Monday, October 31, 2011

Dearest God,

What is the difference between joy and happiness? How is it when I am experiencing something deep in my life, I consider it joy rather than happiness?

When parents say they want their children to be happy, what do they mean? A temporary burst of laughter, smiling all the time, or having fun?

As I consider the benefits of both joy and happiness, I think joy is eternity's gift. Happiness is shallow, quick, and short lived. When I think of you, I am filled with joy.

Glorious God,
Rock of the Ages,
thank you
for everlasting gifts,
blessings that
don't just last
for a moment,
but endure forever.

Love, Andrea

Sunday,October 30, 2011

Dearest God,

Is there a thin divine cord that connects us to you and those we love? Once when a daughter was estranged, I held on to the thought that an eternal thread kept me connected to my child. I grasped on to hope until the waters calmed and we were indeed drawn back together again. Is there a thread or was it my deep desperation to believe there was something more at work?

When I hear of brokenness in families or horrors of loved ones kidnapped or lost, I return to my question of a link that can never be severed. Am I crazy or is it true?

Teach us
the way
of love
that never
lets go,
dear God;
show us
your way,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Dearest God,

I believe the ability to endure, to overcome, and to triumph in the midst of great challenge is your gift to humanity. With your power, unknown resources emerge and we grab hold to march with hope to your tune leading the way to health, wholeness, and a new way of life.

Last night we watched the film on Ernest Shackleton's expedition to Antarctica. Shackleton, a 20th century explorer, took 27 skilled men to explore the vast white at the bottom of the earth. The untold number of dangers that faced him called for a power beyond himself. He kept his men alive for 17 months at a place where no rescue was possible. Having made his way back to South Georgia Island through perilous seas in a tiny boat all his men were saved.

As I gazed upon the giant IMAX screen I felt as if I were on the ice, beyond rescue, hopelessly caught, and yet I realized that when the impossible presents itself, your possibility opens up.

We need a leader like that in our church, I thought. We need someone like Shackleton leading our nation and our world. With that kind of tenacity, love, determination, vision, and courage, we could indeed move mountains of inertia, doubt, fear, greed, and selfishness. We could build unity where every person would be valued and loved, where each person would do their part to make a community thrive, and where all would sense they were equal. We could create the world you intended.

Almighty God,
Giver of Power and Grace,
teach us
to trust you,
to explore
our inner resources,
to burst
with compassion,
to love
our neighbor,
and to work
toward solutions
to the problems
we face
in our world.
Lead us
to follow you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 28, 2011

Dearest God,

What is it about the human heart that will only allow certain people in? How does it open its door to some, welcoming them in and shutting the door to others, shunning them?

For years I have watched a woman do this. More and more family members have been shut out, expelled for the slightest infraction. For some reason her circle of friends including her family has grown very, very small. Only a few children have permission, yes, permission to remain in the circle. Those who don't follow the rules are tossed out. She pretty much has cut out the world and tightened the rein on her younger children.

How can healing come, O Lord? How can brokenness be repaired, mended enough to allow love to touch her once again? How can trust be renewed and her life restored? How can the children be taught a way that will allow love to flow naturally? How, dearest Christ, Healer of the Soul?

Do your
healing work,
Master Physician,
touch the heart
that is broken.
Weave your
loving grace
into her
leaking vessel,
I pray;
make it
whole again.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Dear God,

There is only one power, one divine power that can unlock the doors to the hidden places in the human soul, uncovering the truth, and revealing hope and light for the future.

This morning in our covenant group we delved into the deep with you as one shared and we followed your spirit leading. As we traveled the halls of the human heart tiptoeing into the carefully guarded areas so well kept for 50 years, we made a breakthrough revealing a key to a possible dramatic shift. Moving at your pace we listened with our spirits knowing the only way to a bright and promising future of faith is to follow you. As the light shone upon the wounds of the past reclaiming its warm and loving power to heal, restore, and renew, we knew we had been with you.

Enable us
to journey
every moment
of every day
with you,
Living God.
Show us
the way
to your
brilliant plan
for our lives
and for
the future.
Remind us
that there
is no
greater power
to overcome
the flawed messages
of the past
like yours.
Teach us
to trust you
to unclutter all
the obstacles
that keep us
from living
in your peace.

