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Prayer from 1 Clement (c.96) link

We ask you, Master, be our helper and defender. Rescue those of our number in distress;
raise up the fallen; assist the needy; heal the sick; turn back those of your people who stray;
feed the hungry; release our captives; revive the weak; encourage those who lose heart.
Let all the nations realize that you are the only God, that Jesus Christ is your Child,
and that we are your people and the sheep of your pasture.
Amen

Prayer to the Divine Tutor – St Clement of Alexandria (150-215)

Be kind to Your little children, Lord; that is what we ask of You as their Tutor, You the Father, Israel’s guide; Son, yes, but Father as well. Grant that by doing what You told us to do, we may achieve a faithful likeness to the Image and, as far as is possible for us, may find in You a good God and a lenient Judge.

May we all live in the peace that comes from You. May we journey towards Your city, sailing through the waters of sin untouched by the waves, borne tranquilly along by the Holy Spirit, Your Wisdom beyond all telling. Night and day until the last day of all, may our praises give You thanks, our thanksgiving praise You: You who alone are both Father and Son, Son and Father, the Son who is our Tutor and our Teacher, together with the Holy Spirit ”
Amen

Walter Wangerin Jr: The Ragman

I heard about Wangerin early on in my Christian walks. This story years deeply touched me. Here is a link to read about Wangerin,
who passed away in 2021.He was a pastor, a well-known writer, and a professor. This presentation of Ragman from his book, Ragman and Other Cries of Faith
is quite touching. Although it is short and followed by a song, I felt it was enough. Ragman is performed in many churches on Ash
Wednesday.

Benediction: The Aaronic Blessing

My church’s pastors say the Aaronic blessings at the close of every church service. It is deeply moving to me. I have dotted each line so you can take it slow and think about what each section of the prayer is asking for. It is my prayer for each one of you.

• “The Lord bless you
• and keep you;
• the Lord make his face shine on you
• and be gracious to you;
• The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
• and give you peace.” (NKJV)