Refreshment for Tonight: A Prayer for the Morning

He turns a desert into pools of water,
a parched land into springs of water. - Psalm 107:35

Dear Friends in Christ -

Someone at our "Adventures" study group this evening shared this prayer, which she prays every morning. It was so powerful that I asked if she would share it. She sent it immediately, so I now pass it along to you. I'll be praying it tomorrow morning, and I invite you to join me!

Blessings,
Janet+

SIX GESTURES OF THE MORNING PRAISE
By Joyce Rupp

1. Offering the Creator praise and gratitude:
Stretch your arms high and wide above your head.
I THANK YOU, HOLY ONE, FOR THE GIFT OF ANOTHER DAY OF LIFE.

2. Intentionally being aware of my spiritual bond with all of creation:
Hold arms out from your sides, a little below shoulder height. Move (pivot) to the left and to the right with your arms stretching outward toward the cosmos.
I REACH OUT IN COMPASSION TO MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSE.

3. Offering my life to the Holy One:
Stretch your arms out straight in front of you, slightly apart, palms up.
I GIVE TO YOU ALL I AM AND ALL I HAVE.

4. Opening to accept what the Holy One offers me this day:
Pull your hands close together and cup them as a container.
I OPEN MY ENTIRE BEING TO RECEIVE THE GIFT THAT YOU HAVE WAITING FOR ME IN THIS NEW DAY.

5. Remembering to be kind to our planet Earth:
Bend over, reach down, and touch the floor, or better yet, the ground, if you are outside.
I TOUCH THIS PLANET, EARTH, WITH AWE, REVERENCE, AND GRATITUDE, PROMISING TO CARE WELL FOR HER TODAY.

6. Awareness of the indwelling presence of the Holy One:
Stand up, cross hands over your heart, and bow to the waist.
MAY I BE UNITED WITH YOU THROUGHOUT THIS DAY, AWARE OF YOUR LOVE STRENGTHENING ME AND SHINING THROUGH ME. AMEN!

-- From "Out of the Ordinary: Prayers, Poems and Reflections for Every Season" by Joyce Rupp