Opening Prayer
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thought of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
—Gregorian Sacramentary, 6th century
TEXT
John 15:9-14 NIV
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
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Set free, O Lord, my soul from all restlessness and anxiety; give me that peace and power which flow from you; keep me in all perplexities and distress, in all fears and faithlessness; that so upheld by your power and stayed on the rock of your faithfulness, I may through storm and stress remain in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
— Anonymous