Gratefully yours, Andrea

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Dearest God,

I found I was like a dry, thirsty sponge ready to soak up the life-giving nutrients of your living spirit word. It had been six months since I had been to the Monastery Liturgy and the moment I drove into the circle and walked up to ring the bell, I felt my soul longing to be close to you.

It was when we began to sing the psalm that I realized how much I had missed the monastic chapel worship. I closed my eyes and felt my whole body breathe in the gift of your living presence. "O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you." We spoke the words of Psalm 63 and how glad my spirit was to drink from your well of fresh water.

Although my life is happy and content, I must confess that my monastic heart is never fully satisfied with daily living and precious family relationships. My soul is restless without an active spiritual life in community where those gathered are wholly yours. As I step inside the chapel and look around the room filled with women whose only marriage is one with you, I know I am in the right place to worship, to love, to drink in, to learn, and to draw in the rhythm of spirit life.

How can I be a retreat leader without this kind of refreshment? How can I live the Christian life without daily making a pilgrimage to the deepest well? How can I serve the living Christ, your son, without a deep, abiding, and living faith? I cannot.

As I bowed to the altar where we honor the gift of a savior and turned to leave, I realized I was full again.

Most Gracious God,
there is
no well
like yours.
There is
no spirit fire
like yours.
There is
no agape love
like yours.
You alone
are God,
full of grace
and love.
My soul
is full,
full of you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Dear God,

You have given me the desire to be in company with you every day. In the early morning you draw me to you to share in the mysteries of your great love.

When I think back over the six years we have shared in this special time together, I realize all the places you have called to me. Your whisper has come as I sat in monasteries, remote mountain tops, bars, basements, hotel lobbies, libraries, buses, airplanes, at the ocean, in parks, restaurants, and in my car, at home, in the hospital, retreat centers, and shopping mall parking lots, at churches, the grocery store, and riding down the highway. Your gentle word has found me high in the air, low at the beach, inside, outside, and in every state and nation where I traveled.

Is there anywhere your whisper does not exist?

Good and Loving God,
everywhere I am
you are there.
Everywhere I go,
you await me.
You are
in my past,
in the present,
and in
my future
calling to me.
How blessed
I am.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 24, 2011

Dearest God,

The cool crisp air of Autumn in an Indiana State Park where I sleep in a sleeping bag, sit before a warm fire, and eat outdoors among falling red, yellow, and gold leaves is a constant reminder of your work in creating four seasons to delight the human soul. As I write in the dark before the sun decides to move its way up, I smile giving thanks for the beauty you provide.

How wondrous
is your
magnificent work,
Ever-Creating God.
As I
listen to
the crunch
of dry
brown leaves
as I
walk to
the cold
block restrooms
and showers,
I think
of you
allowing my heart
to sing
your praise
once again.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Dear God,

How is it that you can take an adverse situation and turn it into a life lesson? What is the key to transformation?

This morning I read a tiny book entitled, Two Old Women, an Alaskan tale of two elderly women left behind when their starving people had to move on in order to find food. The chief had a difficult time making the decision; however, those who took care of the needs of the older members of the tribe needed their time and energy to hunt.

At first the 80 something and 70 something women sat stunned. Then one woman stood to live. Although they were complaining elders who had given up their independence long before, walked with a cane, and did little to contribute to the group, they had to find ways to survive the harsh snowy winter outdoors. Not only did they survive; they became thriving strong women who a year later had gathered, hunted, and fished enough to store up food for many. When their own people went looking for them in the vast woods and found them comfortable having made everything they needed, the two women provided enough food to save the people from starvation.

This story, written by a native Alaskan woman who had heard the story many times, may have been a mythical story. However, it does illustrate how we can discover many resources within ourselves when we face very difficult situations. We do not have to remain paralyzed and stuck in our condition forever. We can stand to live and start the process of healing and renewal.

As I consider the lives of women I know who have taken their tragic circumstances and moved forward toward change and wholeness, I know there are more forces at work than one’s own determination and will to change their own lives.

You are
the source
and power
to change
and transformation,
dear God.
You provide
hope and courage,
placed within us
when we
were but
a tiny seed
in our
mother’s womb.
When foul
winds blow
and stormy
weather threatens,
that seed
takes root
and like
a sponge,
soaks in
the divine nutrients
that are
the essence
of your
miracle work.
It’s possible
and available
to everyone
by your grace.

