Dear God, let me not become emanored of my own works. If I do good in this world, let it not be out of pride nor desperation to rise in your esteem.

You love me equally whether I be a thief or a saint. What am I to do with all this undeserved grace?

Let me give over all my effort in one pursuit: to become closer to you. Let me draw near to you with all my worldly works, Lord.

(Letter #1410)

Dear God, the outlines of each day are identical. I awaken, I act, I sleep. The end of my days is certain. Let me then, Lord, make something useful of this time.

Mold my ideals, that I may pursue a course that lifts up others.

Each day a blank canvas, I so often fill it with images of myself. Let me have a broader vision. Let the result of my labor awaken someone. Let me draw love and power, Lord.

(Letter #1409)

Dear God, let me actively look for ways to aid and delight my fellows today.

You have granted me ease and joy; let it not stop with me. Let this stream of love enter me and then flow out. Let me be no miser – let me spend the riches you have heaped about me.

I am a candle you have lit, Lord. Let me glow.

(Letter #1408)

Dear God, let me give over this day to you. Let me set aside my own plans and desires — and sacrifice each moment.

Did I mean to sit in solitude? Yet you send me fellows who need aid. Did I mean to tidy my dwelling? Yet you hurl a windstorm through my careful arrangements. Did I mean to lay by stores for later? Yet, Lord, you send me calamity and my resources are needed now.

I depend so upon my plans and comfort. Let me welcome the upended day, yea, even the surprise at my door that brings worry.

Each yesterday, in succession, has prepared me to face the today you have made for me. Let my today ready me for tomorrow’s fresh surprise.

(Letter #1407)

Dear God, sure of my own thoughts, I so often have the urge to correct others’. A know-it-all, I point out flaws and errors in what others say and do. I cloak this arrogance and helpfulness in good cheer.

My corrections are kind and intended to bring others to the light – so I imagine. In truth, I am puffing myself up, feeling superior to my fellows. No matter how gentle my words, my corrections diminish my brothers and sisters.

Lord, root out this pridefulness and stop my tongue. Let me speak only humility and love today.

(Letter #1406)

Dear God, in this little knot of family and fellows surrounding me, let me see the outlines of your face. In the coincidence that works in favor of someone I love, let me see the shadow of your hand. In the words spoken to me that remind me of my purpose or correct my wrong thinking, let me hear the echo of your voice.

Lord, you are here with me everywhere. Let me allow myself to recognize this. Let me point it out to my fellows that they, too, may see your face — so close that your breath may be felt on the nape of our necks.

(Letter #1405)

Dear God, the terror I feel as I anticipate the day’s events is out of all proportion to reality.

I fear I will be assailed – in truth I rarely am ever even gently rebuked. I fear I will be frantically busy – in truth my duties are always manageable. I fear I will not know what to say or do – in truth, Lord, you have ever guided me.

God, let me see the reality of my day through this haze of worry. My fears are the workings of pride: by over dramatizing my fears I apear to myself more important than I am. These feared outcomes are the pretend catastrophes of a tragic figure.

Lord, let this drama slip away. Let my day be one of simple work, loving effort. Let the simplicity of the day drip like honey over these churning emotions, soothing my thinking and attitudes. Take away the pride makes me see my life as dramatic, let it be replaced by the simple desire to do your will.

(Letter #1404)

Dear God, I come to you, draw near to you, seek you. Some days with single purpose, some days grudgingly, some days distracted. There you always are, and if I but make the effort, you draw near to me in return.

Even in my least worshipful states, full of self and bile, yet you love me enough to be a balm. If only I seek.

Let me draw near to you today, dear Lord.

(Letter #1403)

Dear God, in the quiet and dark hours, before dawn, I sit. I ready myself to greet this day. My attitude has not yet formed. Am I eager, or filled with dread? Joyous or weary?

This uncertainty is potential. The path of the day will be set by my own internal attitude. Yet I cling to the illusion that my feelings arise out of conditions. In this way I hobble myself.

Lord, let me see the truth: I can stand erect whenever I please. Let me not crawl today.

(Letter #1402)

Dear God, I wait and I wait for conditions to improve, for joy to arrive, to become fulfilled, to succeed. I judge each dawn by these measures – Will today be the day? I wonder as I reflect.

Lord: let me live today knowing that all my dreams have already come true. I have but to recognize how.

I have already succeeded, I am already fulfilled, I already have joy. You have made me perfectly suited to these conditions, here and now.

I was made for this day, O Lord. Let me run towards it, laughing with abandon.

(Letter #1401)