BLESSING THE BODY
This blessing takes
one look at you
and all it can say is
holy.
Holy hands.
Holy face.
Holy feet.
Holy everything
in between.
Holy even in pain.
Holy even when weary.
In brokenness, holy.
In shame, holy still.
Holy in delight.
Holy in distress.
Holy when being born.
Holy when we lay it down
at the hour of our death.
So, friend,
open your eyes
(holy eyes).
For one moment
see what this blessing sees,
this blessing that knows
how you have been formed
and knit together
in wonder and
in love.
Welcome this blessing
that folds its hands
in prayer
when it meets you;
receive this blessing
that wants to kneel
in reverence
before you:
you who are
temple,
sanctuary,
home for God
in this world.
—Jan Richardson
From: Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons
For more by Jan Richardson: https://www.janrichardson.com
Art: Face and Flower, Fernand Léger, 1949, Chicago Institute of Art
Clasped Hands, Giacomo Cavedone, c. 1612, National Gallery of Art