Grateful, Andrea

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Dear God,

You brought such sweet news to me this evening. I had invited family members to our home for a costume party, a shared meal, and games. As the noise level heightened with 26 loud family members, food was eaten, Halloween bingo was played with candy corn, prizes were awarded for best costumes, and lights were turned down low as my hubby told a slightly scary story from his youth, you whispered good news to me.

It was November, 2005 when my husband and I went to visit my niece in England as part of my Lilly Clergy Renewal leave. Together for three hours we talked over dinner and there we decided to begin the work of bringing our scattered and shattered family back together again. When they returned to the states after ten years and settled in the midwest, I invited everyone for Thanksgiving dinner knowing that maybe only Angie and her family would come. As it turned out about 25 showed up with food in hand and thereby joined the process of healing in our family. Fences started mending; relationships were brought back together again leaving the betrayals, disappointments and hurts in the past. Trust wove its way back into our hearts and love, stunted for so long, took root. Tonight it was impossible to see the faded lines of the wounds of the past.

Later in the evening as family members left to put their children to bed, we hugged one another and Harold and I stood outside waving goodby as each car pulled away. It was then you uncovered heaven's glorious story in our family's life, one of reconciliation and restoration.

Who can deny
the great work
of your spirit,
Eternal God?
Joy and peace
fill my soul
with gratitude
and thanksgiving
as I acknowledge
your goodness
in our lives.
Let my life
be a testimony
to your grace,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 21, 2011

Dear God,

We were back on the floor in our sleeping bags. Three of my grandchildren joined me for a sleepover. As each one fell asleep I looked into their beautiful faces and marveled at the gift they are.

I missed my grandchildren while we were gone. Their delightful ways, witty natures, and generous love reminded me how blessed I am to have each one.

These, your
little ones,
are among
your most
precious gifts,
dear God.
I see
your smile
in them.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Dear God,

As the wind twirled and swirled in the dark outside my window early this morning, I was aware that I was awakening to love, your love, O God. Even as I lay warm beside my sleeping husband, I realized that that same love would put me to bed tonight and would carry me all day long.

There have been many times in my life when I forgot that your love was 24/7. When I felt lonely and tired, isolated and withdrawn, I lost sight of that fact. I truly experienced aloneness. I felt forgotten; yet, you never let go of me. I was never really alone.

As I began to pray giving thanks, I smiled remembering that today was another gift, a blessing from you.

O Lord,
kindly and compassionate,
keep my
eyes open
to your
living presence.
Help me remember
your promise
to be constant
in your love
for us all.
Remind all
your children
that you
love us
so much,
serving as
an example
of how
we are
to love
one another.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Dearest God,

As I was walking into the grocery under the gray clouds of rain, a stranger spoke up, "What a gray and dreary day. Don't you think?" I responded, "Every day is a good day. I love even a gray day." He replied, "That's good."

A couple of times we ran into one another in the aisles. I finally told him I thought we were destined to wish each other a good day. He smiled and said, "I think you're right."

You have taught me to consider every person as an encounter with you. You have showed me that every man, woman, teen, or child is a gift from you. Although we may know nothing about each other, the chance presents itself to us to offer a good word. When the lines of the man's mouth moved up from a frown to a smile, I knew I was seeing you.

Thank you
for a
brief moment
with you.
Thank you
for joy
on a
gray day.
Thank you
for conscious awareness.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Dear God,

How long does a miracle last? The moment it occurs, a day, a week, a month, how long?

Today as the rain gently fell and we were confined inside our home, I was mindful of the miracle you gave my husband and me two years ago this month. When your mighty spirit blew into our home granting me a vision of hope, restoration, reconciliation, renewal, faith, peace, and joy, our miracle began and continues today. I remember so well how your grace lighted upon me mending my broken heart, removing bulky obstacles, filling my soul with light and warmth, revealing the truth that sets people free, and providing a picture of a new and promising future. I will never ever forget it.

As we continue to carry the massive gift of love you gave to us, we are seeing signs of how the miracle is extending beyond us to family members and friends. One miracle, it seems, is touching other lives creating a miracle in them. How far will it go? How many will it transform?

Teach me
the ways
of faith
where trust
is always
at the center.
Show me
the path
to your light
that has
the power
to eradicate
our many darknesses.
Give me
a song
to sing
your praise
now and always,
I pray.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, October 17, 2011

Dear God,

So many times, O Lord, I learn lessons from simple daily living. Today it was my Indiana garden that spoke to me.

