All Hallows Evening Prayer for Saturday Evening (November 12, 2022)
A lamp or candle may be lit.
The Lord is my light and my salvation:
my God shall make my darkness to be bright.
The light and peace of Jesus Christ be with you
and also with you.
Blessed are you, Lord God, creator of day and night:
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As darkness falls you renew your promise
to reveal among us the light of your presence.
By the light of Christ, your living Word,
dispel the darkness of our hearts
that we may walk as children of light
and sing your praise throughout the world.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessed be God for ever.
Other candles may be lit as the following is sung.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Susan Briehl’s “Let Evening Fall.”
Let evening fall on field and forest,
on desert mesa, canyon deep;
let coyote prowl and night hawk circle
while solemn owl her wise watch keeps.
*Let mountain now resound with chanting,
and meadow echo antiphon;
let dusky breezes rustle aspen
while lake and land join even-song.
Let those who labor in the daylight
now bring their working to an end;
let others rise to keep the vigil,
the weak to guard, the sick to tend.
Let every heart that harbors hatred
(Let every heart that harbors hatred)
release its hold, receive your grace;
(release its hold, receive your grace;)
let every mouth that spoke in anger
(let every mouth that spoke in anger)
seek pardon’s peace, then sing your praise.
(seek pardon’s peace, then sing your praise.)
Let daylight fade and shadows lengthen
when those we love draw near to death;
Attend our prayers, our weak faith strengthen
as you receive their final breath.
O Maker of creation’s choir,
O Song of love sung out for all,
O Spirit, breath of all our singing,
Let praise arise, let evening fall.
As Psalm 141 — A Song of the Evening Sacrifice, is sung, incense may be burned.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Tony Alonso’s responsorial setting of the evening psalm, “Psalm 141—Like Burning Incense, O Lord.”
Like burning incense, O Lord,
let my rise to you.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
let my prayer rise to you.
1 I call out to you,
Come quickly to my aid.
My song cries out to you,
O listen to me now.
I raise my hands in off’ring to you.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
2 Let me speak your truth;
watch over all I say.
Keep my thoughts on you;
let goodness rule my heart.
Keep me far from those who do harm.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
3 Never let me dine
with those who seek to harm.
Keep your holy ones
always at my side.
Plant your wisdom deep in my soul.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
4 I look to you for help;
I seek your loving eyes.
Guard my life for you;
Spare me from all wrong.
Keep all evil far from my heart.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
5 Glory be to God
and to God’s only Son,
glory to the Spirit,
three in one,
now and for ever. Amen.
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
Like burning incense, O Lord,
(Like burning incense, O Lord,)
let my prayer rise to you.
(let my prayer rise to you.)
O Lord, let my prayer rise before you as incense,
my hands like an evening offering.
This opening prayer is said.
That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful,
let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence is kept.
As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise
now and for ever.
Amen.
THE WORD OF GOD
PSALMODY
Open this link in a new tab to hear Thomas Keesecker’s arrangement of Carl P. Daw Jr.’s paraphrase of Psalm 84, “How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place” for SAB choir, organ, and optional assembly.
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
O Lord of Hosts, to me!
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
O Lord of Hosts, to me!
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
O Lord of Hosts, to me!
My thirsty soul desires and longs
within thy courts to be;
my very heart and flesh cry out,
O living God, for thee.
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
O Lord of Hosts, to me!
Beside thine altars, gracious Lord,
the swallows find a nest;
how happy they who dwell with thee
and praise thee without rest,
and happy they whose hearts are set
upon the pilgrim's quest.
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
O Lord of Hosts, to me!
They who go through the desert vale
will find it filled with springs,
and they shall climb from height to height
till Zion's temple rings
with praise to thee, in glory throned,
Lord God, great King of kings.
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
O Lord of Hosts, to me!
One day within thy courts excels
a thousand spent away;
how happy they who keep thy laws
nor from thy precepts stray,
for thou shalt surely bless all those
who live the words they pray.
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
O Lord of Hosts, to me!
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
O Lord of Hosts! Amen!
Silence is kept.
Lord God,
sustain us in this vale of tears
with the vision of your grace and glory,
that, strengthened by the bread of life,
we may come to your eternal dwelling place;
in the power of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Walker’s “At the Name of Jesus.”
At the name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him:
King of glory now.
Jesus is Lord
king of glory now.
