At 6:00 this morning, I took my prayer book, my Bible, and my mug of coffee out on the porch for morning prayer. It was 62 degrees! I had to put on a fleece top. Sweet! I love the change of seasons.

My little nook for morning prayer.

My little nook for morning prayer.

I wouldn’t have paid so much attention to the cool morning, and given thanks for it, if I hadn’t taken the time for morning prayer.

Of course, every day I’m more thankful, when I stop for prayer several times during the day. When I don’t do that, I get wrapped up in myself (it’s called self-centeredness), and I start thinking that small daily frustrations are big deals!

I only notice the blessings of each day when I stop for prayer.

In fact, here’s the way it’s expressed, in one of the prayers appointed for Tuesday: “Eternal God, your touch makes this world holy. Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendor of creation and in the beauty of human life. Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with our sisters and brothers, and to experience the joy of life in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.