hearts. is faithful in all Her words יהוה and loving in all Her deeds. supports all who fall יהוה and raises all who are bowed down. The eyes of all creatures look to You and You give them their food in due time. You open wide your hand, grant the desires of all who live. is just in all Her ways יהוה and loving in all Her deeds. Her, is close to all who call יהוה who call on Her from their hearts. She grants the desires of those who fear Her. She hears their cry and She saves them. Her, protects all who love יהוה but the wicked She will utterly destroy..יהוה Let me speak the praise of Let all flesh bless Her Holy Name for ever, for ages unending. You are near to all who call to You

61 with sincere and upright hearts. 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: Revelations 15: 3-4 Your works, O,יהוה are great and wonderful. Great and wonderful are your works, O Holy One, the Almighty One! Just and true are your ways, Teacher, Protector of all the ages! Who shall refuse You honor, or the glory due Your Name? For You alone are holy. All peoples shall come and worship in your presence. Your judgments are clearly seen. Your works, O,יהוה are great and wonderful. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always,

62 and unto the ages of ages. READING I wonder if pain does not keep us close to God? In the ordinary sense pain can unfit us for prayer. We simply cannot pray. But in another sense, suffering becomes prayer. Suffering accepted becomes a mighty cry in the ears of God. It was in pain that Christ redeemed us; our pain continues the redemption. We are not asked to do more than we can. Miriam Elder, OCD CANTICLE OF MARY Save your servant who trusts in You. 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

63 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. Save your servant who trusts in You. 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:

64 Amma in heaven, Holy is Thy Name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER O Mother, in your gentle way, free us from the sin that keeps us bound to the familiar and the comfortable. May remembering the light of Easter joy encourage us in the way of discipleship. We ask this in the name of Jesus who died for us and was raised to new life. Amen. FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. O God, Abba, make haste to help me.

65 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. 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

66 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, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

67 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. SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY LAUDS O Abba, O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 100 This is the day which יהוה has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. We cry out with joy to You, O,יהוה all the earth..יהוה We worship You with gladness, O

68 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. This is the day which יהוה has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Glory to You, Source of all Being, 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 92

69 We proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.,יהוה You, It is good to give thanks to to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High, to declare your love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of our voices and our dancing, to the melody of the wind and leaves. For You, O,יהוה make me glad by your deeds. At the work of your hands I sing for joy.!יהוה How great are your works, O Your thoughts are very deep! The foolish ones cannot know. The stupid cannot understand this. Though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to their own devices. But You, O,יהוה are on high forever. All your enemies shall perish. All evildoers shall be scattered. You give me the strength of the wild ox. You pour oil over my head. My eyes have seen the downfall of evil.

70 My ears have heard the doom of corruption. The just shall flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon..יהוה They are planted in the your house, O They flourish in the courts of You, our God. They still bring forth fruit in old age. They are ever full of sap and green, to show that You,,יהוה are just. You are my rock. In You there is no injustice. We proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Ezekiel 36: 24-28,יהוה Give us hearts of flesh, O that we may serve You.

71 I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from all the foreign lands, and bring you back to your own land. I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities, and from all your old beliefs I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts. I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statutes, careful to observe my decrees. You shall live in the land I gave your fathers, in the land I gave to your mothers. You shall be my people, and I will be your God.,יהוה Give us hearts of flesh, O that we may serve You. 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.