It is a prayer of depth, reach, gratitude and mission - now that is a prayer. I pray it sometimes without thinking about it - which is tragic (and which Jesus warned us about). Ahhh, but those times I pray it from the heart it transforms my whole way… and day. I think of this prayer often in the Spring. When I seen the newly planted spring flowers and plants develop each day, I think of this prayer. When I see the sun shining down and the plants reaching up, I think of this prayer. As the young plants reaching for the sun begin to stand tall and open wide their petals, I think of this prayer. It is an amazing time of year (and thus, an amazing time to pray this missional prayer?). Unfortunately too often I walk by the spring flowers and growth without noticing, but those times I do, it causes no small amount of wonder and I become again mindful of this prayer.

It is a prayer that causes me to tremble in fear and in gratitude (and maybe it will bring an equal response from you). I hope you will join me in praying this lovely closing prayer from Morning Prayer found in the Book of Common Prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.
(BCP p. 101)