Phos Hilaron–Jerusalem Style

At Evensong at the Cathedral last night we did a version of O Gracious Light that was new to me.

Since this evening song is dear to so many, I thought I’d share with you.

Hail, gladdening light, of his pure glory
poured
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly
blest
holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now we are come to the sun’s hour of
rest,
the lights of evening round us shine.
we hymn the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit divine.

Worthy are you at all times to be sung with undefiled tongue,
Son of our God, Giver of Life, alone:
therefore in all the world your glories,
Lord, they own.

Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem

I’m here, and my course starts this evening. I’ve had two very good days of rest. All is very well.

I rejoiced with those who said to me,

“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

“May those who love you be secure.

May there be peace within your walls

and security within your citadels.”

For the sake of my family and friends,

I will say, “Peace be within you.”

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God.

from Psalm 122

When nothing else will do God will take care of you

During the Newark layover I had to work hard to find a plug to charge my phone. Waiting to board, I finally found one in the alcove next to the ladies room. Then I heard, “Funn Beff, please come to the podium. Funn Beff.” Deciding that might be me, I gathered up my too many belongings and found my way through the mass of people, shawls and cords trailing.

Was I willing to take a seat in Business First without audio?

Would I?

I was so excited everything fell out of my little travel purse.

Always a picture of grace.

Guess I didn’t need the Smashburger or the traveling snacks or the endless searching for a power outlet.

I guess being reminded at the beginning of the trip that God does go before and prepare the way is a lovely way to begin this Sabbath.

And it is the Sabbath. Shalom.

Once in a blue moon

Note to self: Green bag is only a carry-on if nothing is placed in the front pockets. A small incident trying to get my bag in the overhead, but folks were more patient than I might have been. Traveling mercies indeed.

Seated waiting for my flight to Tel Aviv, the moon is stunning. Turns out tonight is a blue moon as in once in a blue moon. It’s the rare occurrence of two full moons in one calendar month.

A great way to begin the Sabbatical.

Guide us waking, Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.