Dear God, let me move slowly today.

As I begin considering all that faces me today, anxiety grows. Obligations crowd in. But when I am able to focus intently on the present moment, these termites of worry cease.

In meditation, I am taught not that the object is to empty the mind, but to practice focusing on the present, to the exclusion of all else. The more I focus on now, on what is before me, the more slowly I move, the more efficiently I function – and the more useful to you I am, Lord.

My mind darts from idea to idea, like a paper cup in the wind.

Slow my thoughts, O Lord. Slow my movements. Let my awareness of you, here, now, in this present moment, grow. Let me move with care. Let me seek guidance moment by moment, slowly considering your will for me.

Let me act, single-mindedly and with intention on your behalf.

(Letter #943)

Dear God, your creation sings to me quietly: the birds, the still, clear air, the mist on the grass. I struggle to list what I am grateful for, yet it is all around me for me to see, staring back at me.

Lord, let my attitude be right. You give me the gift of this day; let me unwrap it with gratitude. Let me search for your guidance in every moment. Direct my feet, guide my hands, control my words – that I may be your instrument today.

These things of beauty I see all around me – I am one of them. I am part of your creation. Let me be a demonstration of your love for some other soul who may be looking at this world through eyes of sorrow or doubt. Grant me willingness to be your beacon today.

(Letter #942)

Dear friends, I am happy to say I plan to begin publishing daily letters to God again, starting Sunday 7/30. I have been continuing writing daily, but have been not been posting.

Thank you for your patience and messages of love.

Dear friends: for the rest of July 2017, I am taking a break from publishing these daily letters. 

During that time please rest assured I will still be writing them — they are my form of prayer — but I will not be transcribing and sending every morning.

At the end of the month I will reassess whether to resume publishing. Thank you for your friendship.