At all times.

When shall I call upon you?

When crushed under the weight of yesterdays?

When fearful of the cascade of tomorrows?

When pressed between box canyon walls?

When the dawn breaks with rose hues spreading over the meadow, and my heart quickens, and breath catches, at the beauty laid out before me?

❖

You are there, Lord, in my time of need, my time of woe, and my time of joy.

Verily, when shall I not call upon you?

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I remember to call upon you, when pressed?

Reading:

“God is closer to us than our own soul, for He is the ground in which our soul stands.” — Julian of Norwich

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“I look for you, Lord, not in the storm, nor in the earthquake, but in the still small voice.” — Teresa of Ávila

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“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” — Psalm 18:3

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Let me go slowly.

Some things, I do quickly and with ease. The pebble in th path is easily picked up and tossed into the hedge.

Some things ask for care. The chest in the workshop will not give joy except after pains are taken in its construction.

❖

Lord, let me not bring speed where it is unwelcome.

Even when pressed, let me not hurry.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I move more deliberately?

Reading:

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu

❖

“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.” — Saint Francis de Sales

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“In your patience possess ye your souls.” — Luke 21:19

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Of many.

One of many.

One of many neighbors.

One of many workers.

One of many spectators.

One of many villagers.

One of many walkers.

❖

One of many prayers, today’s, lifting up to you like incense.

One of many days. Let my approach to this day be all you would have it be, Lord.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I be one of many today?

Reading:

“None of us is truly alone in this world; everyone is connected by invisible threads to all the rest.” — Thomas Merton

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“When I am among the trees, I feel that I belong.” — Mary Oliver

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“For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” — 1 Corinthians 10:17

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As have we all.

I am here for a purpose, Lord.

Here on this earth. Here on this land. Here in this village. Here in this dwelling. Here in this room.

❖

Each has a reason. Are they the same? Is my purpose for life the same as my purpose for sitting on this cushion, here and now in the morning gloom?

Does each reason have its time and each time, its reason?

❖

Here and now, my purpose may be to quiet my chattering thoughts. Soon, my purpose may be to help a neighbor. Later, perhaps, to soak truth to the world.

My time in this room is over. Now I walk into the fields, across which I will find a road through the forest. Let me find my purpose and my purpose, find me.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I discern my true purpose, Lord?

Reading:

“Your purpose is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” — Frederick Buechner

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“Act without expectation.” — Lao Tzu

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“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

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