He emptied himself, as a slave, yet free,
Came in human likeness for you and for me;
In human likeness, for you and for me.
At the name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him:
King of glory now.
Jesus is Lord
king of glory now.
He humbled himself, and obeyed God's will.
On a cross he died on Calvary's Hill;
For you and me he obeyed God's will.
At the name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him:
King of glory now.
Jesus is Lord
king of glory now.
God exalted him,
raised him up on high,
So above all others
his name will not die;
That name we honor and glorify.
At the name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him:
King of glory now.
Jesus is Lord
king of glory now.
*Christ Jesus will come at the end of time,
Come with jubilation to call us home.
Until that day you and I will proclaim:
At the name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him:
King of glory now.
Jesus is Lord
He emptied himself, as a slave, yet free,
Came in human likeness for you and for me;
In human likeness, for you and for me.
At the name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him:
King of glory now.
Jesus is Lord
king of glory now.
He humbled himself, and obeyed God's will.
On a cross he died on Calvary's Hill;
For you and me he obeyed God's will.
At the name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him:
King of glory now.
Jesus is Lord
king of glory now.
God exalted him,
raised him up on high,
So above all others
his name will not die;
That name we honor and glorify.
At the name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him:
King of glory now.
Jesus is Lord
king of glory now.
*Christ Jesus will come at the end of time,
Come with jubilation to call us home.
Until that day you and I will proclaim:
At the name of Jesus,
Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess him:
King of glory now.
Jesus is Lord
king of glory now.
*Omitted on the video.
Silence may be kept.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 8:16-9:7 Hope in the Messiah
Preserve the teaching of God;
entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
I will wait for the Lord,
who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob.
I will put my hope in him.
I and the children the Lord has given me serve as signs and warnings to Israel from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies who dwells in his Temple on Mount Zion.
Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?
Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness.
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest
and like warriors dividing the plunder.
For you will break the yoke of their slavery
and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
The boots of the warrior
and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
They will be fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!
Silence is kept.
Matthew 6: 19-34 Teaching about Money and Possessions
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
Since the arrival of the COVID-19 virus in the United States conditions that affect the mental health of young people and the larger population such anxiety and depression have been on the rise. So has the number of suicides and suicide attempts.
*Omitted on the video.
Silence may be kept.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 8:16-9:7 Hope in the Messiah
Preserve the teaching of God;
entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
I will wait for the Lord,
who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob.
I will put my hope in him.
I and the children the Lord has given me serve as signs and warnings to Israel from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies who dwells in his Temple on Mount Zion.
Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?
Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness.
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest
and like warriors dividing the plunder.
For you will break the yoke of their slavery
and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
The boots of the warrior
and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
They will be fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!
Silence is kept.
Matthew 6: 19-34 Teaching about Money and Possessions
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Silence is kept.
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory
HOMILY
"Don't Let Your Hearts Be Troubled..."
Since the arrival of the COVID-19 virus in the United States conditions that affect the mental health of young people and the larger population such anxiety and depression have been on the rise. So has the number of suicides and suicide attempts.
The twenty-first century is proving to be a very stressful century for people of all ages but particularly younger people—teenagers and young adults.
Climate change, drought in the Southwest and other parts of the world, gun violence, political polarization, the effects of the war in the Ukraine on the global economy, growing tensions between Russia and the West, Vladimir Putin’ threats of using nuclear weapons against the Ukrainians, and the rising cost of living have contributed to the stressfulness of the times. The internet and social media have made it far easier for conspiracy theories, misinformation, and disinformation to spread, adding to people’s anxieties and fears.
Among the phenomena that have emerged and grown in recent years are the internet influencer and the cancel culture or call-out culture. Internet influencers range from individuals with strong opinions on a particular subject to individuals who have connections to foreign powers trying to manipulate public opinion in the United State, widen divisions in the country and to influence the outcome of its elections to their own ends. The latter may even be promoting civil unrest and political violence in an effort to destabilize and weaken the country.
Cancel culture or call-out culture is a term used to describe a form of ostracism in which an individual is boycotted or shunned because that that person has said or done something, real or imagined, that those boycotting or shunning the individual find offensive. They may simply hold an opinion different from the opinion those boycotting or shunning them hold. The kind of rejection that in the past was limited to a neighborhood, a village, a rural community, or a particular social circle can now occur on a far greater scale.
