Rediscovered in the Summer 2009 edition of The Northeast when looking for something else:
The Rev. John Rafter, rector of St. Thomas, Camden, composed this canticle or benedicite for the opening of the Maine State Senate on June 2, 2009.
So lovely and wonderful. Thank you, John.
O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord;
Praise him and magnify him forever.
Brilliant-lighted day and dark, enfolding night;
Running sap and clinging mud;
Summer sky and autumn leaf;
Bless ye the Lord.
Island of granite and meadow of grass;
Flooding river and shimmering lake;
Berry-covered mountain and organic farm;
Bless ye the Lord.
Crying loon and scolding crow;
Diving hawk and wheeling gull;
Majestic moose and Belted Galloway;
Bless ye the Lord.
Mill-town and city and unemployed worker;
Wilderness and village and summer hiker;
Resident of Mexico and China and Peru;
Bless ye the Lord.
Merchant and tourist;
Artist and laborer;
Lobsterman and student;
Bless ye the Lord.
Newly-arrived immigrant and native-born Mainer;
Writer of laws and worker for justice;
All people in all places;
Bless ye the Lord.
O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord;
Praise him and magnify him forever.
