The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Thank you for a wonderful ramble in your Creation
Thank you for the safe arrival of family
Thank you for our town’s Hallmark Christmas Parade
Now as the wind blows outside
I ask your protection over all who lack shelter
I ask for your blessing on our wildlife neighbors
Especially upon the Canada Goose with the broken wing
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…
“One lesson we can take from the long cautionary tale that is Sacred History is that every time people think they have God figured out . . . they don’t.”
— John Valters Paintner, MTS Watershed Moments in the Hebrew & Christian Scriptures: An Online, Self-Study Retreat
Powerful reflection from Jake Owensby!
Being ready is doing our fumbling best to love God and to love our neighbor in the small things of our daily life and trusting that God will make something good and holy and beautiful through it.
— Read on jakeowensby.com/2019/11/29/how-to-be-ready/
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
There is so much to be thankful for this day
Time spent with family
Time spent around the table of celebration
Time spent simply being still
For these and so many gifts I thank you Lord
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…
Good and gracious God, There is a tension that comes with giving thanks. Even as we recognize and are grateful for the blessings in our lives, we are confronted with enjoying our abundance as we recognize the reality that there are those who have far too little. Even as we celebrate a holiday with roots…
— Read on revmarksandlin.com/2013/11/28/giving-thanks-a-prayer/
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I am thankful for a warm place to live and for the wonderful meal Denise is preparing.
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I think of all those who are food and shelter insecure.
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I think back to the many places I have rambled and roamed.
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I think of those who are caught in the middle of the horrors of war.
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I think about the myth that surrounds American Thanksgiving.
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I pray for forgiveness for the horrors perpetrated on the indigenous people who lived here first.
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I think of families gathered around the table.
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I think of those who are not welcome because of political and ideological differences.
As I look out the window at the snow I think of those who are banned from family and table because the family does not accept my LGBTQAI+ sisters and brothers as God created them.
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I realize how far we have to go to build a kin-dom of love, justice, mercy, and peace.
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I give thanks and I pray… I pray for peace and healing in this nation and world.
As I look out the window at the snow on the trees I offer all that I am and all that I have to you… Lord make me an instrument of your peace.
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
As we come to the end of this day
After a time of reflection and rest
As I contemplate tomorrow
As I think of a family who said goodbye to a dear soul
Continue to walk with them through the Valley of the Shadows
As I think on these things
Circle us Lord
Keep your comfort near
Release despair and hopelessness
Circle us Lord
Keep your light and love shining
Help us to not feel alone
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…
“[The] holy darkness through which God helps us to release attachments and idolatries…. is not meant to imply that God somehow ‘gives’ us our suffering to then free us. Instead as human beings, we will experience suffering, and through grace we can encounter God’s presence there with us guiding us and helping to give our suffering meaning.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, The Online Self-Study Retreat ~ A Midwinter God: Making a Conscious Underworld Journey
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
A day filled with snow
A day to stay inside
A time to Be Still
A time for rest and reflection
Thank you Lord for this time
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…
“Brigid sees the face of Christ in all persons and creatures, and overcomes the division between rich and poor. Our practice of inner hospitality as monks in the world is essentially about healing all of the places we feel fragmented, scattered, and shamed. One of her symbols is her cloak which becomes a symbol of unity. All can dwell under her mantle.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, Sacred Seasons: A Yearlong Journey through the Celtic Wheel of the Year – A Self-Study Online Retreat
