MORNING PRAYER - IN THE SPIRIT OF ST FRANCIS

By Philip Quirke

With Planet Earth our Mother, I turn to face the sun.

Its magnificent light speaks to us of God.

I trust it day by day, its great fidelity.

                                    All praise to You, Altissimo (Most High).

Water cleanses, refreshes teeth and skin. 

Becomes coffee, tea; boils eggs, rinses dishes.

All with great humility.

                                    All praise to You, Altissimo.

Air polluted by the rush-hour vehicles.

By the quay-side breathe it clear and pure.

In each hour, minute, second, it sustains us.

                                    All praise to You, Altissimo.

That ploughed field promises nourishment:

wheat for daily bread, and vegetables, fruits, herbs.

Eminently patient, the clay waits for my return to her.

                                    All praise to You, Altissimo.

O Lord, you greet me, and I you, this morning,

through Fire, Air, Water and Earth.

You, O Most High, are in them, in us.

We, with these created elements, in You.