Nature's eternal wisdom

by Michael Leunig

Dear God

We give thanks for places of simplicity and peace.
Let us find such a place within ourselves.
We give thanks for places of refuge and beauty.
Let us find such a place within ourselves.
We give thanks for places of nature's truth and freedom,
of joy, inspiration and renewal,
places where all creatures may find acceptance and belonging.

Let us search for these places:
in the world,
in ourselves
and in others.
Let us restore them,
let us strengthen and protect them,
and let us create them.

May we mend this outer world
according to the truth of our inner life,
and may our souls be shaped and nourished
by nature's eternal wisdom.

Amen

The quality of mercy

by William Shakespeare

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice.

(Portia speaks in "The Merchant of Venice")