Prayer, day 2474

Most Merciful God,
You are are home and our refuge:
we gather in peace to worship and praise You.
Before You, O God, we bow our hearts,
and center ourselves in your goodness and grace;
accept our prayers and praises, in your mercy.

For the gift of companions of the heart,
and loving embraces at journey's end,
we give thanks to You, O God.
Strengthen all who seek to serve You, Blessed Savior,
and prosper their labors to the glory of your kingdom, we humbly pray.
Pour out your wisdom upon us, O Holy Spirit,
that we may be united in seeking the common good,
and stand alongside all who suffer want or any other injustice.
Make us loving, compassionate guardians of your creation,
that we may be filled with wonder
at the imprint of your beauty all around us, O Creator.

Hold us within the hollow of your hand, Lord Jesus,
and gather us within your healing embrace.
Hear our prayers, O Holy One,
and shelter all who call upon your Name.

Amen.

Prayer 2323: Friends along the way

(Scotland, day 9 )
God of Mercy,
we rise to give you praise,
our eyes delighted in the sweep of your creation,
our spirits filled with wonder and awe.
Holy One of Blessing,
place the gentle breeze of friendship at our backs,
make the road soft beneath our feet,
and guide us by the light of your wisdom.
Place the kiss of your grace and peace
upon all who call upon you, Blessed Savior,
especially those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2313

Holy God, we give thanks to You
for your gracious mercy upon us,
and for the beauty of loving hearts in the world.

We thank You for steadfast and faithful friends,
whose love and support strengthens us each day.
We thank You for the glory of your creation,
which inspires us to love and care for this Earth.
We thank You for your angels
who bend over us at sleep or at work or at play.

Kindle our hearts and minds with a holy fire
to serve and worship You with all that we have.
Soothe the pains and sorrows of those who mourn today.
Accept the whispered supplications of your people, O Holy One,
and scatter the blessings of your love and tenderness
upon those we now name.

Amen.

For Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also: Speaking to the Soul, May 2, 2018

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”—Matthew 6:21

For many months while I was in seminary, I went every week to visit a parishioner who was homebound. I would bring her communion right after worship, and we would sit and talk about her life, her husband, her love of sports cars, art, her collection of classical music, or little snippets of poetry from whatever she was currently reading. Sometimes we would just sit for a moment in silence, before we would share bread and cup brought straight from the altar of our parish.

We often sat facing a window that overlooked a community garden, and there were bird feeders on poles, wreathed with flowers that changed depending upon the season: first the daffodils, which then subsided to tulips, which then subsided to iris with a backdrop of lilac, which then subsided to gladiolas and lilies. As we would sit and savor our companionship, a goldfinch or wren might swoop into view, grabbing a seed from the bird feeder and then darting away to perch on some leaf or pole which working assiduously to open the shell to get to the kernel. Our gazes would rest upon the scene, and she would turn to me, with her blue-gray eyes shining, and whisper, “Isn’t that marvelous?” with the delight of a person fully content.

I am thinking about my friend today as I sit in my garden and watch the birds at my own feeders dash about like mad. I am able for a few minutes to be at rest while they swoop in and out, in search of food, in search of water, in search of materials to reinforce their nests. Yet they sing with joy at their work, and I think, “That’s the way I want to be when I work. And isn’t it marvelous?”

It is at last that season of the year when I am able to sit amongst the plants on the hillside in my backyard, and simply tune my senses to what is going on around me for a few moments as I pause in the otherwise busy day. The hostas are unfurling and uncurling with a determination that will not be denied. You can feel the vibration of earthworms as they slide into view to escape the water that has puddled around the emerging fiddleheads of ferns. The temperatures finally are above 60 degrees, and there is a breeze in the air that stirs the cathedral bell chimes hanging from the boughs of the pine, providing the bass and the middle to the joyful sounds of the birds all around me. Remembering that friendship that was so dear, I carry the memory of my friend into this moment right now, and her joy and wonder in simple things, her rootedness and contentment in each moment as we sat together.

I breathe, and listen to the birdsong, and the chimes, and the slough of new leaves rubbing against each other as a gust of wind brings them together. Sometimes my busy minds tries to count or categorize the different types of birdsong I hear, but I try to shut down that striving part of my mind and just enjoy being in the center of such a symphony of sound. “Oh, hey, it’s only 75 degrees, and my neighbor’s air conditioner just clicked on,” I think, and then immediately realize I am doing it again. Back, back, mind. Be at rest, and be content. My friend treasured simple moments in her heart, and reminds me still to do the same.

Too often I get caught up in the concerns and petty annoyances of everyday life. I allow myself to put my focus on things which do not generate a sense of peace, but rather a sense of anxiety. And I know I am not alone. We are programmed to respond instinctually to a sense of scarcity, to a sense that we are somehow being at rest places us at a disadvantage. We are too eager for distraction, too afraid we will miss some peak experience or some bit of news.

