Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.

Psalm 98:4

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
    burst into jubilant song with music.

Rejoice!

Rejoice in Hope!

Rejoice in all things Holy.

Rejoice in all Holy Places.

Rejoice in every step taken

on this Holy Ground.

Rejoice!

And take off your shoes.

Let your feet sink into

the earth and allow yourself

to connect to the presence,

to the echo still sounding,

still humming and singing

out God’s first Holy words

of command and creation.

Rejoice!

And take a moment to breathe.

Close your eyes and breathe.

Take a breath and then exhale.

Take a breath and then give it back.

Release the air inside you

and feed the world even as

the breath of God fills and feeds you.

Rejoice!

Rejoice and be patient.

Rejoice in the waiting,

in the aching and the longing

you feel just before sunrise.

Rejoice in emptiness.

Rejoice in loss.

Now there is room to be filled.

Rejoice!

Rejoice and speak.

Yes!  Lift up your voice

and shout for joy to the Lord.

Let all the earth hear you sing.

Let all the earth hear you praise.

Let all the earth hear you pray

to the God of gods who loves us all.

Rejoice!

Amen.