Hymn
Option I. City of God (Gather 766)
- Awake from your slumber! Arise from your sleep!
A new day is dawning for all those who weep.
The people in darkness have seen a great light.
The Lord of our longing has conquered the night.
Refrain:
Let us build the city of God. May our tears be turned into dancing.
For the Lord our light and our love has turned the night into day. - We are sons of the morning; we are daughters of day.
The One who has loved us has brightened our way.
The Lord of all kindness has called us to be
a light for all people to set their hearts free. Refrain
Option II. This Little Light of Mine (Gather 591)
- This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine (3x)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
- Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine (3x)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
- Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine (3x)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Prayer
Leader:
Leader:
All:
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Let us pray as one:
Good and Gracious God,
We come before you as the community of St. Margaret of Scotland,
gathered today to pray a Novena for clarity of mind and heart
during this search for new school leadership.
We ask you, O God, for support and strength,
direction and guidance,
joy and peace
as we seek to be people who reflect your radiant light
and live in your abundance.
Lead us the way we need to go, as our story unfolds before us.
We make this prayer, filled with hope,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading
i thank You God for most this amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun’s birthday; this is the birth
day of life and of love and wings: and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)how should tasting touching hearing seeing
e.e. cummings (1894-1962)
breathing any–lifted from the no
of all nothing–human merely being
doubt unimaginable You? (now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)
Response
Leader:
All:
Leader:
All:
Leader:
All:
At dawn, fill us with your merciful love;
we shall exult and rejoice all our days.
Let your deed be seen by your servants,
and your glorious power by their children.
Let the favor of the LORD our God be upon us;
Give success to the work of our hands.
O give success to the work of our hands.
Word of God
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Ephesians 5: 8-15
Live as children of light,
for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.
Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness;
rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things
done by them in secret;
but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
for everything that becomes visible is light.
Therefore, it says:
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.
Questions for Reflection
After leader reads questions aloud, all pause to reflect during one minute of silence.
- Where have you seen evidence of the energy of new life and renewal at St. Margaret of Scotland?
- How might our understanding of vibrancy inform our prayers for new leadership?
Petitions
Leader: Christ hears and saves all who hope in him. Let us bring him our needs.
That our school will be empowered and inspired by our mission and strive to welcome the energy of new leadership with a flexible and hospitable spirit; we pray…
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
That our children will be actively engaged in intellectual, social and spiritual formation that will permanently enrich their lives; we pray… R.
That our community will respond with generous hearts and lives: encouraging, challenging and supporting the baptismal call to ministry and discipleship; we pray… R.
For what else shall we pray?
Individuals may offer intentions.
Prayer of Saint Margaret of Scotland
Leader: Let us recall our mission as together we pray:
Loving God,
You call your people to holiness and create among them models of kindness.
We thank you for the life of St. Margaret of Scotland:
a woman of leadership and hope in a confusing world;
a wife and mother excelling in patience, dedication and love;
a teacher supported and inspired by a life of learning;
a generous friend and a loyal servant to the poor and helpless;
a model of Christian faith and constant prayerfulness.
As we build our faith, help us to grow rich in the values of St. Margaret:
That faith, hope and love might inspire
our presence in the city and neighborhood,
our relationships with family and friends,
our concern for the education of the young,
our care for the poor and the weak,
our community’s prayer in word and sacrament.
Bless our parish and our school;
Let it be for us a community of love and sharing,
and a source of life and grace;
Let it be a witness to our neighbors
of your life, your presence and your love.
Through Christ, Our Lord,
Amen.
Optional, following Novena:
Share your reflections from above questions, focused on the mission value of the day.
- Index cards available at the shared novena, or
- Email PraySMOS@gmail.com
- Comments received may be shared with the community and those who search for our new staff members.