Lesson fOr week Of MAY 31, 2020
Sunday, May 31, is Pentecost Sunday
John 7:37-39 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As[a] the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart[b] shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
THE WORD OF THE LORD
and the People respond, “Thanks be to God.”
THE PRAYERS OF OUR COMMUNITY
We pray for all the leaders of the world in this time of pandemic. We especially pray for Donald, our President, and for Congress and those serving on our courts. We also pray for Henry, our Governor, and for Steve, our Mayor, and for all who govern and hold authority in the world. May they all make thoughtful and good decisions for the welfare of the world.
We pray for this community of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and for Chris, Head of School, George, Head of Upper School, Suzanne, Head of Middle School, and Stephanie, Head of Lower and Early Childhood Divisions.
We pray for our Presiding Bishop, Michael, for the Bishop of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, Andrew, for Raven, our Chaplain, and for all minsters, including the students, faculty and staff of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School.
We pray for all of Heathwood's Alumni, and this week
For the Class of 2013, especially Shelton Blue, Helen Clay, Dickens Culler, Weston Hardee, Ametria Harrison, Charlotte Jones, Will Lord, and Sally McLeod.
For the Class of 2007, especially Drayton Weston, Jonathan Zurcher, Ben Wellman, Margaret Strom, Pattie Shields, Adam Walker, Tyler Whalen, and Bennett Carnes.
We pray for God’s healing power to be present in the lives of all people, especially remembering
Jane Hall
Francis McMeekin
Melinda McMeekin
Anna Gallery Bennett, Class of 1999
Ann Thomas
Rosie McCoy
Clarence Heatley
Misti Raman
Laura Slocum
Stefan Pack
Beth McMaster
Emily Prince
Betsy McKay
Sheree Kunz
Our International Students
Violeta Crescpo
DeWayne Sweet
Keith Hagstette
Brooks Wheeler
Helen Sands
Thomas McRoy Shelley, Jr.
Charles Lee Tarpley
Timothy Giovannone
We give thanks for all the many blessings of this life, especially for the birth of Luka Fortenberry on May 30. He is the son of Kristen Dickerson Fortenberry and Tim Fortenberry.
We pray for those in our community expecting babies:
Allen (06) and Elizabeth Wilkerson – due June 29
Peyton (06) and Lyndey Bryant – due June 30
Bo (07) and Frances (08) Bryan – due on August 12
Wilson and Keree White – due in August
For Episcopal Schools in South Carolina
All Saints Preschool in Hilton Head
Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia
Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School in Clemson
The Little School at Grace Church in Charleston
Porter Gaud School in Charleston
The Collect for Purity
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The following are the Collects for each day of the week.
Prayer for Mondays, the Collect for the Renewal of Life
O God, the King Eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Tuesdays, the Collect for Peace
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Wednesdays, the Collect for Grace
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Thursdays, the Collect for Guidance
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may ever remember that we are walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect for Fridays
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect for Saturdays
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect for Sundays
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessings through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for HHES Students, Faculty and Staff during COVID-19 Remote Learning
Dear Eternal and Everloving God,
On this school day, be with us, the community of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. Help us to be ready to learn more about your world as we study from our homes. Help us to concentrate on our schoolwork today and help us to be patient and polite as we try new things together. We pray, O God, for people all over the world who are sheltering in place as we are. Give us courage, give us strength, give us the assurance of your presence. We pray for the sick, for the dying, and for those who are frightened or alone. May we all know you are holding us up and supporting us in this uncertain time. Grant that the joy of the Easter season may be a comfort to all. We pray in the Jesus, who knew what it was like to teach and to learn, who knew suffering, death, and resurrection. Amen.
A Celtic Prayer
May the light of God surround us. May the love of God enfold us. May the power of God protect us. May the presence of God watch over us. Now and forever. Amen.