Dear God, order my thoughts. My thinking is so unruly and changeable. My mind darts from joy to worry planning and back. All without reason and without rest. Lord, you bring me ease yet I do not accept the gift. Instead I cast my mind around in circles without cease.

Lord, fix my mind. Let me think solely upon how best I might help your children, my sisters and brothers. Let me rest in considering this labor. Let me take up the ease you offer to me on outstretched hand.

(Letter #1447)

Dear God, let me carry with me only what is required to do your work. Let me hold back no reserve nor seek no surplus. Let me abandon today’s comfort and tomorrow’s safety.

My fellows, they toil. They are beset with woe. Let me stand next to them and turn my hands to their same labor. Let me give them the ease you have granted me.

Lord, you make my back strong; let me use it to carry a piece of the world.

(Letter #1446)

Dear God, grant me simplicity today.

Let me carry love to my fellows, in wider and wider circles and ever greater measure.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #1445)

Dear God, sunbeams and drops of warm rain build me up, even in these winter days. You shine on me, though I be a misshapen lump of clay. I need but look left and right to discover the bounty you have heaped around me.

What have I done to merit such love? These riches overwhelm. Imperfect and small, I know if I were to get my just desserts the result would be misery. Yet instead you shine, shine upon me.

What a discovery, dear Lord: you love me without condition. I already have all I need here at my feet.

If I can be so saved then others may, too. Let me spread this news.

(Letter #1444)