Prayer

All praise to you Almighty God!

God above, Creator of the Universe Crafter of the Winter Triangle * Majestic sustainer of the night skies Grand illuminator of the Candlemas stars

God below Frosty ground under our feet yielding in fragile beauty the first signs of spring.

The snowdrop bows her gentle head, sweet angel flower.

God beside us Cradling her child the bringer of light Mother Mary presents her wonder to the world. We praise that moment in song and verse remembering what is to come.

God with us The Candlemas bells* make no sound their heads bowed in sorrow for lost children for parents’ pain weeping amid bombs and smoke.

Still, we can say All praise to you, heavenly friend!

God in creation Blackbird and Robin still gather in our gardens Geese still grace the skies crying out in praise of community Hope in feathered form comes to brighten our darkest thoughts and moments.

God within You tell us;

Do not be afraid!

God is not dead All is not lost War will end Tears will dry Flowers will grow The light will shine The Candlemas child will come again to gather the lost and lonely to comfort the sorrowful to cradle us all in everlasting arms.

Amen, thanks be to God.

* The Winter Triangle: The stars Procyon, Sirius, and Betelgeuse are visible in the northern hemisphere

* Candlemas bells: another name for Snowdrops.