A Prayer for Groundhog Day

God of all creatures,

​today we praise You for groundhogs,

unassuming rodents who carry

the tradition and mystery

of forecasting spring.

From their elaborate burrows they rise,

half dead: groggy from hibernation,

hungry, alone, stressed;

awakened by an inner clock

synchronized with the

rhythms of the seasons

that tells them it is time

to explore and prepare

for the next generation.

We pray for all creatures who

count the days until the weather

changes, until winter

loosens its grip, until

they can reconnect with others.

We pray for all who are tired,

who are hungry or dissatisfied,

who are lonely or isolated.

In this time between solstice

and equinox reassure us that

sooner or later spring will come.

Grant us patience to see the gifts

of this particular time, and to

savour the stillness.

In our exhaustion release us from stress

so that we might find rest.

In moments of hunger or dissatisfaction

remind us that there is enough.

In our isolation

be a comforting presence.

We pray that whether the sun shines

or the sky is grey, we will count

each day as a gift with

moments of wonder.

Let hope rise up in us, as we

align our bodies and spirits

to your greater purposes

beyond what we see this day.

Amen.

​- Rev. Wendy Janzen,

Burning Bush Forest Church

https://www.burningbushforestchurch.ca