Cyberbullying is a third phenomenon that as emerged and grown during this period. The use of the internet to harm or frighten another person especially by sending them unpleasant or threatening messages has contributed to an increase in the teen suicide rate. Many teenagers seek acceptance and affirmation from their peers online and when it is withheld or withdrawn, their self-esteem plummets. They may become depressed and suicidal. In their vulnerable state they may fall under the influence of individuals and groups promoting self-harm and suicide on the internet.
We are seeing an increase in denial, the unwillingness to accept that something unpleasant is true, and catastrophizing, the tendency to think about the worst things that could possibly happen in a situation, or to consider a situation as much worse or much more serious than it really is.
We are also seeing an increase in other forms of distorted thinking, for example all-or-nothing thinking (also known as polarized thinking or black-and-white thinking), overgeneralizing, mental filtering (paying attention to the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positive ones), disqualifying the positive (acknowledging positive experiences but rejecting them instead of embracing them), jumping to conclusions—mind reading (assuming that we know what someone else is thinking), jumping to conclusions—fortune telling (drawing conclusions and making predictions based upon little evidence and then believing them), minimizing (as well as exaggerate the meaning, importance or likelihood of things, we make something seem less important or smaller than it really is), emotional reasoning (accepting what we feel as fact, “I feel it, therefore it must be true”), should statements (telling ourselves what we “should” do, “ought to” do, or “must” do, or applying these expectations to others), labeling or mislabeling (assigning judgements of value to ourselves or others based upon one instance or experience, and applying emotion-charged, loaded, and inaccurate or unreasonable language when labeling), personalization (taking everything personally or assigning blame to ourselves without any logical reason to believe we are to blame), blaming (holding others entirely to blame for situations in which we share responsibility for what happened), control fallacies (believing that we have absolutely no control over our situation or we are in complete control of what happens to us), fallacy of fairness (judging every experience by its perceived fairness), fallacy of change (expecting others to change if we pressure or encourage them enough and believing our success and happiness rests on other people, leading us to believe that forcing those around us to change is the only way that we can get what we want), and always being right (believing that we could be wrong is absolutely unacceptable).
I took this list of the more common forms of distorted thinking from an article on cognitive distortions written by Courtney E. Ackerman, MA, and posted on Positive Psychology.com.
We may have read posts or watched videos online that reflected these ways of thinking. We may know people—family, relatives, friends, coworkers, fellow students—who think one or more of these ways. We may think one or more of these ways ourselves. They are much more common than we think.
All these distorted ways of thinking can add to our stress in a world which is filled with people and things that can trigger a psychological stress response.
Throw into this mix the willingness to sit lightly to the truth, to stretch the truth, to misrepresent the facts, to believe and spread all kinds of lies and half-truths, and to demonize others, to treat them as if they are evil, it is not at all surprising that a growing number of people are experiencing conditions that are affecting their mental health.
How does Jesus’ teaching which we heard or read in this evening’s New Testament reading have any bearing upon our troubled times? One point which Jesus makes in this excerpt from his Sermon on the Mount is that we do have a measure of control over what we permit to dominate our thoughts. We can do what Jesus tells the disciples. We can focus on the present movement, we can trust God, and we can devote ourselves to a greater cause than ourselves, to the Kingdom of God.
Overthinking, thinking constantly about someone or something is not going to help us. It causes our body to produce stress hormones and these hormones can interfere with our brain’s ability to assess a situation and to problem-solve. We are likely to engage in the various kinds of distorted thinking which I have described and make any bad feelings that we are experiencing worse.
Now Jesus is not telling his disciples that they should not plan ahead. What he is telling them is that they will receive no benefit from thinking about problems or unpleasant things that might happen in a way that makes them feel unhappy or frightened. “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” he tells the disciples. After reassuring them that God will provide for their needs, he goes on to tell them. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
It is not at all surprising that a growing body of research backs up what Jesus is telling his disciples. A recent study found that mindfulness was effective as antidepressant medication in reducing anxiety. Mindfulness employs various techniques to help an individual focus upon the present moment.
It is not all surprising that God knows what is good for his children. After all God formed and made us and gave us life. Father-like, God protects and cares for us. Trusting God goes beyond trusting him to provide for our needs. It includes trusting him to provide helpful guidance on how to live through Jesus’ teaching and example. It is one of the many ways that God show us grace, his goodwill and favor toward us.
