Dear God, let me become ready that you may strip away the things that stand in the way of my usefulness to you. Let me submit with joy to the pruning.

Of what do my day’s burdens consist? They are made up of my own bedevilments. Pride, selfishness, envy, sloth. Take away these wrong attitudes and leave in their place a light soul eager to do your work.

I carry so much that I have taken up myself. Let me rightly see how I may set it aside. I am not your pack animal, Lord, but your child. How tragic that I carry so much more than asked.

Lord, let me carry what you give me to carry. No more. I view the world as filled with burdens and duties – when will I recognize them as treasures and lessons? Let me become willing to see the world rightly. It is so much brighter than I let myself imagine.

(Letter #1160)

Dear God, I know the way you are leading. Yet I am so unwilling, all too often, to walk that path. What mulishness. Where am I trying to take myself? In truth I have no clear concept. Instead I manifest reluctance. No! my feet say. Or, worse, I distract myself and wonder.

Lord, your pathway laid before me is bright and obvious. I do not need secret signs nor eagle eyes to know the way. I see it. Each step well-illumined.

Let me, Lord, go that obvious way. There appear inviting distractions to each side of me, but they seem so only because they are distant or dimly lit. Upon inspection they are inferior and their pleasures are sure to turn to ashes in my mouth.

O! Let me walk this clear path. I stray only out of obstinacy. Let me march with obedience and learn of its joys.

(Letter #1159)

Dear God, let me be guided today. Take each foot and set it where you would have me step. Overcome my intentions and plans – use me as your instrument.

Let me not just seek knowledge of your will, for this places my own choices at the center. No: let your will be made manifest today. Let it unfold.

Let your will pour over me like a flood. Let it be inexorable.

And me, let me be a small leaf on the rising waters. All is yours, whether I admit it or not. May thy will be done upon me and my fellows.

(Letter #1158)

Dear God, all these tasks crowd my mind; they press on me. I have come so far away from you, I imagine this list of things that must be done amounts to a day.

Lord, awaken me. Reawaken me. Let me remember that you offer an unlimited supply of resources and even of wherewithal. You provide all that is needed, sufficient unto this day.

Let me look for this – every need matched by supply. Where I need aid, it will come. Where I need energy, it will come. Where I need willingness, even: it will come.

I am your child, Lord. You see to it that I have all I need. It is all around me, if I but look rightly. Let me look.

(Letter #1157)