Sunset and Lake

Prayer for Refuge and Peace by Augustine of Hippo 4th century

O God,
full of compassion,
I commit and commend myself to you,
in whom I am, and live, and know.
Be the Goal of my pilgrimage,
and my Rest by the way.
Let my soul take refuge
from the crowding turmoil of worldly thoughts
beneath the shadow of your wings.
Let my heart,
this sea of restless waves,
find peace in you, O God.
You bountifully give all good gifts.
Give those who are weary refreshing food.
Gather our distracted thoughts and powers into harmony again.
Set the prisoner free.
See, he stands at your door and knocks.
Open it to him,
that he may enter with a free step,
and be quickened by you.
For you are the Well-spring of Life,
the Light of eternal Brightness,
where the just live who love you.
Let it be to me according to your word.
Amen.

Increase in Us Faith, Hope, and Love:  Leonine Sacramentary, 6th-7th

Almighty and eternal God,
increase in us faith, hope, and love.
Lead us to love what you command
so that we may obtain what you promise;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Scripture: Colossians 4:16-18 NIV

After this letter has been read to you,
see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Benediction

Go into your week
knowing you are
loved perfectly,
saved eternally,
and empowered
as a disciple of Jesus
to share God’s love
with everyone you meet.
Amen