I grow in secret. The work is behind closed doors. As dawn fades, the world beckons.

Shall I roll over and turn my back to the door, or shall I walk upright into the day?

Guide my choosing, Lord.

(Letter #2,050)

My body, alternately powerful and weak, let my soul grow regardless. Let me press on even when laid low.

The world is not the world. Grant me clear sight, Lord.

(Letter #2,049)

Where I lack knowledge of what to say, deliver me words.

Where I lack the ability to carry on, deliver me strength.

Where I am vexed, deliver me patience.

Where I am boastful, deliver me humility.

Where I tremble in fear, deliver me courage in the form of faith.

These, Lord, are your gifts, bestowed without merit and without limit. Grant me willingness to accept them.

(Letter #2,048)

What is to be the cornerstone of my day? Fear of what may befall? Remorse over the undone and the done? Recrimination?

Lord, let me build the walls of this day upon rejoicing. Each moment sent my way, let me be glad for it. Let me be happy even for the pain and woe I am to encounter.

(Letter #2,047)

The sunshine warms my limbs. I hope for healing and improvement. It comes and goes as clouds pass. Do I have faith?

Lord, I call to you unsure of rescue. These doubts are termites that chew at my foundation. My legs are soft and spongy. I can scarcely walk for the trembling.

O increase my faith, make me sure of providence. My fears of lack and ignominy are no longer endearing.

Let me breathe you in with the sunshine, Lord.

(Letter #2,046)

I become frantic with worry that I have not done enough. Sloth terrifies me: what will happen when my laziness is found out?

My life needs no repair. My toil can wait. Breathe into my heart, Lord, let me accept the road I am on.

(Letter #2,045)

You have been showing me the way. You have been speaking to me. Do I look to you? Have I been listening?

I blind myself, I shut out your whispers.

Lord, cause me to unclench my fists, loosen my jaw, open my eyes. Let me relax into your warm embrace today.

I need wait for no rescue; you are already here and have been so all along.

(Letter #2,044)

Build with me. Use me to create what is durable.

My moods are a bird, hopping from object to object, always leaving. I mistake my reaction to the world for the world itself.

Lord, let me have access to what is solid. I ache, like mist. Make me ready to become foundation.

(Letter #2,043)

If my home be tidy, if my habits be orderly, if my prayers be constant, am I now to rest on my haunches? These idle moments, Lord, are they stolen?

I curl up in the back corner of my den, to let the day run its course. No obligations find me here.

You see me and beckon. Let me meet the day, Lord, willing and upright.

(Letter #2,042)

In these quiet rooms, you grant power beyond reckoning. The prayers said in secret, pleas that the world be healed, will work themselves out visibly.

We do not even know what to pray for, Lord. Guide me even in my smallest thoughts.

(Letter #2,041)