voices in the trees

Morning
Dawn opens the curtain of night to the hymn of birds, frogs, and insects. On the mountains, fog is rising; on the rivers, oceans and lakes, steam is curling in the warmth of the morning. All creation breathes with sanctity and peace. A new day is born.

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, when the earth was unformed and darkness covered the face of the Deeps, a powerful rushing Spirit from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. Genesis 1:1-5

Holy and Abiding Spirit, we give you thanks that you have opened our eyes again to the wonder of life. Brood over us as at the beginning, breathing into us possibility, and brightening our lives with the light arriving from the beginning of the world. Amen.

Noon

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility. . . in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:19-25

Over my heart I carry the cross as the sign of sacrificial love that opens to embrace all creation. Although the world pulls us in opposing directions, opposing ideas, and opposing stress, the Spirit helps us to remain at the centre where serenity and clear vision hold us to a larger perspective and hope. Help us to see beyond and before this present moment. Give us the courage to learn and the strength to believe. Amen

Evening

Night draws a blanket of darkness over the earth so that the creatures of the night may enjoy their time to work and play, so that the earth may recover from our demands upon it, and so that your people may find each other in peace and love.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Luke 24:28-35

Beloved of God, the day is spent, remain with us this and every evening that we may come to know and love you more.

Comforter and safe haven for the weary, we offer you this day. What we have done well, bless and magnify for all people. What we have omitted or done poorly, forgive and let us put anxiety to rest. May we have peace of mind so that we awake refreshed in body, mind,  and soul. Guard us with your holy messengers while we sleep and shelter our souls in the shadow of your loving wings. Amen
A Child’s Prayer for Nighttime

God of the stars,
God of the moon,
God on the earth,
God in my room.

Be in my teddy.
Be in my head,
Be in the dreams
Floating over my bed.

God of the morning,
God of the night,
Hold me and keep me
‘til dawn’s early light. Amen