An Autumn Prayer

Our Father, Our Mother, Our Creator…

be near, we pray, as we walk through the season of Autumn, seeking peace in your presence and finding gratitude for your abundant gift of life. 

Oh God of the busy squirrels…

we pray for the church, its members and its mission. Like the animals that must prepare their shelter with warmth and nourishment, show us how to make our church a welcoming place of peace and comfort. Teach us how to be focused on your mission, to store up love and forgiveness, so that the world might know of your abundant grace even in times of our coldest winters. 

Oh God of the changing trees…

as we watch the trees transition into their truest shades, help us to remember our own true gifts. May the brilliant colors of the leaves remind us of the wonder of your creation inside ourselves. Help us to use our talents, our knowledge, our skills, our positions in society, and our strength in Christ, as a community of faith, to support our neighbors.

Oh God of the migrating geese…

we pray for our leaders. Like animals that travel in groups, remind us that to move forward with efficiency and grace, we are better when we work together. Be with those in their decision making that impacts the people of our country. Give us humility and the wisdom to know when and how to follow their lead in seeking solutions, and in making positive changes. Teach us to trust our leaders when it is time to move forward in times of transition.

Oh God of the harvest…

we pray for our Indigenous neighbors. As we gather and collect the bountiful fruit of the earth at the end of this growing season, we remember the great care and attention our Indigenous people take to tend to Creation. Help us to trust in the deep wisdom and traditional knowledge that you have gifted to our Indigenous neighbors. We ask that you will help us to let our Indigenous neighbors know that we honor them, we want to live together with them in harmony, and we share their hope for a blessed future together, for growth in mutual understanding and respect, for healing, for justice, and for reconciliation. 

Oh God of the shortening day…

we pray for the sick and suffering. As the setting sun arrives earlier each day, let us remember the importance of taking time to rest. Bring this same comfort and rest to those in trouble. May the steam of our breath in the cooler air remind us that it is you who gives us the breath of life. With this breath, remind us to breathe in your mercy and exhale through the pain and suffering.

Oh God of the falling leaves…

we pray for the departed. Like the plants preparing for dormancy, we are reminded in your seasons of the passage of time. Be with those mourning the loss of a loved one that they may find peace in remembering their life and acceptance in letting go to return to the earth. May the dying of summer’s spirit remind us of your great promise that death is temporary and life is eternal.

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A prayer written and shared in worship at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, October 17, 2021.