Morning Prayer

Glenda Stansbury

Let us begin the day with this time of consideration, holy listening, supported silence, song, and prayer. We invite you to settle into your seat, let your shoulders drop, and take a deep breath as we practice being present. Today, we consider...

• Brené Brown writes that our willingness to be vulnerable determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose. Where in your life might you need to engage in vulnerability in order to act with courage?
• How do you discern between the fears that are protective and the fears that are holding you back from transformation?
• What are you being called forward into? What is it time to say yes to?

As we reflect together, remember: your whole self is welcome here.

One: In a world full of fear, where do you see glimmers of joy?

All: We see glimmers of joy in birthday candles and homemade cards. We see joy in the delight of friends. We see joy in meals around the table and in the singing of Christmas carols. 

One: You are right. Even in a fearful world, joy is all around us.

All: Today we light the candle of joy as a reminder of the good news. May this flicker of light help us know that even in a fearful world, joy is here. We only have to look for it.

One: Dona Nobis Pacem

All: Dona Nobis Pacem

One: Still-Speaking God, there are moments when grace breaks in unexpectedly—when, like Mary, we are greeted by something holy, and we dare to dream your dreams for the world.
 
All: When we look to the future with trembling, you whisper to our hesitant hearts, “Do not be afraid.” And so, trusting you are already present with us, we offer you our prayers.

One: Today we give thanks for small annunciations of beauty and kindness.

All: We are grateful for the wonders that interrupt our ordinary days—for the feeling of satisfaction when our good work is recognized, for the generosity of this congregation in wrapping our neighbors in warmth and caring for the most vulnerable among us, for moments of tenderness and music and joy.

One: We also know, Holy One, that You are with us in our prayers of lament. Our story tells us that Mary was no stranger to being troubled by fear and uncertainty.

All: We lift up those whose who wait and work and weep today—who face oppression and violence, whose needs are not met, who are burdened by grief. We pray for those who doubt and question how this dream of heaven on earth can possibly be, ourselves included.

One: Spark courage in us, Holy One. After all, you have called us just as you have called ordinary people throughout all of time.

All: Here we are. May it be with us just as you have promised. With hope of Advent we pray, Amen.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Visio Divina, latin for “divine seeing,” is a method of meditation, reflection, and prayer through a process of intentional seeing. Visio Divina extends the 6th century Benedictine practice of Lectio Divina by the use of visual imagery. Traditionally, Visio Divina was accompanied by Benedictine iconography and illuminations, however, different faith traditions have adapted the process over time, utilizing both secular and nonsecular images. 

As we open ourselves to the experience of the image, focus on your breath. If you find yourself not knowing what to think, or trying to figure out what the art means, remember that you are invited to simply be an observer. What do you see? What is most striking to you about this piece? What parts of the image are your eyes most drawn to, and what parts did you quickly brush by? How is the imagery cohesive with the scripture? What emotions emerge for you when you observe this piece?

Mary's Yes
by Lisle Gwynn Garrity
Inspired by Luke 1:26-39
Photography with digital drawing

Of the Parent's Heart Begotten, Hymn 118
New Century Hymnal

In this fearful world, may we look for God's spirit. Let us reach for each other's hands and choose courage whenever we can. And in all things, let us remember that good news is louder than fear. In the name of the one who calls, the one who sends, and the one who journeys with us - go in peace and do not be afraid. Amen.