But my time with my friend showed me that rare gift of contentment and wonder that is so easy to lose. She treasured each moment, and that was where her heart was. She responded with joy to little things of beauty that could easily be overlooked. And though she has been gone for over a year, I remember her and feel like I am sitting with her again, enjoying the industry of the dun-colored sparrow, watching a redbud bloom flutter to the ground to make way for a tiny, heart-shaped leaf that will soon join with her fellows to provide a cool green canopy all summer long. This is a moment I will treasure in my heart. And isn’t it marvelous?

(This essay was first published at Episcopal Cafe's Speaking to the Soul on May 2, 2018.)

Prayer 1827

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord,
we wait before You in reverence,
rejoicing in the power of your Spirit
as You have watched over our rest.

Shepherd of Our Souls,
You are the source of all blessing,
and we lift our grateful hearts to You,
singing out your lovingkindness.

You come to us across turbulent waters,
Beloved Savior,
and still the storms within and without
by the mercy of your healing presence.

We thank you, Lord Christ,
for the manifold gifts in our lives,
for the blessing of beloved friends,
for companions of our hearts,
who help us on our way
and reflect your love for us.

Accept our prayers and intercessions
for all the cares and concerns we carry in our hearts,
and send forth your angels to be the shield and comfort
of all who put their trust and hope in You.

Amen.

Inspired in part by the daily office reading of John 6:16-27
Photo: Jesus walks on the water, unknown artist.

Prayer 1826: Companions in Wonder and Grace

Most Merciful One,
we rise to bless and thank You,
our praises and prayers rising like morning light.
We put our trust in You, O God:
clothe us in mercy and grace in all we do.

Blessed Jesus,
You restore our souls
and open our hearts to praise.
O Creator, You have stretched the day before us
as a beautiful canvas to be filled
like sails that carry us forward,
or with pigment to reflect your glorious creation.
Guide us on our journey today,
and open our eyes to see your wonders.

Let us proclaim your good news to the world
in every step we take, O Holy One:
may we remember all You have done for us
and practice grace and forgiveness with each other
and with ourselves
as we seek to serve You.

Make us loving companions,
steadfast in love,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness,
walking in the Way of Love Incarnate, 
as we pray.

Amen.


Photo: My friend and mentor Pamela and I share a laugh over dinner over my rotten selfie skills during my visit earlier this month.

Prayer 1813: Embodying the Light

Almighty God,
the curtain of sleep parts from our eyes,
and the veil of night is lifting:
shine forth your glory upon us
and enlighten our minds to seek your ways.

Give us the will to follow You, Lord Jesus,
putting our hands and hearts to the wheel of justice,
that we may ever walk in light and grace.

Blessed Savior, may we re-member
and carry forth our gratitude
for your compassion and tenderness toward us,
and embody your light and love in the world.

Spirit of the Living God,
may the light of the knowledge of your truth
shine forth from us in all we do,
and may we dedicate our gifts and energies
to the glory of your Name.

Holy One, You are ever with us,
and your love is a canopy and shelter:
gather us within your healing embrace,
and grant your peace to those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1812: rejoicing in the fellowship of friends

Most Merciful God,
You are are home and our refuge:
we gather in peace to worship and praise You.
Before You, O God, we bow our hearts,
and center ourselves in your goodness and grace;
accept our prayers and praises, in your mercy.

For the gift of companions of the heart,
and loving embraces at journey's end,
we give thanks to You, O God.
Strengthen all who seek to serve You, Blessed Savior,
and prosper their labors to the glory of your kingdom, we humbly pray.
Pour out your wisdom upon us, O Holy Spirit,
that we may be united in seeking the common good,
and stand alongside all who suffer want or any other injustice.
Make us loving, compassionate guardians of your creation,
that we may be filled with wonder
at the imprint of your beauty all around us, O Creator.

Hold us within the hollow of your hand, Lord Jesus,
and gather us within your healing embrace.
Hear our prayers, O Holy One,
and shelter all who call upon your Name.

Amen.


Photo: Toiyabe National Forest in Jarales, NM, from the air as I fkew to visit my dear friend Pamela.

Prayer, day 1686

Three friends and their teacher at a school for the hearing impaired in Cuba.

O Creator God,
we thank you for this beautiful Earth
You have made as our abode.
We thank you for the family of humanity
in all the places we call home.
Help us to know and celebrate
the common bonds that unite us
regardless of race, creed, wealth, or nationality.
We thank you for those who care for the lost,
who comfort the sick,
who welcome the stranger.
Help us cherish each other
and learn from each other,
tied together in mutuality
as Your beloved children.
Strengthen those who sorrow or who hurt or who fear, 
especially these we now name.

