sacred gesture
The darkness of outer space retreats as the earth turns full face toward the sun-star, the flaming heart of our solar family. Having risen from sleep, my daily shadow of death, I greet this new autumn day in the joy of the resurrection. Blessed are you, Holy Parent, who awakens your children to light. Fill my heart with light as I now enter the shrine of my heart to be one with you, my God.
period of silent prayer or meditation
Like a parent who delights in a child's stumbling speech, receive my feeble efforts to pray, as I lift up my heart in gratitude and love to you.
a psalm, spiritual reading or personal prayer
Open my eyes this day to the splendor of your creation, now dressed in autumn colors. Enflame my imagination as you peel back the scabs of cynicism from my eyes, so that I might see your holiness ablaze at the tip of every branch and alive in every autumn leaf. Grant to me this day the heart of a child, holding within it the secret path that leads to you.
With a child's confidence, I place before you, my Beloved, these personal needs:_______. I also ask of you these favors for those who are dear to my heart:_______. And may the work of my hands and the journey of this day bring your age of justice and peace closer to realization.
As I prepare to meet the challenges and conflicts of this Thursday, grant me the constant advice of the Paraclete, your Spirit. So counseled, I will choose wisely those words and deeds that will make your ancient dream unfold in this time and place.
Blessed are you, O Harvest of my heart,
Sacred Source of all life,
Delight of my days.
sacred gesture
sacred gesture
Blazing in beauty, hovering full on the horizon, was our sun-star, as this autumn day ended. This part of our planet has turned its view from the sun and is now draped in darkness. Each night the dark beauty of space comes earlier as the starlight hours of our sun shrink. I lift up my heart in gratitude for the numerous gifts of this day. I pause now to be mindful of how I have been blessed on this Thursday....
My heart wrapped in thanksgiving, I enter now into oneness with you as I pray without words.
period of silent prayer or meditation
Beyond all comprehension are you, O Divine Mystery. You are holiness, light and love in their fullness, yet you love me and delight in my childlike words of affection and praise. I lift up, as a gratitude gift, this prayer to you.
a psalm, spiritual reading or personal prayer
Hear, O God, these prayers for the special needs of my friends and family:_______. May the needs of my brothers and sisters who share this planet with me also be my needs. I pray for those who are without proper medical care, for those who must go to sleep hungry or homeless and for those who are without employment that gives them a sense of dignity and purpose in life. For these and for all who are helpless this night, I pray.
And for myself, I ask for the gift to truly appreciate all that I have been given, all my talents, blessings and gifts.
As I travel outward this night into the mystery of space, one with the earth, the planets and the sun, I soon will lay aside my consciousness in sleep. Grant a peaceful night to this pilgrim, who has sought this day to be faithful to the Way that leads to you.
Blessed are you, O Harvest of my heart,
Sacred Source of all life,
Ever-watchful Guardian of my sleep.
sacred gesture
