Tough Times

Your Holy Spirit sustains us through anything and everything that can possibly be, God, and we are grateful to know this. But sometimes we feel put upon, as if You personally have sent us a life workbook in a box that we cannot maneuver very well.

We are not fond of the tough lessons, no matter how much we learn from them, mainly because it is after the fact that we seem to get Your point. We are a stubborn, arrogant people who like to have our own way. Free will not withstanding, Your way usually does make the most sense, as long as don't apply human logic to compensate for our need to control our lives and our worlds.

God, please forgive us our need to teach You the lesson. Bless us with Your patience. Love us, despite our need to tell You how to run things. Amen.

Hemming and Hawing

What are we waiting for, God?

Are we still hoping You will do everything for us because that's what we think Your job is?

Are we still thinking that we aren't accountable for anything we say, do or produce?

Are we stuck in the belief that our presence here doesn't matter or make a difference?

Are we so sure that You exist that we take it for granted that You will protect us from all harm, not bothering to manage our lives with intelligence and reason?

Are we willing to waste our lives, only to discover, too late, that we could have done and been so much more?

What are we waiting for, God? Amen.

Peace

God Who Redeems Us All, please grant us the peace which You tell us passes all understanding. Teach us this peace which we long for, not just in the war zones around the world, but in the war zones in ourselves, our families, our communities. These privately-funded wars are not fueled by government funds, but by long-held grudges, hurt feelings and offenses we cling to, despite knowing that we can choose differently. We wonder why there is so little peace in Your creation, blaming You for what we are not willing to invest in, even for a few moments a day.

Something we need to remember, God, is that war costs us dearly, and that peace also comes with a price. Teach us, implore us with Your love, to choose peace every chance we get. We can choose to be kind, even if we have not received kindness. We can choose to be helpful, even if we have not received help. We can choose to forgive, even if we have not been forgiven. We can choose to love, even if we fear the consequences.

Bless us with the remembrance today, God, that peace is a choice, each moment, each day for all of us. Amen.

Hearts and Hands Together

Gracious and loving God, we pray this day that we may put service to You and Your people first and foremost in our lives. Please present us with ways that we specifically may help those most in need. Please show us the hungry, the hurt, the lonely, that we may ease their suffering and give them new strength and hope. Please allow us to shower those who mourn with comfort to ease their grief. Please help us offer forgiveness and mercy when we feel incapable of doing so on our own that we may ease another's anguish over having made a mistake that cannot be corrected any other way. Please bless those who we may not encounter directly, but who are Your children, deserving of all that You have to offer. Our hearts and hands are Your most important instruments in our world. Please, let us never take these tools, and what they can accomplish, for granted. Amen.

Grace

Grace-Full God, thank You that I felt Your spirit holding my hand, urging me to wait just a few more seconds before entering that intersection. Your attention to such loving detail in Your world means that I am safe, the people in several other cars are safe and we all will live another day in Your creation.

Grace-Full God, thank you for reminding me that my friend's birthday is coming up at the end of the month and that she loves to be remembered on her special day, if only with a card. You remember each of us in ways we often fail to acknowledge. It feels quite wonderful to be able to pass that on to someone You helped me find.

Grace-Full God, thank You for taking care of all of us, even when we aren't aware that it is You guiding us, encouraging us, making space for us to be as You would have us be. Amen.

A Steady Pace

God Who Journey's With Us, there are so many ways that we get from one place to another in any given day. Mostly, we choose whatever is fastest because we believe we have so little time to spend on travel. Planes, trains and automobiles are our favorites, trusted methods that catapult us forward, always forward, so we don't miss our chance to be bigger, better, stronger than all our competition, whoever they may be.

Walking seems like a lost art, doesn't it? A slower pace, a cadence that requites rhythm, patience and attention to the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other. We don't even like parking too far away from shopping mall entrances and grocery store doors for fear it will take time away from the task at hand.

But walking with You is our charge, we who are Your elect, Your chosen, Your people. By not being willing to use our bodies to walk in Your world are we missing those moments in which we can learn to walk with You more intimately? Amen.

Wonders and Signs

Miraculous God, I hear people say they will only believe in You if they can have proof you exist. Signs are important to them to understand how You work, where You are at any given time and what Your plans are for the next few years or so. I guess, God that they have a point. You have a whole lot of power to work with, and wonders and signs seem to be a pretty easy, tangible way of expressing Yourself. It also would clear up a lot of questions.

