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I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Praise Him with the tambourine of suffering and with dancing in thanksgiving. Praise Him with the stringed instruments of human redemption and with the flute of divine protection.
Let every spirit who adores God honor and praise the Lord, for He is the Lord of all. Everyone who wants life should glorify Him who is Life.
- Hildegard von Bingen
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Scriptural Theme
Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Isaiah 57:14-21 (New International Version)
"Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." For this is what the high and exalted One says -- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: *
"I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. I will not accuse them forever, nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me -- the very people I have created. I was enraged by their sinful greed; I punished them, and hid my face in anger, yet they kept on in their willful ways. I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel's mourners, creating praise on their lips.
Peace, peace, to those far and near," says the Lord. "And I will heal them." But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."
Response to the Scripture
Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.
Draw near to God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart
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The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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Ending Prayer
From every sin, *
from the crafts and assaults of the Devil,
from heresy and pernicious doctrine, *
from envy and ill-will to the brethren,
from impurity of body and soul, *
from indifference in the service of God,
and from all evil spirits, *
deliver us, good Lord.
- Litany of the Holy Spirit
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 4: Lent Bridge Prayer – “The Joy of Repentance” )