NIGHT PRAYER: Monday 12/21

Beginning today with the winter solstice,

daylight lengthens by

2 minutes and 7 seconds

every day... 

 

It's too early to detect any difference, Lord,

but still, I'm grateful for even 

2 minutes and 7 seconds more light

from one day to another...

Grateful, yes, but I can't help but wonder

why the days lengthen so slowly, 

why so many things take so long,

why you move so slowly, Lord,

and why does it sometimes seem

you really don't move at all... 

 

Help me be patient, Lord,

with the slow pace of things

in nature,

in you

and in myself...

 

Help me notice and rejoice in

2 minutes and 7 seconds

more daylight today
than yesterday...

 

Help me trust, Lord, that you move

 just as slowly and just as fast

as your wisdom intends

and by your measure, not mine,

all shall be well,

yes, all shall be well,

all manner of things shall be well... 

And when I am slow, Lord,

    slow to trust,

    slow to learn,     

    slow to change,

give me patience with my efforts,

help me lean on your strength

and grow in your grace, if only

2 minutes,  7 seconds a day... 

 

And help me remember

that in your time, Lord, not mine

that all shall be well,

yes, all shall be well,

that all manner of things

shall be well... 

 

Protect me Lord while I'm awake

and watch over me as I sleep

that awake, I might keep watch with you

and asleep, rest in your peace...

Amen.

All Shall Be Well by Barbara Bridge

    

All shall be well.  All shall be well, 

and all manner of thing,*

all manner of thing shall be well.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains;

from where shall come my help?

My help will come from God,

my creator, from God who made heaven and earth.

God will keep your feet from stumbling

and guard you as you rest;

for God never slumbers nor sleeps.

God is with you by day and by night.

For God will always guard you from evil

and keep your soul from harm;

and God will guard your coming and going,

both now and forever more.

*The refrain is a well known, much loved quote from 

Julian of Norwich who died in the early 15th century.

In the language of her time "All manner of thing" was

an acceptable figure of speech.  If, in our own time, 

you prefer to sing "things," go right ahead! 

 
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