God of the hummingbirds and butterflies,
garden veggies and shade trees,
be with me this summer.
Open my eyes to the beauty in my front yard –
a bird bathing
the shades of green leaves
the vibrant flowers.
Open my eyes to my neighbors –
the cadence of friends talking
children chasing one another through the grass
hands waving hello.
Keep my feet firmly planted –
reveling in the earth supporting me
reverent of my place in the vast universe
cautious of my footprint on creation.
Open my hands –
to strawberry filled fingers reaching for a hug
one more push on the swing
another walk around the park.
Open my ears –
to the cries of injustice
the invitation to serve
the voice of God nudging me to serve my neighbors.
Keep my spirit set on seeking you –
choosing joy over sadness
intent on singing a song of peace.
God of the gentle wind and rushing storms,
trickling creeks and towering mountains,
quiet my soul.
Help me to dig deeper
into your Word
your grace
your love.
With every sunrise and sunset
may my body be a prayer
my life given in love
for the sake of my neighbor
for the sake of the world
in Jesus’ name
Amen.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website, follow her work on Facebook, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.