Morning Prayer

It’s 8:45am. For the first time since I arrived here no one else has shown up for morning prayer. There were a few days last week, after Jim left to go home, that only Fr John and I gathered for prayer. But today, it’s just me and God.

Good morning.

Three flights leave to Christchurch today. God, keep them safe and may weather and mechanics conspire to bring their passengers home safely and quickly. A lot of folk on these planes are tired and ready to be home: may their travels be swift. Some must leave to go home, but don't have much to anticipate: may they find meaningful work and fulfilling relationships. Others will wander home, traveling the world: keep them safe and bring to them a deeper respect for humanity and the cultures we have created.

There are probably 300-400 of us here now who will leave by week’s end. God may we stay focused on the work we have yet to accomplish. May our anticipation of the future not prevent us from living in each moment.

Our wintering crews are still arriving. May these men and women be safe and well during the coming long, dark night. Be with Gabe, John and Shayne who will watch over the chapel and the worshipping community here. Bless Alf, Scott and all the other Peer Counselors who will over a listening ear to their friends and colleagues. Grant endurance and vision to those in leadership this winter: Jeanne, Don, Allison, Bill, Rich and others.

Thank you for Shady Grove Baptist and the many other churches and faithful back the States who remember this chapel and ministry in their thoughts, prayers and gifts.

Be with me in my final days. I have reports to complete, book shelves to organize, a room to vacuum and pack. But there are also people here who would benefit from a listening ear and prayerful guidance. Help me balance between the needs of others and the tasks at hand. Christ be in the heart of each to whom I speak and in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.

As I look out this window, over the Ross Sea and through the clouds to the Royal Society Mountains, as I watch the sun spinning around the horizon falling closer today to the ground, as I hear the wind whistling through the steeple now shuttered for the winter, as I remember humbly those I’ve met who have such an eager desire to learn and explain more about your world, as I sit here in this Holy place that even in my two months has hosted many people of various or no faith who nonetheless sense something peaceful and meaningful within these walls, I am humbled. Who am I that you think of me, that you care for me?

The season of Epiphany ends today. I have indeed discovered you here. Even at the ends of the earth I could not escape your presence and grace. Your spirit indeed covers the whole earth. Grant me, even today, an opportunity to discover you anew.

Amen.