Beloveds, autumn begins tomorrow!
Yes, autumn is my favorite season. No, I’m not a pumpkin-spice latte lover. (Pumpkin bread on the other hand…)
As the leaves begin to change and a cool breeze begins to blow among us, I wonder what this new season might bring. At the beginning of the summer, you might remember we discussed seasons and rhythms of life in our Gathering’s Community Conversation. We considered the seasons of our spiritual journeys and the need to slow down and pay attention.
I wonder, how will you pay attention to the changing of the season?
What invitation does this new season hold?
What might this season invite you to release, like the falling of the leaves?
What might this season invite you to gather in and harvest?
As we continue to navigate the unfolding of the pandemic, how might you tend carefully to your self?
What season are you navigating in your spiritual journey? How might you nurture your spiritual wellness in this season?
I invite you to join me in setting aside some time to intentionally reflect and pray this week. Below is a prayer that I reflect on every fall. I hope you might discover something sacred or meaningful within it. Perhaps it might offer you language or metaphors to guide your spiritual practices this autumn.
Happy autumn, dear friends!
Deep peace be with you,
sb
A Prayer for Autumn Days
God of the seasons, there is a time for everything; there is a time for dying and a time for rising. We need courage to enter into the transformation process.
God of autumn, the trees are saying goodbye to their green, letting go of what has been. We, too, have our moments of surrender, with all their insecurity and risk. Help us to let go when we need to do so.
God of fallen leaves lying in colored patterns on the ground, our lives have their own patterns. As we see the patterns of our own growth, may we learn from them.
God of misty days and harvest moon nights, there is always the dimension of mystery and wonder in our lives. We always need to recognize your power-filled presence. May we gain strength from this.
God of harvest wagons and fields of ripened grain, many gifts of growth lie within the season of our surrender. We must wait for harvest in faith and hope. Grant us patience when we do not see the blessings.
God of geese going south for another season, your wisdom enables us to know what needs to be left behind and what needs to be carried into the future. We yearn for insight and vision.
God of flowers touched with frost and windows wearing white designs, may your love keep our hearts from growing cold in the empty seasons.
God of life, you believe in us, you enrich us, you entrust us with the freedom to choose life. For all this, we are grateful.
“Prayer for Autumn Days” from May I Have This Dance by Joyce Rupp