Prayer for February

 

Dear Father, we often give little thought to February except to call it dreary and short. Lacking the frosty diamond brightness of January, and anything more than the wimpiest tease of spring, it's the sag in winter's middle, soggy and slushy with a slap of wind. 

Unless, of course, we're willing to see with different eyes.

To the beauty of charcoal branches against palest gray, the hush of mist and haze, the patience of transition as the earth sleeps. To the invitation to slow and breathe if only we will, to know that waiting has value, tomorrow is not promised, and today, even today, with You in it, is beautiful in its time. To the revelation that living and watching February, day by day, is faith practice, the substance of Your promises hoped for, the evidence that spring will come. And February, though worthy and necessary in itself, is Your nature's reminder that though sorrow lasts for a night, joy comes in the morning. 

Lord, I pray that what we may see as the gloom of February bears much fruit in our lives: forbearance, simplicity, hominess, appreciation for not just what will be but what is. Help us make it a special interim of Scripture, prayer, and quiet contemplation of You to which You will draw near. Help us remember, and experience, that when the world fades and grows dim, You never leave us or forsake us, and You are what matters. 

Father, thank you for your grayscale, silvertone, interlude called February, and use it to speak to our spirits. Amen.