Dear God, shelter me today. Protect me. Watch over me.

I fear so much – unforeseen calamity, negative interactions with other people, depletion of resources, pain visited upon loved ones. In truth, Lord, even the worst of my days merely reflects a small portion of what I routinely fear may come to pass, and even in those cases it is only momentary.

Lord, let me see clearly how my fears are rooted in delusion and fantasy. To nurture them, to worry over them so habitually, is a defect.

When I am shot through with fear, I do not have faith, and I cannot be of service to others. I am thus supremely selfish. Lord, take away this shortcoming. Let me become right-sized. Let me become a useful person. Let my faith in you grow.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #1049)

Dear God, even in the face of challenge, in the face of self-created fear, you offer abundance. It is my task to see it. Lord, let me rely upon you today. At every juncture where I am timid, or falter, let me consciously rely on you.

Too often, my dependence on you is in name only. I may face some trial and, in fear, I mouth the words of prayer. But I do not act on them – instead I set about trying to solve my own problem, on my own and without your assistance.

Lord, what would it be like if I were to truly depend upon you? Let me seek your support with great deliberateness today. Let me not simply cry out, “help me.” Let me stop, and receive your aid.

(Letter #1048)

Dear God, I deserve none of these gifts. I merit no recognition. No reward is due me. All this relief, all this bounty, this peace – all bestowed by you as pure grace. You give; my duty is to receive with thanks.

I expend such effort seeking to achieve, or build toward some imagined future. This is true in all the realms of my life: work, family, community, even spiritual. Work and effort. All false – every accomplishment comes to me as a gift from you.

Lord, let me cease my self-deception. Let me feel the joy of being fully loved by you.

I need not seek to deserve anything. You love me, your child, even at my most hateful.

How, Lord, can I better have and express the gratitude your love and bounty impels? All my attempts are inadequate, yet you love me even in my ingratitude.

Let me feel you shine upon me today, and in some small way let me pass this to others.

(Letter #1047)

Dear God, let me please focus today on my actions and not my emotions or sentiment. Let me act rightly, regardless of my internal condition. Let me shirk nothing.

So often, Lord, I wait before fulfilling some responsibility, until I feel ready to act, or more often, until other pursuits are exhausted. Let me instead place obligation first.

The less I may wish to do them, the more sacred your assigned tasks are, for they become thereby greater demonstrations of faith. I have so little of that.

Let me, please, by acting rightly, grow in my devotion to you.

Lord, thy will be done today.

(Letter #1046)