Evening Prayer and Reflection- 31 July 2021

On this feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits) I have been pondering much in this journey called life.

As we walk through pandemic times where wearing a mask and getting the vaccine have become political issues rather than an issue of loving your neighbor, I wonder.

As we walk with my Dad through the difficulties of recovering from a fall and entering rehab, we hold him closely in our hearts.

These words of Ignatius seem to ring true even more so today.

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

In this community, nation, and world, I pray that we might come together and allow God’s love and grace to permeate our hearts, our spirits, and our lives as we walk this journey called life together.

And now our Evening Prayer

The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow

It has been a long day, Lord

It has been an emotionally draining day, Lord

Yet in the midst of it all, we do find grace and beauty

In the love and support of dear friends who are family

In the beauty of a sunset through the trees

In the whimsical frog planter at The Old Mill Restaurant

In the laughter and stories shared with Zack our waiter

In the calm and serenity of dinner on the side of the river with my beloved

For these gifts I am truly thankful

Now as my eyelids grow heavy

I lift this humble prayer to you

Dona Nobis Pacem

Grant Us Peace

A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…