Dear God, these fears, these termites coursing through my day, let them crawl away from me. Shine bright sun upon me and cleanse me of rot. Let me stand erect on a wide plain, unconcerned over the attention I might attract.

Show me how to give up my will, O Lord. Let me move only by your command. Let me abandon my own designs.

I am so willful, and when seemingly obedient. Help me to be your servant, Lord.

(Letter #1,592)

Dear God, if I am your child, you love me even in my weakness and falling-short. I may have tried and failed; some things, even, I do not attempt to start. My defects are so glaring. Yet you beam at me like warm sunshine.

I busy myself, striving, working to show all my gratitude.

Let me instead, Lord, walk with ease and feel your love today.

(Letter #1,591)

Dear God, how shall I live a life of expectancy? How shall I view this day as a gift? How shall I express gratitude?

Let me not simply mouth the words of thanks, nor appreciate only the pleasant moments. Let me see even pain, Lord, is a sweet gift chosen just for me.

The rescued one owes the rescuer. Guide me, Lord, to repay the debt.

(Letter #1,590)

Dear God, I awaken. Dawn approaches. The world stirs. The scent of growth is in the air.

Day upon day, Lord, I have walked singly, eyes downcast, avoiding stones in my path. When I have raised my eyes, it has been in fear or worry. What next? I hope for ease, but this is no true hope: it is grasping.

Today, ease has stolen in upon me, a night visitor. Today, I walk with eyes on the horizon. I have no need of hope, Lord, you have already equipped me with ease.

This world I wear loosely. I look to the day’s edge not in desperation but with expectation. No rescue is necessary.

O! Let me meet fellows on this pathway, that I may share this gift of ease. We have all we need for the day.

(Letter #1,589)

Dear God, let me build others up today.

Let me encourage those around me and promote their interests in the broader world. Let me be a quiet one behind others’ success.

Let me do your will today.

(Letter #1,588)

Dear God, let this day be a surprise. Let me greet it with wonder.

You have rained down upon me such bounty, yet I do not see it except in glimpses.

Let me pray today without ceasing. Let me be constant.

Grant me knowledge of your will for me, Lord, and the power to carry it out.

(Letter #1,587)

Dear God, what calamity will you save me from today, of which I am ignorant? When I look back on this day, will I see how grateful I ought to be?

Lord, wipe the mist from my eyes and let me see this moment clearly. I construct fantasies that I strive for, treasures that I grasp for – and these blind me to the favor you already shower upon me.

As I take each step today, let me cry out with thanks.

Place gratitude in my heart, Lord.

(Letter #1,586)

Dear God, you have reordered my thoughts. What I value is not what my fellows do.

Living apart from others, a foreigner, is wearing. I dwell among shadow people. At these times the world barely touches me. Nor, indeed, do I register. I glide, a cipher. Others speak, I speak, and we might well be speaking different tongues.

Lord, let me feel your friendship. I am weary today and feel alone.

(Letter #1,585)

Dear God, I sit quietly in the dawn and seek your will. When you answer, do I pay heed?

Willful, I set off daily in my own directions. I congratulate myself for being a seeker of your will, yet I stop short of being a doer. Where, Lord, is the virtue in asking, and even hearing, without acting?

Lord, move my hands today. Let me do your will.

(Letter #1,584)

Dear God, the whirlwind blows, yet not a leaf is moving. It is in my heart, this tumult. Worry gnawing at me, confusion biting my heels. My head spins with fear.

Lord, pluck me up and hold me tight like a squirming child. I have frightened myself. Sing softly into my ear, slow my breath. Shine light into the dark corners and show me there is nothing there after all.

The storm I battle never was. It is within my mind. All around me is calm. Open my eyes, Lord, to all the ways I have always been in your care.

(Letter #1,583)