Celtic retreat
This is the second part of the liturgy for the Celtic retreat today
Building Together
Regathering song – All Creatures of Our God and King
Introduction to Lectio Divina
God as we read your word and meditate on your promises,
Grant that we may hear afresh the hope of your salvation ,
And respond to the wonder of your forgiveness,
Not just for ourselves but for all who need rest and release.
May we walk forward without fear into your ways Oh God,
And enter with assurance and trust into the love of Christ.
May we greet all that happens expected and unanticipated,
And walk with humility into God’s grace and peace.
Have mercy on us God almighty.
Immeasurable God, patient God, incorruptible God,
God of infinite love.
Immortal God, eternal God, perfect God.
Merciful God, wonderful God.
God who provides in unexpected ways
Who abides in the heavens above,
Have mercy on us
Come close this day to the God who loves you without measure,
Open your eyes to see the One who sustains all life,
Open your ears to hear the One who calls you by name,
Open your life to respond to the One who fills all your deepest longings.
Love and justice meet, mercy and grace abound,
God we hear your trumpet sound,
In this time of Jubilee and new beginnings,
Rest from all striving and release from all captivity.
Song – Micah 6:8 – He has shown thee O man what is Good
He has shown thee O man what is good,
And what doth the Lord require of thee,
But to do justly, and to love mercy,
And to walk humbly with thy God.
Time of Guided scripture meditation
Isaiah 61: 1-3 Good News for the Oppressed
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
Time for Meditation – Lectio Divina
Luke 12:22-26; 31-34
Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?…. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be
Time for Meditation – Lectio Divina
God may we wait in patience and hope for what is emerging
In our lives, in our world and through our faith,
May we be willing to walk on paths unknown,
That you have marked out with loving care.
May we wait in trust and not fear for your new world,
For the justice and peace and freedom that has been promised,
For those things hoped for and not yet seen.
Knowing that the future is in God’s hands,
May we wait for the release and rest of God’s Jubilee
Song – In the Lord I’ll be every thankful