at the dawn//walter brueggemann

Our first glimpse of reality this day--everyday--is your fidelity.
We are dazzled by the ways you remain constant among us,
                          in season, out of season,
                          for better, for worse,
                          in sickness and in health.
You are there in watchfulness as we fall asleep;
You are there in alertness when we awaken...and we are glad.
             Before the day ends, we will have occasion
                          to flag your absence in indifference...
                          but not now, not at the dawn.
             Before the day ends, we will think more than once
                          that we need a better deal from you...
                          but not now, not at the dawn.
             Before the day ends, we will look away from you and
                          relish our own fidelity and our virtue in mercy...
                          but not now, not at the dawn.
Now, at the dawn, our eyes are fixed on you in gladness.
             We ask only that your faithfulness
                          permeate every troubled place we are able to name,
                          that your mercy
                          move against the hurts to make new,
                          that your steadfastness
                          hold firmly what is too fragile on its own.
And we begin the day in joy, in hope, and in deep gladness. Amen.