sacred gesture
O Blessed One, as it has done each day for millions of years, the earth once again has circled around to face the sun. Yet the appearance of that great daystar is like the first time: forever new, forever fresh. May the freshness and the coolness of this summer morning inspire me as I enter into silent prayer.
period of silent prayer or meditation
As I come forth from the refreshment of my solitude in you, all the earth arises, revived by the night, to the work of this day. Plants and trees, fields and forests are busy with the work of this summer day, the work of Life. To their songs of love, I join this prayer.
a psalm, spiritual reading or personal prayer
Enriched by your touch, O loving God, I now prepare to join my tasks on this Wednesday to the work of birds, flowers and plants, to the labors of all the human family. I am aware of how easily I forget to live in communion with all your creation, so l now pray for these personal needs:_______. May my work this day be done as a prayerful sacrifice in solidarity with those who also are in need of your constant presence, especially:_______.
As the sun pours forth its life that we on this earth may live, may I pour forth my life this day in service to others and in love of you, my beloved God. Remind me in countless ways as I walk the sunlit hours of this day that I am on a sacred journey; along with the stars traveling through space, I am on a pilgrim path.
I bow before you, Divine Father, Holy Mother,
Eternal Source of my existence.
Your heart is my home,
from you I have come
and to you I journey this day.
sacred gesture
sacred gesture
Beloved Father, the light of this day has lingered long as our earth drinks in the great heat of the sun. I rejoice in these long hours of sunlight and hope that I have used them well. Holy Mother, with great care you have helped me in my feeble attempts this day to walk as your child, a pilgrim on a sacred path. One with you and with all your children, I enter now into silent prayer.
period of silent prayer or meditation
Rich is your silence, full of peace, even if mixed with the thoughts that zig-zag through my silent prayer. The sounds of this summer night rise up in a canticle to you. I ask that my voice harmonize with them, as I now pray.
a psalm, spiritual reading or personal prayer
As you plunge your thermometer deep into my heart, may you find there the same intense heat which burns in the nuclear blast furnaces of the stars that illuminate the night of outer space. May the presence of your fiery Spirit, who prays continuously within my heart, make up for all the zeal my heart may lack. I conclude this day mindful of my poverty before you, as I lift up the special needs of:_______.
All of creation in this part of the earth has been busy this day growing to maturity. Have I been in concert with them in my efforts to grow in patience, hope and faith? I pause in this prayer to reflect upon my activities this day.... I thank you, O God, for the opportunities that you have placed on my sacred path this day to grow in maturity of heart and spirit. I thank you for the times that took me to the limit in my efforts to love and to serve. Wrapped in gratitude as clothing for my sleep, I rest in you.
I bow before you, Divine Father, Holy Mother,
Eternal Source of my existence.
Your heart is my home,
from you I have come
and to you I journey this night.
sacred gesture
