We gather this morning in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen We pray together these words (from the16 th Century ‘Sarum Book of Hours’): God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in mine eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be at mine end, and at my departing.

A reflection on a Spring Morning by Thomas Merton A spring morning alone in the woods. Sunrise: the enormous yolk of energy spreading and spreading as if to take over the entire sky. After that, the ceremonies of the birds feeding in the wet grass. The meadowlark feeding and singing and then the quiet, totally silent, dry, sun- drenched midmorning of spring, under the climbing sun. How absolutely central is the truth that we are first of all part of nature, though we are a very special part of nature. We are that part which is conscious of God.

A reading from the Prophet Micah (6:8) What does the Lord require of you: only this - that you act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

A Short Litany The response is We give you our time. That we might apply ourselves to what we have planned for today and in doing so give you glory, honour and praise throughout the day. Lord of the day We give you our time. That we might remain calm and collected should we feel challenged, threatened or rushed today. Lord of the day We give you our time.

That we might reflect your Iove and kindness to all with whom we meet this day. Lord of the day We give you our time. That we might deepen our understanding today of how we can help others to walk with you in our schools. Lord of the day We give you our time.

Using the words Jesus our Saviour gave us we pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

A morning prayer from the Orthodox Church We ask and entreat your goodness, O Lover of humankind, to grant us to live this day, and all the days of our life, in peace and holy fear: for you have helped, guarded, accepted, spared and supported us, and have brought us to this hour. Take from us all the works of darkness: all envy, evil counsel and all enmity, hidden and manifest.

But those things which are good and profitable, provide for us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, by the grace, compassion and loving kindness of Your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, through whom be glory, honour, dominion, and adoration, to you and the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, now and at all times, and to the ages of ages. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Spring Morning by Thomas Merton as quoted in Ann Persson, (2012). ‘The Circle of Love’. The Bible Reading Fellowship: Abingdon. P77 A Story Litany is adapted from A Litany for Time Wisdom in Ministry in Stephen Cherry, (2012).‘Beyond Business Time Wisdom for Ministry’. Sacristy Press: Durham. p9.