voices in the trees

Morning

The rush of enormous trucks over the bridge,
busloads of people on their way to work,
construction crews dodging anxious commuters,
shop-keepers releasing shutters,
the chatter of children arising,
the city awakens to another day,
but who is singing praises to God?

But I call upon God,and the Holy One will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my prayer, and God will hear my voice.
Psalm 55:12

Holy One, as I begin this day, keep me safe in your love. Help me to remember that you are always with me, as close as my heart, as alive as the breath in my lungs, as vibrant as the blood pulsing in my veins. I pray today for energy, for awareness of the needs of others, for the memory of my baptismal commitment. And so I begin my day in you. Amen.

Noon
The story of Paul’s conversion from violence to Jesus’ teaching about inclusion and forgiveness reminds us that we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation.

While I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Later the messenger Ananias said to Paul, “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear his own voice; for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.” Acts 22

Holy One, may I always be open to learning your way more deeply and serving others with humility and commitment to forgiveness and healing. Amen

Evening
Somewhere on earth, there is singing tonight and somewhere there are tears. For someone, life is beginning and for another, life is ending. Under the overarching stars, there is a time for everything. May there be a time when cruelty and violence are forgotten. May my life have been more about love, companionship and reconciliation than anything else.

Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,
and righteousness abide in the fruitful field.
The effect of righteousness will be peace,
and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust for ever.
My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,
in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting-places. Isaiah 32:17

Sheltering One, gather us into your embrace. May I rest in peace, confident in your restorative love and power to heal. May all the people of the world come to trust in peace and run from violent solutions. Amen.

Child’s Prayer

Gonna lie down, quiet down,
rest my little toes,
my little nose,
my big big brain
cause God’s got plans for me
tomorrow and the next day too!