There was a great battle last night; a storm raged. Yet this morning, the sun rose over the plain.

An earthquake swallowed a village, yet again in the morning: the sun.

Winds whip, and smashed trees, yet the hills remain.

Lord, you are steadfast, a rock underneath the world, the sun that rises each day without fail.

Let me look past the events of the hour and feel you underfoot, feel you shining upon me.

(Letter #2,005)

Above all, I fear the judgment of others – beyond lack, trial, deprivation. I twist into knots avoiding the criticism of neighbors and strangers alike.

Lord, the supply I need is no pile of treasure, nor even raw material to fashion, but inner guidance and strength. Grant me the willingness to follow your path, even through brambles, even when it veers away from the main road.

If I am to do right, let me fear no judgment.

(Letter #2,004)

You ask nothing of me, you beat back the storms, you comfort me when I am weak. Protector, parent, friend. You sit beside me on the morning after calamity.

O Lord, I remember you always too late. Let me feel you within me today, now. You were here even before I awakened.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,003)

Let me be simple today.

Let me be direct today.

Let me not decorate nor add a flourish to simple endings and beginnings. Let my actions have economy and my words clarity.

In this orderly discipline, Lord, let me find true liberty.

(Letter #2,002)