Variation on a Prayer of St. Patrick
I breathe in hope as I stand today:
Calling on the Source, the Wellspring and the Living Water
Believing in the Threeness,
Witnessing the Oneness
On my way to meet you face to face.
Now let’s spend about one minute using part of this prayer as a breath prayer. On the in breath, say: “I breathe in hope.” On the out breath: “… as I stand today.”
Petitionary Prayer
Today we’ll pray for our church. You can start by praying something like, “God, give me hope for _________ in my faith community.” And then remember various people before God as they come to mind.
Story from All Creation Waits
Story from the Advent book, All Creation Waits, written by Gayle Boss and illustrated by David Klein—today’s story is about the whitetail deer.
Reflection on Story
The author talks about how the deer lay down together to share their warmth and get through winter. Let’s take a minute to meditate on who and what warms our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits as we hunker into the darkness of winter. Feel free to express whatever feelings you have about this idea to the Creator—whether it’s gratitude, or frustration, or desire for more warmth and support.
Benediction
Go in peace
Wash your hands
Love your neighbor
You are not alone.