But You parse these bits of glamour and glitz out sparingly, like seasonings in a finely crafted stew. Too much and the whole pot is uneatable. Not enough and the zest is gone. We trust You with this delicate balance, God, believing that faith is the bridge that will bring us to deeper knowledge and renewed vision for Your activity. Amen.

Begin With Me

Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me to create as You create, with grace, truth, mercy and love.

Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me the beauty of both heaven and earth, the seas and the skies, the wild and the tame.

Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me the songs that stir from the rocks, the birds, the squirrels and the trees, presenting a symphony of sounds.

Begin with me, God, as You began the world. Teach me to listen for Your voice through all the people I encounter this day and every day. Amen.

Hallowed Be Your Name

Our Loving Creator, we glorify Your name today and every day. We pray that Your world will always be our world, that Your will will always be our will, both here and in heaven. Please nourish and sustain us with what we need for today. Forgive us all the ways that we hurt ourselves, each other and You, as we forgive those who hurt us. Please lead us away from that which would harm us and protect us when we choose a path of destruction. You are our world, our strength and our song. Amen.

Why Are We Weeping?

Why are we crying, God? What breaks our hearts to the point of filling our souls with over flowing sadness and pain? What is it about our lives that separates us from You, causing us to seek solace in our own tears?

What will bring us back to You for what we most need from You? A contrite heart? A sprit looking for forgiveness beyond human acceptance or understanding? A recognition that we cannot manage this journey as well when we attempt to take our steps without You beside us?

Whatever it takes to come back to You, we know that when we do our tears will be dried. We will be forgiven, understood, accepted because that is who You are for us. Amen.

Some Things We Know

We know that You created the earth, God.

We know that You shaped us in Your image.

We know that You shared Jesus of Nazareth, Your son, with us, to teach us Your ways of living and caring for each other and the whole of creation.

We know that Your spirit sustains us through everything that life brings. We know that in everything You work for good with those who love You, who are called according to Your purpose. Amen.

Grumbling for God

God, does it bother You when all we do is complain? It bothers me when I hear myself being miserable and grumpy when I can make a choice to be otherwise. You offer us this opportunity of choice, teaching us that we can approach life without complaint, without questioning Your authenticity. But, we are a little stubborn, to say the least. We like what we like when we like it, and we are spoiled in being able to achieve most of our goals for physical and personal fulfillment. But, not all of them. The next time we hit a stumbling block, God, please lift us up, help us brush ourselves off and face whatever we have tripped over with dignity. Remind us that complaining doesn't really change anything, and that You have not put difficulties in our way. Difficulties are a part of the human existence, but so are You. Amen.

Unity

How many churches does it take to make Your body whole? We Christians like our diversity of worship styles, from traditional to contemporary, filled with organ music, gospel choirs, electric guitars, drums, brass choirs and pianos. We meet in brick and mortar sanctuaries, old storefronts, outside under the trees and the stars. We like to feel comfortable with each other, but stirred to action by Your spirit. It is Your spirit that calls forth all of our gifts that, blended together, make up the fullness that is the body of Christ, Your son. Our diversity only makes more clear the broadness and depth of Creation. Amen.

Promises

Historical God, generations of faith and hope are embodied by the ancient people of Israel, our spiritual ancestors, through the centuries to our parents and grandparents. Our own lives, and those of our children, welcome the age-old wisdom and grace offered to believers in Your words, promises that will never grow old or die. We are sustained by all that You are and all that we can become, trusting You. Amen.

Repentance

It is time to back up, God, and take stock of the things we have done and left undone that do not match up with Your will for us or for our world. Your kingdom is at hand, the kingdom of heaven. In fact, it is already here and we have some choices to make. If we want to be a part of Your kingdom, Your nation, what does that require of us? How are we supposed to treat each other? What should the focus of our work be? How are our families supposed to shape themselves? How about our individual and community relationships with You? Do we have a picture of what all of this?

You have given us abundant information with which to work and Your ever vigilant spirit on which to call for assistance whenever we need it for support. The basics are pretty simple: love You, love each other, love ourselves. Simple, but a challenge to put into consistent practice.