We came home to a massive weed bed. The noxious greens had a heyday this summer. Trees took root and butterfly bushes popped up everywhere. Some plants grew up and out of their beds. Others took off in wild directions without benefit of pruning. A once well-defined pathway through the contemplative garden was so completely covered that I had to lift plants to find it. In such disarray I had to spend seven and a half hours working and I barely could tell where I had labored.

The lesson I learned is that if I allow my spiritual life garden to grow without tending to it, my life of faith could lose its hope, form, beauty, organization, and well being. I too could be in such sad shape that my own road to you could be lost.

Today as I cleaned, raked, plucked, shoveled, pulled, cut, and straightened, I was able to make sense and restore small areas in my flower bed and I was happy. I pray that I will never allow my spiritual garden to suffer from such neglect.

Open my eyes,
dear God,
to the needs
of faith
all around me.
Remind me
to tend
to those things
you and I
have created.
Sensitize me
to care
for the gifts
you have
given me.
Help me
be a
responsible steward
of your creation,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Dear God,

When I was younger I could never have imagined interfacing with monastic communities of faith. I knew so little about who they were and what they were about. I did not understand their commitment to you.

Yet, no community of faith, no theological persuasion, no practicing Christians, no church denomination has spoken to my soul like the monastic communities in which I have shared. The Carmelites, Benedictines, Franciscans, and the Sisters of St. Joseph have dramatically instilled a deep faith in me. They called for more than a "faith on Sunday" relationship with you. They helped me uncover untraveled pathways to the cross and to more love than I ever knew existed.

These committed communities have taught me the deepest values of grace, compassion, love, and faith. Their very presence has challenged me to consider my "working" practice of faith. I have been nudged to reflect upon questions like: Am I really loving in the Christ-like way? Do I live and breathe faith? Do I consider what it means to carry the light of Christ to the darkness? Does my own heart beat in rhythm with my Creator? Am I a living example of your presence? These unending inquiries have helped give shape to who I am in the light of who you are.

In our community alone, at least six of seven have closed their doors and I fear the last one is struggling. One in northern Indiana is not calendaring events beyond 2013. How can it be, Lord; how can it be? Where can the spiritually foolhardy souls go to replenish their thirst or find food that truly satisfies? Where can seekers go for a time away to search for you or to consider the life of faith in the midst of a world whose own values seem to be slipping into a free-for-all meism?

I have to tell you, Lord, that I felt the cut of the knife when I heard the news of the monastery in Indiana. What can we do? How can we persuade a world to pause, to reflect, to consider, to imagine a world without the tools of faith to lead the world to a peaceful coexistence? Yes, extremeism can upset fragile possibilities of peace but what I am talking about is a gentle walk of faith that recognizes the gifts of life that lead to peace, love, mercy, and compassion. What do we do?

Help us,
O Lord,
to seek
the divine
in the midst
of humanity.
Teach us
the ways
of joyful commitment
to love,
hope, peace,
and faith.
Lead us
to wells
of living water,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Dear God,

Pots of sacred memories prompt us to move forward remembering that by grace and divine power we can do anything we are asked. By dipping in and ladling out we find courage, hope, and the ability to risk for the anticipation of faith growth and celebration.

How many times have you pointed me backward reminding me of your movement in my life? How often have you whispered "Trust me, remember when...?" As I take steps into my future, you nudge me to continue working my life of faith. How can I forget?

Move me always
in your direction,
Mighty God,
lead me
to you
that I might
help lead others.

Always, Andrea

Friday, October 14, 2011

Dear God,

The ground is still holy at St. Joseph Retreat Center. Even as we turn into the driveway, we get the sense that you are waiting for us.

For years we have gathered here to meet you. At times we have come with heavy hearts. At other times we came to celebrate your goodness toward us. Some times we have arrived with questions, doubts, and fears. But always we came to be blessed so we could be a blessing to others.

The Little Noddfa house holds secrets to human living, of that we are sure. After two decades of building a holy trust, we share from the depths. As we dine on a feast of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, we reflect upon the ways our stories have been written on the walls of this sacred home and how the sacred stories of others have touched, inspired, and influenced our own lives.

As we breathe our amens, our hearts settle with great joy the blessings of a life with you...and with one another.

