From fear — deliver me.

From worry — deliver me.

From dependency — deliver me.

These moods that come upon me and sit like thick mist — shine upon me, your sun, burn away my woeful ways and leave a meadow of plenty, grasses waving and birds singing.

If my thoughts are twisted, I cannot think my way into straightness. If my body is wracked, I cannot will myself into health. Heal my mind, my body, my heart, dear Lord.

Deliver me.

(Letter #2,762)

From fear — deliver me.

From worry — deliver me.

From dependency — deliver me.

These moods that come upon me and sit like thick mist — shine upon me, your sun, burn away my woeful ways and leave a meadow of plenty, grasses waving and birds singing.

If my thoughts are twisted, I cannot think my way into straightness. If my body is wracked, I cannot will myself into health. Heal my mind, my body, my heart, dear Lord.

Deliver me.

(Letter #2,762)

You went before me and prepared the tasks. Tools laid out, material at the ready, instructions clear.

Miracle of grace, you yet love me when I fail in even the simplest work!

Soften my breath, Lord, in face of both trial and ease. Shine upon me, sweet sun, dear friend, great consoler.

Every worry and woe was already known. Even chaos planned. Let me seek in each its purpose.

(Letter #2,761)

Quickened heart, quickened breath, wind flows up the cliff side.

A happy valley spread out below. Where is the road from there to here? How came I to this mountain top?

Let not my lone walk vex me, for others will join anon. Joy will pass from me to them and from them to me.

For now, here alone with you, Lord, let us walk the cliff and take in the view.

(Letter #2,760)

Wracked by woe, then elated, joyful. How could I predict the day when my mood is so changeable?

Even in despair, Lord, you stand with me if only I will look. Dawn comes, sun warms, shivering limbs calm. Enemies poise, and you are as a shield wall.

Let me see what miracles I already have, Lord.

(Letter #2,759)

After days’ journey, I come upon treasure, miraculous discovery, sudden grace: a way of life from which I cannot be greatly moved.

A firm rock in the path has revealed itself to be the foundation of a cairn that points the way to the way.

Crestfallen and deflated yesterday; then elated and crushed again; now at ease, upright, walking with peace — a manner of living which works under all conditions.

O let gratitude flow out of my hands and mouth, gratitude for the hard journey, gratitude for the revealed riches.

Let us not be greatly moved, my sisters and brothers.

(Letter #2,758)

Whether warm sun or shivering winter, let me breathe with ease. Whether at rest or in toil, let my limbs course with energy. Rain or dry, let my feet take me your ways.

Lord, the world is not the world. You, unseen dynamo, hum under all. Energy for universal use.

Grant me joyful equanimity — let me walk with light heart in all circumstances, that others may, too, come to know you.

(Letter #2,757)

What do I have to give? A chipped vessel am I, empty and fragile. What could this plain jar offer?

Lo, watch as pours forth cool water for all who thirst!

Grant me strength to strengthen others, Lord. Grant me peace to soothe them, joy to encourage them.

Let your grace ripple out, neighbor upon neighbor upon nation.

(Letter #2,756)

If you have rescued me, you may yet rescue others. If you have shown me how to live, others may yet awaken to the same ways. If you are my friend and constant companion, you may be so to others.

Let me share your grace, let others thrive and heal. Let me reflect love into all corners.

(Letter #2,755)

The twisting river, with craggy rapids, rushes on and rushes on. Foam and spray.

In generations, the stones will smooth, the turns will straighten, the flow will ease. Strong and silent current through a mighty channel.

The smooth path I walk today, how many years of daily steps did it take to become itself?

My frantic ways, how long until they become placid strength?

Lord, you are the maker of tracks, the builder of foundations, stone by stone. Let me, this day, set one stone and then another.

(Letter #2,754)