Thank you God for the glorious weather we are having;
summer is still calling us to come out and play.
Tall trees are still filled with dark green leaves with just a hint of yellow,
combines are harvesting long golden windrows,
there is a fragrance of mint in the garden,
we’re enjoying the golden taste of fresh corn,
and the cool breezes on days that still feel hot.
You extend a call to live each day to the fullest.
Jesus, we also hear your call to love, expressed again and again
through many kind hands and warm hearts around us.
Thank you for giving us intricate networks of family and friends and church
who embody your love, and invite us to love in return.
Open our eyes to this call, which is not narrow, but as wide as the world.
Help us to love, not only theoretically, but practically:
love for refugees from _______________,
love for those who are sick or in hospital,
love for our neighbours and co-workers,
love for our enemies.
Forgive us for the times we have failed to share your love,
choosing to hoard what is freely given,
fearful that we have limited resources, limited time…we’re too tired.
And then, on the edge of our hearing, comes your voice,
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, and I will give you rest.”
Help us to respond with cheerful hearts as we do your work.
Holy Spirit, bind us together as we study your word and share with one another.
Multiply your call in us and through us.
Everything we do, we do in the name of Jesus, Amen.
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I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.