A POEM BY MARY ROGERS (ADAPTED FROM GALIC)

Sometimes, when distressing news about the state of the world’s environment builds up, it is time to take a deep breath and remember that God’s peace is there for us and is holding us until we regain our balance and return to doing what we can in caring for the earth. Below is Mary Rogers poem, “Deep Peace”. The poem is one found in the book, Earth Prayers from Around the World, which is edited by Elizabeth Roberts, and Elian Amidon

Deep peace of the running water to you, of water flowing, rising and falling,

Sometimes advancing, sometimes receding. May the streams of your life flow

Unimpeded! Deep peace of the running wave to you!

Deep peace of the flowing air to you, which fans you face on a sultry day, the

Air which you breathe deeply, rhythmically, which imparts to you, energy,

Consciousness, life. Deep peace of the flowing air to you!

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you, which herself unmoving, harbours the

Movements and facilitates the life of the ten thousand creatures, while

Resting contented, stable, tranquil. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you!

Deep peace of the shining stars to you, which stay invisible till darkness falls

And discloses their pure and shining presence, beaming down in compassion

On our turning world. Deep peace of the shining stars to you!

Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you, of unpretentious folk, who,

Watching and waiting, spend long hours on the hillside, expecting in

Simplicity some Coming of the Lord. Deep peace of the watching shepherds

To You!

Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you, who, swift as the wave and

Pervasive as the air, quiet as the earth and shining as a star, breathes into

Us Hid Peace and Holy Spirit! Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you!

EARTH STEWARD Action: Take time to get out into nature. Try to find a spot away from city light to enjoy the night sky. Let the star light and soft breeze refresh your spirits.

Source: Listed above.