A PICTURE AND A POEM: HOLD THIS FOR THE NIGHT

AN EVENING PRAYER

Thank you, God, for this day;
for all it held for me,
the places and the people,
the gifts that came my way.

The sky begins to dim the light.
As I prepare to rest,
I now return my day to you.
Please hold it for the night.

I know your love remains with me.
You’re present in the dark
so I can gently sleep until
the dawn will come to be.

I place my day into your care.
With gratitude I trust
all blessings you will kindly tend,
all burdens you will bear.

You graciously transform, remake
each moment that you hold,
surprising me with bright new gifts
revealed when I awake…

You preserve each happy joy
as a sweet experience.

You glean from tender sorrow
a soft remembrance.

You make a painful moment
into a victory earned.

You form each woe, each regret
into a lesson learned.

You nudge each inspiration
into a serving task.

You ease each daily care into
a deeper trust that lasts.

I now can calmly rest and be.
My day is held secure
and I find one more gift from you:
In peace you now hold me.

(Photo of sunset by Karen)