March 25, 2020 | In This Moment

In This Moment
I am living in the now – fully present to divine possibilities in each moment.  Each day begins with unknown possibilities.  As I progress through the day, my experiences are shaped by what I believe is true and where my attention is focused.  If I believe life is wondrous and see only evidence of that, then I experience life as a wonder.  I choose to believe this day is a unique opportunity to discover the activity of Spirit in and through my life. Time in prayer reveals a sense of peace available within me when I still the busyness of my mind.  I go about the day pausing to enjoy the glimpses of wonder and beauty in my surroundings.  While interacting with others, I make connections and find reminders of the power of love to heal and uplift me.  I claim the gifts in this day by being present to each moment.

May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all day long.—Psalm 72:15

Morning Prayer
Annunciation of the Lord

All: Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Luke 1:46-55
Side 1: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

Side 2: He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he has made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Reading – Luke 1:26-29, 38
Reader: The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Reflection: The astonishing news from the angel Gabriel is followed by a second announcement: Mary’s cousin Elizabeth will also conceive and bear a son in her old age. The salvific plan of God choose two unlikely human vessels, a young virgin and an elderly woman. Both women will bring forth a child that will change the course of history for the people of God. Mary’s hesitant but willing fiat leaves us with an example of obedience to God’s call to each of us to be bearers of new life into the world.

Prayer
Leader: Trusting in Christ, the Light of the World, we pray:
All: Be with us, O Lord.

Reader 1: That CommonSpirit Health always serve the common good, we pray:
All: Be with us, O Lord.

Reader 2: That those who are hesitant to trust in the mercy of God, find strength in the Holy          Spirit, we pray:
All: Be with us, O Lord.

Reader 3: That our Lenten practices continue to bring us closer to a repentant heart, we pray:
All: Be with us, O Lord.

Reader 4: That all people recognize the astonishing love of God on their journey, we pray:
All: Be with us, O Lord.

All: Personal Petitions

All: The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father…

Closing Prayer
All: God, in your plan of salvation, you have chosen Mary as the vessel for the Word made flesh. Grant to us the same courage as Mary that we might be obedient to your grace and faithful in our communion with your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns, for ever and ever. Amen.

Leader: Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Peace be with you all and have a wonderful week!