God of breath, I don’t know what to pray, so I breathe in and out this air that connects me with all who breathe. Let the rhythm of breath and heartbeat and open palms– my just being here– be my prayer.
Psalm 33 6-9: The skies were made by God’s command; he breathed the word and the stars popped out. He scooped Sea into his jug, put Ocean in his keg. Earth-creatures, bow before God; world-dwellers–down on your knees! Here’s why: he spoke and there it was, in place the moment he said so.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Luke 2: 8-12 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.
Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
Eternal God– parent, child, and spirit– to whom a day is like 1,000 years, teach us patience teach us presence teach us to see and know and love the people all around us, teach us to recognize that we are bound together because then, maybe then, we would begin to live as you do: in communion.
2 Peter 3:8 Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day.
Ephesians 4:5-6 You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything to are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
All expansive God, there is no corner or crag hidden from your care and love. Help us to live open and expansive lives welcoming in all that would come our way, seeking out your will, and all that would help us to live as you have called us to live, for that is the example you have given us.
Psalm 36: 5-6 God’s love is meteoric, His love astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic. Yet is His largeness nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks.
2 Corinthians 6: 11-13 Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plain as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!
Our Master Gardener, 