Dear God, grant me presence.

My thoughts drift into vague places, unformed worries over the future, distant regrets over past failures. I distract myself to get through the day and, thus, the present moment slips through my fingers. I am left with the vague ghosts of past and future.

Lord, let me live today. Let my every moment draw out, let me be intent on the here and now. Grant me this moment, over and over. Let me pursue this gift, for I know you will meet me when I seek you.

(Letter #1396)

Dear God, let me be aware today of all I have to be grateful for. Let me see how I can have gratitude even for those things that vex me.

This discomfort I feel, O Lord, this sense of being ill at ease: let me see how it, too, works your will. My sorrows make me more compassionate; my trials make me more resilient; my fears pass and show me how to live without the need of courage. Yea, even my dull chores teach me orderliness.

Let me be grateful today.

(Letter #1395)

Dear God, I call to you, like a lone child, yet you are already here beside me. Why do I not see you?

I am so blinded by self. I am all I see.

Lord, open my eyes to the glowing love and light in which I already sit. Let me share this news.

(Letter #1394)

Dear God, I am enslaved by selfish thoughts and motivations. My desire for praise, my fear of want, my terror at being judged, my envy of others’ well-being — all shackles affixed to my misperceived self.

Lord, set my thoughts free. Let me not care for my status, safety, or comfort. My task on this earth is to spread news of your love. Does the hammer fear or resent the nail? Let me become useful, Lord.

(Letter #1393)