A Litany of Hope
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Henry Ossawa Tanner – The Thankful Poor (1894)
INVOCATION
Comfort us, Holy Spirit.
ILLUMINATION
The light of hope is always there even in the darkest corners of despair. But how do we get there?
We practice, practice, practice hope by:
Cherishing the smallest things of beauty and goodness
Anticipating that good things will continue to return to us
Considering every conceivable possibility that all can be well
Expecting better for ourselves and others in the world
Setting achievable goals and fulfilling our intentions
Believing that we are a part of something greater
Shifting our perspective
That last one—shifting our perspective—can flood us with lightness. Look at this list of hope that I randomly found on a blog by Susan Gabriel:
120 Things That Give Me Hope
Being surrounded by trees
Acts of kindness
Sparkling mountain streams
Smiling children
National parks and national forests
Small towns
Greener cities
Slower rhythms
Deep breaths
Forests
Wilderness
Dreams
Sacred places around the world
The creative process
Newborns
Ancient mountains
Long stretches of beach
Valleys
A great story
Bold, clear voices
Blues music
Gospel choirs
Groves of fruit trees
People who strive to be conscious/aware/awake
Long walks outside
A good night’s sleep
Farmer’s markets
Live music in intimate settings
A thoughtful barista or anyone who is thoughtful
Knowing myself and what I need
Eye contact
A smile from a stranger
Laughter from anyone
Time with friends
City parks
Sitting by a river
Hammocks (a recent discovery)
Cool, clean drinking water
Paths and trails
A good map
Deep conversations…
The list goes on and on.
I know it may seem frivolous to write down our hopes as if we were children counting blessings. But in this dark time of tragic headlines, shouldn’t we be building up all of our reasons to continue fighting? Maybe a list of hopes is simply a list to remind us what we’re fighting for.
LITANY
God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, have mercy on us.
Spirit, have mercy on us.
EXHORTATION
Philippians 4:8 – The Voice
Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.
BENEDICTION
May the God of hope fill your list of hope with endless signs and wonders.
Amen
Maybe a list of hopes is simply a list to remind us what we’re fighting for. ❤
I feel so jangled. I recently had a trauma on public transit. Green spaces are necessary to clear one’s head of the cacophony of violence. Hugs are good too. This list is a prescription for rejuvenation, and gratitude is indeed a lifeline in times of unrelenting stress. When I wonder some days if God is even paying attention, this list reminds me of the many ways i experience Divine Love and can receive it without kicking and screaming like an angry toddler. Thank you Marcie.