Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Dear God,

Twenty minutes on the treadmill in the company of meditative music ushers me into reflection of a truly devout life. I continued my reading of an article on Rev. Billy Graham, one of my spiritual mentors. I could only decipher the words until I'm running on the treadmill, then I put it down.

I am intrigued, inspired, moved by the lives of Billy and Ruth Graham. Particularly today I was quieted in my spirit by the words of Ruth Graham as she retired to bed nightly. "In you I take refuge..." All day she takes refuge in you, Lord. Ailing, unable to do all she had done in the past, she takes refuge in you. These words she spoke night after night before her death.

I wondered in my soul. What living words are inside me? What words live in me that nightly are spoken? I do not have a regular regimented night. Every day is so different, my working hours changing from one day to the next and usually I just fall into bed really worn out, often breathing half a prayer or none at all. "Lord, I take refuge in you..." Ruth focuses her last thoughts of the day on you, placing her refuge in you.

Like Ruth I want your words to hide in me. I want them to flow out of me at nighttime. I want my day's last words to reflect my love for you. "I take refuge..." Words that come out of a deep well. Words that utter praise and thanksgiving.

My feet running faster and faster on the treadmill, I found myself in an inner sanctum, a quiet place where gentle breezes blow, a breeze of Spirit. Living words abide here, moving me to you. I do not always visit here at night, although I want to. I want to connect with you intentionally but not as some last thought at night like a p.s. I want a continuous flow of love, one that constantly, faithfully moves toward you.

In company with saints and angels, I want my whole being to lift you up, Living Lord. Whisper to me of utter devotion, God, whisper to me.

Voices of the faithful
cry out to me,
their trust in you.
The Rock of the Ages
announces strength and hope.
Peace and tranquility.
Reclaim my nighttime
so that I may be aware
of your presence.
Take my lips,
purse them with joy.
Restore in me
the balance
of life in the spirit.
I long only for you.

Love, Andrea