Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Dear God,

How can we love our neighbor who destroys?  How can we love our neighbor who abuses?  How can we love our neighbor who is the antithesis of love?  How do we love such a person?

Were the people of their time supposed to love Hitler, Stalin, and other leaders who killed so many?  How is that possible?  Aren't their exceptions, Lord?  Don't we have to have some standard of decency, some kind of respect, some sign of goodness before we love?  I know your answer because I know you love every person on the face of the earth.  Each one is your child, and not just your child but your beloved child.  A parent loves their child no matter what.  But what about the rest of us?  Must we love vile offenders?

I know your work in changing human hearts.  There is no one who can change us like you, Holy Father.  You can turn hatred into love.  I have seen it.  But what about my own heart?  How can I love our president who hurts so many?

Almighty and Everlasting God,
bless you
for loving us
when we offend.
Thank you
for forgiveness
and the chance
to redeem ourselves.
Help us,
O Lord,
to do
your bidding.
I want
your will
and your way.
How can
I possibly
love such
a horrible man?

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 30, 2017

Dear God,

You lead us and guide us with your spirit.  You breathe into us your living presence.  You show us the way to heal, restore, and challenge one another.  When good comes from such encounters, we know it is your hand that has moved.

Although my husband wanted me to worship with him yesterday at a church celebrating 500 years of the reformation, I felt compelled to attend a newly-formed church in our hometown.  You brought to me the face of a young teen who is a best friend of my granddaughter.  Even before I left home, I knew you wanted me to speak to the girl.  When I arrived at church there she was with her mother right in front of me.  As I gathered my things and walked into the church, I saw them sitting together.  I walked over, leaned down and spoke words of encouragement, hope, and affirmation.  Tears welled in her mother's eyes.  Later when her mother was alone, she told me my words were exactly what needed to be said to Sophia.  She was so grateful that she hugged me.

I know I am nothing special. You would speak to any of us to do your bidding.  Yesterday I was blessed to be your handmaid.  My heart is full of gratitude.

Almighty God,
you love
your children
so much.
You want
to help
each one
of us.
You find ways
to bless
and you
use us
to reach out.
Thank you
for all those
who have
reached out
to me.
Thank you
for using me yesterday.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Dear God,

In tender love and mercy, you weave precious people into our lives.  In their presence we find peace, hope, comfort, kindness, and compassion, great compassion.  They bless us, feed us, and leave their holy mark upon our lives.

Just a week ago you brought to mind one such person, Eleanor, who was my mother's best friend.  Whenever my mother was upset, she walked down the street to sit on Eleanor's stoop.  There she would minister to my mother.  When Mother returned home, she always felt better.

Periodically, you have brought Eleanor into my memory.  For nearly 70 years Eleanor has wandered through the halls of my life journey.  I would always smile, very grateful for her gift to Mom and to us kids.

After visiting my aunt last Sunday, I stopped at Autumn Woods to see Eleanor in the little town where I grew up.  When she rolled up in her wheelchair, I walked over, took her hands and introduced myself.  There sweet Eleanor took my face into her hands and kissed me.  Warmth filled my soul because I felt the kiss of faith. 

This was the same person who told my cousin several weeks ago she could have her heart because it was full of Jesus.  At 89 years of age she didn't need it any longer.  I believe it, her heart is full of Jesus, and it was because of this my mother would seek her out for a word of love and encouragement.

Eleanor and I ate dinner together and then went upstairs to see pictures of her family I had not seen for more than 60 years.  We shared some miracles and then prayed for one another.  You were present there, Lord, you were present there.

Holy God,
thank you
for weaving Eleanor
into my life.
Thank you
for the sweetness
of her faith.
Thank you
for the blessing
she was
and is.
I will always
be grateful
for her life
and her faith.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Dear God,

Sacred spaces, where are the sacred spaces in my life? the author asked.  My mind wandered as you brought to mind many of those places hallowed by your hand...my contemplative garden, Lourdes grotto, Assisi, Christ in the Desert Monastery, the Pines Campground, my living room, Carmelite Monastery, solitary place near the Sea of Galilee, Grandma Hughes' farm, spiritual path, so many places where your hand touched, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.  These are spaces where I enjoy your living presence.

You give us the gift of sacred spaces but also the memory of those places.  We do not have to present there in order to dwell in your presence.  The memory alone brings your face, your voice, and your love.  As we wander in our mind, you take our hand and walk with us to those sites where divine and human have met and dwelled together.  Like the angels I can only say, holy, holy, holy.

Eternal God,
we turn
to you
when we think
sacred spaces.
You have
anointed us
with joy
and thanksgiving.
How blessed
we are.
Thank you
for sacred memories
where your
living presence
still dwells.
May our voices
forever praise you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 27, 2017

Dear God,

We are always searching for a sign of the holy, for holiness breathes new life into us.  It purifies the air we breathe.  It gives us a picture of sacred beauty, of something far more wonderful than ourselves.  It blesses us, makes us drop to our knees, and gives us cause to celebrate and give thanks.

Sometimes I just want to immerse myself in the holy.  I want to step inside, to fall on my face and weep, confess all my sins, shortcomings, and flaws, give thanks for grace, and then stand to dance.  Holiness cleans, wipes away the dark smudges of sin, and polishes the good of God within us.  Holiness gives us second chances, making us realize we do not have to sit in our muck for life.  We can live again with joy and celebration.

As I sit here writing in the quiet morning, I breathe in the silence where you speak loudly and in a still small voice and I am so very, very grateful.

