Two simple words juxtaposed with each other to form a cross. Two simple words which convey a truth that rings so very true today. Two simple words that convey the reality, “to restore.” Two simple words which shows God’s Love!
Father Carter writes:
“To restore– when a painting or a beautiful piece of furniture is restored, it recognizes the value that it already has and rediscovers its original beauty or authenticity so it can be seen again. We are all made in the image of God, but over the years we can easily become broken, or tarnished, and smeared by our sinfulness, or torn by pain. To restore is about healing – gently cleaning away all that has obscured and finding beneath the original beauty of the creator. To arrive at the beginning and recognize it for the first time.” (TCIMM page 263-264)
GO DEEPER: Read more from Father Carter:
“I once talked to my spiritual guide Fr Simon Holden about a difficulty I was facing in which I felt the pain of an injustice done to me. I have always remembered his response: ‘We will come up against those forces that seem to deny all that we are and all that is true. The question is not “will I face those moments of trial?” but “will I be poisoned by them?”’ Will I, when facing injustice, become the unjust? Will I return the hatred, return the exploitation, return the violence, return the lie or become infected by it so that I no longer know the truth? Or can I discover Christ within me? Can I transform the wagging finger through the sacred heart of Christ?
His stillness
His silence
His open heart
His wounds for love
The power of his gentleness
His open translucent compassion for the world
I am not seeing the death of Truth; in him we are seeing
salvation.
I think of Moses coming down from the mountain after his encounter with God, his face so full of the light that he had to veil his face. I heard an Orthodox priest speaking of the way our faces were mirrors. Mirrors of the love of God. I wonder if I can mirror the Jesus I see in this picture. Holding fast to that which is good. Giving back to no one evil for evil.” (TCIMM page 230)
Listen to this peaceful Maundy Thursday devotion by Father Carter on BBC radio:
GO STILL DEEPER: Experience this Bidding Prayer
Bidding Prayer
The assembly kneels or sits. The assisting minister leads the invitations to prayer (the bids). Silence for prayer follows each bid. The presiding minister leads the prayers that conclude the silence. (in these days of social distancing you can share this with someone and pray it via Facetime or Zoom)
Let us pray, brothers and sisters, for the holy church throughout the world.
Silent prayer.
Almighty and eternal God,
you have shown your glory to all nations in Jesus Christ.
By your Holy Spirit guide the church
and gather it throughout the world.
Help it to persevere in faith, proclaim your name,
and bring the good news of salvation in Christ to all people.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray for name/s our bishops, for name/s our pastor(s), for name/s and all servants of the church, and for all the people of God.
Silent prayer.
Almighty and eternal God,
your Spirit guides the church and makes it holy.
Strengthen and uphold our bishops, pastors,
other ministers, and lay leaders.
Keep them in health and safety for the good of the church,
and help each of us in our various vocations
to do faithfully the work to which you have called us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray for those preparing for baptism.
Silent prayer.
Almighty and eternal God, you continue to bless the church.
Increase the faith and understanding of those preparing for baptism.
Give them new birth as your children,
and keep them in the faith and communion of your holy church.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray for our sisters and brothers who share our faith in Jesus Christ.
Silent prayer.
Almighty and eternal God, you give your church unity.
Look with favor on all who follow Jesus your Son.
Make all the baptized one in the fullness of faith,
and keep us united in the fellowship of love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray for the Jewish people, the first to hear the word of God.
Silent prayer.
Almighty and eternal God,
long ago you gave your promise to Abraham and your teaching to Moses.
Hear our prayers that the people you called and elected as your own
may receive the fulfillment of the covenant’s promises.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray for those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ.
Silent prayer.
Almighty and eternal God, gather into your embrace
all those who call out to you under different names.
Bring an end to inter-religious strife,
and make us more faithful witnesses
of the love made known to us in your Son.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray for those who do not believe in God.
Silent prayer.
Almighty and eternal God, you created humanity
so that all may long to know you and find peace in you.
Grant that all may recognize the signs of your love and grace
in the world and in the lives of Christians,
and gladly acknowledge you as the one true God.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray for God’s creation.
Silent prayer.
Almighty and eternal God,
you are the creator of a magnificent universe.
Hold all the worlds in the arms of your care
and bring all things to fulfillment in you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray for those who serve in public office.
Silent prayer.
Almighty and eternal God,
you are the champion of the poor and oppressed.
In your goodness, give wisdom to those in authority,
so that all people may enjoy justice, peace, freedom,
and a share in the goodness of your creation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray for those in need.
Silent prayer.
Almighty and eternal God,
you give strength to the weary
and new courage to those who have lost heart.
Heal the sick, comfort the dying, give safety to travelers,
free those unjustly deprived of liberty,
and deliver your world from falsehood, hunger, and disease.
Hear the prayers of all who call on you in any trouble,
that they may have the joy of receiving your help in their need.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Finally, let us pray for all those things for which our Lord would have us ask.
All pray the Lord’s Prayer.
Lord’s Prayer: Our Father in heaven
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
The City Is My Monastery 