I am free, Lord, set me ablaze.

I have peace, Lord, let the flame grow.

I offer you my will, Lord, thus the fire burns.

Day by day, moment by moment, make me ready for your consuming warmth — that I may onpass it to my shivering fellows.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,832)

Stepping out into the meadow, the trees burst into applause, the doves swoop and coo, the deer herald the day. Such a greeting, such a blessing.

I have left my home on a journey and this is an auspicious beginning.

Midday when I am weary, will you orchestrate more music to move my spirit? Must I be sustained by this memory along the entire road?

You are the Lord of song, this is the day of harmony.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,831)

Let me relax my clenched fist and my tight chest. Breathing, softening.

The growing dawn outside my door makes ready for me. Does time flee, fly, march, drag? Let me greet the day with a quiet breath borne of letting go.

Slow steps and gentle smile, let me thus begin my walk.

(Letter #2,830)

A mountain to climb, a plain to cross, a river to ford, a trail to walk.

Let the mountain track lead me into a valley of peace. Let the current be slow in the river, let the winds in the plain subside.

You go ahead of me, Lord, and make my way one of ease. Why do I not see? Let me see.

(Letter #2,829)

Whether I be first, or last, let me still stand aside for another. What matter whether I receive your gifts early or late, Lord? They will come as they always have.

Renew my thoughts and let me be transformed from selfish to selfless. Let love flow from me.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,828)

I will walk and walk today, and may grow weary — yet you will renew my strength and energy. Inside my heart is a message from you that keeps me moving from place to place.

For whom is this message? All who want it? Those who seek it? Those who deny? The fearful ones, the ignorant ones, the stubborn ones?

Me?

All is well, say you in my heart. Worry not over tomorrow. Love your fellow. Today is joy. All is well.

(Letter #2,827)

Does strength for the day come from you, Lord, or from my faith in you? If I pray persistently, do I gain yet more?

You snuck upon me along the road, entered my soul and buoyed my thoughts. One day I was alone, bereft. Later I felt light and realized you had been with me. When had you come? I could not discern the day.

Even my trust in you, a gift of grace. Unmerited. Let me, then, all the more live in thanks.

For who can say wherefrom this strength and joy?

(Letter #2,826)

Hold my hand, Lord, and guide me through the day. I am lost without you, even as I cling to the illusion of mastery.

When you hold my hand, it is the right hand. My strong hand. I am thus weakened and must rely yet more fully on you. I work haltingly with my left. Or do I let go your grip, Lord, and wield my own tools?

As I feel satisfaction in my efficient work, tying, baling, fixing — I slip away.

Let me hold your offered hand, Lord. Stay with me.

(Letter #2,825)

You grace rains down upon me. My meager gift in return: my will turned over to you.

Let me want what you want for me; let me walk where you would have me walk; let me say what you would have me say. Let my worries over the outcomes wash away in your raining grace.

Thy will be done.

(Letter #2,824)

Can I enjoy the growing spring even in the face of calamity? These obstacles in today’s road, let me go around or over them with glad heart, thankful for the game.

Every need I have for power to help others, you supply. You are infinite providence.

Let me indeed have grateful heart, Lord, and be a channel for your grace.

(Letter #2,823)