Reflection   “The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them.”  –Paul Hawken    Prayer   Gracious provider,  The world we inhabit is charged with meaning, with sense, and with order. Ye

Prayer

Gracious provider,

The world we inhabit is charged with meaning, with sense, and with order. Yet in the freedom you gave us, we have not always acted in ways that respect and align with these forces. We grieve for these mistakes and, as a ministry, are committed to finding new ways to wholeness, health and well-being for all of your creatures. Inspire us in this good work and empower us to be more effective advocates for the voice of creation. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well and serenely, and with too

Prayer

God of today,

Empower us to live each day in joy. May we cultivate gratitude for this present moment, wasting not a breath on the days we can’t change and looking ahead only in hope, for the new things you have promised to do through us. As those who are called to awareness and attention, to serve and to love those neighbors you send us today, here, and now, we pray. Amen.

     

 
    Reflection   “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.” –Psalm 23:1-3   Prayer   Gracious shepherd,  For every opportunity you give us to

Prayer

Gracious shepherd,

For every opportunity you give us to enjoy respite within your beautiful world, we thank you. Yet we are also mindful today of those who are far removed from any “verdant pastures.” Those who must strain and toil to find any water at all, as the earth struggles to flourish in the way that it should. For these, our fellow citizens in this one common home, we pray you would shepherd and guide them with special concern. Help us to love them better by loving the earth that we share together. No matter where we live, may your shepherding spirit provide refreshment of souls, so that we may follow your lead and restore health and well-being to rest of the earth and its inhabitants. For our sake and the sake of all people, we pray. Amen.

     

 
    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.