O God,
We thank you for this earth, our home;
for the wide sky and the blessed sun,
for the ocean and streams,
for the towering hills and the
whispering wind,
for the trees and green grass.
We thank you for our senses
by which we hear the songs of birds,
and see the splendor of fields of
golden wheat,
and taste autumn's fruit,
rejoice in the feel of snow,
and smell the breath of spring flowers.
Grant us a heart opened wide to all
this beauty;
and save us from being so blind
that we pass unseeing
when even the common thorn bush
is aflame with your glory.
For each new dawn is filled with
infinite possibilities
for new beginnings and new discoveries.
Life is constantly changing and
renewing itself.
In this new day of new beginnings with
God,
all things are possible.
We are restored and renewed in a joyous
awakening
to the wonder that our lives are and,
yet, can be. Amen.
~ written by Walter Rauschenbusch (1861-1918)
