Daily Primer — June 24, Skagen — Denmark

People travel to wonder at the heights of the mountains, at huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars . . . And they pass by themselves without wondering.
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I consider that the spiritual life is the life of man's real self — the life of that interior self whose flame is so often allowed to be smothered under the ashes of anxiety and futile concern.  The spiritual life is oriented toward God, rather than to the satisfaction of the material needs of life, but it is not, for all that, a life of unreality or a life of dreams.  On the contrary, without a life of the spirit, our whole existence becomes unsubstantial and illusory.  The life of the Spirit, by integrating us into the real order established by God, puts us in the fullest possible contact with reality - not as we imagine it, but as it really is.  It does so by making us aware of our own real selves and placing them in the presence of God.

Florilegium is the Medieval Latin word for bouquet, or more literally flowers (flos, flor-) which are gathered (legere). The word florilegium was used to refer to a compilation of writings, often religious or philosophical. These florilegium are literary flowers—beautiful words/prayers/thoughts I have gathered.  During my sabbatical they will give me something to ponder each day. — PHL.

We gather in praise of you, Lord, at the break of day.  As the sun rises bringing light to our world, we are mindful of the risen Son, whose rising brings the light which is life to all.
As we prepare to launch into our day’s duties we stop to offer this day as a gift of obedience to the Lord about whom we fervently pray, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
 
† Come into our homes and bring your peace.

† Come into our hearts and bring your joy.

† Come into our work, blessing the work of our hands.

† Come into our world, offering us an alternative to the ways which are destroying us.

For our part we will serve you today as a living sacrifice — pouring ourselves out in love to a hurting world.
We know that you have promised to provide what is needed.  But, truth be told, we often lack sufficient trust that you will provide our daily bread and so we gather in a frenzy all we can reach.  Our greed is simply the natural consequence of our anxiety.  We know your warnings about trying to gather too much, but we feel a compulsion to gather more and more.  We suspect that your creation is a zero-sum game — that you have no more gifts to give — and so we justify both our greed and our parsimonious attitude toward those in need.
Save us, Lord, from this failure to trust you, which fuels the greed which is killing us.  Bring to full fruitfulness in us the virtues of hope and generosity.  In your mercy, save us from the temptation to serve two masters.  Feed our confidence in your capacity to provide everything needed for an abundant life.  Win us to the vision of your ever-generative and fruitful creation which bestows its largess without resentment.  May our generosity mirror your generosity.   In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Throughout this day we have joined our voices with the saints of the Book of Revelation in praying the imperative, “Come, Lord Jesus!”  Now at the hour of twilight we give thanks for prayers answered.  For all of the times you have come to us this day we give thanks, dear Lord.  

For encounters with the Holy:
† in nature,

† in prayer and worship,

† in the strength and fidelity of true friends.

For enlightenment:
† through study

† by conversation with soul friends

† through the insights bestowed while walking, recreating, and resting.

As we approach the time of rest we seek your forgiveness, Lord, even as we consider those who are in need of our pardon.  We marvel that you have entrusted forgiveness to us and ask for your wisdom in knowing how best to restore those in need of clemency.  Make us mindful of the darkness within ourselves, as we acknowledge that there is nothing truly alien to us in those we need to forgive. This eventide may we be at peace with ourselves and with others as we approach the close of the day.  

We pray for the nations of the world — may we learn to live in peace.  We pray for the church in every place.  May the church be a light upon a hill, which shows by example that there is an alternative to the greed which so often leads to exploitation of our neighbors and of the earth itself.  We pray for those who have passed — in mercy give to them safe lodging, and holy rest, and peace at the last, through Christ our Lord, Amen.