Eternal One, whose imagination is seen in the vast display of creation,
Use this silence to help us listen for what is beyond. Make us mindful of mystery and fill our hearts with wonder. Shine light on us, around us and through our ordinary lives. Insert us into the myriad of possibilities that spring forth from love. Surprise us with new perspectives every time our story touches the story of another. Amen.
Divine Gardener, through whom beauty appears,
Open us in this silence to allow your life-giving power to enter us through each breath. Teach us to hold lightly any sense of your Presence. Increase our trust through the empty and dark days. Strengthen our awareness of the delicate and fleeting blooms of kindness that help us endure reminding us that we are not alone. Help us return to this emptiness often so that we can emerge full. Amen.
Holy One, who encircles us with light,
Bring us to a simple awareness of your Presence in this silence. Awaken us to both the stirring landscape and the deep quiet within. Lead us to the center of your purpose. Move us through the holy experience of finding everything, where we thought there was nothing. Thank you for shining mercy upon us all. Amen.
Hidden God, whose depths are infinite,
Help us shed our outer layers in this silence. Uncover the stranger that is within. Living on the surface, seeing only what is visible, can blind us toward the very thing we need to recognize. Rather than the condemnation we claim upon ourselves and others, guide us to deeper truths though which life emerges. Bring acceptance, clarity and peace up from the sacred chaos. Amen.
Renewing Power, who brings all things into being,
Gather us toward you in this silent pause and ready our souls for this day. Cleanse us by your loving Presence. Strengthen us to enter into the unknown. Remind us that there is nothing in this world better than being claimed by Love. Use us in this growing season. Scatter our spoken words like seeds for generating compassion toward one another. Make us mindful that our deeds reveal our hope and commitment. Amen.
Wilderness Guide, whose journey invites us to unknown territory,
Use this silence to expose our resistance toward you, help us surrender our self-satisfaction. Soften our sharp edges. Make real the work of your love and mercy. Shape in us a new willingness to travel the path of humility. Bring the cross we wear on our heads this day, into our hearts. Amen.
Source of Brightness, who illuminates the earth in every season,
In the hushed silence of this snowfall, we attend to your Presence. Like the creatures of the wood, you turn us inward in preparation for the work ahead. Help us to move slowly through this day, taking our time to notice the details we thought were insignificant. Foster patience in facing our difficulties, deepening our experience in the sufficiency of your grace. As we yearn for peace amongst peoples, fill us with yours. Amen.
Builder of Bridges, who carries us across the span of each day,
Enliven us anew with our silent breathing. Use this moment to connect us with the power of your loving Presence. Give us wisdom to wait on the threshold of choices we make today. With what we cannot see, hold us in the pattern of your truth. Bring us alongside others who share our hopes. And when the day is over, realize in us that faith alone brings us across each divide. Amen.
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.
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.
Janet Salbert 