Dear God, let me live diligence today.

Each moment is an opportunity to express my devotion through the choices I make.

Choices are my offering. Let them be worthy.

(Letter #1466)

Dear God, grant me an unsparing eye. Let me look at myself, my actions, my intentions without illusion.

Let me see all the ways, moment by moment, that I am driven by pride, selfishness, self-pity, sloth.

Let me welcome this clarity and see each instance as a chance to practice humility, generosity, acceptance, diligence.

Under this strong sunlight, Lord, let me thrive.

(Letter #1465)

Dear God, peering out into the dawn, do I view the day rightly? I see challenges and tasks, and I search for the right pathway through them. If only I walk the correct route, then the obstacles will be avoided. Fearsome beasts will lay sleeping while I creep by.

All this I imagine, scanning the morning. All a mirage.

Lord, correct the picture I carry in my mind. There is no puzzle to be solved, nor course to be run. This day is a string of moments, each a gift.

Let me be, dear Lord, expectant. Strike into my heart an eagerness. Make me curious. Let me live with no goal other than to be fully awake and grateful in each moment.

Instead, I worriedly look across the clearing, searching for the right trailhead.

There is no correct path through this day. O, Lord, such loving freedom you rain upon me! Let me turn my face to the sky with open mouth.

(Letter #1464)

Dear God, we have banded together, pooled our resources, and erected concrete walls against the wind. We huddle under metal roofs while the rain pours. We built a prison for our safety. We are our own jailers.

The rain that falls contains life. The wind blows me toward new friends. If I awaken, maybe I will see how standing apart might break the spell.

Yet even if I awaken, Lord, how then shall I bestir my fellows? Our band tragically sleeps inside while the woods drink in your rain and the flowers bloom.

Lord, while we sleep, let me have a sign. Shall I stand? Nudge the herd? Walk on? Sing joy?

Tell me, O Lord, how to awaken your love in my fellows’ heart?

(Letter #1463)

Dear God, faced with the trials of the day, let me limit myself to the simple task of seeking your will in each circumstance.

I do not need to know the ultimate destination of the path upon which you have placed my feet. The immediate next step, here in this moment, is always clear. I dither only because I hope it may ultimately turn one way, or I fear it may turn another. Yet if I narrow my concerns to now, the burden of deciding is lifted. Now contains no decisions, only the easy response of the servant: yes, I will.

Dear Lord, let me say yes, even amidst the unmoored fear that washes over me. Let me better rely on you, let me be more watchful for your signs, let me be grateful for how you are already, unseen, answering my prayers and protecting me.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #1462)

Dear God, let me have humility today. Let me see how I am just one among many. Let me seek no special recognition. Let me try, instead, to be anonymous.

Let anonymity be my devotion.

(Letter #1461)

Dear God, let me be generous today.

Let me devote my resources toward building others. Let my gratitude flow toward others’ success. Let my comfort come last.

Thy will be done today.

(Letter #1460)