Mysterious One, who captures each moment for eternity,
Let the silence deepen revealing your creative love. Help us to focus on what appears beyond ourselves. Cast aside any fear to make space for trust. Loosen our grip especially in the darkness. Fill us with forgiveness toward all that rejects You, especially when that happens to be our own heart. Lead us with the peace of your Presence so that we find you in the glorious landscape of our lives. Amen.
Light of Dawn, who guides us through this day,
Slow down our pace, calm us with your silent Presence. Often, we travel over the ground too quickly. We forget to attend to the unfolding mystery around us. Remind us once again that renewal comes through forgiveness, discomfort is relieved by compassion, and that faith comes with increasing trust in all that lies beyond ourselves. Amen.
Divine Wisdom, who readies us for transformation with waiting, Capture our attention in this silent moment. Refresh us with the peace of your Presence. Relieve us from deadening routines and over commitment. If we cannot answer, “why am I doing this?” then, help us to let it go. Instill in us a new sense of trust and patience for your unfolding plan. When the time is right, bind us with work that gives us freedom. Amen.
Sentinel of the Evening, who restores us through rest,
We are grateful to you carrying us through this day, and for holding us in this moment. As we reflect back on this day, we realize how many times you dropped us on the threshold of divine mystery. We remember the treasure found in each person we encountered. Your faithful Presence was revealed in every challenge and each blessing. Help us now to surrender to the darkness, trusting in your peace and soaking in new mercy. Amen.
Truth-telling Spirit, who has answers to all that we seek,
Immerse us in the peace of your Presence. Slow our pace to show us what is reality and what is illusion. Bring the truth in ourselves to the surface. Use this pause to remind us that façade and shadow might appear to look good for a time, but do not allow others to enter in. Confront us with the full acceptance your love and mercy offers, so that we might increase our gentleness and compassion toward others. Make our lives places of welcome. Amen.
Maker of Wonder, who brings beauty even out of disorder,
We begin this day listening for you, soaking in your silent peace. Deliver from our depths a word of mercy to untangle our thoughts. Heighten our sense of trust in all that is. Amidst the full days on our calendars, slow us down to notice the glory of your work within and amongst us. Give us unhurried hearts for the sake of others. Amen.
Faithful Companion, who travels with us,
We begin on the path today, breathing in the air that gives life. Help us set aside our expectations for what is ahead and simply let things be. Gently guide us toward the movement of Spirit to enter into our work with you, finding the load lighter and the joy brighter. Open our hearts to know the fullness of your Presence in each moment after this one. Amen.
Guardian of Hope, who lifts us to life,
At the dawn of this day, we begin with you in Silence, opening space in our lives for patient waiting. Empty us even of our emptiness. Let gratitude rise in our hearts for places of pasture. Saturate us with your Presence to become truly ourselves creating a flow in our community where love and mercy prevail. Send us out into this day carrying compassion that helps others be true and whole. Amen.
Life-giving Breath, whose delicate strength upholds our lives,
Use this morning silence to deepen our awareness of your Presence. Make each breath an opportunity to awaken our intent for this day. Bring us to understand that life comes through inhaling and exhaling, an eternal pattern of receiving and releasing. Rather than hold on too tightly to that which we receive, give us the grace to release it for others. Mercy, love, and forgiveness multiply this way. Increase our trust as you lead us to places where nothing unfolds into everything. Amen.
Giver of Every Blessing, whose constancy offers exactly what we need,
Janet Salbert 