Cantica Gaudia

Season of Epiphany: Monday Compline

Confession:

Holy and Merciful God,
you are our judge, for you alone know us fully.
You know the sins we hid from others:
the unkind thought,
the unspoken word of grace,
the helping hand not offered.
You alone know how we harbor jealousies and resentments;
hoard resources for ourselves;
and hold onto our prejudices, judging others.
Forgive us, we pray,
Bring us into your marvelous light
so that we live before others as you intend.
We seek your tender mercy,
For you also love us as a mother loves her little child.
In your Son’s name we pray.  Amen.

Canticle:
Before I ventured forth, even while I was very young,
I sought wisdom openly in my prayer.
In the forecourts of the temple I asked for her, and I will seek her to the end.
From first blossom to early fruit, she has been the delight of my heart.
My foot has kept firmly to the true path, diligently from my youth have I pursued her.
I inclined my ear a little and received her;
I found for myself much wisdom and became adept in her.
To the one who gives me wisdom will I give glory, for I have resolved to live according to her way.
From the beginning I gained courage from her, therefore I will not be forsaken.
In my inmost being I have been stirred to seek her, therefore I have gained a good possession.
As my reward the Almighty has given me the gift of language, and with it will I offer praise to God.

Reading:
The moon came to me last night
with a sweet question.
She said:
“The sun has been my faithful lover
for millions of years.
Whenever I offer my body to him
Brilliant light pours from his heart.
Thousands then notice my happiness
And delight in pointing
Toward my beauty.
Hafiz, is it true that our destiny
Is to turn into Light Itself?”

The Lord’s Prayer: 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 for ever.  Amen.

Prayer:  O Holy Spirit, giver of light and life,
impart to us thoughts better than our own thoughts,
And prayers better than our own prayers,
And powers better than our own powers,
That we may spend and be spent
In the ways of love and goodness
After the perfect image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen

Going forth: Live without fear: our Creator has made us holy, has always protected us, and loves us as a mother.  Let us go in peace to follow the good road, and may God’s blessing be with us always.  Amen.