My vista this morning is a wide expanse of ocean, reaching inevitably to the horizon. I cannot see the beach, only the water, which must be pouring over the end of the Earth. No wonder people once imagined the Earth was flat.

I am surrounded by silence, far enough above the water that I do not hear the tide or sense waves washing over sand and rocks. Yet I know the power that is there.

And so, I also know the power of God all around me. I only have to settle myself a little bit to sense the Holy Spirit moving around and through me. I call to mind St. Patrick’s Breastplate, and I pray:

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

For God alone my soul in silence waits,
from whom comes my salvation.
Psalm 62:1