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Wisdom (Terce) | 10:00 a.m.

Traditional hour: mid-morning

Having asked for direction and guidance, we pray now to equip ourselves properly for the journey ahead.

 

Opening: Listen and hear: be still and know.

Prayer:

O Holy Wisdom, direct us on your path. Make us worthy of your teachings and open our hearts to accept your embrace, that we may serve you in peace and grace. Amen.

Praise:

A Song of Pilgrimage
(Ecclesiasticus 51:13-16, 20b-22; metrical paraphrase)
(Music, if desired, may be found in Wonder, Love and Praise, #906.)

Even when young, I prayed for wisdom’s grace;
in temple courts I sought her day and night,
and I will seek her to the very end;
she is my heart’s delight.

My foot has firmly walked the path of truth;
with diligence, I followed her design.
My ear was open to receive her words;
now wisdom’s skill is mine.

Glory to one who gives me wisdom’s prize;
I vowed to live according to her way.
She gave me courage from the very start;
she will not let me stray.

Something within my being has been stirred;
my seeking brought a gift beyond compare:
the gift of language loosed my halting tongue;
God’s praise is now my prayer.

Words: Patricia B. Clark (b. 1938)

Scripture: (Hagia Sophia)

Resting your thoughts on Her [Wisdom] — this is perfect understanding. Staying mindful of Her — this is perfect calm. She embraces those who are ready for Her, revealing Herself in the midst of their travels, meeting them in every thought. (Wisdom of Solomon 6:15-16)

Meditation:

in the new light
of each day’s questions,
I am never prepared.
Today, again, I have nothing
to offer but a handful
of old prayers, worn down
by the relentless abrasion
of doubt, and a fragment
of dream that plays on in my head
only half remembered. Still,
the doves coo and circle
through the pines
as they do when I pass
each morning. Their sorrow
is so nearly human, it rings
sweet with regret. By dusk,
the trees will bow down, and I, too, will
make my appeal, will find
again your mercy,
your solace. (Elizabeth Drescher)

How will we embrace Wisdom’s light and love this morning?

Prayers:

Holy Wisdom, we rest in your goodness:
Guide us with your grace.
For your Church we ask:
Guide us with your grace.
For our world we ask:
Guide us with your grace.
For our communities we ask:
Guide us with your grace.
And for ourselves: When we speak,
Guide us with your grace.
When we desire,
Guide us with your grace.
When we are afraid,
Guide us with your grace.
We offer these prayers of our hearts to you:

[Here, the people may add particular intercessions or thanksgivings.]

As we journey this day,
Guide us with your grace.

Lord’s Prayer

Prayer:

Grant us, Lord, your wisdom as we face the questions of this day. Reveal to us the faithful path, and, O Holy Wisdom, may we make you our heart’s illumination. Amen.

Going Out: Listen and hear: be still and know.