United in God's Love: Blessed Julian of Norwich

Blessed Julian of Norwich was a woman of great holiness. She lived in a small room attached to a church in Norwich, England. There, she meditated and wrote about God's unending love for us. Julian never left her room, but people from all over came to her for advice, help and healing. Her words were full of comfort and hope. She told people how much God loves us all and that we are all held close to God's heart. She said, "At our creation we were knit and united to God."

Listen to God's Word
Love binds all things together in perfect unity. From Colossians 3:14

Respond to God's Word
Cut three long pieces of colorful paper streamers, yarn, string, or narrow ribbon. Tie the pieces together at one end. Make a braid as you pray the following words slowly by yourself or with a prayer companion.

Oh, God, knit me, weave me,
braid me, bind me, wrap me
in the warmth of your love.

When you have finished, make a knot at the end of the braid.

Reader: Listen to God's Word. Jesus says, "I love you just as the Father loves me, remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love." John 15:9, 10

A Community Weaving Celebration
To show that you are one with all the earth and all God's people, have a Maypole celebration. This custom was popular at Blessed Julian's time. Join with your prayer group. Tie your braid to the top of a standing pole hold it out as you stand in a circle around the pole. Pause where indicated, lift your right foot in the air, and then stamp it down to reawaken the spirit of peace and unity throughout the world. Weave yourself and your braid in and out of your prayer companions as you sing a song of being united in God's love.

Leader: Let us begin our weaving prayer. Jesus, help us remain your Your love. Help us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Jesus, help us to be tolerant of others, and to forgive others as You forgive us. To all these things help us to add love, which binds us together with the people of God.

My Prayer Goes On
Remove your braid from the Maypole. Hang it in your room to remind you that God's love binds all people together in unity.

 

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