The tool must be sharp before it can be used to good effect. The walls must be reinforced ere the winds come.

Let this be a day of honing, Lord. Let me be willing to become a sharpened instrument.

(Letter #3986)

From the smallest to the largest things, Lord, do you aid me. A cluttered room — I have wherewithal to tidy. Depleted resources — increase comes. Illness — healing.

If everything is possible, grant me a directed mind. Let me turn my attention to your will.

Let me let go my thoughts, that I may hear your small voice more clearly.

(Letter #3,985)

I have mapped out my way — the path to a summit I crave. The day dawns and I am ready to set out.

You direct my steps, Lord. Where will I end up? There may be a digression without my even knowing.

I thought I would spend the night at camp; yet you have brought me back home.

(Letter #3,984)

Winter. Yet within, my heart quickens. Is this the day of revelation? For whom or what do I wait?

Could I have known this power all along?

Now, with strong heart, show me your will.

(Letter #3,983)

Yesterday’s burden, discarded by the roadside. It beckons.

Grant me a forward path today, Lord.

Grant that I may walk away from yesterday and into the sun.

Let not the beckoning call me.

(Letter #3,982)

Walking, fresh dawn, into the sun.

Shadow behind me, bright day ahead.

I have overcome enough to now be outside my door. I have begun.

Will each morn be thus?

Let me drink in the sunshine, the day, the path on which I walk. Let me drink in the grace that guides each step.

(Letter #3,981)

Waiting for the strength to come.

To bear the worry. To withstand the trial. To wait for guidance.

Lord, do I not already have these things? Have you not been holding me in your arms all along?

Let the strength flow, Lord, as you prepare us for great days.

(Letter #3,980)

Am I on this earth to help others?

Why, then, do I receive so much?

Grant me grace to appreciate each moment, Lord.

(Letter #3,979)

Healing, days and nights retreated alone in my cave.

The dawn comes even to the lame.

O Lord, let me turn my face to the warming sun!

(Letter #3,978)

Grant me equanimity, Lord:

In the face of discomfort — in the face of disapproval — in the face of worry.

In the face of praise — in the face of pleasure — in the face of anticipation.

Grant me peace, Lord, no matter the circumstance.

(Letter #3,977)