Be with us, Lord, as we enter a new month
we see the turn of the calendar page
we are met with new schedules
a long list of to-do’s
and the upcoming holiday season
give us a moment to breathe and reflect
to open ourselves to the possibilities ahead.
But before we move forward,
be with us, Lord, as we look back
remembering the days behind us
the lessons learned
the relationships formed
the conversations shared
the food received and eaten around the table
the prayers offered
the classes attended
the meetings scheduled
the games and practices and rehearsals completed
give us a moment to breathe and reflect
to open ourselves to your presence in all that we do.
November has much to teach us
in the stripping of the leaves
and the changing of the seasons
November reminds us that we are not alone
as we recognize the saints among us
feasting at our tables
dancing in our aisles
singing to the heavens
give us a moment to breathe and reflect
to open ourselves to the connections between this world and the next.
With the shorter days
and the darkness growing
we seek your light in all that we do
and in all that we say
offering your peace and hope
to those stumbling for healing and grace
to the neighbor in need of a listening ear
to the friend seeking forgiveness
and a world in need of peace
give us a moment to breathe and reflect
to open ourselves to the wideness of your mercy.
Be with us Lord
now and forever
this month and the next
day after day
walking and guiding us
loving and calling us
showing us the way.
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 or follow her work on Facebook.