Please, God, hear us when we come to you with contrite hearts, truly ready to ask You for forgiveness, truly ready to forgive ourselves for all the foolish things we do and for the right things we leave undone. Please keep us ever mindful of loving You, each other and ourselves as being our first priorities. Amen.

Prophetic Voices

God Who Knows All, who are Your prophets? To whom should we be looking to hear Your words more clearly, most directly? We want to explore new vistas, do good work, find justice and make peace, but we are not always quite sure who is speaking Your truth, especially when we see powerful leaders making what appear to be choices that have no connection to Your teachings, even though they claim allegiance to Your name. Please point us to those speaking Your truth to the powers of the world that are all around us. Guide us on Your path of awareness, really seeing what Your truth looks like when we see it so that we do not become discouraged and move on before we have fully grasped its meaning and implications. Amen.

Who is Welcome?

God, sometimes I feel as if keeping a few people I am not fond of out of heaven may not be a bad idea, or too much to ask. Will they really mind spending eternity away from me, out of my sight and out of my mind? Would it be possible, at least, to compartmentalize heaven based on who got along here on earth? It seems sensible.

But, that is not how You work, is it, God? We often believe we are in charge of making the rules, deciding who gets what, when and how much. It becomes very easy to keep that mindset when considering Your will, on earth or in heaven. While we find it easy to project that with which we feel most comfortable onto You, the reality is that Your ways are inclusive above all else. You made all of us and we all remain as Your children. Heaven can hold a whole lot of us and there is room for all of us to finally figure out ways to get along. Amen.

Singing God's Praises

Joyfully, joyfully we adore You, oh God of our salvation and our hope of all hopes! We are giddy, twirling, dancing, spinning, leaping with the complete and utter joy that can only be You deep down in our souls. We cannot contain ourselves! How could we? You are all-knowing, all-caring, always working for us in ways we cannot even begin to realize or understand. You rally to our defense, stand up for us against anyone who would try to defeat us. You welcome us to live with You always, not as a guest, but as Your children. You love us no matter what. Amen.

Seasons

As the earth gently turns away from the sun's warmth, it is important to remember that You are still ever present. The leaves are starting tumbling to the ground, their beauty signals Your gifts of color, crisp texture and rich scent that only bless us at this time of year. The days and nights are cooler, welcoming us to gather in thanksgiving for what this year has been as we round the corner into its final months. No matter what the season, You are a God for all our seasons, both earthly and spiritually. Amen.

Seeking God

When do we seek You, God?

Is it when we are feeling most alone, frightened, anguished? Or is it when we have something special to share that only You will understand?

When else can we seek You, God?

May we call upon Your name, ask for Your presence at other times in our lives? Are You always near, even when we don't acknowledge You?

When are You near, God?

Perhaps we can remember that You are a God who is always near, always ready to laugh with us, not at us. You are a God who dances the jig when we connect with Your spirit and open our hearts to other people. You are a God who delights in our happiness, strength, creativity.

Please remind us that we can seek You, call upon You, come to You and be with You whenever we choose. You will always answer, always be present with us and for us. Amen.

Shepherd's Care

The Lord is our shepherd, so we will never lack for anything. Not now, not ever, because You, oh God, are the source and being of that that is and all that we could ever hope to need. When we are lonely, You come into our hearts bearing comfort, companionship. When we are afraid, You ease our fears with Your loving embrace. When we are sad, Your joy cheers us. When we have walked away from you for reasons we may not even understand, You forgive us, and beckon us to return once more. You know us. You love us. Who could ask for more? Amen.

Prosperity

Generous God who lives in our hearts, thank you for the elegance and grace of Your creation. Your extravagance is evident. The smallest flower knows the details of Your handiwork. The bountiful harvest we enjoy year round supplies us with fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, beans and grains, health-filled riches all created for us. The souls of we, Your people, overflow with love, kindness and mercy. You are everywhere, and we are grateful. Help us to build on all that You have given us and to share it with everyone in return. Amen.

Letter Writing

Teacher God, please give us a new lesson in letter writing. What nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs and conjunctions are most pleasing to You as we begin to shape the text of our lives? To whom will these letters be directed and what will be their intent? What do we hope to achieve with this correspondence?What do we want people to know about us and about You as we compose them? Many people believe that a picture speaks a thousand words, but we have no pictures of Jesus except his words, and we have a pretty good idea of who He was and what He aimed to do with His life. Please help us choose the words of our life letters carefully, consciously and with loving intent to the purposes of Your grace and goodness. Amen.

