Daily Primer — May 27

"And now comes the third and greatest form of giving, at the end of the day — forgiving.  Forgiving is over against taking offense.  Of course . . .  taking offense is the most stupid of all "takings," because we are taking something we don't even want.  Forgiving is the greatest of all giving.  It is so difficult for us, because it involves taking the blame.  Not in a legalistic sense — "I might have done it,"  . . . — but in the sense that when you really forgive, you forgive from your heart of hearts.  And in that heart of hearts you are one with all, and also with whomever you have a grievance.  There is no one to blame.  You are taking away the blame by forgiving."

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.

Lord of the Elements: earth and sky, wind and water, sun and moon, hill and vale, you are Creator of all and sovereign over all creation.  All creation looks to you for its food in due season, the gateways of the morning and evening shout for joy.  Give me eyes to see this day the ways in which your glory is revealed in the world around me.  As I walk the hills and meadows reveal to me the way “The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.”  May my life, too, shout for joy and be a sign of your great love for all you have made.  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I Lie Down This Night
 
I lie down this night with God,
And God will lie down with me;

I lie down this night with Christ,
And Christ will lie down with me;

I lie down this night with the Spirit;
And the Spirit will lie down with me;

God and Christ and the Spirit
Be lying down with me.