a prayer from Michael Leunig

Dear God,

We give thanks for places of simplicity and peace;

let us find such a place within ourselves.

We give thanks for places of refuge and beauty;

let us find such a place within ourselves.

We give thanks for places of nature’s truth and freedom,

of joy, inspiration and renewal,

places where all creatures may find acceptance and belonging.

Let us search for these places;

in the world, in ourselves and in others.

Let us restore them.

Let us strengthen and protect them and let us create them.

May we mend this outer world according to the truth of our inner life

and may our souls be shaped and nourished by nature’s eternal wisdom.

Amen.