Living One, who extends mercy far beyond our perception,
Encircle us in the strength of your Love. Cradle us within the safety of your silent arms. Whisper deep truths into our hearts increasing our understanding and refreshing our imagination. Use our dependence on You to confront what we thought impossible, finding instead the reality of your Presence and reconciling peace. Amen.
Giver of Goodness, who refreshes our lives with grace and mercy,
Steady our souls in this stillness. With each morning dawn your Presence enfolds us in layers of loving-kindness and the chill of our separation is replaced with the warmth of assurance. Fill us with compassion and increase our courage to take down the walls that keep others frozen and left out. Open the doors that make our true dwelling place in you. Amen.
Breath of Eternity, who creates all that lives,
As the year begins, we confess that we rather not live at the distance we maintain. Strengthen our intent to live as those more fully aware of your Presence throughout each day. Use this silent moment to enfold us in the knowledge that we are wholly yours. Give us new confidence to reach and stretch, letting go of our will in order to live within yours. Make love our first resolution. Amen.
Holy Child, whose arrival is different from expected,
On this blessed morning, we pause to realize the richness of your Presence. May one of the gifts we open, today, be the gift of poverty within our hearts. Change us this Christmas season. Give us opportunities to submit to the power of peace and ground our every hope in redeeming love. Bring fresh joy to all creation! Amen.
Wisdom of Creation, who sends droplets of grace into every moment,
Sometimes when we quiet ourselves, leftover remnants from the cold glances of our humanity come to mind and we are disappointed. Bring us to look further at the things we so readily dismiss. Help us to make peace with our own deficiencies leaving us empty enough to receive the fullness of your Presence. Then, with the grace you shine into our lives, give us clarity to see rich treasure in others. Amen.
Maker of Wonder, who brings us to awe in unexpected ways,
In this silent stream, examine our hearts and still our souls. We wait for Your loving Presence to transform our fear to gentle confidence. Prepare us, this day, to be those who find the treasures of peace and hope amongst those who are lonely, anxious and suffering in our families and communities. Bring us to rejoice in the connections shared through open hearts. Amen.
God of Blessing, whose abundance is found beyond the things of this world.
Clear the path for our gratitude in this silence. Satisfy our hunger with faith, love, and hope rather than that which we see and touch. We are thankful that your generosity relieves us of our immobility. We encounter your Presence as we connect and respond with the need of those around us. For those we do not reach, we pray trusting in your great mercy. Remind us all that You alone are enough. Amen.
Janet Salbert 