sacred gesture
As the earth once again turns to face the sun on this first day of the week, I rejoice in this season of spring. I give thanks, O God, that each day grows longer in light and that the earth has been liberated from the grip of winter.
On this day that remembers the resurrection of your son Jesus from the depths of death's decay in the tomb, I lift my heart to you in gratitude. I thank you for the gift of a day of worship and all the graces it holds. I thank you for the healing touch of sleep as I begin this day refreshed and renewed. With a full heart, I enter now into the prayer of silence.
period of silent prayer or meditation
I now unite myself with all the peoples of this earth, my companion pilgrims, as I pray.
a psalm, spiritual reading or personal prayer
As I begin this first day of a new week, I ask for the grace, my God, to live in a new way. Grant me fresh dreams and new visions. May this day come upon me like Spring herself, so that my heart may be filled with hope.
Remind me, as I begin this day, to discipline myself so that it may be a day of rest from my usual labors. May I thus taste more deeply the joys of simply being alive. May I find the countless hidden treasures that you have scattered throughout this day.
On this day of worship and prayer, I pause to pray especially for the intentions of: _______, as well as all those whom I love. May your peace rest upon all the members of the earthen family with whom you have made me one.
I begin this day
in your Holy Name
and in the name of your son Jesus
and in the name of the Holy Spirit,
as I bow before you. Amen.
sacred gesture
sacred gesture
O Divine Parent, in harmony with all the earth, with sun and moon, stars and comets, I thank you for this day that is now ending. As the earth turns away from the sun, and night comes to visit me, I bow down before you in adoration and gratitude.
I pause to recall how I have responded to your gifts of persons and events this Sunday.
pause for silent examination of conscience
I ask pardon from you, O God, for any haste or lack of kindness on my part that may have been a cause of pain or separation. I bow in wonder before your love that forgives me instantly and unconditionally. In a like way, may I now pardon all who may have caused me pain this day....
At peace with you and with all, I enter now into a time of silent affection and union with you.
period of silent prayer or meditation
With love I join myself with all those on this planet Earth who at the beginning of night praise you, as I now pray.
a psalm, spiritual reading or personal prayer
Once again, Beloved God, this planet has turned outward in its unknown destination into space. I look with wonder upon the vastness of the universe as the family of our sun's planets travels onward in its galactic pilgrimage.
Come and be with me in a sleep that will refresh me for a new day and for the work that it holds for me. Grant comfort to all who face the darkness of this night with fear. Give shelter to those without a home and peace to all.
With gratitude and faith, I conclude this day
in your Holy Name
and in the name of your Son
and in the presence of your Spirit. Amen.
sacred gesture