Gracious and Loving God,
holy is
your name
and grateful
are we
who know you.
Only you,
O God,
know us
through and through.
There are
no secrets
hidden from you.
Thank you
for your grace
that lightens
our load,
lights our way,
and lifts
us up
to holy places.
We offer
to you
our full hearts.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Dearest God,

How much of our life is hidden deep within the soul, yet to be revealed to the world? How much do we trust our secrets to be uncovered by others?

We answered these questions today, O God, as we began our 24th season of faith together. When I lit the Christ candle acknowledging your presence with us, we offered you to one another. As we ate of the bread and juice, we traversed time and space to sit at table with you. There we celebrated your life as we lifted up character qualities that have touched and inspired us throughout our lifetime. As we pointed to your many gifts, we spoke of cherished moments when those gifts had specifically transformed us by your grace. We remembered how life’s secrets were uncovered and heavenly mysteries unfolded. And then we began to share a celebration of each of our lives as we have allowed you to walk with us in the intersections of our life’s journey.

We had agreed to make Celebration of Life – Preparing our Memorial Services the topic of our retreat. We had talked many times before that we wanted to prepare our final witness together as each of the others would lead our service. It was for that reason that I wanted us to start with communion memorializing your death and following with a celebration of your life. As we began to share, it was evident that faith had led us.

Good and Glorious God,
Gracious Miracle Worker,
Almighty and Powerful Spirit,
everything good
in our lives
has come
from your hands.
To you
we owe
all we have.
Thank you
for the
countless blessings
you have given
our covenant group
and especially
faith that
blesses us
again and again.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Dearest God,

How do you take evil and turn it to good? How do you reshape hatred into love? How do you refashion your stubborn people?

Not only did I witness your transforming love today; I was drawn into its inner circle. We stepped into one another's arms after many years. "I love you..." I whispered. "I love you too", she said.

Our granddaughter had called to ask if my husband and I would meet her and her fiancee for lunch on their way to Iowa. We automatically said yes and were thrilled by the call. When they drove into the parking lot, we couldn't wait to get our arms around each other. I had the distinct sense that you were present, smiling.

Years of defining relationships a particular way that lifted up the negative rather than the whole of who we were, our grandchild stayed apart. Yet, as truth is being discovered bit by bit she has embraced us and expressed her great joy for the reunion.

As my hubby and I reflected upon the two and a half hour visit, we used the word "miracle" to describe our experience. As the four of us had shared together, we came to know and understand one another better. We talked about a common pain, the source of our misunderstanding, and we discussed how we might find a path to healing. With faith as our source and you as our guide, together we spoke the language of love.

Great Healer of the Soul,
who can mend
the wounds
of the heart?
No one but you!
You are
the salve,
the anointing power
that can
renew, reconcile,
and restore.
Today you
lavished us
with both.
We are overflowing
with joy.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Dear God,

Before we left home we put our arms around each other and prayed a prayer of thanksgiving. We thought about the gifts of summer: the blessings of friendship, our home, neighbors, church, special meals, our garden and jars of winter eating, the weather, beach, and beauty all around, family, my open window beside our bed, music, faith inspiration, and our love for each other. As we reflected upon your many blessings, we were and are profoundly grateful.

Good and Gracious God,
receive our song
of praise.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 10, 2011

Dearest God,

How can your creation have such a hold on us? How does it have the power to move and transform us?

As we drove out of the driveway leaving one home for another, I was conscious of your divine beauty all around us. Mile after mile acres and acres of red, yellow, orange, brown, gold, and green leaves cried out: "Praise to the Creator, Mighty and Compassionate, full of love for His people." Did everyone see it? Did they notice what you were showing us, moving and inspiring us with faith and pleasure?

As each day unfolds giving more and more witness to your presence in the world, the more I grow to love you.

Wonderful God,
Creator of Joy,
thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Dear God,

I know that spirit, I said to myself. I know the one who spoke to Charles Wesley giving him lyrics of faith that would one day bless the world. Yes, I know that God.

As we sang your song of faith, my heart grew more and more joyous. Who could bring such joy to your people? No one, O Lord; no one can bring it like you. Your soul music touches the heart like no one can.

