A Rosary for Truth, Grace and Welcome

I've neglected this blog for a few weeks- so time to make amends!

The texts at St Mary-in-the-Park last Sunday were: Jeremiah 28 v5-9; Psalm 89 v1-4 and 1v5-18; Romans 6 v12-23 and Matthew 10 v40-42.

A strong shared theme is how we recognise and respond to God’s word and God’s messengers.  Matthew says that receiving Christ’s messengers is itself a way of receiving Christ. Romans adds that a true response to God is not merely warm feeling or polite welcome, but a changed allegiance: moving from sin towards righteousness. Psalm 89 gives the foundation underneath it all: God is faithful, loving, and keeps his promises.

So the readings together ask something like: Are we listening for truth rather than just comfort? Are we living under grace in a way that changes us?

Each week of this rosary takes an idea from one of the readings, and repeats a single line of prayer. 

An Anglican Rosary for Truth, Grace, and Welcome

The Cross

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Invitatory Bead
Lord God, faithful and true,
teach me to hear your word with wisdom,
to live under your grace with joy,
and to welcome Christ in all whom you send.
Amen.

The Cruciform Beads
Your steadfast love, O Lord, is established for ever;
your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.

First Week: based on Jeremiah 28:5–9

Lord, give me hope rooted in truth.  (x7)

Second Week: based on Psalm 89

Lord, let me walk in the light of your presence.  (x7)

Third Week: based on Romans 6:12–23 

Lord, free me from sin; make me alive to you. (x7)

Fourth Week: based on Matthew 10:40–42

Lord, let me receive you in the least and the lowly.

The Invitatory Bead — Closing Prayer

Faithful God,
you do not flatter us with easy peace,
but call us into truth, freedom, and love.
Keep me attentive to your word,
steadfast in your grace,
and generous in welcome,
that even my smallest acts of care
may become signs of Christ’s presence.
Amen.

The Cross — Final Blessing

May the God of truth guard my heart;
may the grace of Christ set me free;
may the Holy Spirit teach me to welcome with love.
Amen.