Lover of the sky, painted with pink and gold streaks, with billowy clouds that invite us to rest, we praise you for the beauty that you gift us each day. We ask your forgiveness for our lack of attention. Thank you for offering us the extraordinary event of a total eclipse in Greenland, Spain, and Russia. Those of us who reside in Canada, the United States, northwestern Africa, and many parts of Europe were also able to witness a partial eclipse. May we remember the darkness and the light.
Queen of every living creature, you invite us into the mystery as researchers uncover hundreds of fragments of amber holding ancient insects, pollen, and tree leaves, at a sandstone quarry in Ecuador. Amber pieces are little windows into the past. Many specimens date to 112 million years ago, when the relationship between flowering plants and insects began, which is one of the most successful partnerships in nature. May we learn from our ancestors.
Fierce protector of the vulnerable, you are leading war-torn communities to restore disrupted services to pregnant women and their infants in order to save lives. Innovative approaches are allowing hospitals and medical workers to offer maternal care under security threats. Mobile teams, renovated facilities and additional midwives are providing lifesaving care in Colombia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Ukraine. You wrap yourself around each mother, infant, midwife, and team member. May we do the same.
Prophet, you encourage us to speak truth to power and shine the light on this year’s Courage Award winners from the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF): Elaheh and Elnaz Mohammadi (sisters), Iran; Nay Min Ni, Myanmar; Frenchie Mae Cumpio, The Philippines; Georgia Fort, United States. “The criminalization of truth-telling is what makes courage the future of journalism,” said IWMF President Lees Muñoz. “For the women who dare to report, journalism itself is being reframed as a punishable act.” May we live our lives with courage and truth at the forefront.
Advocate for action, Slayer of empty words, you call us to “Stand up and Do Something.” We see your presence in the actions of Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as he calls for tighter gun controls and decisive penalties after nine people died in a school shooting and home homicide/suicide. The Prime Minister has ordered the interior ministry and police to stop issuing licenses to possess, purchase and carry firearms. The measures are temporary until a new gun law is in place. May we take action to hold one another accountable.
Great Comforter, when our hearts are breaking and our souls are heavy with grief, you allow us to sink into you as you cradle us with your love and tenderness. The devastated people of Colombia crave you as they experience the aftereffects of a major earthquake which has taken the lives of over 250 people. May your comfort bring peace.
One whom we adore, we are thankful for your presence which dwells within each of us. May your tenderness allow us to open our hearts to a world in need of love. Amen.