As we worshipped you in your home of love, we soaked up the joy of eternity, letting it penetrate our own spirits, giving it voice within us, and allowing us to reach out to you and to one another.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for your
Holy Spirit power
that revitalizes
and renews
the human spirit.
Fill us
with living water
from your
overflowing well
of generosity,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Dear God,

I am so thankful for your living presence in the world. Today as I worked the garden soil ridding it of the decaying plants and weeds, I sensed you near. Once again I realized creation's plan of birth and death. The garden gave birth in spring and has moved into its death cycle allowing the soil to rest and regenerate itself this winter.

As I consider the many facets of your presence in the world, I wonder if there is any tiny crack anywhere where you are not present. But then I reflect upon the darkest holes in creation and I image you there in the light.

As day gives way to the night and the night gives way to the day, I see your love at work.

Holy God,
Creator of the Cosmos,
I am full
of gratitude
to you.
Receive my love
and appreciation,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 7, 2011

Dear God,

I confess that I lack full trust in you and in myself.

Today my husband and I went on a bus trip to a maritime museum and then on a three-hour cruise to see lighthouses that took us to the open sea. The boat was not much bigger than a lobster boat and there were 31 of us on board. As we sailed on calm waters up river to the ocean, I was fine enjoying the gorgeous Maine landscape with its rocky shores, stately pine trees, and isolated wooded islands. But that all changed when we got close to the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean where all we could see was water, water everywhere. Suddenly the water became choppy and our boat began to rock from side to side. That was when my trust started to leave me. I felt vulnerable and afraid.

Although the captain finally turned the boat down a narrow channel and the waters turned quiet, I reflected upon the ways my life is not full of faith and trust in you and in myself. I realize that when I could see the shore up close and the water was serene, I was great. But when I could not see land and my "boat" commenced to rock, I faltered.

O Lord,
try me
and test me.
Teach me
your ways.
Refine my faith
and make me
your own,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Dearest God,

Of all the lovely things you do, Gracious God, how do you warm the heart with musical lyrics written by someone who has been dead for two hundred years? I want to know because that is what happened to me tonight at choir practice.

I listened to the words Charles Wesley wrote so long ago and like John Wesley, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I had the distinct sense that I too had been to the same well of living water and found your gentle spirit inspiring me. Although we live in separate geographical locations, different cultures, and historical time periods, I realize we had breathed the same spirit.

So often such insights challenge me to consider your many varied and mysterious ways. Is your well open to all in every time period? Are we brought together for a purpose beyond our own inspiration?

This evening as I sang old Wesleyan hymns, I visited the well. How many were there with me?

Eternal God,
your ways
are beyond
my full comprehension.
Your love
knows no bounds.
Hope bubbles up
constantly reminding me
of your design
for your church
and the world.
Let that
powerful vision
become a reality
for the
whole world,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Dear God,

How long does a prayer last? Seconds, minutes, forever? A vision you gave me two years ago specifically talked about prayer. At the time it seemed the shelf life of a prayer was eternity. Is it true?

What happens during prayer? Is there a cosmic change? Is it pointed just toward the subject of the prayer or does it touch the lives of many more?

When I pray, I so much want my prayer to bring about change in the world, in myself, in the lives of others. In my mind I imagine a different scenario like peace replacing chaos or joy rising out of despair. I ask for light to shine in the darkness or for perspectives to be altered allowing for greater choices that lead to a better world. What happens to my prayer and the prayers of so many? Do they outlast us?

O Lord,
shape me
for prayer.
Help me
become a
fervent prayer
so that
I may
partner with you
in creating
the world
you had
in mind
at creation.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Dearest God,

Sometimes I struggle when I write my letters to you. My words simply come from my own life experience, what I see, think, believe, and feel. Although it is your story coming alive in me, I recognize it is not everyone's experience. When I write about hope coming from heaven's home to me, I know there are those in horrible abusive situations who daily live in hopelessness. When I speak of light revealed in my darkness, I know there are many who still live in darkness and have no sense of light in their lives. When I am wrapped in your arms and I feel the profound warmth of your love, I know there are those for whom love is an unknown commodity. And so I wrestle.

I never want to convey the belief that I believe I am more special than anyone else. I believe eternity's gifts are for every person in the cosmos. I believe love gave birth to humanity and I believe it holds each person as if they are the only one. I believe you want peace for all, not just for some.

I feel extremely blessed with faith, the way I see and experience life. I know your presence deep inside myself. I witness it every day in one form or another. I know there is a spiritual reality that guides my thinking, shaping faith in me and I love it. Yet, why is my life so good when so many live in pain?

