sacred gesture
O Creator of day and night, I begin this first day of the workweek with gratitude for the gifts that have come to me over the weekend. May my gratitude for being renewed through resting from my usual tasks help me to begin this week of work with a desire to remember what truly is the work of my life.
I have come from you and to you I return. And so as I journey home to you, my work is to become one with you. I desire to do your will and so become your love and compassion in the midst of a busy world.
May this prayer of the heart, my striving to sit in silence- quieting my ever-restless mind by returning again and again to you-inspire me to imitate you in all that I do. Come, Beloved, sit beside me now as I enter into the prayer of meditation.
period of silent prayer or meditation
O you who search all hearts, we both know that my words fall short of what I feel in my heart, but allow these words that I am about to pray to become love-filled vessels of my devotion for you.
a psalm, spiritual reading or personal prayer
The time has come, my Beloved who lives outside of time, to leave this time of prayer and to invest myself in the activities of this first workday of the week. As I do, I ask that you be with all who are in need of you this day:_______. I pray as well for all the earth, all her children and for all life on this planet.
Blessed and beautiful are you, my God.
May your light be my sun this winter day.
sacred gesture
sacred gesture
Our earth has turned once again toward the endless limits of space, as a thousand stars come out to play. I come before you in adoration and in wonder at the vastness of your creation which spans thousands of billions of miles. I descend now with devotion into the tiny cave of my heart to be one with you in silent prayer.
period of silent prayer or meditation
O Beloved, your song of love is a silent one, heard only by the ears of the heart. Look with compassion upon my feeble efforts to still my ever-restless heart and my desire to listen to your eternal whisper. Look with affection upon my words, as I now proclaim my love for you.
a psalm, spiritual reading or personal prayer
I pray to you, aware that my prayer is never private, even if I pray alone. For my prayer is but a single thread in the great weaving of this world's prayers which rise up to you from every part of this planet.
My friends and my family are dear to me, and so I ask that you care for them this night. In your providence especially watch over:_______. Care for and protect those who on this winter night are without lodging and food. And grant that the children of this earth may look upon all who are in need as their brothers and sisters.
Grant a peaceful night, O God, not only to my body but also to my mind and soul. May the sacrament of sleep refresh my whole being this night.
O Guardian of galaxies,
Mother of the cosmos and
Father of stars beyond counting,
may I sleep in you tonight.
sacred gesture
