The Fullness of Time

Time moves away from us in broad, sweeping strokes.
Taking with it, back out into the deep,

more of life and of mystery than we’ll ever know.

"Lord, let me know my end,
and what is the measure of my days;

let me know how fleeting my life is.

You have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight."

Time leaves littered behind, a shore-full of fossils,

moments like shells and wood set adrift

from the green and living things they once were.

"Surely everyone stands as a mere breath.

Surely everyone goes about like a shadow.

Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;

                they heap up, and do not know who will gather."

But, time races also towards us,

moving inland, gaining ground,
pulling along from some far off horizon

the rich and fertile floodwaters of times and days to come.

"And now, O Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in you."

Psalm 39, vv. 4 – 7

Prayer for 2014 Provincial Synod

Spirit of God
Make us ready to meet you:
In all the places through which we travel
And all the places wherein we dwell.

In our companions along the way
And the strangers whose feet follow different paths.

In quiet thoughtfulness
And the clamoring moments of the week and work ahead;

Bless our ears that we may hear
With understanding and recognition
That you are speaking to us.

Bless our lips that we may speak
With wisdom and understanding
That you are listening to us.

Bless our eyes that we may see
With wisdom and understanding
That you are the one at our side.

Amen.