Lifter of Souls, who brightens this day,
Open in us new space to take in your love. Awaken us to the invitation of traveling creatively through our circumstances. Bring us to consider what is needed by the ones beside us and amongst us. Rebuild and repurpose our lives to be vehicles that deliver new patterns of relationship offering hopefulled acceptance that heals the broken hearted. Make this day ever more beautiful through the gentle strength of your love and peace. Amen.
Eternal Companion, who is amongst and within us,
This moment is our to receive your beams of light and love no matter what our struggle. Help us admit that we are all empty and unfinished. Rather than allowing our circumstances to build walls, break down our resistance until understanding widens into ways of deliverance and peace. Remind us to persevere in the one relationship that helps us to navigate all the rest. Amen.
Force of Life, who emerges in times of trial,
We admit our resistance to your power, and yet, we allow the pressures of the world to split us open. We invite you in this time of silence to enter into our hearts and wound us by your mercy and love. Break us open to receive your goodness that your light might shine through us into dark spaces. Change our minds about the things we need most so that we find our struggle satisfied by relieving the needs of others. Make us stubborn and steadfast in our love for you. Amen.
Unknown Being, who creates and gives life,
How is it that the dawn’s last deep sigh opens this morning’s light? There is no pausing to take a breath, no learning to breathe, nor forgetting to breathe, only the constancy of the One giving and receiving. Just wait, just watch for it. When it seems there is no hope, there is in reality more Presence than we can take in. The shattering of our hearts is not to be feared. Those deep sighs coming from our depths, are already initiating the opening for the new day. Just wait, just watch for it. Amen.
Gracious Presence, who is with us in our comings and goings,
We pause to allow quiet to enter into our harried minds. Make this day a pilgrimage toward a closer encounter with You. Some of our steps are clear, guided by your love. And some of our steps require faith through the power of your Spirit. Thank you for the privilege of established relationships with loved ones who now tie our lives to the life that is to come. Center us to carry gifts of healing mercies and love that have been given to us making each step count for the sake of offering these eternal gifts to others. Amen.
Eternal Voice, whose love we long to hear again and again,
In the chatter of office workers, the hum of motors, even the lonesome sound of a falling leaf, we hear you amongst us. Clear away the brambles, the unnecessaries that choke out what is essential. Help us accept whatever has fallen away. Remind us the energy of divine love is not far from us, it emerges from the depths beyond our knowing. Amen.
Life-giving Presence, whose creation has redeeming power,
Awaken us to the wonder of this day, open to the beauty contained in it. Enliven us by the breath of your Spirit hovering overhead, steady us with the earth beneath our feet. Transform us into cheering and adoring crowds who want to get a little closer, to see more of your celebrity. Our one desire is to enter into your inner circle, perhaps even finding a place at your feet. Then, after having audience with our Creator, make us enthusiastic participants for the restoration of the world. Amen.
Gentle Healer , who brings us to places of nurture and comfort,
This morning begins again with grief, when tears come before the breath. We hear your Presence in ordinary sounds of life. The water running, a door opening,, even the slow chirp of September’s crickets remind us of our fleeting existence. Keep teaching us that rather than grasping too tightly, we really need to allow you to hold onto us. Sometimes all we can do is rest and let your Presence restore our joy. Amen.
Light of Love who shines upon the earth and enters every hopeful thought,
A new day dawns, and we pause to take in her lovely fresh scent, to breathe in the mystery of all that greets us. Remind us that even in our challenges, there are no shadows without light. Create in us an inner stillness to bring into this days activity. Increase our confidence that the loving Light holding us, radiates beyond to hold and carry others. Let the shadows we cast, be shadows filled with your Love. Amen.
Compassionate One, whose Sabbath is the crown of creation,
Make our breath today, a giving and receiving of love. Make each step today, an opportunity to experience your peace. Use our insignificance to further your glory. Empty us this Sabbath day as we wait, like a field lying fallow, for you to produce in us and expression of carefree, overflowing communion. Amen.
Sabbath as the crown of creation was first explored by German theolgian, Jurgen Moltmann.
Janet Salbert 