Reflection “Silence is a gateway to the soul, and the soul is the gateway to God.” –Christopher Jamison Prayer Conversant silence, Beneath the incessant noise that fills our lives, in the depths of our souls, you call us to return

Prayer

Conversant silence,

Beneath the incessant noise that fills our lives, in the depths of our souls, you call us to return to the solace of silence. May we make every effort to enter that soul-space. A place of both rest and attention. Paradoxical though it may seem, give us stamina to remain there. Still, expectant, and open to the gentle voice with which you are always speaking to us. Transform us there, that we may become people who exemplify peace and patience; people whose souls have been well-trained by silence. Amen.

National Arbor Day

National Arbor Day

God of creation,

It’s easy for us to take for granted the blessing of the Earth and its vegetation. The plants and flowers, trees and shrubs, and all the other flora that surround us. On National Arbor Day, help us to be more mindful of our calling to cultivate the Earth, including its plant life, knowing that our collective well-being depends on the vitality of all creatures in harmony. Plus, the world just looks more beautiful filled with green! Amen.

Reflection “In times of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.” –Eric Hoffer Prayer God on the move, The world advances at such a r

Prayer

God on the move,

The world advances at such a rapid pace it can be hard to keep up. Enable us, therefore, to cultivate a spirit of openness that is perpetually childlike, eager to learn, ready to develop and grow. Give us beginners’ minds to complement the expertise and precision we otherwise bring into our decisions and planning. As those who strive to do your good work each day for the sake of those who are vulnerable and in need, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Inspiration exists, but it must find us working.” –Pablo Picasso Prayer Spirit of life, Slow and steady wins the race. Keep us mindful of the need for steady devotion each day to the work that we’ve been given to do. W

Prayer

Spirit of life,

Slow and steady wins the race. Keep us mindful of the need for steady devotion each day to the work that we’ve been given to do. When we grow restless or feel uninspired, suffuse us with your very own spirit, that we might keep our heads down and press on. May we be surprised by the wellspring of joy and delight that rushes upon us in the midst of an otherwise routine encounter with another. With gratitude for our part in your ministry, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “Globalization has helped many people rise out of poverty, but it has also damned many others to starve to death. It is true that global wealth is growing in absolute terms, but inequalities have also grown and new poverty a

Prayer

God of those who are poor,

Our interconnectedness across the globe affords us so many blessings. May it also engender a greater sense of responsibility on our part. For we who enjoy the world’s finest gifts are obliged to bridge the distance between our own state of life and the plight of those who are poor and vulnerable. Ignite a passion within us to overcome the disparities we see. Here and around the world. May we use the good gifts we’ve received to establish conditions of justice and peace for those who are more in need. As people of conscience, we pray. Amen.

Reflection “It is extraordinary how extraordinary the ordinary person is.” –George F. Will Prayer God who delights in us, No person is more valuable than another. Rather all people are bestowed with a dignity that can never be ta

Prayer

God who delights in us,

No person is more valuable than another. Rather all people are bestowed with a dignity that can never be taken away or destroyed. Open our eyes today to see the dignity of every person we encounter. Every person. Each one. Surprise us with the extraordinariness of so-called “ordinary” people. Remind us that you have called each one of us by name and you love us uniquely. May we believe and live into this truth about ourselves as we celebrate it in others today. Amen.

Reflection “But from this earth, this grave, this dust, my God shall raise me up, I trust.” –Sir Walter Raleigh Prayer Living God, As the Church continues its celebration of Easter, we give thanks for the way your son’s resurrecti

Prayer

Living God,

As the Church continues its celebration of Easter, we give thanks for the way your son’s resurrection confirms in us a living hope for a glorified body of our own. We are emboldened here and now, with strength and vitality for the calling you’ve given, convinced that death shall not have the last word. What a great and wondrous gift! To share in this abundant life that you have won for us! May that life fill each one of us to the point of overflowing today. For the sake of others in need, we pray. Amen.