A Mid-Summer Prayer
Our Mother, Our Father, Our Creator. In this season of summer, in all its loud and bright and colorful and sticky and carefree glory, remind us to pause. Give us a hammock and a light breeze, a popsicle and a glass of ice tea, and draw our attention to the creatures of the earth. Let us take notice of how they move through this season, how they creep and crawl and squirm and fly. Because when the world becomes large around us, we must remember the mercies in the small things of the earth.
Oh God of the morning birds, we sing praises to you. As the cardinal and the robin and the chickadee greet us each morning in song, we are reminded of the mercies that greet us each day. Thank you for the gift of a renewed spirit. Thank you for giving each of us a song that is as unique to our talents and abilities as it is harmonic with those singing around us. As the birds call to one another with the rising sun, we too remember to call out to you and to one another. Teach us to listen for your calling, as well, so that we might know where to find you.
Oh God of the bumblebee, we pray for the church, its members and its mission. As the bumblebee moves about the garden pollinating the flowers, help us to grow our community with love and commitment to one another. Let us draw out the nectar of your word so that we might turn it into honey, sweet and nourishing for our souls. May we plant a garden of grace and forgiveness in our church. Show us how to be a safe place that draws others into our community, inviting them to be a part of the growing process.
Oh God of the ants, we pray for activists and leaders fighting for justice. As the tiny ant carries a weight ten times its own, give us the strength of endurance. We carry so many burdens on our backs, oh God. Human rights are at risk in our community. The dignity of choice, particularly for those in marginalized communities, is being threatened. And some days, the fight feels like too much. But we must keep going. We must move with the focused attention of the all too often overlooked ant. We must continue to build support for the good of all people. Remind us that we may feel small but together we are mighty.
Oh God of the butterfly, we pray for the sick and suffering. As a butterfly moves through the cycle of life, from tiny egg to hungry caterpillar to sleepy cocoon and finally to beautiful butterfly, we remember those moving through all stages of pain and healing. Bring nourishment of good food and medicine to the sick so that they may grow stronger each day. Wrap a warm cocoon around those aching in body, mind, and soul that they may find rest and renewal. Teach us to be patient in times of healing and trust that you will help our wings grow when they are ready.
Oh God of the firefly, we pray for the departed. As the firefly lights up the night, be a light to those in grief. May the constant flicker be a peaceful reminder of the life they mourn and acceptance in letting go. Be with the grieving hearts as they sit in the darkness, flickers of memory and love all around them. Show us how to capture that light of peace in a memory jar to keep them in our hearts as you keep us.