A Glance
Carman Thompson of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
The LORD is exalted, he dwells on high;
he filled Zion with justice and righteousness;
he will be the stability of your times,
abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge;
the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure. -Isaiah 33:5-6
I glance out as I move past my window. The horizon is aglow with hues of red and orange, gold, pink and purple as the great Artist splashes pre-dawn light across the underside of the clouds. For the umpteenth time, I marvel at the incredible beauty of the morning sunrise which I have dubbed “a blessing for the early risers.”
But I am anxious to get to, of all things, my morning meditation! There is a scripture to find, words to reflect on, and prayers to be said. Now where was I?
Outside my window, the incredible panorama continues…unnoticed and ignored. I glance again and see how the scene has changed as the intensity of color fades with the growing light. The panorama is softer now, the hues more subtle. A scripture comes to me: “Could you not watch (with me) one hour?” (Mark 14:37 NKJV).
The words of Robert Robinson and John Wyeth’s old hymn come to mind, but with new meaning: “Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above!”
Chagrined, I now stand at the window and watch. Gradually the roof of an apartment building comes into view directly below the source of the loveliest light. It has been there all along-unnoticed, ignored. In it dwell persons, every one as wonderfully created as the morning sunrise…alas, also ignored.
Oh, to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wand’ring heart to thee. -Robert Robinson, Community of Christ Sings 87
Prayer Phrase
“… the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).
Spiritual Practice
Breathing God’s Compassion
Pay attention to your breathing and let it become calmer and deeper as you focus on God’s presence. Ask God to breathe in you. Imagine each breath carrying the light of God into your lungs, bloodstream, and every cell in your body until God’s Spirit fills you. Now imagine breathing out God’s compassion and grace each time you exhale, especially into places and situations in need of loving care. Give thanks to the Spirit, source of every breath, source of life.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
