Posted 359 days ago

Excerpts from the Celtic Retreat Liturgy

God, you promise us a burden that is light and a load that is easy,
You anoint us to study your word and meditate on your ways,
May we never be too busy to listen,
May we never be too tired to pray.
God, you invite us to community, but also to solitude,
You call us to work but also to rest.
May we see this day as an opportunity,
To see you, to know you, to represent you.

(Silence)

Speak to our hearts, Lord Jesus,
In a language we can understand,
Speak to us, think within us, act though us,
Reveal in us your image.
Think within our minds, Lord Jesus,
Teach us your rhythms of grace,
Speak to us, think within us, act though us,
Reveal in us your image.
Act through our labors, Lord Jesus,
May we walk with you freely and lightly,
Speak to us, think within us, act though us,
Reveal in us your image.
In our work, glorify you,
In our rest, restore your presence,
Speak to us, think within us, act though us,
Reveal in us your image.
Through our study, reveal you,
Through our prayer, praise you,
Speak to us, think within us, act though us,
Reveal in us your image.
In our solitude, make space for you,
In our community, show oneness,
Speak to us, think within us, act though us,
Reveal in us your image.

Lord, you fill this place with the wonder of your love.
Lord Jesus, you are with us in this place.
We came to you busy and you slowed us down,
Lord Jesus, you are with us in this place.
We came to you weary and you refreshed us,
Lord Jesus, you are with us in this place.
We came to you empty and you renewed us with your life,
Lord Jesus, you are with us in this place.

(Silence)

Jesus, we thank you for feeding so many times this day.
We are nourished with forgiveness and hope,
We are renewed with strength and patience,
We are refreshed with grace and compassion.
Jesus, we praise you for caring for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep.
We are restored with refreshment and healing,
We are replenished with abundance and joy,
We are reminded of your selfless abandon.
Jesus, we thank you for filling us with the bread and water of life.
May your river continue to flow
Over us, in us and through us
And out into the world you love.

For the busyness that has distracted us,
Father, forgive us
For the anxieties that have burdened us,
Jesus, forgive us
For the self-centeredness that has isolated us,
Spirit, forgive us
Holy Three, have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us.
Pardon and deliver us from our sins,
Draw us into your eternal family.

Glory to you Lord God almighty!
For the work of our hands and our times of rest,
For our times together and our times of solitude,
For our study of your word and our prayers,
Glory and praise to Jesus for the sacrament of his life!
Let us give our work to him and so bear kingdom fruit,
Let us give our rest to him and bring forth peace,
Let us give our unity to him and build community.
Glory and praise to the spirit who fills all things!
May we be filled with the solitude that builds inner strength,
May we pray with the wisdom that deepens intimacy with you,
May we act with the love that represents you.
Glory and praise to God!

God, today our hands have touched what you created in love and holiness. Strengthen them that they may daily bring forth fruit to your glory. God, today our lips have sung your praise and our voices rejoiced in your sanctuary. May the words of our mouths and the songs of our hearts glorify you forever. God today, we have relaxed together in the presence of your loving faithfulness. Walk with us into the blessed hope of your eternal community of rest and abundance. Grant that we who have tasted your living body and life-giving blood may be renewed. May we ever be restored and journey with you into the newness of life.

God bless and keep us
Let our actions serve you
Let our togetherness represent you
Let our prayers be incense before you

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen

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