Thursday Morning Prayer - Edward Hays

sacred gesture

Once again, as it has done for endless ages,
the Earth is slowly turning around toward the sun.
Dawn comes with the freshness of that first day of creation.
May my worship at the beginning of this day
be united with that of birds and wild animals, with clouds
and sky.
May my rising be a rehearsal for my resurrection from the
dead.
With gratitude for the wonder of this day,
for the rich gift of life itself, I enter into silent prayer.
period of silent prayer or meditation
In harmony with all the Earth as it soaks up the fire of the
sun,
I express the gratitude and devotion of my heart as I now
pray.

a psalm, spiritual reading, or personal prayer

In the quiet of this spring-touched morning,
I absorb the light of this new day
and soak up the love that ceaselessly flows out of your divine
heart.
As a cosmic pilgrim,
traveling with the Earth and her sister planets outward into
space,
I ask you to accept my sacrifice of this day in solidarity
with the special needs today of _____________________.
May I embrace with joy my pilgrim work of unity.
May I, with your grace, be an instrument of your peace
to all I will meet and in every situation of this day.

May our tiny planet, divided in a multitude of nations, races
and religions,
be united in its love of you.
May my prayer and all the prayers, sacrifices and deeds of
compassion
performed on this planet today
be blended together as one and reach you
through the mystery of your son Jesus, the cosmic Christ.
O Divine Giver of Life in whom we breathe and live,
show yourself to me this day in countless ways.
And grant me the grace to bow in wonder and in joy
wherever and whenever I discover you.
Boldly trace your sacred sign upon me in love
as I begin this day in your holy name
and in the name of your Son
and in the abiding presence of your Spirit,
One God forever and ever.
Amen. =
sacred gesture

From:Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim
A Personal Manual for Prayer and Ritual
Author: Edward Hays