Dear God, my faults and failures lie most vexingly in what I do not do, the actions I fail to take, the words I fail to speak.

This path you bid me to walk, it does not consist solely of restriction; it also carries with it obligations.

Lord, let me not content myself with avoiding wrong. Let me act and speak as you would have me do.

(Letter #1,571)

Dear God, once I begin to sweep the floor of my dwelling, I see ever more debris. These surfaces will never be fully clean.

Lord, my efforts to live as you would have me will always fall short; let my attempt nonetheless be my mark of devotion.

Let every effort be its own prayer.

(Letter #1,570)

Dear God, insert your will into my thoughts. Guide my feet, hands, and tongue today.

Let me go where you would have me go, do what you would have me do, say what you would have me say.

Let me strain to hear your soft voice leading me. I too often seek out clamor and distraction. Of what use am I then?

Let me be your instrument.

(Letter #1,569)

Dear God, at dawn, kneeling in the soft earth of a vegetable garden, tending new growth, can I feel you over my shoulder? These monotonous chores are not always approached with a glad heart.

Lord, let me bring devotion to the most ordinary parts of a day of obligation. Let me sweep, repair, and clean with complete attention.

You watch your child try his best to find and do your will, and even in his clumsy efforts you way smile warmly.

(Letter #1,568)