A Simple Prayer for Beginning Again

Water ran dry

One day the water ran dry.
Even when life stopped, still creation grew wild,
swelling around me as the water found its different course.
Time has a way of painting extraordinary character
a beauty that has gone by without fading.
Now, more than ever, each breath
draws me back to Presence-
revealing the Love that contained my past,
holds the water that fashions my future.
where each breath is enough.

In October of 2016, my beloved died suddenly and tragically after 36 years together. Just as I began to feel the earth under my feet again, in January of 2019, my sister died three days after a terrible stroke. A month later, a dear friend lost her life, entrusting me with her last letter. A month later, my dear Aunt Janet for whom I am named died, my godmother and beautiful soulmate. Here today, is my simple thought for beginning again. Thank you for reading.

 

Colors Of Mercy

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Author of Beauty, who colors beyond the lines with blooms out of season,
Changes happen in rhythmic response to rotations of the earth. New light comes in through open spaces and dark nights blanket us in. Teach us to accept and  adapt to both. Expose these life-giving patterns and designs in our relationship with you until the colors of your mercy extend grace-filled clarity and hope. Then together, we can breathe in thanksgiving. Amen.

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.            Luke 12:27

A Simple Valentine

Paul's rosebud

Divine Promise,
who generates strength within and amongst us,
Your Presence permeates the air we breathe, effortless on our part. You deliver us through a myriad of daily choices, some of which are less than faithful and still you bring forth beauty from our flaws. May our focus be on Love this day, assured only with your capacity to heal and restore every life in yours. Amen.

 

True Home

Call

Living Mystery, who calls us to follow on unfamiliar paths,
We pause to breathe in this dawn of limitless beauty, and are reminded of the ways you provide for our comfort and peace. Keep us from complacency and give us
courage to find you in places of darkness and challenge. Move us to travel with you toward these unknown places. Help us realize that each step takes us to our true home, where our meaning and purpose for living is revealed. Amen.

Mark 1:16-17

 

Take Notice

creatorofseasons

Creator of Seasons, whose fullness is revealed in time,
We breathe with gratitude for another day, and hope that you will help us to notice something new. In the beauty of a fading bloom, in the tenacity of a creatures web, there is wisdom and knowledge that we too often pass by. Included in this day, you provide what is needed to relieve every anxiety. Whenever we feel lost, uncertain and abandoned, open us to imagine your goodness. Amen.

Bearing Fruit

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Orchard Grower, who cultivates beauty amongst all the thorns,
We pause to receive all you pour out upon us through creation; the soft Spring air, the call of songbirds, the fruiting trees… Make us mindful of these gifts. Give us patience to wait upon your timing for whatever is not yet revealed. Help us to accept the wisdom of your ways. Bring us to places of expectant hope. Remind us that the fruit of your Presence feeds us all. Amen.

Creation’s Stage

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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.

Mother Earth

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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.

A Simple Prayer From a Snowstorm

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Divine Maker of Wind and Snow, who fills us with wonder and awe,
As we begin this day, use this blanket of white to erase any need for words. Bring us an assurance that your Presence is made real in the silent winter landscape. Help us to practice this trust in the interruption of our lives, today. Warm our hearts and widen our interiors as we breathe in the beauty of the snowfall.  Rather than increasing our anxiety over our lack of control, let this time of quiet bring peace in our souls. Indeed, help us learn that even in when we perceive we are lacking, you provide all that truly satisfies. Amen.

Fresh Perspectives

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Beam of Blessing, who sends sparkles of light into every moment,
Our first morning breath,  as we attend to the fullness of your Presence,  gives us focus. Our hearts fill with gratitude by the way your creation nurtures us each day and yet, is often overlooked when there is much imperfection in our world. It is easy for us to find the broken branches, the shadows and woundedness in our midst. Help us to not only see from fresh perspectives but to act with renewed hope. Strengthen us to persevere and give us eyes of grace to see the beauty that is emerging in difficult places. Amen.