In the Beginning

In the beginning was Your Word. Your Word travels with us through time, through our lives and beyond. In all our beginnings, God, Your Word is there, guiding us, enlightening us, establishing us as Your people. Your Word binds us to each other with grace, justice, mercy and truth. These are the ways people know us, by how we live Your Word, are Your Word. Please help us be true to Your Word in all that we say and do. Amen.

Comparable Worth

To whom that will we compare You, God, that You should be like someone else? Should You be like our parents whom, as children, we perceived as unfair, judgmental, mean-spirited or selfish? Should You be a sugar daddy, doling out all kinds of goodies just because we think You can and should? Should You be pliable to our every wish and whim, making life as easy as possible?

Regardless of how we would label You, You Are Who You Are. You are loving, kind, honest, reliable, and You are ours. When we have a need to make You into something or someone You are not, please help us see You as You are. When we have a need to limit You, either by old ideas or from fear of knowing more about You, please open our hearts and minds to Your wholeness. When we are ready to receive the fullness of who You are, thank You for being there with open arms. Amen.

Being Christian

Great Shepherd, while Jesus lived on earth He modeled Your hope for how we could care for one another while we live here on earth as well. We are to listen for Your voice, treating each other how we would like to be treated. We are to feed the hungry, heal the sick, comfort the broken hearted, clothe those who are without clothes and basically love everybody in concrete, tangible ways that evidence Your spirit in our hearts. Rather than waste time feeling guilty for what we have left undone in this regard, we pray that we can look again to Jesus' teachings and do our best to exemplify Your grace in action as we live each day. Amen.

Praising God

Praise God who gives us every good thing!
Let each of us adore God because God adored us first and always will!
God is good, God is great and God loves us now and forevermore!
It is time to dance, to sing, to make music and laughter in honor of God's Holy and Glorious Name.
It is time to rejoice!
It is time to make merry!
It is time join with all creation in praising God Who is Our God! Amen.

Graceful Remorse

When we know we have done something or someone wrong, please forgive God. When we are afraid to come to You with contrite hearts, please forgive us, God. When we have left undone what we know You would have us do, please forgive us, God. When we allow tiredness, irritability, impatience, hopelessness, anger, frustration or anything else to impose on our connection with You, please forgive us, God. When we blame other people for how we feel, view the world or experience life, please forgive us, God. When we don't know which way to turn, and fail to ask for Your help, please forgive us, God, and help us anyway. Amen.

Being Light

Light of the World, guide our steps with Your brightness, Your mercy and Your peace. Call us to follow You, to become the light that You radiate and share, heart to heart, with each of us. Teach us to immerse our thoughts, words and actions with the brilliance of Your grace so that we, too, may give light to those who sit in darkness. By Your Holy Name, Amen.

Serving Your Purpose

You have told us, God, that we are blessed to be a blessing. You also revealed to us that we each have been created for a purpose, hand delivered, if You will, to contribute something specific from You to the earth and its inhabitants. With that kind of legacy embedded in our very being, how can we help but delight in discovering what gifts, skills and knowledge You have given us? How can we not get excited about what a difference we can make on Your earth and among Your people? Please help us focus on what it is You would have us do with our being while we are here. Please remind us what is different about Your purpose, what serving You and Your people looks like. Please continue to delight in us as we learn how to serve You better each day. Amen.

Faith is the Assurance

Ever-Present Caretaker, we are so fortunate to know You as our best refuge, our comforter, our supporter and our way. Without Your loving spirit to guide and protect us we would be canoes set adrift in a huge sea of despair and hopelessness. We trust in You always, we revel in our faith in You that assures us that hope is not lost, that no matter what the world can create that is not of You, You will prevail. And we will prevail with You. Amen.

The Full Measure of Forgiveness

Judgment and forgiveness go hand in hand, God, and we are reminded of this everyday. What we give comes back to us, what we learn becomes a part of us. What does judging each other accomplish? What does forgiveness offer in enduring hope and gratitude? These are the questions Your spirit raises in our souls, questions that cannot be ignored, no matter how hard we try.

