PRAYER FOR HOME
Grant them peace,
Most precious gift of all,
Keep the worried world
Far away and small.
When they return
May quiet fill their souls
Dearest Lord, keep them safe
Within its walls
May the stone
Be cool beneath their feet,
The canyon breezes
Circle soft and sweet.
When darkness falls
The stars and opal moon
Find them wrapped in each other,
Ever warm.
May it be a refuge for their love,
A harbor for their deepest prayer.
May they come to flourish in the grove,
Grow ever nearer to you there.
Many a burdened friend
In their company rises.
A heavy heart
Is soon released to fly.
May their table be blessed with laughter and with grace,
And by the comfort of kinship
Be surprised.
May the cold winds
Blow far from their front door.
May the winter rains
Never bring them harm.
May their hearth fires
Burn throughout the night.
Grant them sleep
Until morning's perfect light.
Fernando Ortega
Grant them peace,
Most precious gift of all,
Keep the worried world
Far away and small.
When they return
May quiet fill their souls
Dearest Lord, keep them safe
Within its walls
May the stone
Be cool beneath their feet,
The canyon breezes
Circle soft and sweet.
When darkness falls
The stars and opal moon
Find them wrapped in each other,
Ever warm.
May it be a refuge for their love,
A harbor for their deepest prayer.
May they come to flourish in the grove,
Grow ever nearer to you there.
Many a burdened friend
In their company rises.
A heavy heart
Is soon released to fly.
May their table be blessed with laughter and with grace,
And by the comfort of kinship
Be surprised.
May the cold winds
Blow far from their front door.
May the winter rains
Never bring them harm.
May their hearth fires
Burn throughout the night.
Grant them sleep
Until morning's perfect light.
Fernando Ortega
Communion and prayer
Twenty-two years ago, I met this beautiful woman in the front yard of her parent's bed and breakfast inn. She was running stark naked through the yard, on her way to cool off in the wading pool. She was a happy toddler, overflowing with joy for all around her. Her uncle and I were just friends, and it would be two more years before she was a hesitant but adorable flower girl in our wedding.
This last Saturday, in a field overlooking the Sacramento Valley, and under a setting sun that had provided temperatures far over one hundred degrees, our dear niece and new nephew were married. The ceremony was beautiful, and her face glowed with characteristic joy. The wedding gown sparkled, the groom was ever-so-taken with his new bride, and the tears of joy rolled as freely as the sweat poured down our backs. After their vows were spoken and the unity candle lit, they kneeled in that field and took communion as this song by Fernando Ortega played. I continue to pray these words for them as they honeymoon, set up house and move forward in the days to come.
We love you, Christine and Dave!
This last Saturday, in a field overlooking the Sacramento Valley, and under a setting sun that had provided temperatures far over one hundred degrees, our dear niece and new nephew were married. The ceremony was beautiful, and her face glowed with characteristic joy. The wedding gown sparkled, the groom was ever-so-taken with his new bride, and the tears of joy rolled as freely as the sweat poured down our backs. After their vows were spoken and the unity candle lit, they kneeled in that field and took communion as this song by Fernando Ortega played. I continue to pray these words for them as they honeymoon, set up house and move forward in the days to come.
We love you, Christine and Dave!
Our hot and happy family, celebrating a beautiful occasion
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