Gaylord, MI 49735 
Seasonal Prayers
Summertime in northern Lower Michigan is a time of warmth, beauty, family and fun. It is during these times of great joy and benefit that we must remember that these things did not come to us without trials and tribulations by people who came before us. As we enjoy these fruits of freedom that were born out of the efforts made for our nation by our brothers and sisters in the military, we must take time to prayerfully thank them for their sacrifice, service and dedication as well as remember in our prayers those that currently serve. They are reminders of the selfless love that Jesus gave on behalf of others.
BLESSED ARE YOU, LORD OUR GOD, WHO HAS MADE US FREE PERSONS
With joyful hearts uplifted in gratitude, we rejoice in that freedom which each of us has been given.
We are a free people since we have come forth from the God of freedom. We are a free people because we have worked to remain free of all that threatens to make us slaves.
We are filled with thanksgiving that You, our Redeemer, have shown us how we might be free in spirit and in heart as well as in body.
As You directed Your holy servant Moses to lead Your children
As free sons and daughters of God, may the lamp of truth burn brightly in our home and in each of our hearts.
As brothers and sisters of Jesus, may we be faithful, as was He, to the wondrous freedom of the children of light and be ever grateful for the pleasures of liberty. May our profound reverence for truth, as piercing as a sword and ever-liberating, be our burning torch of freedom and our shield against enslavement.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, who has made us free persons.
Amen+
BLESSING PRAYER FOR A GARDEN
Lord of Creation, who planted Your own garden called
All that dies becomes earth, and so it lives again. May this garden soil be both womb and tomb, a home for death and life, so that seeds of living things—of plants, of food and flowers—may die and resurrect here in our garden.
Ancient earth, our mystical mother, teach us, your children, that all things die to nourish life.
Gentle earth, be blessed with our love as we work in you. Make us mindful that one day you will be our final bed of love and ecstasy.
Amen+
BLESSING PRAYER FOR FARM ANIMALS
O Supreme Spirit of Creation, from Your divine heart has come forth a parade of pastoral animals — sheep, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, fish and foul — in such variety and is such beauty that we daily marvel at Your creative imagination.
We praise You, that even these creatures have been blessed by You with a purpose in Your plan of the universe. You have blessed them with beauty and with instincts that obey Your natural law. May these creatures be protected from all disease and harm. May they grow to completion and maturity so as to serve the needs of others.
As some will soon surrender their life that we might have food and support, may they call forth from us a desire to share our life for others. As we, with gentleness and love, care for these Your creatures, may the food that they will provide be free of all that is harmful and nourish us in mind, body and spirit.
Help us to be patient, Lord, when they are slow to follow our instructions. Help us never to treat them as dumb animals or as mere objects for trade and profit.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, who did give us these creatures as companions, as a source of feasting and celebrating and also to provide us with daily food.
May Your holy care be upon these creatures which we bless in Your name: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen+