Monday, November 28, 2016

Dear God,

Advent reawakens us to your gentle, tender spirit.  We come to life again because of a young girl who listened, a faith-filled girl who said yes to your spirit’s word.  Young Mary opens our hearts to the holy every Advent and I felt it as I gathered with the community of faith.  

This season gives hope, not just a hope for Christmas, but an eternal hope that makes life’s edges larger, giving breathing room, more space with which to meet you and find the way to a deeper life of faith and meaning.

I feel your power cleansing my thoughts, stripping away my arrogance, and making me open to the spirit’s voice.  Advent has a power all its own to give second, third, many chances to meet the savior.  The journey is wondrous when we too say yes. 

Gracious God,

full of love

and generosity,

thank you

for your

reawakening power.

Thank you

for love

that comes

again and again. 

Love, Andrea

 

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Dear God,

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me.." Isaiah said.  What does it mean to say these words?  For Isaiah it was a challenge to bring good news.  For Mary it was a bright new hope.  For Jesus it was a confirmation.  For us to breathe these words is to declare that you have touched our lives in some way.  You have inspired us or opened a new door to us.  You have healed us or transformed us.  It is a living testimony to faith.

This morning I spoke these words as I found my way into the pew at Second Presbyterian Church.  I gazed upon your picture so beautifully displayed in stained glass.  I listened as the organist played the prelude.  I felt your spirit come upon me when love washed over me, when you softened my heart, humbling me to kneel before your presence.  As we began to sing, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," I asked you to come, to really come.  I was not just singing a song; I was praying for your coming.  Suddenly, sometime during the service, Advent came to life in me.  I felt it. I breathed it in.  I reached for you and you reached back.

Your spirit
infuses us
with an expectancy,
an expectancy
of birth
and life
and joy.
Thank you,
Blessed God,
for the
season of Advent.
Thank you
for hope
that leads us home.

Love, Andrea

 

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Dear God,

Waiting, tomorrow is the first day of Advent, the time of waiting, preparing, clearing out, making a place, and opening our hearts to you.  Waiting, how can we wait for people to heal, for families to come together, for governments to redeem themselves, for answers to come, or for an insight that will transform?  How can we wait?

There is something about Advent, Lord, that teaches us about preparation.  It also provides us a better understanding of patience.  It surely talks to us about faith.

I look around and find so many needy people, people who seem not to be able to wait any longer.  Their hope is wearing thin.  They wonder about their faith.  But then Advent suddenly appears and we grab on to Zechariah's faith and Elizabeth's and Mary's and so many more.  Somehow we find ourselves a part of their story and waiting gives us a chance to draw near to you, to pray, to hope, to breathe the air of expectancy, and to meet you once again.

Holy God,
breathe on us.
Let the light
of hope
shine bright
and stir
within us.
Let its warmth
renew us
as we find
the benefits
of waiting.

Love, Andrea

Friday, November 25, 2016

Dear God,

When my daughter said yes to two of my grandchildren staying overnight, a smile spread across my face.  Who is more darling than a nine-year-old boy and an eleven-year old girl who call me Grandma, Grandma Andrea, Gram Cracker, and other silly names?  Not a single soul.

I recognize more and more what gift grandchildren are.  Thank you for their love, sweetness, and funny ways.  Thank you for the prized moments when we make memories for a lifetime.  Thank you for "I love you's" that make my heart swell like the Grinch's when he realized the deeper joy in the who people.  I watch them grow, tease them, challenge them, make them laugh, and remind them just how much love I have for them.  All learning does not come from me; I learn from them as well.  They bless me right back.

Every day is gift, Loving God, and they all come from you.  Remind me to count my blessings.

Thank you
for Rylan
and Lucy
and all
my grandchildren.
Thank you
for the gift
they are.
May I
always sing
your praise
for the blessings
they are.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Dearest God,

This Thanksgiving morning as is our tradition, we stood in a circle and each one of us declared our special thanks for family, friends, food, fellowship, and faith.  Even before our prayer began we murmured praises and thanksgiving.  As I looked around, I saw how your hand had been upon all of us in one way or another.  Who would not want to give thanks?

Sometimes I roll through the day without considering the deeper meaning of what is happening around me.  I may watch a sun rising but if I do not give thanks, I have missed the purpose and joy of the moment.  If I catch a glance at my grandchild smiling and do not give thanks, I do not receive the double joy it gives when I offer up words of gratitude.  If I lie down in bed at nighttime and feel the warmth that comes from cozy covers and do not give thanks, I forget what a gift a warm bed in a safe home is.

And so today I think of you, Lord, and I want to give thanks.

Who is greater
than you,
O Lord?
No one.
Nothing is greater.
You are
the author
of every
good gift.
May my heart,
mind, and soul
always be filled
with sincere gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Dear God,

I am going to have a total knee replacement, a result of months of physical pain, lack of good movement, and exhaustion.  Every time I was laid low, I returned to you for help.

How grateful I am you have given special creative gifts to those who work in medical research.  Thank you for those called to become specialists, surgeons, and doctors.  With your loving mighty gifts and people who said yes to your call, many people are being aided in their suffering.  Your hand, your name is on every apparatus that will replace old, worn-out joints.

It seems no matter the condition or situation, you are present to assist us.  You spread your love and compassion to us first.  Then you rally people who can partner with your healing.  You infuse science with a heart, mind, and soul for repair.  You knit together our bones and flesh so healing can be complete.

You reveal yourself to us time and time again, always letting us know we are yours and you care for us.  We are not perfect specimens, rather we are flawed human beings loved by One who is greater than we.  Gratitude fills me up and spills over with thanksgiving.

Praise to you,
Lord God Almighty.
Thank you
for your
countless many blessings.
Thank you
for helping us
at our time
of pain
and suffering.
You are God;
there is none
like you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Dear God,

Corrective adjustment, today I have to give myself a corrective adjustment.  Sometimes I step off the path.  I get grouchy, self righteous, and irritated.  I step in the shower and think of all the things that drive me crazy.  Then I imagine what I would say to people who drive me over the edge.  However, you stop me in mid-sentence because you know I do not want to be off the path or ugly.  You gently speak and I bow my head in shame asking for forgiveness and help to deal with the issues troubling me.  Even before I step back out, dry off, and get dressed, you have already assisted me in doing your will.

One of the gifts that comes with faith is an ability to know when I am stumbling.  You prick my conscience and ask me if I know what I am doing.  Of course, I know even before the question is posed.  I feel sad, disappointed, and ashamed.  I want to walk close with you with a pure heart and an intact faith.

It is so easy to get off track, not as easy to get back.  Yet, you, O Lord, make a way for us.  You shine your light and lead the way.  How grateful I am.

You are
blessed, Lord.
You touch us
with great love
and tender mercy.
You help us
find our way,
forgive us,
and give us
another chance.
Thank you;
thank you;
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, November 21, 2016

Dear God,

It is the week of Thanksgiving, a time when you whisper to us to remember and give thanks.  I think of my faith and my heart swells with devotion to you.  I pause to reflect your gifts, your graces, and your blessings.  I fill with gratitude.

A long time ago you asked me to begin each day with you.  Even before I rise from my bed, you ask me to start with prayer and so I do.  In those warm minutes so many gifts come to mind.  You parade people before my eyes, people who need prayer, the earth and all her inhabitants, nations, all of them, not just some, people living in fearful conditions, in war zones, unsafe neighborhoods, and on the street, the sick and dying but also family, friends and even strangers who I have heard about.  What a gift prayer is for it keeps me close to you and redirects my attention when I get too far away.

When gratitude fills me up with joy and thanksgiving, I finally get up and commence my day with a grateful heart.

Blessed Lord,
who gives
more gifts
than you?
Thank you
for prayer
that encircles us
with you
and the
whole world.
Thank you
for the blessing
of praying
for others.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Dearest God,

How can it be that hymns written 200 years ago still speak to today's soul?  I can only believe that such songs are truly inspired by your hand.

As I sing the songs of faith, my spirit is quickened, my heart is warmed, and my soul is fed.  I eat and drink as if at your table.  I walk away full.

Your living spirit is at work all the time.  From before time until now you touch so many with your divine inspiration.  You tell us the stories of faith and weave them into our own.  When we sing the lyrics, they become our song.  We feel the attraction to you and are blessed as we consider how you have touched us too.  Their stories become our stories.  Often while we sing, we construct new stories of faith.  Your power is the power of love, grace, and mercy.  Oh, how grateful we are!

Blessed God,
you make us children
every time
we sing
a song
of faith.
You spread
your love
to us
and challenge us
to love too.
You increase
our faith
and make us one
with you.

Gratefully, Andrea

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Dear God,

In the early morning I stood alone looking out over the choppy lake.  The wind was blowing the only big tree on the property when all of a sudden snow began falling from the sky.  I raced to the window and felt like a little child once again.  Winter...it is coming!

How I love the four seasons!  I love the way you color the spring and then the summer but wow, when Autumn comes, how beautiful is it?  When winter rolls around producing those gorgeous, unique snowflakes, I know I have seen the hand of the Almighty!

Just to think of a single snowflake, one not like any other.  Who else would create each one uniquely different?

The seasons proclaim the creative power of your love, O God.  They tell the story of your awesome wonder.  They cry out your glory and majesty.  As winter is quietly waiting its turn, this small child in the window cries out your praise!

Holy God,
thank you
for the beauty
of every season.
Thank you
for the
first snow,
just a
tiny smattering
of flakes
that take me
at once
back to you.
I am
so grateful,
so very grateful

Love, Andrea

Friday, November 18, 2016

Dear God,

You teach us to love one another.  You direct us toward forgiveness.  That does not mean we must remain in places of abuse.  You remind us we too are made in the image of God and precious in your eyes.

Your way is always the way of love.  To those who hurt us, you offer love; however, you tell us not to be stumbling blocks to others.  You love everyone and tell us to love our neighbor as ourselves.  If we do not love our neighbor or our spouse or our children or our partner or even the stranger, we do not live the way of love.  You always call us to rise up, to take the high road, and to live love at its best.

You invite us to model love to others.  When leaders do not model love, it is hard to make a world of love.  When they threaten, abuse, and mock others, they lead us down paths of destruction that cause pain, sorrow, and fear.

Right now, our world is full of conflict, abuse, threats, mockery, and evil ways.  We are hurting one another, forgetting the way of peace.

O Lord,
show us
the way
to love.
Heal your people,
all of us.
Show us
the better way
please.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Dear God,

In the quiet moments of early morning, I ponder the bigger questions of life.  How powerful is light to overcome the darkness that threatens us?  How can faith conquer fear altogether?  How can love move mountains?

I don't know the full answer to these questions.  I only know bits and pieces through my own experience and the experience of others who have waded through deeper waters than I.  What I am sure of is your living, loving presence can help lift burdens too heavy to bear, enlarge our ability to overcome pain that seeks to undo us, and assist us in forgiving those who have hurt us.  Such grace changes us to walk the path home.

Every day is the perfect day to turn to you, to journey with you, and to trust you to lead us.  It is a day where we can adventure into new territories or into old ones but see new ways out.  As we allow you to quiet us, we discover a relationship so strong, so sacred, and so wondrous that we come to realize there is nothing we cannot ponder together.

Thank you,
Holy Father,
for blessing us
with faith.
Thank you
for quiet moments
of hope.
Thank you
for giving us opportunities
to walk
with you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Dearest God,

It was the sound of angels singing.  If I closed my eyes I could imagine being in heaven as the angels, saints, and the beloved of God sang.  I always imagined we would spend our whole time singing your praise.

Wednesday mornings at the monastery are the best mornings of the week.  There our covenant group joins the Benedictine sisters in morning prayer.  We chant and sing the psalms.  I never weary of repeating the psalms.  They are my favorite.

There is something so sacred, so precious about singing your praise.  It is the time when faith, love, belief, grace, and hope meet up together.  It is always a transforming moment because we know you are present in our midst.  Joy overflows like a fountain.

Gracious God,
thank you
for holy moments
dedicated to expressions
of faith.
Thank you
for helping us
find our way
back home.
Thank you
for inviting us in.
Thank you
for transforming moments
that turn
doubt to faith,
fear to trust,
and hatred
to love.
Thank you
for allowing us
to be children
of the
living God.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Dear God,

You answer our prayers and guide us toward your will.  As I began reading A Call to Mercy, Hearts to Love, Hands to Serve,  a book about Mother Teresa and her love for the poor, I prayed you would lead me to a place where I could help others.  Within two days you put in my hands a bulletin with an opportunity to help four homeless families at our church.  I could see your fingerprints all over the paper.  I called and was welcomed to help serve a meal and then spend the night with them at church and provide breakfast.

Tonight I met the families.  What joy overflowed in my soul as I helped serve dinner, play with the kids, and then pulled out sugar cookies I had baked so they could decorate them.  Sprinkles, stars, and flavored sugar were everywhere as kids and their parents painted the cookies with colors galore. As they took pictures of their artistic designs, I could see your own joy in them. An answered prayer touches many more people than one and how thrilled I was to see it!

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for your guidance.
Thank you
for answering
my prayer
and the prayers
of those
who created
beautiful cookies.
Thank you
for blessing us together.

Love, Andrea

Monday, November 14, 2016

Dearest God,

There is something about death that can lead us to life.  When death reaches out to us with icy fingers, we are saddened.  Yet, when family and friends gather to celebrate one's life, we reunite, hug, remember, share our stories, and bless one another.  All the years that separated us for one reason or another collapse when heart meets heart and soul meets soul.

Today was a reunion for us as we remembered Ray's life on his 94th birthday.  You filled us up to overflowing with joy, love, and gratitude.  On the drive home I could not help but smile because I recognized your spirit in our midst.

How good you are to show us the seasons of life, of birth and death, of mourning and dancing.  You remind us to be attentive to every day living not just on the surface but in the depths where real life unfolds in amazing ways.  Ordinary becomes extraordinary because we see with spirit eyes.

Holy God,
thank you
for blessing us
with great joy
today.
Thank you
for touching us
with tender mercy
and grace-filled compassion.
Thank you
for love
expressed in
so many
beautiful ways.

Bless you, Lord, bless you, Andrea

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Dear God,

Today you filled our hearts with joy as we met Keith for the first time.  A retired United Methodist pastor, he had put a beautiful smile on our dear friend's face.  We had prayed for this day, not just for her to meet someone worthy of her, but also for all the healing work you and she had done to open the door to a new life.

We exist as a covenant group to answer the question:  Where is God in the midst?  Whether savoring a precious, sacred relationship or stomping in the muddy trenches of life, we are always at work seeking your face.  We have seen your handiwork in the last few years as you gently guided our sister and friend toward healing and wholeness.  When Keith walked into her life, fear stalked out the back door.  Not only did we celebrate our friend's wondrous new journey, we also raised our praise to you.

Holy Father,
you bring
blessing upon blessing
to us.
You ask us
to listen
to your voice,
raise our
head high,
and trust you
to lead us
to greater heights
of faith
and love.
Although at times
the path
is dirty
and fraught
with obstacles,
taking your lead,
we eventually
find our way home.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Dear God,

In your kind mercy you gave us the gift of laughter.  You gave us the ability to fill our insides with belly-jolting laughter that heals our wounds and saves our souls.

As a covenant group we gathered together for retreat but our spirits were sour, our attitudes angry, and our hearts filled with sorrow.  Like many others, we had walked through an ugly, mean-spirited, and despicable political campaign.  We just could not believe how candidates could rip and tear the very people they had desired to lead as a public servant.  We were not ready to retreat just yet.

Yesterday we spent hours talking, listening for your voice.  We sought to find an answer, a solution to our bitterness, anxiety, and fear.  As a group we kept grasping for your hand to lead us into a new place, ever keeping before us the people that were hurt, disappointed, offended, threatened, and abused by the campaign.  As you led us deeper into faith, our spirits lifted while we continued to pray for those most hard hit by the campaign.

At some point we found our ability to laugh, not at what had happened, but at ourselves and each other.  We laughed all through the evening and picked up right where we left off this morning.  We began to build more trust in you to help us, to lead us, and to show us the way to helping so many to heal.  The laughter had begun our own healing process and we were grateful.

Holy God,
thank you
for your
great compassion.
Thank you
for hope
that always comes
from trust
and faith
in you.
Thank you
for leading us
to you
and to
our wounded brothers
and sisters.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, November 11, 2016

Dear God,

Faith binds people together.  When one sees Jesus in another, there is a power that draws us to them and to you.  Although my dear friend and colleague in my covenant group and I did not specifically talk about you on the ride to Springfield, Illinois, there was no doubt that our closeness came about by faith.

Susan and I met in seminary.  As single mothers with children, you brought us together in classes, in outside spiritual direction events, and to picnic tables where we ate our home packed lunches because we could not afford to eat out.  There was something unique about her devotion to you that inspired me to dig deeper in my faith.

Through these many decades sharing our faith and challenges, we have continually walked closer to you.  We have desired more of you and your will.  We have sought for help in the many struggles we have both faced.  The single greatest gift either of us have received is faith and we are exceedingly grateful.

Thank you,
O God,
for those
who direct us
to you.
Thank you
for Susan,
my friend,
my colleague,
and my sister
in faith.
Thank you
for the blessing
of spiritual friendship.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Dear God,

The peaceful death came in the early morning when Ray simply said he thought he needed to sit down.  He drew a breath, closed his eyes and died.  At nearly 94 he left this world for yours.

As I sat at the kitchen table with four generations and listened to their stories, I realized how we have the blessed opportunity to bond together as family.  As one story led to the next, I recalled my own stories of this small town doctor who assisted in the birthing of 3500 babies.  When someone once said how wonderful he was as a doctor delivering so many babies, he simply said, "I just hold the little things in my hand, God does all the rest."

So much of what we do for one another is because you do all the rest.  You lead and guide and help and bless.  When we dedicate our work to you, you create in wondrous ways.

Thank you,
Blessed God,
for Ray
and all
those babies.
Thank you
for making us
to partner
with you.
Thank you
for love
that inspires us
to do
your work.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Dear God,

We have to turn to you when the waves of change come and threaten us.  We have to look for your direction, your vision, and your leadership.  We have to surrender ourselves to you.

Last night's election was fraught with angry, bitter people who have been offended, hurt, and threatened.  As results came in, all the disenfranchised people continued to be anxious and fearful, even more so.  In the midst of it all, people remain divided, caused mostly by politicians and the newly elected president who stirred the pot over and over again to keep people on edge.  Is this what we can expect from someone who is to be a servant leader?

In such chaotic times we must come to your side, pleading for your help, your love, and your guidance.  The peace we seek can only come from you, O Lord.

Almighty God,
lead us
to peace
and unity.
Lead us
to hope
and meaningful debate.
Lead us
to the cross
where can find
our savior waiting.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Dear God,

I left home at 5:30 a.m. to drive to the polls just minutes away.  I took a chair, a book, and my phone so I could see to read.  It was cold but I found the gesture of preparing to vote warming to my own heart.  I looked into the sky seeing many beautiful stars and thought of our country so much in conflict.  The idea came to me to stand and lead all those gathered in singing America, The Beautiful but I remained seated and hummed it.  That led me into prayer for all the candidates, our nation, and our world.

As I sat among citizens of my district and country, I asked for your help.  How can we move from division to unity?  How can we come together in mutual respect?  How can we heal ourselves?  I realized without your help, our faith, and your healing power, we cannot. 

I hummed a few bars of a very special song, This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar and mine.  This is my home, the country where my heart is, here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine, but other hearts in other lands are beating with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.  I could not sing for our nation alone but for all nations for we are one community together and we all need healing, hope, and understanding.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for your closeness
on election morning.
Thank you
for the light
that shone
in the darkness.
Thank you
for the song,
the song
for all
of us.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, November 7, 2016

Dear God,

On Sunday mornings we gather in worship for adjustment.  We go to shift our thinking.  We place ourselves on the chopping block to have our sin, sorry attitudes, and poor behaviors gently cut away.  We go to your house so that we may be made new.

Perfection is not your desire; your prayer is that we come to you.  When we attempt to become perfect we forget who has made us.  Our perfection becomes our goal rather than our relationship with you.  We get sidetracked, diverted from our mission to walk with you on the road toward peace and hope.  You want an open heart, open mind, and open soul.