Thank You, God, for the blessing of Your full measure of forgiveness. Something we must always remember is that You forgive us because You choose to, even before we have recognized our need for this grace and asked You for it's mercy. What a wonderful example to live by. We, too, can forgive each other because we choose to. We can offer that forgiveness in our hearts long before someone who has wronged us recognizes their mistake and seeks to make amends. The great surprise is that forgiveness isn't about someone else making things right, but about us living in a right relationship with You. Amen.

Spariousness

How big is the universe, God? How much farther do You extend past these borders for which we have no sight? We tend to filter who You are through the narrow field of vision with which we view ourselves and each other. How could You possibly be anymore that a very big person with the same faults and limitations as we each possess? How we perceive You, interact with You, is usually based in childhood stories which we have never outgrown. It is amazing that Your spirit has any room to work based on that simple fact alone.

What we need Your help with, God, are grown up images of You that we can carry with us as we walk out the door to work each day. Who You are is so big that we will never completely comprehend You until we see You face-to-face in heaven, but until then, we need to allow You to be God, Our God, a God as big as we can possibly see, feel, and experience You.

Your vastness isn't that hard to spot if we will only pay attention. The universe itself is Yours, and the Earth You have shared with us clearly took a grand effort, both in scale and loving detail. Your mystery and grace are evident, but our eyes must train themselves in Your vision, Your hope, to truly see with mature eyes the wisdom and beauty with which You present us each day. Amen.

God's Stillness

The psalmist tells us to be still and know that You are God. Call us to this place of stillness in You, God, as we pray for Your direction and purpose in our daily being. Our very breath is from You, inhaling and exhaling the loving grace with which you formed every single one of us. Keep us in this stillness, this mysterious, miraculous place of knowing that You are God, and that we come from You and will always be connected to each other through You. Amen.

Saltiness

God, You are a Great Chef, knowing just how much seasoning creates the best possible mix of flavors. Jesus talked about us, Your people, being salt here on earth, being Your seasoning within our communities. But how can we do that if we only stay to ourselves in Christian gatherings? You haven't called us to cling to other people who also follow Your word, but it is much easier to do so, much more comfortable really. But to do so means we are not following Your word at all. We are called to be about Your work, wherever that leads us. We are called to bring our flavor to the world. We are called to be salt, called to be flavorful in places that lack the zest of Your spirit. We are salt when we blend ourselves with people who may not be a part of our usual circles. We are salt when we seek out people and situations in which we can share Your recipe for living in relationship with You.

Continue to train us as Your chefs, God, understanding the balance of Your seasonings in their measure. Amen.

Fearlessness

Isaiah tells us You have said, "Fear not, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine."

Do You really mean this God?

Do You really mean we don't have to be afraid to live in a world that seems to have a whole lot of reasons to run, hide and never look back? Please show us better choices than being afraid. Please show us how to love instead.

Do You really mean we we are redeemed, that we are considered whole, wonderful, all that You want us to be? It is usually easier to pick at ourselves, and each other, as if being imperfect is an art form to be developed at every turn. Please show us how to cherish each other as Your beloved daughters and sons.

Have You actually called us, each by our own names? My government has a number for me, so do all the accounts by which I maintain my home. Other people locate me through my street address and telephone numbers. But You, You know my name and have called to me through time and space to remind me of Your love for me.

Am I really Yours, God? What does it mean to belong to You? What does it mean to belong to each other? Please help us to feel belonged. Please help us to share that feeling with the people in our lives.

Thank you for Your worlds through the prophet Isaiah, God. Thank You for how You are releasing us from our fear, redeeming, naming and calling us today. Amen.

Naming God

By what names do we know You to be, God? Sometimes I need You to be the strong, fierce Leader on whom Moses relied while shepherding the Israelites through a forty year wilderness experience. Other times, I hope that You are simply a Kind Listener, knowing I need to just talk, let my heart be open so it can be emptied of the hurt and sadness that are bursting its seams. You have sat next to me many times as my Great Companion, watching the waves roll onto the beach, contemplating the sun as it sets on the horizon. You have also shown Yourself as Creator, giving order to chaos, manifesting in abundance, in one grand sweep of Your spiritual paintbrush. You are a Grand Director, whispering cues to us, Your performance artists, gently guiding us through our dialogue. When we pay attention, we see just how easily and effortlessly Your play comes together, all the parts intermingling and reflecting Your skills as our Author.

Please encourage us to keep searching for more names we know You to be God. Amen.

