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Proclaiming Hope on the First Sunday of Advent
One flame shining in the night: comforting, preparing, watching for one who breaks into our darkness, illuminating the shadows, proclaiming hope for a new day. - Wendy Janzen
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God of the Cosmos,
who created the circle of life, we give thanks and praise for this most beautiful, complex, and wise planet we live on. We recognize the brokenness around us and within us, and offer you our deep grief and prayers for our planet. In the brownness of this season of decay, we know that you are present. We pray for all the griefs we carry - for loved ones we have lost, for our loss of connection with the earth, for disenfranchised peoples, for species under threat, for drained ancient lakes, for dammed rivers, for strange weather patterns, for the lack of will to ban coal, for short sighted leaders, for urban sprawl and new highways, for unwanted pipelines, for rising temperatures. Hear our cries, and have mercy on us, O God. Hold and honour our grief, reminding us that the depth of our grief reflects the depth of our love and concern. Grant us your deep peace, beyond our understanding. May the light of this single candle be a beacon of hope, a light in the darkness, a guiding force into a new way of living in step and in balance with the needs of all life. We place our trust in your great love for the world, and that we have a future with hope. Amen. - Wendy Janzen Sustaining God
of waters, skies, and land, of endangered species and habitats, of marginalized peoples and places, we raise our prayers during this time of crisis. We pray for those with power and voice who gather in Glasgow to negotiate solutions to this mess we have created. We pray for those without power who are most adversely affected by changes in climate and who are often overlooked. We pray for all of us addicted to fossil fuels and progress and pray for open eyes, softened hearts, and transformed actions. We pray for mercy for fire-scorched landscapes, melting ice, and extreme weather events. We pray that we might offer our love and our lives for others, that we might follow the wisdom of the Earth, and that we might learn the ways of reciprocity. Amen. - Wendy Janzen May November be a time
to lay to rest that which no longer brings life. May the cool days invite you out to wander and pay attention. May you embrace the mysteries of life and find the blessings of God everywhere. May the laments of the Earth touch your heart and transform your living. May your soul recognize kinship with all that exists. May your prayers for the Earth be heard. - Wendy Janzen |
AuthorReflections, poetry, prayers, and resources written by Wendy Janzen and occasional guests. Archives
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