Dear God, of what do I spend my time thinking? Toward what end do I bend my actions? What holds my affection above all? Lord, I am ashamed of my answer to these questions. My focus on and love of self crowd out all else.

God, today, let my self-regard shrivel and leave a corner of room for my fellows. Grant that my attentions might turn toward doing your will on this earth.

Let me build up others with the cast-off bricks of my own pedestal.

(Letter #1412)

Dear God, you have lit up my heart, O Lord. A candle inside me. How can I become a beacon for others?

Let me draw others near to me without the agonizing pride that so often dogs me.

This candle, set upon a mountain top, will be blown out. Set upon a pedestal, will be kicked over and destroy our home.

Lord, let me glow, not burn.

(Letter #1411)

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)