Caring for Each Other

Nurturing, loving God, walk with each of us now as the parent who knows us best, and delights in each step we take in our lives. Show us what You do to be so much for us. Show us who You are in every way possible so that we may replicate Yourself in our own behaviors toward each other. Caring for each other isn't as hard as we make it to be. Yet we do make this greatest gift from You a burden, something to sway away from at the most important times. Using what people look like, sound like and think like to excuse ourselves from being good neighbors, as You taught us through Jesus, doesn't excuse us from following that example and doing Your will. Expecting everyone to be like us before we offer support, food, shelter, kindness, even prayer, limits our own hearts from growing, and prevents a moment of hope from growing in someone else.

Forgive us, God, when we care more about what doesn't matter when we have the chance to act on what does. Thank you for the blessings with which You shower us all. Please help us open our hearts to being instruments of Your loving kindness. Amen.

Seeking Advice

Great Counselor, today I need Your advice. My heart is heavy with confusion, grief and despair. Where should I turn for direction, clarity, comfort and hope? Where do you reside in my world that I may find Your answers to the questions I am considering that seem to have no answers? If You are a refuge, God, please be my place of rest and hope now because I need Your solace and peaceful strength to sustain me. Please hear my concerns, please offer me wise counsel to see me through this time. Amen.

Transitions

In an ever-changing, ever-progressing world, I am grateful for the knowledge that You are always with me. Who You are never changes. Seasons, jobs, relationships, places we live, places we leave, remain constant in their rhythms, but cannot always be relied on to be as we perceive or remember them. I know that few things can be counted on, but You are one of those things. Indeed, You are the most important of all. Amen.

So We Are Called

Here I am God. Please send me, please use me, please let me be the one to do Your will. Please lead me to be a leader among Your people. Not just people who know You, but people who simply are a part of my life, people in my neighborhood, my community, who are in need or who want to share in making Your creation a wholly good and wonderful place for all of us. Please help me to do this work to which You have called me. But please, God, also gently encourage me to keep focused on You as my inspiration, my hope, my desire for all that is right, honorable and just. Your voice whispers my name and I hear You in my heart. Your spirit calls to me and I answer with grace in action toward my fellow travelers. Amen.

Thank You, God

Thank you, God, for Your peace which passes all our ability to understand. Thank you, God, for Your generosity, Your goodness and Your kindness at every turn. Thank you, God, for reaching out to us first, over and over again, as we continue this mutual relationship of love and trust with You each day. Thank you, God, for standing still, steady and firmly in place, as we fumble our way back to You when we have meandered off the path You have created for us to walk with You. Thank you, God, that we never have to wonder where You are. Amen.

Let Justice Roll Down

God of justice and mercy, welcoming Your presence into our lives means facing the simple truth that we are not always fair, kind, helpful or even decent toward one another, let alone just or merciful. We all too often believe justice is for those with whom we disagree, as in punishment and retribution that is seemingly deserved by human rules. Mercy is for people like us, people who didn't mean what they did or said, despite the results. The real truth, God, is that Your justice is based in and tempered by grace. Your mercy is fully measured with love. Please make us instruments of Your understanding, of how to see each other with Your heart and soul. Amen.

Always God

Sustainer God, we come to You today with all of who we are and have been in tow. Sometimes the weight of everyday routines become burdensome, tedious, overwhelming. We pray for something to shake us up, surprise us, enlighten us to newness of life. You never fail to hold us steadfast on the journey, through work, caring for ourselves and each other, tending to all the details that make up our days. You always remember to shower us with the delights of Your creation, extravagant and new each day. When we are tired, ready to give up or give in, take our hands, point to the sparkling, starry night, the pounding waves of the ocean and the dawning skies of morning. Direct us to keep looking for You and finding Your continuously creating spirit. Amen.

Discovery

Good day,

God. It is indeed a wonderful day that You have created. My choice today is to delight in the smallest details of this life You have given me. I intend to search out Your joy in my heart, to seek Your beauty in design, shape and spirit. My hope is to feel the warmth of the sun and the gentle brush of my cat's tail against my leg. My desire is to pay attention to the face of each person I encounter, praying that they may reach out for You, seeking and finding, knowing and believing in all that You are. Amen.

