Hey God,

Wow. I wish I could find words to express the gratitude I feel for the beauty of these past few days. I breathe in deeply, and there is something about the air that just brings joy and a spirit of life. I sit outside on the patio and “work from home,” and just bask in the beauty of it all. What a gift, God. Thank you. Thank you for the gift of life itself, for the majesty of nature, for the new life of Spring, for each moment in which your creation speaks aloud with your glory. In the words of the Psalmist, “the heavens declare the glory of God.” In the words of E.E. Cummings, “I thank you, God, for most this amazing day.”

I wish my spirit was not so tied to the circumstances of life, circumstances as simple as the weather. I want so much to praise you in good times and in bad. I want so much to be able to hold my head high and sing your praises when the sky is grey, when life is hard, when the job goes away when the marriage fails, when money is scarce, when disease takes hold, when applause and affirmation have vanished. Today I ask that you use this season in my life to remind me of your everlasting and ever-present love, love which transcends all circumstances. Teach me to say,

Though the fig tree does not blossom,
and no fruit is on the vines;
though the produce of the olive fails,
and the fields yield no food;
though the flock is cut off from the fold,
and there is no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will exult in the God of my salvation… (Habukkuk 3:17-18)

This is your day, no matter what, God. Rain or shine. Wind or calm. Plenty or want. I thank you for it, and I praise you.

I lift up today all those who struggle or suffer, and especially those who serve to keep us well and those who serve to meet our essential needs. I pray for you to bring healing to the sick and provision to the hungry. Hear my prayers every day for them, prayers to give them all they need, and prayers to use us all to accomplish your purposes.

In the name of Christ, who gave his life away for all of us I pray. Amen.