From Ikos IV of the Akathist of Thanksgiving by Protopresbyter Gregory Petrov (Martyr)
When the sun is setting, when quietness falls like the peace of eternal sleep, and the silence of the spent day reigns, then in the splendour of its declining rays, filtering through the clouds, I see Thy dwelling-place: fiery and purple, gold and blue, they speak prophet-like of the ineffable beauty of Thy presence, and call to us in their majesty. We turn to the Father.
Glory to Thee at the hushed hour of nightfall
Glory to Thee, covering the earth with peace
Glory to Thee for the last ray of the sun as it sets
Glory to Thee for sleep's repose that restores us
Glory to Thee for Thy goodness even in the time of darkness
When all the world is hidden from our eyes
Glory to Thee for the prayers offered by a trembling soul
Glory to Thee for the pledge of our reawakening
On that glorious last day, that day which has no evening
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age
Did I miss Mass Sunday or a Holy Day of Obligation through my own fault? Did I come to Mass on time? Leave early? Did I do work on Sunday that was not necessary? Did I set aside Sunday as a day of rest and a family day? Did I show reverence in the presence of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament? Did I fail to give thanks for this glorious day of rest, celebration, and holiness?
How can I come to love God more? How can I hear Him better in the world? How can I carry the spirit of the sabbath day into the other days of the week? How can I show the power of Jesus to all around me? How have I experienced that power in this day? How do I become more aware of His graciousness and His power?
