Breathe.

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Janet Salbert

Merciful One, who hears the cries of our suffering creation,
There are no words, only deep sighs. (deep sigh) We breathe in your loving power that overcomes all fear. (deep sigh) We breathe in your Self-giving nature that transforms all disorder. (deep sigh) We breathe in your redeeming Presence now. Soak our hearts and minds with all that establishes sincere communities ready to seriously look to the needs of others rather than striving after our own security and desire. Remind us once again that we live under your cross, not above it. Amen.

The Key for Today

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Janet Salbert

Keys

Generous Giver, who makes time our home, day to day, and week to week,
Today, we can choose to listen for the song of birds, to let their chirping drown out the hum of traffic beyond. Today, we can watch the sun’s rays lick the dew drops from blades of grass. Creation is alive and today, we can choose to draw near to the Source of all life in the complexity of our experiences. We admit that on most days, rather than you, we trust only in ourselves. Today, help us choose your silent strength over our noisy clatter and clumsy efforts. You are the Key that unlocks our illusions to bring us truth today. Let us all be grateful for this day. Amen.

One Voice

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Janet Salbert

One voice

Living Word, who speaks creation into existence
We are tired of hearing condemnation from every angle. Gently awaken us to listen for the one Voice that gives life. Fill us with what we need to carry into the course of this day. Help us to listen to one another more than we speak. Rather than increasing any conflict, make the words you give us to speak create understanding. Multiply the opportunities we have to share that the power of your mercy brings justice. Amen.

Manna from Heaven

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Janet Salbert

manna from heaven

Merciful Goodness,
who vibrancy and healing beauty comes out of the dark earth,
Exhausted, we come, entering into your Presence after wandering in the wilderness. When our failures and limitations are exposed, help rid them of any power to hold us back from you. Feed us once again with “what’s this?“ manna, your precious bread from heaven. Shape us into a trusting community. As we center our whole lives on your Presence, make us able to hear our neighbor’s breath and feel the pulse of life in our sisters and brothers beside us. You are the Other upon whom all relationships build. Amen.

Drawn Together

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Janet Salbert

Tree of Life, who draws us to gather in all kinds of sanctuaries,
Guide us toward you in this silence. Encompass us with your gracious Love and unending mercy. Lessen our resistence to the unknown and loosen our tight grip on certainty. Help us to see the reality of our humanity and open us to the possibilities that exist in your Presence. Make the evidence of our prayer be realized as we come closer to you, finding ourselves closer to one another. Amen.

Mother Earth

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Janet Salbert

Luminous Mystery, who fills the earth with vibrant, brilliant blessings,
In this silent moment, we pause to breathe, and sit between the wildness of life and the unmoving foundation of your Presence. When all seems to be uncontrollable and our hearts fill with concern for the deep needs of the earth and her people, you lead us to places where the birds are nesting and blooms too numerous to count. Fill us with the fresh beauty of your creation flirting beyond our doors. Use this season for bringing new brilliance to our lives sending us to respond boldly wherever there is need. Amen.

Place of Simplicity

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Janet Salbert

Refuge

Ancient Builder, who offers us refuge in the wilderness,
Use your silence to draw us in to a place of simplicity and shelter. Soak us in the peace of your Presence. When the day calls for more strength than we have, send others alongside to encourage and sustain us. When issues require careful discernment, let your wisdom arise from within the gathered community. When creativity is flagging and life seems dull, give us the imaginations of children full of fresh ideas. Remind us that you provide all that is needed to make us whole, and return us home to you. Amen.

Renew our Hope

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Janet Salbert

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Mover of Mercy, who leads us to places of renewed hope,
The time is come. Help us be still without running away as you expose our futility, our selfishness and emptiness. Your morning light reveals our darkness. Help us to bear these holy days with patience. Make our prayer one with the numerous refugees trying to escape the powers that condemn life. You have shown us the way that leads to life, increase our obedience to live in the purpose for which you created us. Make us those who live in the power of your resurrection. Amen.

Fill us with Mercy

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Janet Salbert

Rock of Ages, who carries us to places of refuge.
Use this silence to draw us deeper into the canyon of your love. Bring us low enough to soften our rough edges and fill us with your mercy. Then, direct us to footholds that elevate us to a place of your perspective. When we cannot see ahead, move us to simply listen, waiting upon your guidance for our discernment. Like all those who have gone before us, give us confidence to explore the mystery of your Presence today. Amen.

Fullness

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Janet Salbert

Creator of Clarity, whose light reveals magnificence in each detail of every hour,
Shine gently upon us as we take in the first breath of morning. We so often manage our stress by doing more. Our lives are starved for time, for a moment of stillness to see the reality around us. We blindly fill our days with activity and don’t recognize or receive the abundance you provide. Use this silence to help us make peace with our circumstances. Guide us in discerning how our energy can best bless the world around us. Give us the wisdom to let go of all that is unnecessary. Make the gift of this day be our attention in the fullness of your Presence. Amen.