I was responsible for the opening prayer at our staff meeting today. I chose to adapt a prayer from Edward Hays' book, "Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim." The prayer for a Monday morning in the season of spring is in part:
"Our Beloved Divine Parent, the earth is turning from its vision of countless star-suns to look once again with great joy upon one star, our sun. A new day has dawned, and with it come fresh challenges to grow more mindful of you and of the web that unites us with all life.
"We pause now in the midst of this springtime morning to be in conscious communion with you, our God, so that we will use wisely this gift of a day of life. Wrap us in your Spirit.
"As your priestly pilgrims, we dedicate this day and all that we shall do as an act of sacrifice to you, our God. We begin this day in a holy way in your Holy Name and in the name of your son Jesus and in the name of the Spirit."
Remembering that I dedicated this day to our God I strive to live in a way to give honor to our God. The Lenten disciplines pull and challenge me to live outward and for the other as our God lives so graciously for me and us.
"I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me." (Ps 30:2a)