Dear God, I survey my interior life and find so much for improvement. Envy over the accomplishments of others. Regret over undone obligations. Selfish motives. Wrath and judgment aimed at those who vex me. Self righteousness. Self-pity.

Lord, let me not congratulate myself that this inner life finds no tangible nor obvious expression in action. It is there, seething inside, nonetheless. Let me please find a better way.

Direct my thought life, O Lord. My selfish mind contaminates even the kindest of my actions. Purify me.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #1164)

Dear God, I limit you so, in my conceptions and my prayers. You are the foundation of the world, yet I ask for such minute trivia. Relief from worry. Solace from anguish. What matter such feelings? They are transient even without your intercession, yet I cry out for relief as if the feelings themselves were real.

O Lord, let my prayers to you be worthy of the power you hold. Let me not seek petty, small gifts.

Fill me with love, let it radiate out to others, let it heal and bring warmth to all. Let it move mountains, let it grow forests.

Let my aims, dear Lord, be worthy.

(Letter #1163)

Dear God, each step I take today brings me gratitude. I give thanks, even, for being awake.

Let me, Lord, even as I am aware of your gifts, not cleave to them too tightly. They bring me no distinction. These gifts I see in front of me, all around me, are there and available for all — awareness, tranquility, love. Indeed, you provide them that they may overfill me and be made available to others.

While you shine on me, you shine equally on all. Let me pass this good news.

(Letter #1162)

Dear God, let me see what you place before me. Let me see the path you lay out at my feet. You do not cloak the day in mystery. You make your will plain and give all I need to act upon it.

And yet I imagine myself in darkness, unsure. I look everywhere for aid except directly at the supply you have placed in my hand. I look for a sign of direction when my feet are already on the way.

Lord, I cloud my own understanding, I get in my own way.

Let me relax and simply walk forward along this path, wielding the implements you have provided. That is enough; that is your will. Let me do it.

(Letter #1161)