Lord, help me to love and to live tenderly

Increase in me, O Lord, the desire for tenderness,
as in the message of your prophet, Micah.

With your kindness, soften my heart,
then, following your example and your call,
may I offer the same kindness - without reservation - to all.

//dD
    

The Lord requires only this ...

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
        with tens of thousands of rivers of oil?

     
Shall I give my firstborn for my offences,
        the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

     
He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what the Lord requires of you:  

     
        Only to do justice, 

        and to love tenderly,
        and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6.7-8

      

The Deacon and the Gospel

Vested as a deacon, the newly ordained goes to the bishop and kneels before him. The bishop places the Book of the Gospels in the hands of the newly ordained and says: 

Receive the Gospel of Christ, 

        whose herald you now are.
Believe what you read,
        teach what you believe,
                and practice what you teach.

From the Rite of Ordination of a Deacon

      

Without you, Lord, I am poor

Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer
      For I am poor and needy.
 Preserve my life, for I am faithful:
            save the servant who trusts in you.

You are my God!

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I cry to you all day long.
Give joy to your servant, O Lord for I lift up my soul to you.

Psalm 86