Cantica Gaudia

Ordinary Time, Late Summer: Friday Noonday Prayer

Opening: Of all that God has shown me, I can speak just the smallest word, not more than a honey bee takes on his foot from an overspilling jar.

Psalm: My resolve is strengthened
Like a ram’s horn freshly anointed it glistens
So that my eyes see clearly the greed of those who envy
And my ears hear patiently the confused cacophony of the world

Those who go in accord with you grow fresh as palm trees
Grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon
For they are planted in your house, their leaves rustle in your courtyards
Even in old age they’ll flourish, vigorous and covered with foliage
Emblems of your uprightness, your rocklike steadfastness
Sealed and without a crack

Reading: Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours,
no feet but yours,
Yours are the eyes through which is to look out
Christ’s compassion to the world
Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good;
Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.

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.

Prayers: Living God, take our hands, take our lives, ordinary as wheat or cornmeal, daily as bread -- our stumbling generosity, our simple actions, and find them good enough to help prepare the feast for all your people. Amen.

Going Forth:  May God bless the work of our hands.