a summer prayer

O God of every time and season

we give thanks for rhythms of work and rest

for places apart that mark our years

for the eternal return of ocean waves

for the defiant posture of mountains

for the hiddenness of favorite coves

for pilgrimages made and then homecomings.

O God, in this season we are grateful

for sanity regained

for blessings discovered

for those who return to us

and for those who leave.

Teach us, God of wonder and creation

that your presence is woven into

the comings and goings of our lives

and having fled to our own lonely places

let us return, with Jesus

to live and work

to heal and pray

to worship and love.

Amen.

(I published this prayer in Alive Now, July/August, 2000, and have shared it with congregations and with friends in each successive summer.)