Our Catholic Faith

An autumn prayer

Show us, O Lord,

your face of light

in the coldness of morning,

in the song of the stream,

in the beckoning of autumn.

Make shine, O Lord,

your face of fire

on the mist of the lakes

on the trunks of the trees

on the crust of the rocks.

Lift up, O Lord,

your Easter face

on the refrain of hours

on the passing days,

on the dance of the seasons.

Make shine, O Lord,

thy face of goodness

on the noon rain,

on the rusted leaves,

on the birds’ migration.

Bring forth, O Lord,

your face of peace

through the murmur of things,

through the music of silence,

through the smile of words.

Lead us, O Lord,

in the light of your face

toward the courtyards of Jerusalem,

toward the paths of eternity,

to the house of our Father.

Jacques Gauthier, Prayers for all seasons, p. 161-162