# Prayer to the Father
*2016-08-16*

> Bill Young reflects on the beauty of God the Father's creation and offers a prayer for the healing and guidance of the world.

## Finding God in Creation

Every time I'm driving home and see the beautiful cloud formations, I find myself thinking of and thanking our Lord, God the Father in heaven. He is the one who creates all this beauty: the clouds, the green grass, the trees, all the animals on earth, and of course, human beings.

## Lessons from the Bird Feeder

I have a bird feeder now that we lost my cockatiel, Polly. I also give leftover food to our local ducks. I noticed that when the birds move the feeder, seeds drop to the ground, and the ducks gather in a dirt spot underneath to eat. One time, while I was filling the feeder, I saw a larger male duck poking at a female duck. I told him, "You've got to learn to share." It was amusing because he seemed to understand me in his own way; he shared by flicking some dirt onto the back of the female duck. She didn't stop eating, but it was a funny moment.

When you analyze all the beautiful creatures we have—the ducks, the birds, our pets like cats and dogs, and even reptiles—you realize they all have a purpose from God. It is such a beautiful thing. I want to praise and thank God for everything He gives us every day, from the fresh air to our very lives.

## A Prayer to God the Father

I have already dedicated myself to the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Mother, Mary. Today, I dedicate myself to the Father in heaven.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Father, the earth needs you. Everyone needs you. We pray to you, Father, because even the heavy and polluted earth and air need you. Come back to walk along the roads of the world. Come back to live among your children. Come back to rule nations. Come back to bring peace and justice. Come back to kindle the fire of your love, so that, redeemed from our sorrow, we can become new creatures. Oh God, come to my aid. Oh Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Oh, my Father, good Father, I offer myself to you. I give myself to you.

## Closing Prayer

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this night be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

*By recognizing God's hand in the beauty of nature and the behavior of His creatures, we can more deeply offer ourselves to the Father's care.*