Day 400 | Friday, 23 April 2021

Day 400 - Audio Version

Day 400 | Friday, 23 April 2021

 I begin this day by wishing a happy 77th birthday to my Judy.

 I would like to begin today's offering with the liturgy on unity and diversity which just when I read it gave me the desire to share it.

 “In the beginning was the circle. God made the world round, floated a sun to shine light around our days and hung a moon and many stars to brighten each night. All creatures had their place in the circle of life. All seasons came round in their appointed times. All creation danced in a circle of joy.”

“In the beginning was the tapestry. Jesus, the great weaver, wove together a rich and diverse fabric. All colors, all sizes and shapes went into the needlework. Cultures and traditions were woven in like gold and silver threads. Each variation contributed to a strong and beautiful whole.”

“In the beginning was music. The Holy Spirit conducts a glorious sound using the songs of the birds, the music of the mountains and streams, the harmony of the woods, the chorus of frogs and crickets and the trumpets of praise and drums of glory from the depths of humanity. The orchestra needs all of us to make a great melody of praise.”

“From the beginning to now, God uses all of us to create joy and beauty, hope and compassion.” 

 A prayer for the aged. (It has nothing to do with Judy’s birthday.)
“Eternal God, in mercy you sustain us all of the length and breadth of our days. Some among us have been blessed with many long years of ripening in faith and understanding.”

“We thank you for their sunny seasons, rich with love and laughter. We thank you for the time they have spent walking in the valley of the shadow. Through sun and shade, you have blessed our elders, and through them you bless us."
“From them we learn that life is good and precious and much shorter than we think. Help us look for the goodness in each day, for we shall never see that moment again.”

“Long life is a blessing, but the years do exact a price. We pray for those who attend the funeral after funeral as people close to them fulfill their days on earth. Comfort them in sorrow, defend them against loneliness.”

“Grant power and patience to those whose mobility has been taken away by illness or injury. By your spirit help them take pleasure in what they can do, rather than resenting what they cannot.”

“Grant peace to those who are nearing death, that they may undertake life's last great adventure with serenity and dignity. Grant peace to those who will be left behind, that they have power to entrust their loved ones to your care.”

“Grant your constant presence to those who in their conscious minds are no longer with us. Comfort the family members who helplessly watch the personality of their loved one erode.”

“Grant to those who care for the elderly perseverance and gentleness, ample patience and a respectful attitude. “

“Grant your Providence to the aged who struggle to survive on an income that became inadequate years ago.”
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“Watch over those who live with fearsome worries about dangers they cannot control, protect them from crime and injury, from being neglected or cheated or abandoned. Help us find ways to protect their health, their safety and their dignity. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”   
 
Today: add your prayers for the aged in your world.