THE COMPANIONS

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Of all false doctrines that ever enchained the mind of man the doctrine that God does not believe in laughter is the most absurd, when all nature laughs, and birds split their throats singing merry songs. Every bird that flies from tree to tree makes the sign of the cross in flying, and some of our pine trees are made up of little crosses as they stand out against the summer sky…

– Emily Malbone Morgan, SCHC (1884-1937)

Simplicity of Life: Monday

God of love and light, When the world and its weariness become too much, When fear threatens to overwhelm me, Grant me grace to know that you have    carved my name on the palm of your hand, And pare down my doing into Being.

– Beth Chamberlain, SCHC

Unity of God’s People: Tuesday

Where hate and cruelty  abound and surround us,      Let us sow love. Where anger and division set one against another,    Let us sow love. Where violence and injustice, cause fear and pain,   Let us sow love. Lord, help us sow love.

– Paula Lathrop, SCHC

Social Justice: Wednesday

God, sometimes I feel the world spinning around the crying needs of humanity. It’s so easy to raise my voice in frustration. I feel my inadequacies and realize there is a great treasure of wisdom and foundation in the social gospel stories, the theologies of social justice, the Black church’s social gospel, and social Christianity. Help me to read, learn, and inwardly digest this wisdom, so I may embrace the simplicity of living the way of the cross that is so powerful, and to live my baptismal promises, all for the glory of Christ, I pray.

– Ellen Weig, SCHC

Peace and Reconciliation: Thursday

Dear Father in Heaven, Grant us the wisdom to reach out to those from whom we are estranged—to offer the peace and reconciliation which you bring to us daily. Help us to project your love when we extend our hands to another. We ask this in your Son’s name.

– Pat Trumbull, SCHC

Growth In Spiritual Life: Friday

Lying in an Adelynrood bed this summer, I heard it—the first bird of the day, its single song before sunrise soon joined by dozens, hundreds of other birds. Is this our call in one of the darkest moments in world history, to sing loud and full of joy before we know if day will ever break again? To believe that the voices of hundreds, millions, may join mine to sing of your light, O Lord, that leads us all on?

– Eileen Harakal, SCHC

Prayers Personal and General: Saturday

God of love, help me to love those against whom I lash out in anger. We are all your children, and you care for each one of us, even when we are at our least lovable. My job is to try to follow you, loving all of the world that you have made, and to do my best to be your hands in caring for all of this world. Help me to be at peace with my limited abilities and to trust in your goodness and wisdom.

– Polly Gosselin, SCHC

Thanksgiving: Sunday and Every Day

My Lord and my God, give me a thirst for your presence. Quiet my heart that I may desire your will and listen for your voice. Fill me with the living water of your Spirit that I may answer your call wherever it takes me.

– Alinda Stanley, SCHC