We may question God’s existence because God does not act the way that we believe God should act. Yes, we apply should statements to God as well as ourselves and others. While God may not meet the expectations that we apply to God in the way that we want God to meet them, it does not mean that God does not exist. Rather we as short-lived creatures have limited knowledge of God. Many events and occurrences cannot be explained by random chance and point to what can be characterized only as divine intervention.
Our troubled times and the word and actions of some who claim to be Christians may cause us to become dispirited and filled with doubt. If and when this happens, we need to give heed to Jesus’s words and not let our thoughts and feelings dishearten us. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” (John 14: 1 NLT)
And make this our prayer.
Mighty God,
strong, loving and wise,
help us depend upon your goodness
and to place our trust in your Son.
Hear this prayer for your love’s sake.
Amen.
God will provide us the grace we need to carry on.
Silence is kept.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Owen Alstott’s setting of the Magnificat, “My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord.”
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
My spirit sings to God, my saving God,
Who on this day above all others favored me
And raised me up, a light for all to see.
Through me great deeds will God make manifest,
And all the earth will come to call me blest.
Unbounded love and mercy sure will I proclaim
For all who know and praise God's holy name.
God's mighty arm, protector of the just,
Will guard the weak and raise them from the dust.
But mighty kings will swiftly fall from thrones corrupt.
The strong brought low, the lowly lifted up.
Soon will the poor and hungry of the earth
Be richly blest, be given greater worth.
And Israel, as once foretold to Abraham,
Will live in peace throughout the promised land.
All glory be to God, Creator blest,
To Jesus Christ, God's love made manifest,
And to the Holy Spirit, gentle Comforter,
All glory be, both now and ever more.
Silence may be kept.
PRAYERS
Particular intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered before any section.
Periods of silence may be kept.
Blessed are you eternal God,
to be praised and glorified for ever.
Heavenly Father, hear us as we pray for the unity of the Church.
May we all be one that the world may believe.
Grant that every member of the Church
may truly and humbly serve you,
that the life of Christ may be revealed in us.
We remember those who have died.
Father, into your hands we commend them.
(Remembering N)
We praise you for all your saints
who have entered your eternal glory.
May we also come to share your heavenly kingdom.
Have compassion on those who suffer from sickness,
grief or trouble.
In your presence may they find strength.
Look with your kindness on our homes and families.
Grant that your love may grow in our hearts.
Make us alive to the needs of our community.
Help us to share one another’s joys and burdens.
Inspire and lead those who hold authority
in the nations of the world.
Guide us and all people in the way of justice and peace.
Strengthen all who minister in Christ’s name.
Give us courage to proclaim your Gospel.
We pray in silence for our own needs and the needs of others...
Praise to you, abundant God,
for when we ask, you give;
when we seek, you show the way.
When we knock, you answer.
Praise to you for your unfailing grace.
Make us now your faithful people.
Amen.
THE COLLECTS
Almighty God,
you alone can bring order
to our unruly wills and affections;
give us grace to love what you command
and desire what you promise,
that in all the changes and chances
of this uncertain world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed
where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
As Christ teaches us, we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
CLOSING SONG
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Haugen’s “Where Your Treasure Is.”
Where your treasure, there your heart shall be,
all that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last, come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
What do you gain from all your worry,
What you should eat or what to wear?
There is no peace in stress or hurry.
Do you not know that you are held
within God’s care?
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be,
all that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last, come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
Look at the ravens high above you,
they do not work their whole life through.
And yet God feeds them and protects them
so how much more will God protect
and care for you.
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be,
all that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last, come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
Behold the lilies in their splendor,
in grace and beauty they are dressed,
And yet all soon their bloom is faded.
So how much more will those
who look to God be blessed?
Where your treasure, there your heart shall be,
all that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last, come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
Do not fear, little flock, for God delights
to give you the blessed reign of God.
Give your possessions to the needy,
gain a treasure that will not fade.
Where your treasure, there your heart shall be,
All that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last, come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
THE CONCLUSION
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
Among the phenomena that have emerged and grown in recent years are the internet influencer and the cancel culture or call-out culture. Internet influencers range from individuals with strong opinions on a particular subject to individuals who have connections to foreign powers trying to manipulate public opinion in the United State, widen divisions in the country and to influence the outcome of its elections to their own ends. The latter may even be promoting civil unrest and political violence in an effort to destabilize and weaken the country.
