Lord, open our eyes that we may see you working behind the scenes of our lives.

Open our hands that we may share generously the gifts you have provided.

Open our mouths to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.

Open our mind to receive new ideas, concepts and innovations.

Open our hearts to love our neighbor and ourselves better today than yesterday. Help us to be more open to your Word so that we will be hearers and doers of your Word. In our name, Amen

VMM

Autumn Majesty

I looked out of the window and saw a magnificent display of colors from a deep golden glow to a resplendent red and deep rich browns this morning. The leaves are turning on the trees. God is showing off again.

Don’t be in such a hurry today. Walk a little slower. Breathe in the smells, sights and sounds of this transition. Take a different route home so you can enjoy the majesty of the season.

Let us pray:

Great Creator God, we come to you today in the quiet mystery of early morning dew and the majesty of autumn’s splash of color. Help us to treasure your creation with the same intensity as we treasure our Creator.

We lift before you those who have experienced a loss in their lives – the loss of a friend or family member, the loss of employment or health benefits, the loss of sleep or the loss of peace. Help them to let go just as the leaves are releasing their hold upon the branches of the trees to make room for hope and healing. Guide those who can comfort and correct to be visible and vocal on their behalf.

Now, may the plans you have for them, plans not to harm but to prosper them be greater than the pain of the moment. In Jesus name, Amen.

BREATHING PRAYER

Have you forgotten the breathing prayers we learned over the summer? Remember when we are stressed, we tend to take shallow breaths. Breathe and do it deeply in prayer. Try it today.

Exhale: Lord I need you. Inhale: Lord I receive you. Repeat.

VMM

Be Thankful!

"I will lift my eyes to you whose throne is in heaven."

Psalm 123: 1 (REB)

We lift our eyes today to see your handiwork from the first blush of dawn to the golden blaze of autumn leaves. We are amazed again as you transition us into a new season.

We stand in awesome wonder as birds migrate to new nesting places and other animals prepare to hibernate. In these brilliant days of autumn, we see your creativity and feel your presence in the crisp chill of the air.

May we never be in such a hurry to handle the business of this day or any day that we neglect to take the time to observe the beauty of your creation and be thankful!