[SILENTIO]

The last two days were heavy. A one-day trip to Atlanta—family errands, highways, sandwiches packed in haste. We arrived early, and ate in the Hub, surrounded by towers of glass and steel. We realized: we are no longer New Yorkers. We are country folk now. And I am tired.

Back home, I sink into my chair. I need this quiet. I begin to hum:

“God of the sparrow, God of the whale, God of the swirling stars… How does the creature say Awe? How does the creature say Praise?” —Jaroslav Vajda, 1983

[LECTIO]

I offer the chant:

“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, who rules all creation.” —Joachim Neander

Then I open the sacred text: Psalm 104:1–35

And the words walk into my heart:

“You are clothed in glory and grandeur.” “You wear light like a robe; you open the skies like a curtain.” “You make the winds your messengers; fire and flame your ministers.” “The earth is full of your creations.” “When you open your hand, they are filled completely full.” “When you take away their breath, they die and return to dust.” “Let the Lord’s glory last forever! Let the Lord rejoice in all he has made.” “Let God enjoy his creation.” “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.” “Let my whole being bless the Lord.” “Bless Yahweh, my soul.”

[MEDITATIO]

I pause. I cannot breathe for a moment. The Spirit of God is the source of all being and life.

He creates. He sustains. He delights.

Creation is not just beautiful—it is intentional. It is filled with variety, wisdom, and joy. And I am part of it.

[ORATIO]

Lord, I thank you for your creativity. Help me see each person as your unique design— each with gifts, talents, and sacred purpose.

You are sufficient for my life. My breath is yours. You desire good for me. Help me desire your will more than my comfort. Teach me to trust your pruning, your shaping, your timing.

[CONTEMPLATIO]

I rest. No thoughts. No striving. Only silence.

And in that silence, the veil descends. Creation itself becomes the veil— soft, translucent, holy.

Martin Luther once said:

“All creation is God’s veil. All that is created is God’s translucent veil.”

Yes. This was the song for Eden.

[INCARNATIO]

I sing again:

“I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own…” —C. Austin Miles, 1913

And the joy we share as we tarry there— none other has ever known.