As the season of autumn was welcomed this week, I
have been in awe of the splendour of the transition this year. I always
appreciate the changing of the seasons but this year I seem to be seeing with
new eyes. Maybe I am learning to appreciate the pausing more, or maybe it comes
with age, regardless it has been a needed gift. I find autumn is a magnificent
time to ponder and appreciate God’s creation and how close to us is our God.
This past week a dear friend of mine led a prayer reflecting on Psalm 145. I was taken by the word abounding in the psalm and in his reflection. The idea of abounding being plentiful, many and multifarious not only speaks to the changing of the seasons but to the depth of God’s great love. It is also a reminder of how we are called to care for our sister Mother Earth and for our brothers and sisters. Abounding has captured my attention in new ways as I hear it proclaimed and see it on display in creation. I have tried to capture the brilliance of both this psalm and the autumn transition in the words that are filling my heart and through photos of the autumn beauty which surrounds me. I offer this as a reflection as we enter more deeply into this autumn season. (Bold print is the scripture text).
May your autumn be filled with deepening peace,
restoring comfort and renewing strength.
I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name for ever and ever.
In the changing of the seasons, in the seasons of my
life,
God, you are ever with me.
Every day I will bless you,
and praise your name for ever and ever.
On the days that are straight paths,
on the days that have more twists and turns.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
God’s greatness is unsearchable.
From the simplest detail in creation,
to the grand majesty which is on display.
One generation shall laud your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
Those who have walked this share of the sacred earth
before me,
those who will walk this way after me will indeed declare
your goodness.
On the glorious splendour of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
In the quiet with the morning star, or walking a
tree covered path,
sitting by the gushing water, or gazing at the
magnificent mountains.
The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed,
and I will declare your greatness.
Your love consumes me, your gentleness caresses me,
your truth liberates me, your peace fills me, your greatness is present.
They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant
goodness,
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
In the golden leaf, in scripture proclaimed,
in the melody of a song, in the prayers lifted up,
your goodness is here.
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
As I walk this autumn path,
your mercy, endless love and graces are made known
to me.
The Lord is good to all,
and his compassion is over all that he has made.
This autumn time awakens me again to how close you
are,
and that your love is infused in creation and
humanity (even when we miss it).
All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
and all your faithful shall bless you.
With joy in my heart, gratitude on my lips and peace in my soul
I raise up my praise to you, O God, for your good and great abounding love.
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