Open Hearts, Open Minds

Dear God, our hearts originated with Your heart, and our thoughts with Your thoughts. But sometimes we discover that we have separated ourselves from You, devising our own ways and means apart from Your loving, graceful intent. We pray then to reacquaint ourselves with the strength and peace of opening our hearts to You through opening our lives to our neighbors, friends, colleagues, those with whom we have differences, and even those with whom we experience conflict. We pray then to remind ourselves of Your creativity in solving the unsolvable and Your ability to unwrap the mysterious, revealing the truth that makes us free and binds us to You. Amen.

For Today

Gentle Shepherd, We are about our own work today, focusing on a direction for our lives, then running with it for all we are worth. Our habit is to believe that nothing else matters but to reach the goal, the end of the day, with as much done as possible. You did a lot in six days, right? Aren't we supposed to emulate You in our thoughts, words, and, particularly our actions? This is what you want from us, isn't it?

Perhaps we have confused creativity, the joy with which you brought the world into being, with mad, frenzied doing. Perhaps we may ease our attention to the direction you have for us to follow, for today, and in doing so, we may feel the joy you felt on Saturday evening when you decided to rest and rejoice. Amen.

Evening

Heavenly Creator, as the sun eases softly to rest and remembrance, so we gather our thoughts, closing our day. All we have accomplished, all we have left undone, has shaped this place in time called today. Have we welcomed You to co-author the stories that remain among us? Have we encouraged others to share in the delight of Your presence? If not today, tomorrow comes, and with it, the fresh chance to nurture Your spirit within us, with grace, and truth and love. Amen.

To God Who Tends Us

Great Earthly Gardner, you gently tend our souls, hurture our hearts and sustain our spirits. Like fresh flowers dancing with the wind, you partner your energy with us at creation, forever linking your vitality and generosity to our growth and strength. Thank you that we are rooted in you, and through you, to each other. Amen.

They Who Now Mourn

The Virginia Tech web site simply states: "Two shootings on campus today have left 33 dead. Thirty-one, including the gunman, died at Norris Hall; two died at West Amber Johnston Hall."

Where to begin? With prayer, I think.

Prayer for families who are about to hear or have already heard that their child died this morning at the hands of an unknown gunman. Prayer for the wounded and their families. Prayer for the people who witnessed these attacks and came out alive. Prayer for the faculty and staff and students who will be back on this campus in the days to come. Prayer for the medical teams who cared for those who lived and attended to those who died. Prayer for law enforcement authorities who will be investigating and sorting through the pieces of information to understand the whole of it, what happened and why.

Prayer is where we must start because it is too soon for anything other than making our way to the love of God from which nothing can separate us. We must pray for those touched by this tragedy because they may not be able to pray for themselves. This is our time to carry their burden of sorrow and grief until they can carry it for themselves.

Tonight we pray and tomorrow the Virginia Tech community will gather to begin the process of healing. The university's president, Charles Steger, has said this is what must come first so that they can decide what must come next. We will be with them in prayer through whatever comes next. Amen.

Journeying

Welcome, God, to sharing this day with me. Whatever it holds, You are already here, standing beside me, working with me, guiding me with love and grace through each step of the way.

Today I dance with You, skipping joyfully, flirting with the breeze. Your refreshing spirit swirls through me, lifting me with inspiration and hope beyond the boundaries of my wildest dreams. With You in my heart I can only know Your peace and goodness in its fullest measure.

Today I know Your presence and believe Your promises of faith and love, understanding that you will always listen, always hear my voice even when those around me may not. You know my needs, my wants, my desires, and You feel them keenly. You cherish me with tenderness and mercy.

Today I am grateful, content that You are always with me, walking, talking and sharing my heart on this journey. Amen.

When in Doubt

God, You are here because You love me, and I am glad because I need You. My heart is bruised, my spirit aching with burdens I have wrestled with for far too long. This weight crushes me, holds me back from believing in Your Word, its power to transform me and the world through me as your instrument of peace, goodness and grace.

But now I feel You here, in my very soul You wrap Your loving arms around me, lifting me up and bringing me back to myself.

The sooting warmth of Your kindness and generosity rests easily upon my wounded spirit. Your gentle mercy is a healing balm, drying my tears of self pity and doubt, leading me to dance and sing Your praises again.

Your way is filled with immeasurable hope and joy. Thank you, God, for making me whole. Amen.