Almighty and Everlasting God, who hast willed that Thy Son should bear for us the pains of the cross that Thou mightest remove from us the power of the Adversary: help us so to remember and give thanks for our Lord’s Passion, that we may obtain remission of sins and redemption from everlasting death; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end.  Amen.

–An excerpt from The Brotherhood Prayer Book

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast sent Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility: mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of His patience, and also be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.

–An excerpt from The Brotherhood Prayer Book

Rev. Michael Henson of Trinity Lutheran Church in Herrin, Illinois, is hosting a Gregorian Chant Retreat May 29-31, 2012, with a theme of “Chanting is Sanctification.”  The retreat will take place at Camp Manitowa in southern Illinois (near Benton). Using The Brotherhood Prayer Book, participants will enjoy three days of teaching and praying the Daily Office in the tranquility of the woods.  See this brochure for contact and registration information.

Corresponding with this Sunday’s Gospel text: Matthew 15: 21-28

“Let it be to you as you wish.”

With these words He sets a threefold crown on her faith. If you desire blessings from heaven, you shall have it; if you desire earthly blessings they shall not be denied you; if you desire protection from the gates of hell, take comfort, it shall always be Yes and Amen.

O Son of David, our Lord, who had mercy upon the woman of Canaan and rescued her daughter from her great torment, remain with us in all frightful seasons and torments, preserve us steadfast in faith and prayer, and finally in our last hour, let us hear those beautiful words, “O man, your faith is great, let it be to you as you wish. Amen! Amen!”

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This meditation is a recently translated excerpt from Geistliche Herzens Lust und Freude für betende Christen [The Heart’s Spiritual Joy and Delight: Christian Devotions and Prayers from the writings of the blessed Valerius Herberger for all Sundays and Feasts of the Church Year], J.J. Weigel ed. Erlangen, Germany, 1863.