Guide me
toward truth,
Wise God;
show me
the way
to joy
for all.
Please open
the cosmos
to the greatness
of your love,
I pray.

Always, Andrea

Monday, October 3, 2011

Dear God,

Like a rapid wildfire, so often your spirit moves from one person to another. Only instead of destruction and devastation there is an eruption of hope, faith, and joy. I've observed it in church, in family, and in retreats. One person experiences the breath of your spirit and suddenly it captures another until all are held by the warmth of your presence.

Such moments bring a kind of euphoria to me. When I observe the serenity and happiness it affords, it always directs me to you. To you, Lovely God, whose radiant fire outbreaks spark goodness, beauty, and jubilation.

When I see a downcast face and sense a lostness in another person, I want to give to them my own faith's enthusiasm. I want to rid them of the dark places where light seems not able to penetrate. I want creation's fortune to enter, opening doors and windows to the human heart. I want to help set the soul free.

What is the secret to passing on the hope of the ages?

Almighty and Powerful God,
tender hearted
and full
of mercy,
how do
we cleanse
hearts and souls
of grievous suffering?
Teach us,
Lord of Life,
how to ease
the pain
of the world.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Dear God,

What is the value of a miracle? Is it only good for the person who receives it or does it continue to have value as it is shared with others? Can a miracle for one inspire a miracle in another?

I don't know how miracles come about. Is it by prayer or divine intervention or wishful thinking? Do miracles come because a person is more worthy or less worthy than another? What is the responsibility of the recipient of a miracle?

I shared one of my miracles with a friend today. I watched with great interest as faith stirred in her. Hungry for her own miracle, it seemed so right to share my own story or should I say your story in me with her.

Can one miracle renew not only the recipient but also others? As I have given witness to what you have done in my life particularly on that October day two years ago, I have observed others receiving great benefit like courage and the willing ability to risk. I have seen restored trust and faith take root and grow like yeast in newly prepared dough. I have detected a desire and aptitude for surrender in order to gain new life and I have to tell you it boggles my mind and causes a surge of faith-filled joy within me. If this is what faith is all about, then I want to be a carrier of miracles that transforms human lives.

Glorious God,
full of love
and grace,
my heart beats
only for you
this morning
because I revel
in eternity's story
touching another life.
You are God;
there is
no other!
My well
of joy overflows.
I am filled
with gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Dearest God,

In the drizzling rain I carried two heaping bowls of tomato ends, cucumber shavings, onion greens, garlic peels, wilted cilantro, and marjoram stems to the composte pile in the corner of the neighbor's garden. There I met fruit flies enjoying a feast. As I looked out over the field of decaying plants, I remembered how fruitful the garden had been. It used to be a huge garden feeding a single family of ten. Now it provides food for four families. It needs a lot of work but it has given so much to us.

Since the growing season is nearly over, we are giving back to the fertile soil. As we return the summer leavings back to the giving land, it will be spread and tilled back into the ground along with all the nutrients needed for next year's crop. Again it will give to us a yield of colorful, healthy fruits and vegetables all from your loving hands.

Thank you,
dear God,
for the gifts
of the earth.
Thank you
for the opportunity
to clear,
clean, plant
and harvest
the land.
Thank you
for the joy
of first buds
and plentiful crops.
Thank you
for gracious love
that appears
each year.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, September 30, 2011

Dear God,

Memories feed my soul as I preserve foods in my kitchen. My very DNA holds glorious thoughts of the past that include beloved relatives who taught me how to can foods for winter use. How well I recall plucking tomatoes, raspberries, green beans, corn and onions from Grandma's truck patch and then working all day to clean, break, cut, cook and can. Although those loved ones are gone now except for an 80-year-old aunt, I feel their presence when I labor to make foods laced with love.

When I am compelled to pray a prayer of thanksgiving, it is often because you have brought memories to me. I remember my faith journey and all those who have contributed to my growth. I remember my family and all those relatives who helped give shape to my early life. I remember gifts and blessings you have given me like insight, support, guidance, challenge, hope and love. I remember and then I am drawn to you.

Thank you
for the memories
and the desire
to pray
to say
thank you.
Thank you
for colorful,
healthy, tasty jars
of bottled joy
that await
my hunger
this winter.
Thank you
for gifts
to share.

Love, Andrea