Dear God, I blind myself with my own self-regard.

On awakening, I think about my desires for the day. As I walk your pathways, I distract myself, digressing into needless pursuits – while my duties go undone.

Where are my thoughts of you? Where has my devotion gone?

Lord, rule my thoughts. It is my thinking that takes me away from you, and leaves me here, alone and lonely.

Rebuild my foundations, Lord! I have too long been walking on sand.

(Letter #1,594)

Dear God, need I wait for your aid? Surely not if I am your child. You created me with all the capabilities I may need. And yet I wait, in the face of worry, hoping for rescue.

Lord, let me stand erect under your sunshine. Let me be, fully, whom you have built and called me to be.

Others look to me today for guidance. I fear the role. Let me approach them with compassion. Let me seek to be useful today.

Grant me awareness, Lord, of the capabilities I already possess.

(Letter #1,593)

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)