A Psalm/Prayer

Lord God, You are mighty and your power has created the universe.  Your splendor is reflected throughout the earth.

Yet your spirit of gentle love flows around and through each of us little ones.  As we nestle into you, Abba, you draw and guide us.  You are our shepherd.

Lord, I thank you for your love, for the earth, for my life.  I praise you for all the wonders you have created -- for sun and moon and stars, for mountains and waterfalls, for thunderstorms, for snow and rain and streams and springs, for the ocean, for winds and gentle breezes, for the fragrance of flowers and mown grass, for the animals and plants, for everything moving in harmony.  I praise you for your mighty works -- in nations, communities, families, and individuals, for healing and miracles, and protection and knowledge, for the creation of new things.

You were there as my body was formed in my mother.  Because of you I have always felt at home in the universe.  Your love shone through my mother and father.  You guided me and taught me about you. When I was confused and hurt, you waited patiently until I turned toward you, and you loved me.  You taught me how to hear you and walk with your Spirit.  You taught me how to let your love flow through me to others.

Lord, use my experiences to polish me and to open my heart so that I reflect you better and better, like a polished gem letting the light shine through.  Help me totally surrender into your great mystery so that I hear your voice and music around me always, and feel your presence and love.  Capture my will in  obedience to yours, that your love and power may flow through me for your purposes.  Help me learn to talk and listen to you, to know your voice even when it whispers amidst the storms in life, to seek you with all my heart and strength, to rest secure in you.  Help me to be rooted in you, to let your energy flow through me, to move in accordance with your love and will, in harmony.  As I turn toward your bright light, help me grow and let it shine through my life, illuminating all, so I can eventually join with the bright sun of your presence.  Remind me to seek and ask, so that your power can move through the world.

c. 2000, Barbara Showalter  (may be reprinted with attribution)