Evening Prayer and Reflection – 28 January 2022

These words from Thomas Merton spoke to my heart tonight. In a world filled with noise and chaos, this is the silence and refreshment we seek.

To be alone by being part of the universe—fitting in completely to an environment of woods and silence and peace. Everything you do becomes a unity and a prayer. Unity within and without. Unity with all living things—without effort or contention. My silence is part of the whole world’s silence and builds the temple of God without the noise of hammers. — A Search for Solitude: Pursuing the Monk’s True Life, The Journals of Thomas Merton, Volume 3: 1952-1960 (December 29 and January 28, 1953)

The solitude and beauty of the night sky is breathtaking if you stop and simply look up and be present. May we enter that silence with open hearts. May we be open to hearing the Spirit’s gentle voice as She guides us along the path.

And now, that the sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow

In the beauty of this moment

In the wonder of Your presence in our midst

Speak Your grace and peace into our lives

Hear me as I lift this humble prayer to you

Dona Nobis Pacem

Grant Us Peace

A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…