Amen.
972

Prayer 1645: On the feast day of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany

Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany.

Almighty God,
we ask that you bless our endeavors today.

Let us be awakened by your love,
and brought to new life through Christ our Lord.
Beloved Jesus, You call us into new life:
may we hear and respond with wonder and joy.
Give us Martha hands
and Mary hearts,
seeking to serve you
and be guided by your Word and Wisdom.
Unite within us
knowledge and action,
for we know that work without learning
and learning without work
gain nothing.
Let us proclaim your glory
in words and actions this day:
make us your hands in the world.
Untangle us from the bonds
that hold us in pain and despair,
and give us power to walk into the light of Jesus.

Extend your sheltering love
over those for whom we pray this day.

Amen.
(adaptation of 441)

Prayer 1597: for true friendship

Here are some of my friends blessing my replacement car after an accident totalled my first one.
They took seriously my need for closure and healing with good humor and kindness, and that's real friendship.

Most Merciful One, we praise You and bless You,
lifting our hopes and prayers before You.
Let us seek not exploit others, or use them for our gain,
but instead celebrate the beauty within each person.
Help us to treat each other with tenderness and dignity,
that we embody the compassion of Christ.
Make us loyal friends and companions,
with words and hearts abounding in gentleness and hope.
Give us the insight to seek pardon when we have offended,
and to grant pardon when asked.
Help us to walk unencumbered in the Way of Jesus,
laying aside all grudges and resentments.
For You, O God, are the source of all blessing,
may we praise You with every breath that you give.
Hold us tenderly within your heart, Lord Jesus,
and grant your peace and comfort to these beloveds.

Amen.

Prayer 1535: In memory of Darrell

A dogwood flower.

Blessed Savior, we turn our hearts to you
borne up by your abundant grace into this new day.
We give You thanks, O God,
for the blessings You have given us,
for reason, memory, and fellowship.
We give you thanks
for steadfast friendship and loyal hearts
who testify to your Love in the world.
We thank You for wise teachers
whose loving hearts have led us
into understanding and skill.

Give us comfort as we remember
those we love and see no more,
and send your angels to tend those who weep.

We rest in You, O God,
our home and our help,
and ask your blessing on these beloveds.

Amen.

Prayer 1789: for steadfast faithfulness

Evening light through the windows of St. Martin's, Ellisville.

(inspired by Ruth 1)
Almighty God, we lift our eyes to You,
Source of Our Help and Light for Our Way,
who has brought us safely to this day.
Forgive us our sins,
especially for the times we have broken faith
with those we are called to love.
Give us, instead, the steadfast love of Ruth,
and generous hearts to walk beside our companions
in all their ways.
Make us faithful servants of God,
daughters and sons
in the name of love and hope,
led by Christ and his example of mercy.
Rededicate our hearts for healing
and hands for comforting,
that we work for the renewal of those who struggle.
Send your Holy Spirit
to rest upon those who lift their needs before You,
O Holy One.

Amen.

Prayer 1346- for peace, love, and unity

The Memorial Cross at the University of the South, Sewanee, at dusk.

Most Holy Lord, God of All Tenderness, we arise with joy to seek your truth, and be led like children into your ways. We give thanks for the love that supports us, for companions and loved ones who keep faith in joy and sorrow.

Forgive us for our offenses, and uphold us in the embrace of your love and mercy. Lord Jesus, we pray for justice and wisdom to roll down like waters, to lift us like a tide over the shoals of division and disaster. Give us hearts open to each other, enlightened by your gospel, transformed by love and faith. 

Strengthen the hands and skills of doctors, nurses, and caregivers, that they may persevere in compassion. Gentle us, as a mother soothes her restless children, and let your embrace bring us to peace, we pray. 

Holy One, you press upon us behind and before: envelop those who call upon You in your unfailing mercy.

Amen.

Prayer 483

Scott with two of his godparents at his confirmation.

Most Holy God, thank You for bringing us together as your people, knit together by one hope, one faith, one baptism. Thank You for the gift of love in family, friendship and community, a foretaste of the heavenly banquet for which we pray. 

Awaken us from our foolish tendency to forget that You are God, and we are yours. Open our eyes to see your path, even when we think we are in trackless wastes or adrift in a sea of turmoil or doubt. 

Protect us from all, both within and without, that could cause us to stumble. Help us admit our sins, our pride, our anger, & our folly, for You always embrace those who repent & turn back to Love. 

Seal into our hearts your wisdom and your truth, that we may have life more abundantly and be a blessing to all we meet. Consecrate us to your service, that all we do may be to the glory of your Name as we walk out among our fellow men and women. Help us to live lives that sing out a testimony to your goodness, mercy, and abundant love. 

Remember these, your servants for whom we pray, and all whose cry is to You alone.

Amen.