Illinois Great Rivers Conference



When circumstances and concern for the common goodkeep us from gathering to share together in worship and Holy Communion,we gather to pray, separated in the body, yetONE IN THE SPIRIT and ONE IN CHRIST JESUS!!These meditations are designed primarily for families with young children or anyone whose attention span or ability to understand may be limited. They can be done on different or succeeding?days, at 4 times on a given day (for example: breakfast, lunch, supper, and bedtime), or (for families with older children and youth) in one continuous service. If you would like to hear a recorded version of any of the songs, one potential source is . The meditations may be done alone, with those in the same household, or in a digitally-gathered community. Bracketed material may be read by a second voice. Note: At this point in digital technology, we recommend that one other voice speak the responses when gathering digitally, rather than multiple people speaking at once.Meditation #1You will need: a candle and matches, a battery-powered candle, a flashlight, or a small lampCENTERING (Recognizing the presence of God)Sit in silence, taking a deep breath in and out. If possible, dim the lights.WORD AND RESPONSEBible reading:?“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)? Light the candle or switch on the light.[Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world. You are our Risen Lord. In you, light has conquered darkness.] Sit silently in the light, feeling the power and presence of the Risen Christ.PRAYERLoving God, thank you for sending us Jesus, who brightens our lives like this light brightens the room. Help us think of ways to brighten the days of others. In Jesus’ name we pray. [Amen.]GOING FORTH (Said or sung or read silently)This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.African-American Spiritual (Mt. 5:14-16)Meditation #2You will need: a BibleCENTERING (Recognizing the presence of God)Sit in silence, taking a deep breath in and out. Think about a time when you have gathered with others to read or listen to stories from the Bible.WORD AND RESPONSEBible reading: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)?Hold the Bible.[Here in our hands is the story of God’s love for God’s people. We are assured that God is with us always, no matter where we are – even when things are hard, and we are afraid.]Sit quietly and absorb the stories of God’s love and grace that can sustain you wherever you are. If you wish, you might name out loud or in your heart some of the stories that show how much God loves us.PRAYERGod of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel; God of Noah and Moses and Ruth and Naomi; God of Mary and Joseph, Peter and James and John and Mary Magdalene; we thank you for sharing your story with us in the Bible. Thank you for writing us into your story which continues in all times and places. When we read your story in the Bible, we are one with others who are reading in their homes, as well. [Amen.]GOING FORTHThis is my story, this is my song,Praising my Savior all the day long;This is my story, this is my song,Praising my Savior all the day long.Fanny J. Crosby, 1873Meditation #3You will need: a small glass of water for each person CENTERING (Recognizing the presence of God)Sit in silence, taking a deep breath in and out. Think about a time when you were thirsty, and how good it felt to take a nice, cool drink.WORD AND RESPONSEBible reading: On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds,?“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!??Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (John 7:37-38)Hold the glass of water in your hands.[Without water, there can be no life. In creation, the Spirit of God hovered over the water and brought forth light. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. We, too, were baptized by water and the Spirit into God’s family. Water reminds us of the gifts of creation that God has so abundantly given us, and of the love and grace we have all received.] Drink the water slowly. Feel it flow into your body. Know that God’s love is flowing into your body and soul right now.PRAYERGod of grace and mercy, thank you for giving us water when we are thirsty. All our lives, you have given us everything we need: water and food, sunshine and rain, and our family and church family. Most of all, you have given us your love, which is with us always, even when we must be away from others. [Amen.]GOING FORTHI’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river,I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river,I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.African-American SpiritualMeditation #4You will need: a piece of bread for each personCENTERING (Recognizing the presence of God)Sit in silence, taking a deep breath in and out. WORD AND RESPONSEBible reading:?Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)Take a piece of bread in your hands. Break and eat the piece of bread that you are holding. Remember the times you have received bread in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Remember those who gathered with you. Remember the presence of Christ in that moment. Be assured that Christ is with you in every moment of your life. Sit silently and allow Christ’s love to surround you.[Jesus broke bread and fed thousands of people. Jesus broke bread at the table with his closest friends. Jesus was made known to his disciples after the resurrection in the breaking of the bread. Bread reminds us that just like individual grains of wheat are gathered together to make a single loaf, we who are scattered are one body in Christ.]PRAYERMay God bless us and keep us.May God’s face shine upon us and be gracious to us.May God look upon us with kindness and give us peace. [Amen.]GOING FORTHJesus loves me! this I know,For the Bible tells me so.Little ones to him belong; They are weak, but he is strong.Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.Anna B. Warner, 1860 ................
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