Cancel culture or call-out culture is a term used to describe a form of ostracism in which an individual is boycotted or shunned because that that person has said or done something, real or imagined, that those boycotting or shunning the individual find offensive. They may simply hold an opinion different from the opinion those boycotting or shunning them hold. The kind of rejection that in the past was limited to a neighborhood, a village, a rural community, or a particular social circle can now occur on a far greater scale.
Cyberbullying is a third phenomenon that as emerged and grown during this period. The use of the internet to harm or frighten another person especially by sending them unpleasant or threatening messages has contributed to an increase in the teen suicide rate. Many teenagers seek acceptance and affirmation from their peers online and when it is withheld or withdrawn, their self-esteem plummets. They may become depressed and suicidal. In their vulnerable state they may fall under the influence of individuals and groups promoting self-harm and suicide on the internet.
We are seeing an increase in denial, the unwillingness to accept that something unpleasant is true, and catastrophizing, the tendency to think about the worst things that could possibly happen in a situation, or to consider a situation as much worse or much more serious than it really is.
We are also seeing an increase in other forms of distorted thinking, for example all-or-nothing thinking (also known as polarized thinking or black-and-white thinking), overgeneralizing, mental filtering (paying attention to the negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positive ones), disqualifying the positive (acknowledging positive experiences but rejecting them instead of embracing them), jumping to conclusions—mind reading (assuming that we know what someone else is thinking), jumping to conclusions—fortune telling (drawing conclusions and making predictions based upon little evidence and then believing them), minimizing (as well as exaggerate the meaning, importance or likelihood of things, we make something seem less important or smaller than it really is), emotional reasoning (accepting what we feel as fact, “I feel it, therefore it must be true”), should statements (telling ourselves what we “should” do, “ought to” do, or “must” do, or applying these expectations to others), labeling or mislabeling (assigning judgements of value to ourselves or others based upon one instance or experience, and applying emotion-charged, loaded, and inaccurate or unreasonable language when labeling), personalization (taking everything personally or assigning blame to ourselves without any logical reason to believe we are to blame), blaming (holding others entirely to blame for situations in which we share responsibility for what happened), control fallacies (believing that we have absolutely no control over our situation or we are in complete control of what happens to us), fallacy of fairness (judging every experience by its perceived fairness), fallacy of change (expecting others to change if we pressure or encourage them enough and believing our success and happiness rests on other people, leading us to believe that forcing those around us to change is the only way that we can get what we want), and always being right (believing that we could be wrong is absolutely unacceptable).
I took this list of the more common forms of distorted thinking from an article on cognitive distortions written by Courtney E. Ackerman, MA, and posted on Positive Psychology.com.
We may have read posts or watched videos online that reflected these ways of thinking. We may know people—family, relatives, friends, coworkers, fellow students—who think one or more of these ways. We may think one or more of these ways ourselves. They are much more common than we think.
All these distorted ways of thinking can add to our stress in a world which is filled with people and things that can trigger a psychological stress response.
Throw into this mix the willingness to sit lightly to the truth, to stretch the truth, to misrepresent the facts, to believe and spread all kinds of lies and half-truths, and to demonize others, to treat them as if they are evil, it is not at all surprising that a growing number of people are experiencing conditions that are affecting their mental health.
How does Jesus’ teaching which we heard or read in this evening’s New Testament reading have any bearing upon our troubled times? One point which Jesus makes in this excerpt from his Sermon on the Mount is that we do have a measure of control over what we permit to dominate our thoughts. We can do what Jesus tells the disciples. We can focus on the present movement, we can trust God, and we can devote ourselves to a greater cause than ourselves, to the Kingdom of God.
Overthinking, thinking constantly about someone or something is not going to help us. It causes our body to produce stress hormones and these hormones can interfere with our brain’s ability to assess a situation and to problem-solve. We are likely to engage in the various kinds of distorted thinking which I have described and make any bad feelings that we are experiencing worse.
Now Jesus is not telling his disciples that they should not plan ahead. What he is telling them is that they will receive no benefit from thinking about problems or unpleasant things that might happen in a way that makes them feel unhappy or frightened. “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” he tells the disciples. After reassuring them that God will provide for their needs, he goes on to tell them. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
It is not at all surprising that a growing body of research backs up what Jesus is telling his disciples. A recent study found that mindfulness was effective as antidepressant medication in reducing anxiety. Mindfulness employs various techniques to help an individual focus upon the present moment.
