O Loving Creator, I bow before your generous gifts:
a warm house and comfortable sofas,
food for my belly and cool water to drink,
and days unending with those I love.
My sigh of peace
as I lay my head
on the feet of those I love
or in the lap
of those who stroke my brow
and rub my ears
is my prayer to You, O Guardian of Life.
May I help share your comfort
with those in need of respite
as a sign of your grace.
May tasty scraps fall plenteously
from the tables of your abundance, O God.
Make me ever joyful and merciful
even if children pull my tail.
Help me be ever watchful
that I may protect my home
as you have protected me, O Steadfast One.
Help me to offer my fur
to absorb the tear of those who mourn,
a look deeply into the eyes of the anxious
that they may see your light within them.
In the morning
in the noonday
in the evening
may I ever rest in your presence,
and be grateful for the smallest delight
with a generous heart and steadfast faith.
Place your soothing hand, O Master,
upon all who look to You in hope.
Amen.
The Rev. Leslie Scoopmire is rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Ellisville, MO in the diocese of Missouri.