Reflect
Thomas of Celano observed of Francis of Assisi that “his life was a prayer.” Francis met every moment and encounter prayerfully and carefully. Each moment was an opportunity to respond God’s presence in his human and non-human companions. Your life can be a prayer. You can begin each day with the intention to experience God in every encounter and respond to the holy in each person you meet.
Pray
God of glory and love,
thank you for waking me up this morning
to a day of wonder and beauty.
Fill my heart with praise
for your wise handiwork and creativity
in galaxies, companion animals, the winds, and the rain,
and in the amazing intricacy of my mind and body.
Give me grace to praise
and share my gratitude and grace
with everyone I meet.
Act
Simply give thanks throughout the day. Open me to the wonder of your life and all creation. Notice the deeper beauty of everyone you meet, even the challenging people you encounter, for they, too, are beloved expressions of God’s creativity.