As we enter your home to sing and pray, we find ourselves humbled by overwhelming love.  We listen to the good news of your compassion and challenge.  You reach out to us, offering us the hope of transformation.

Blessed Lord,
who could
possibly want more?
Your love
is eternal.
You offer it
to us.
We too
are blessed.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Dear God,

The tall, stately trees in our back yard remind me to give praise to you.  Their branches lift upward as if in praise.  They are drawn to the light and remind me to look to the light as well.

So much of nature speaks to me of the spiritual life.  It challenges me, convicts me, and cajoles me.  It reminds me to let its voice be heard.  The season of nature speaks of the seasons of the spirit in human lives.  At this time of year it especially urges me to once again learn the lesson of surrender.  As long as the branches hold their leaves, there is no process for root maintenance and preparing for spring.  But when they let go, the whole process of renewal begins again.

Surrender.  Surrender.  How often must I learn the lesson of surrender?  Daily is the answer.  I cannot hold on to today or tomorrow will never come.  If I hold on to yesterday today will never unfold.  I will miss the value of each day.  I forget that today has gifts all its own.  And tomorrow, well, more treasures await.

As I look out upon the yard once again, upon the green, green grass, the red berries on the tree, and the yellow leaves falling on the trees, I know you are speaking and I am grateful.

Blessed God,
thank you
for the lessons
of nature.
Thank you
for the voice
that speaks
your holy word.
Thank you
for the wonders
of this season.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Dear God,

Faith saves us, not just in an eternal sense but in every day living.  Faith saves us from worry.  Faith saves us from doubt.  Faith saves us from fear.  Faith saves us from lack of confidence.  Faith saves us from despair.  Faith saves us.

Lord, you did not make us divine.  You made us human.  Our humanness allows for worry, doubt, fear, lack of confidence, and despair.  We feel the whole gamut of emotions because we are human.  We are moved to joy but also to sorrow.  We are inspired to courage but also to question our own abilities.  We are pushed to anger by injustice but also to peace as we work toward justice for all people.  You made us human so when the divine comes, we know faith.

Holy God,
how great
is faith
to transform us
in our humanity.
Thank you
for joyous moments
of faith
that lift us
higher and higher.
Thank you
for inviting us
as children
of the
Living God.

Love, Andrea

Friday, November 4, 2016

Dearest God,

We hadn't all been together for three years.  We had lived our lives apart.  We remembered one another with fond affection but we just had not made the effort to gather in one place to walk through memories that feed the soul.

Years ago we were strangers to one another.  I was a new pastor at a west side church.  Even though I had only been there a few short weeks, you invited me to lead a weekend retreat.  A number of us women came together, took a journey of faith, and looked at the turning points in our lives, allowing you to open our hearts, minds, and souls.  There we stepped into the depths where faith is borne, grows, and transforms us.

That was 16 years ago.  Since then we have been like pilgrims led by the wondrous star, always looking for the holy one, never disappointed.

Bless you,
Holy Father,
bless you.
Thank you
for the Christ
we find
when we
really look
for the redeemer.
Thank you
for spiritual friends,
sisters who
walk with us,
love us,
and bless us.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Dearest God,

Love leads us to truth.  Love leads us to grace.  Love leads us to faith.  What is love but you, O Lord?

No one woos us to love like you.  Love is pure, unconditional, and kind.  Love wants the best for us.  Love embraces us, warms us like being chilled and sitting before a roaring fire.  Love speaks gentle words.  It is tender and full of mercy. 

We all want love, need it.  We deeply desire that sustaining promise of living presence.  In love's presence we fall backwards, knowing we will be caught, trusting the One who holds us in arms big enough to cradle us like a newborn baby.

There are moments in life when you stop us, causing us to remember, reflect, and shift our thinking.  As we pause long enough to consider life in its deepest dimensions, we are enabled to see how love meets us, embraces us, and teaches us. Oh, how blessed we are.

Eternal God,
your love
reaches us
from the
farthest corners
and the
closest spaces.
When your love
touches us,
we are filled
to overflowing.
Thank you
for loving us
so much.

