Dear God, if you speak to me from the mouths of others, then I must not retreat from my fellows. I must go out and meet them.

Where I have harmed, where there is wrong, I must make repairs.

Lord, let me draw near to you through all these people you present to me. Let me see each as speaking your words – and let my acts toward them be ones of devotion.

While I slept, you filled my pack with all the supplies I will need this day. You placed others to greet me along the road. You arranged challenges to strengthen me, areas of rest to soothe me.

Now, I have but to start my walk. Let me sing.

(Letter #1482)

Dear God, as my habits become more orderly, so, too, let my thoughts become orderly. My mind darts from fear to fear to fear, from plan to plan. It is a hungry and distractible beast.

Lord, tame me. Let me dwell on one thought at a time. One moment, one thought. If I have a fear, let me consider it fully in your shining light. When it is time for a new thought, let me drop the old.

Slow my movements, dear God, and let my thinking slow too. Grant me the willingness to take the time necessary to discern and consider your will.

(Letter #1481)

Dear God, am I to be the mule or the horse? Stubborn, sullen, reluctantly led and useful only for bearing burdens? Or an eager helpmeet, playful and willing?

Lord, you have designed this day, laid out the paths, established even the weather. The tasks are set. I can reluctantly set about an endless stream of chores, or I can trot along the meadow, happily encountering each new fence post and furrow.

You have already moved aside the dangers; the obstacles I meet are mere puzzles.

Lord, let my attitude be one of happy usefulness and eager curiosity.

(Letter #1480)

Dear God, what shall I value? What do I count as accomplishment, and what as failure?

Lord, correct my inner life. Envy, pride, fear grow like weeds. They choke my thinking.

Let me not pursue what the world holds up as valuable. Success and power are ashes in the mouth.

Let me dedicate my moments to seeking your will today.

(Letter #1479)