What a glorious day, Lord:
bright sun in a clear sky,
mild breezes, fresh spring air!
Just the way I'd love things to be
all the whole year 'round
- but I know that in other places,
the weather's not as kind
and in other hearts, even some close by,
right beneath my sunny skies
clouds of grief cast shadows over joy,
waves of anger crash on tender souls,
driving winds batter worried minds,
and frost chills what warmth is left
in memory's fading embers...
And so, my evening prayer, Lord...
I'm grateful for this wondrous day
as I pray for my suffering brothers and sisters
in Iran, Buffalo, Ukraine, Haiti, Gaza,
Beverly, Yemen, Nigera, Lecanto,
and so many other places...
I praise you for today's clear skies as I pray
for the homeless living in shelters
or on the street,
for the hungry starving for food
and thirsting for clean water,
for the poor and unemployed
struggling to survive another day,
for the chronically and terminally ill
whose pain never ends,
and for those haunted by fear,
anxiety and depression,
those for whom the weather never seems to clear...
I'm grateful for this day, Lord,
but keep me mindful, always,
of those whose "weather" holds them captive...
Strengthen and encourage me,
in the sunshine and the warmth,
to reach out and as I'm able
to relieve those waiting, waiting, waiting
for the skies to finally clear
and a day of healing peace to dawn...
Protect us, Lord while we're awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
I couldn't find a "weather hymn" to pair with tonight's prayer
but The Summons seems to serve well - rain or shine...
The Summons by John Bell
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