It is not all surprising that God knows what is good for his children. After all God formed and made us and gave us life. Father-like, God protects and cares for us. Trusting God goes beyond trusting him to provide for our needs. It includes trusting him to provide helpful guidance on how to live through Jesus’ teaching and example. It is one of the many ways that God show us grace, his goodwill and favor toward us.
We may question God’s existence because God does not act the way that we believe God should act. Yes, we apply should statements to God as well as ourselves and others. While God may not meet the expectations that we apply to God in the way that we want God to meet them, it does not mean that God does not exist. Rather we as short-lived creatures have limited knowledge of God. Many events and occurrences cannot be explained by random chance and point to what can be characterized only as divine intervention.
Our troubled times and the word and actions of some who claim to be Christians may cause us to become dispirited and filled with doubt. If and when this happens, we need to give heed to Jesus’s words and not let our thoughts and feelings dishearten us. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” (John 14: 1 NLT)
And make this our prayer.
Mighty God,
strong, loving and wise,
help us depend upon your goodness
and to place our trust in your Son.
Hear this prayer for your love’s sake.
Amen.
God will provide us the grace we need to carry on.
Silence is kept.
GOSPEL CANTICLE
Open this link in a new tab to hear Owen Alstott’s setting of the Magnificat, “My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord.”
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
My spirit sings to God, my saving God,
Who on this day above all others favored me
And raised me up, a light for all to see.
Through me great deeds will God make manifest,
And all the earth will come to call me blest.
Unbounded love and mercy sure will I proclaim
For all who know and praise God's holy name.
God's mighty arm, protector of the just,
Will guard the weak and raise them from the dust.
But mighty kings will swiftly fall from thrones corrupt.
The strong brought low, the lowly lifted up.
Soon will the poor and hungry of the earth
Be richly blest, be given greater worth.
And Israel, as once foretold to Abraham,
Will live in peace throughout the promised land.
All glory be to God, Creator blest,
To Jesus Christ, God's love made manifest,
And to the Holy Spirit, gentle Comforter,
All glory be, both now and ever more.
Silence may be kept.
PRAYERS
Particular intercessions and thanksgivings may be offered before any section.
Periods of silence may be kept.
Blessed are you eternal God,
to be praised and glorified for ever.
Heavenly Father, hear us as we pray for the unity of the Church.
May we all be one that the world may believe.
Grant that every member of the Church
may truly and humbly serve you,
that the life of Christ may be revealed in us.
We remember those who have died.
Father, into your hands we commend them.
(Remembering N)
We praise you for all your saints
who have entered your eternal glory.
May we also come to share your heavenly kingdom.
Have compassion on those who suffer from sickness,
grief or trouble.
In your presence may they find strength.
Look with your kindness on our homes and families.
Grant that your love may grow in our hearts.
Make us alive to the needs of our community.
Help us to share one another’s joys and burdens.
Inspire and lead those who hold authority
in the nations of the world.
Guide us and all people in the way of justice and peace.
Strengthen all who minister in Christ’s name.
Give us courage to proclaim your Gospel.
We pray in silence for our own needs and the needs of others...
Praise to you, abundant God,
for when we ask, you give;
when we seek, you show the way.
When we knock, you answer.
Praise to you for your unfailing grace.
Make us now your faithful people.
Amen.
THE COLLECTS
Almighty God,
you alone can bring order
to our unruly wills and affections;
give us grace to love what you command
and desire what you promise,
that in all the changes and chances
of this uncertain world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed
where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
As Christ teaches us, we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
CLOSING SONG
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Haugen’s “Where Your Treasure Is.”
Where your treasure, there your heart shall be,
all that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last, come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
What do you gain from all your worry,
What you should eat or what to wear?
There is no peace in stress or hurry.
Do you not know that you are held
within God’s care?
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be,
all that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last, come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
Look at the ravens high above you,
they do not work their whole life through.
And yet God feeds them and protects them
so how much more will God protect
and care for you.
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be,
all that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last, come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
Behold the lilies in their splendor,
in grace and beauty they are dressed,
And yet all soon their bloom is faded.
So how much more will those
who look to God be blessed?
Where your treasure, there your heart shall be,
all that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last, come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
Do not fear, little flock, for God delights
to give you the blessed reign of God.
Give your possessions to the needy,
gain a treasure that will not fade.
Where your treasure, there your heart shall be,
All that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last, come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
Where your treasure is your heart shall be.
THE CONCLUSION
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
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