(Based on the prophetic message of Patriarch Craig W Bates
on August 13, 2023 during the Inurnment of Primate Ricardo M Alcaraz)
by Micaella A Peñalosa
Gracious and loving God,
As we come into this sacred space and time, our hearts are filled with awe and gratitude. We come before You with thanksgiving and humility especially as we partake in the communion that unites us with Your divine presence. We humbly come before you, acknowledging the reality of the spiritual happenings that surrounds us. In our journey through this fallen world, protect us from pride, arrogance, and the wiles of the evil one who seeks to lead us astray. Equip us, O Lord, to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy and to wield the weapons you've given us with courage and conviction.
As we engage in worship and as we approach the altar, may our hearts be prepared to encounter Your presence, and may our spirits be attuned to the reverence that Your sanctuary demands. Give us the grace to cast aside the distractions of the world as we step into this sanctuary, for here we come to seek You, to hear Your Word, to partake in the Eucharist, and to offer our praises. Lord, instill in us a deep sense of respect for this sacred space. May our thoughts be pure, our intentions sincere, and our spirit receptive to the mysteries You unveil. Help us to approach these encounters with reverence, knowing that weI stand on Holy ground in Your heavenly realms.
Lord, we open our hearts to receive the blessings you have prepared for us in the coming years. We believe and hope in Your word, that angelic beings will walk among us, guiding and guarding our paths; helping us fulfill Your divine destiny for each and every one of us. Lord, cleanse us from distractions and doubts that might hinder our perception of the divine. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may discern your angels' presence and hear their messages clearly. Let these angelic encounters draw us closer to You, deepening our faith and enriching our understanding of Your boundless love. Prepare our hearts to receive their guidance and insights. Give us the grace and strength to make our worship be wholehearted, our prayers earnest, and our fellowship genuine so that we may sense the presence of Your heavenly messengers. Just as Isaiah encountered You in the heavenly throne room, may our eyes be opened to see You seated upon the throne.
In these moments of encounter, may we be reminded of your holiness, a holiness that reveals our own unworthiness. Yet, in the same breath, may You remind us of Your boundless love and grace that surround us. Help us to fully embrace the paradox of our unworthiness met with your mercy, and our brokenness met with your healing touch.
May the light of Your presence shine so brightly within us that it draws others near. Let this cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St. Michael, become a beacon of Your love, a place where people are compelled to come and witness Your glory firsthand. Through the intercession of our spiritual leaders now and those that came before us, let Your divine work continue in this place and in the lives of the people who commune here. Lord, as we stand on the threshold of this new chapter, we recognize that it is neither an end nor a mere beginning. It is a continuation of Your divine plan unfolding in our midst. May we have the wisdom to perceive Your movements, the courage to follow Your lead, and the humility to submit to Your will.
We offer this prayer with hearts full of anticipation and faith, trusting that You will fulfill Your promises and guide us on this journey. In the name of Jesus Christ, we prepare ourselves to encounter Your messengers and to receive their divine guidance.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we pray.
Amen.
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