Forever yours, Andrea

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Dear God,

It was the sound of angels singing.  I returned to the monastery after an absence of six months.  I missed the responsive readings of the psalms, the silence between the readings, and the prayers.  I loved the songs lifted up in praise to you, our Loving God.

I am gone all summer and am not able to join in Morning Prayer with the sisters.  Yet, the moment I step into the motherhouse of the Benedictine sisters, I am so at home.  Somehow the air seems different.  It is charged with a kind of quiet, sacred power.  I always know I am moving into the holy of holies when I take a seat in the chapel.  I sense your glorious presence and am blessed with your beautiful peace.

I think it is the music that warms my heart the most.  The lyrics taken from the psalms fills us with the hope of faith.  It adjusts attitude, replenishes empty vessels, and fills the soul with your tender mercies.  It moves us closer to you and one another.  It challenges us to rise higher in our faith and practice.  It inspires.

Compassionate God,
lover of every soul,
thank you
for the blessing
of the monastery.
Thank you
for your
living presence
always alive.
Thank you
for the psalms,
living water
and spiritual food
for the
hungry soul.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Dear God,

You make us clean once again after we have dallied with darkness or sin or anything that has kept us from you.  When we go to the far country and find ourselves stuck in situations of our own making, we make ourselves unclean.  We know it.  We feel it.  We want to be cleansed, more than soap and water and repentance can do for us.  We want to be rid of that final layer of whatever that keeps us from being clean and pure in your sight.

There is nothing, no one who can rid us of dark blots.  Your cleansing power, your healing waters can clean like nothing else.  When we stand before you and allow you to wash us, we experience a spiritual cleansing that refreshes, renews, and replenishes us.  Your light shines on us to warm us, fill us, and make us new.  In that light our hearts are changed.  Our minds are transformed.  Our bodies find peace we so long for.

Blessed God,
we thank you
for your
cleansing power.
Thank you
for renewing us
inside and out.
Thank you
for love
that wants
to clean
and purify us.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 31, 2016

Dearest God,

You paint the sky with spectacular colors to woo the human heart.  Who is not touched, inspired by Autumn skies?

In the morning the sun rises with no trumpets blasting, no choirs singing; yet, it ascends upward with an array of colors to bless and soothe the troubled soul.  At night as it begins its downward journey, it picks up colors to comfort the weary soul.  Being wrapped in color in the morning starting our day and being enclosed in color at night as we begin to wind down is your way of saying good morning and good night.

So often we look for great miracles to believe in your existence.  We hang onto the belief you will answer our every prayer in just the way we want it.  We wait for some show of your mighty power.  However, in the meantime we miss the gentle blessings of your handiwork, day in and day out.

When we begin and end our day with you, Holy Father, we are filled with gratitude for your living, loving presence.  We no longer struggle for more evidence, rather, we surrender ourselves into the relationship that grows day by day knowing we live in a world with God whose steadfast love is constant.

Loving Creator,
thank you
for the
awesome beauty
of splendid
sunrises and sunsets.
Thank you
for blessing us
with wondrous images
of love
that will
not let
us go.
Thank you
for spiritual awareness
that keeps us close.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Dear God,

You can change our hearts toward others.  You can reconstruct our beliefs that keep us hemmed in.  You can stretch a soul filled with emotional distresses and obstacle debris and shine your light into it.

Today I saw first hand how your spirit massages human lives.  I saw the face of transformation.  I witnessed your compassion.  Three grandchildren from one family came together and invited us to join them for a meal and a visit to see a great grandchild.  We received hugs from everyone.  For three hours we shared our lives.  I held that beautiful new baby for almost an hour.  On the drive home we murmured our thanksgiving for what we believe is a step toward reconciliation.

Sometimes we draw conclusions that leave us boxed in.  We do so because we cannot imagine a break in the dike of resentment and bitterness.  We grow exhausted, despairing, and angry because it appears nothing can be done to change things.  But we forget you are still God and your loving power is always at work.  We often give up way too soon not realizing our time is not always your time.  But you do not give up on us.  You breathe your living spirit breeze upon us and we are incredibly blessed.

Almighty God,
thank you
for unmerited blessing.
Thank you
for compassion
and mercy.
Thank you
for your
Holy Spirit power.

Love, Andrea