The Sarum Prayer
God be in my head—and in my understanding
God be in my eyes—and in my looking
God be in my mouth—and in my speaking
God be in my heart—and in my thinking
God be at my end—and at my departing
Light Meditation
Picture the quality of a clear, yellow sunlight, such as you might notice in the early morning, shining through the leaves of a nearby stand of trees. Then, over the course of a full minute, imagine that same quality of sunlight streaming into your body from just above the head, steadily filling the body with light from the soles of the feet, up through the legs, filling the chest, the arms, shoulders, neck and head with light.
Psalm of Thanks
Psalm 92: 1–4
It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
Words of the Followers Regarding Thanks
Philippians 4: 4–8
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Gratitude Practice
Fostering gratitude is an important element of spirituality. It’s a practice, not just an attitude, one that involves pausing to notice, naming, and giving space to express or feel gratitude. So take some time, a full minute to pause, to notice how you have been blessed, cared for, loved, provided for—people or creatures or things in your life that make your life better. Simple pleasures, sustaining provisions. Moments of clarity, beauty, interest, curiosity, wonder. Notice and name as many as you like, and as you do, savor each one.
Prayer for Loved Ones
This is a prayer of love and remembrance for our loved ones. Over the next minute simply name your loved ones, calling each to mind in love, lifting each in the embrace of remembered love, to the God who is the source of all being.
Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Benediction
And now an African Canticle for our Benediction:
All you big things bless the Lord.
Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Victoria
The Rift Valley and the Serengeti Plain,
Fat baobabs and shady mango trees,
All eucalyptus and tamarind trees,
Bless the Lord.
Praise and extol God forever and ever.
All you tiny things, bless the Lord.
Busy black ants and hopping fleas,
Wriggling tadpole and mosquito larvae,
Flying locusts and water drops,
Pollen dust and tsetse flies,
Millet seeds and dried dagaa,
Bless the Lord.
Praise and extol God forever and ever.
So have a blessed day, go in peace, wash your hands, love your neighbor: you are not alone.