I have been listening to John O’Donohue’s book entitled “To Bless the Space Between Us.” This marks my third or fourth time through these enlightened writings. I do not think I shall ever tire of listening to O’Donohue share these carefully crafted words, as he reads in his charming, Irish Brogue.

This morning I listened to his writing entitled: Matins.  

I concur with O’Donohue when he states: “How we approach and how we begin a day inevitably shapes and sets what will approach us.” For years I have always begun my day by giving thanks for another opportunity to become the greatest expression of Elliott Teters, I am capable of being.

I still embrace that concept, but I am now going to print out this blessing, Matins, and offer it as my morning prayer.

MATINS

1

Somewhere, out at the edges, the night

Is turning and the waves of darkness

Begin to brighten the shore of dawn.

The heavy dark falls back to earth

And the freed air goes wild with light.

The heart fills with fresh, bright breath

And thoughts stir to give birth to color.

2

I arise today

In the name of Silence

Womb of the Word,

In the name of Stillness

Home of Belonging,

In the name of the Solitude

Of the Soul and Earth.

I arise today

Blessed by all things,

Wings of breath,

Delight of eyes,

Wonder of whisper,

Intimacy of touch,

Eternity of soul,

Urgency of thought,

Miracle of health,

Embrace of God.

May I live this day

Compassionate of heart,

Clear in word,

Gracious in awareness,

Courageous in thought,

Generous in love.

What an excellent way to begin each and every new day.

What a worthy set of intentions to remember upon rising.

To me, there is nothing more life-affirming than to continually re-commit my-self as a servant of Love.