Hello Prayer Bench friends,
This week in Canada we move toward Thanksgiving weekend. I’ve been noticing trees for the past weeks so I am holding special gratitude for “the standing nation” (Carolyn McDade) especially after the losses created by hurricane Fiona here in the Atlantic provinces. (We remember, too, our Florida Prayer Bench friends.)
You’ll find a picture of a favourite tree below, the words of an ancient poem, “Prayers of the Woods,” written from the point of view of trees. It is usually presented as “author unknown” but there is evidence that Alberto de Veiga Simoes, a Portuguese writer and diplomat may have written the first version in 1914. There is a breath prayer practice and a song too.
I also take a little time to share a new Advent resource with you, Navigating Mystery. It is a small group study and with a guide adapted for personal retreat/study. I include a sampler so you can review it.
If you prefer to listen to this newsletter, see the voiceover above.
Thanksgiving blessings to you,
Janice, Host of the Prayer Bench
A Tree & Breath Prayer
Spend time with this photo of a wise tree or sit in gratitude one of your own trees.
Let us be conscious of the breath of life. (pause)
We breathe out what the trees breath in. (pause)
We breathe in what the trees breathe out. (pause)
Together we breathe each other into life. (pause) - Brendon O’Malley, adapted
Prayers of the Woods
“I am the heat of your hearth on the cold winter nights,
the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun,
and my fruits are refreshing draughts quenching your thirst as you journey on.
I am the beam that holds your house, the board of your table,
the bed on which you lie, and the timber that builds your boat.
I am the handle of your hoe, the door of your homestead,
the wood of your cradle, and the shell of your coffin.
I am the bread of kindness and the flower of beauty.
Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer: Harm me not.” (Author unknown)
Here is a sung version of the Prayer of the Woods
Navigating Mystery & All-Ages Event, All Creation Sings.
What if we re-framed “living with uncertainty” into a practice of “navigating mystery?” These evocative words written by Martin Shaw inspire this Advent study. The resource includes two guides: one with process for a Small Group Study and one for using this study on your own as a personal study or Advent Retreat.
The resource includes content for three sessions plus a resource for an All-Ages event called, “All Creations Sings.” Learn more.
I invite you to read a sample of some of the writing in the resource. See below.