Blessed God,
there is
no god
like you.
Thank you
for the gifts
of life.
Thank you
for the sense
of the holy
in our midst.
Let it be
to us
a sign
of your
living presence,
I pray. 

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Dear God,

"Blessings of the Great Silence be with you as you help to rebuild the heart of the world with love!"  the psalmist wrote.  The words lifted from the page..."rebuild the heart of the world with love."  How I want to do this, Lord, how I want to rebuild the heart of the world with love!

There is no love like yours, for you love every one of your children, those who know you and those who do not.  I believe you put a bit of your DNA in all of us.  That is your claim upon us, not as a sinister evildoer, but as a gift from the God Most High, Lover of All.  You put yourself in each of us.

It is with this love we can rebuild the heart of the world.  As we draw close to you, breathe in the air of your love, accept your gracious gesture, live in love, and share it with others, we can rebuild the heart. 

Our heart, our collective heart is sorrowful, Lord.  It breaks wherever hatred steals away our love.  Our heart aches when any heart, no matter their color, economic status, religion, nationality, or any other label we use to describe one another breaks.  We constantly pierce each other's hearts at home, in our community, in our nation, and in our world.  We forget we share one heart, the world's heart.  Please forgive us, Lord, please forgive us.

Strengthen our individual hearts for service to one another.  Place before our eyes those we need to love.  Give us great determination to transform, to reform, to reconstruct, to renew, and rebuild our own hearts with the love of the Great Lover of us all so we can make great gains to repair the world's heart, my heart, your heart, and the heart of us all.

We thank you
for loving us,
Merciful God.
We know
we are
cheap imitations
of your love,
yet that
one piece
you placed
within us
is authentic,
real, and desirous
of making
our own hearts
beat like yours.
We want
to rebuild
our common heart.
Make it so today
and all
our tomorrows,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Dear God,

Only you can change an anxious heart.  A heart that rapidly beats, fears the future, and floods the soul with frightening images is one that feels far from the Master's hand.  An anxious heart cannot find peace.

One look at you and the peace that passes all understanding can penetrate an anxious heart.  The calm of heaven, the serenity of green pastures, and the sound of living water spilling over can transform an anxious heart.  This is because you are the prince of peace, the power of peace to overcome fear, and the gentle mercy that holds us close to your breast.

We fall prey to anxiety when we feel insecure and lack trust.  When we discount faith as the power to conquer, we give ourselves over to threatening gods believing them to hold power over us.  Yet, whose power is greater?  Whose power can help us triumph?  Whose love and desire to aid us is more?  Only you, Great God of the Cosmos, only you!

Blessed are you,

Lord God,

blessed are you.

You are

the author

of peace.

Your will

is for us

to be

a people

of peace.

Forgive us, please,

when we

give ourselves

to others

thinking them

more powerful.

We confess
our weakness.

Strengthen us

with faith,

we pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Dear God,

We cannot know the light without the darkness.  In the darkness we look more deeply.  We adjust our eyes seeing what we could not see before.  When we stumble into the light, our hearts are full, our minds are awed, and our souls fill with peace, hope, and joy.

You have given me a love for the darkness.  I love to rise in darkness and watch as the light slowly comes.  I love the sparks of fire I see in the night sky.  I love the light here and there that glows and radiate your light.  I love the darkness because I know you are there.

Make us ready
for your light,
O Lord.
Whether light
or dark,
remind us
your presence
is with us still.
Thank you
for the joy
of the light
that is always
to be found.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 23, 2017

Dear God,

I watch outdoors as the river birch trees sway in the wind.  Just a few years ago they were 6' tall.  And now, maybe 40 feet. 

I have decided they are teachers.  They show a trust in you for water and sunshine.  They bend when the winds blow.  They dance about, their leaves kissing the sky.  They sometimes release branches or limbs so new growth can take place.  They display subtle beauty in the corner of the yard.  They may be trees but they speak so much about your spirit.

As spiritual beings, we too need to trust you for our livelihood, for the essentials of living water and spiritual food.  We need to bend, not remaining rigid when tossed about.  We need to dance for there is a season for dance in life's long journey.  We need to surrender that which needs dying inside us.  We need to let go so we can grow new roots.  Because we are made in your image, we too need to express the beauty within us.  As we listen to the mysteries of nature, we can hear your call to us.

Bless you,
God of love.
Thank you
for the blessings
given by
the trees
and all
of creation.
Make us receptive
to your spirit
all around us.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Dear God,

This morning I was on the road by 5:30 a.m.  It was so dark as I drove toward my aunt's home.  I turned on music which I rarely do.  Suddenly spiritual thoughts wafted upward filling my car with light, joy, and peace. 

More than two hours later the blackness turned to gray and the gray gave way to pink, orange, yellow, white, and blue.  As the music played and creation unfolded a brand new day, tears filled my eyes as I gazed upon the magnificent event taking place before me.  I thought to myself, "This happens every day.  Every day you do this, O God.  Every day you produce a majestic display of the heavens.  Every day." 

Because I live among the trees, I hardly ever see the morning sunrise.  I miss it most every day.  Yet, it takes place and blesses the earth and all her people.  All glory to you.

Thank you
for the
splendid scene
I witnessed
this morning.
Thank you
for creation's gift,
for your hand,
for your plan. 
Thank you
for sacred scenes
that inspire us
to your side.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Dear God,

You bring us special sweetness in life.  Even though we are not looking for it, it comes to us in unexpected ways.  Today was such a day.

This morning I left for a long drive to a major city.  As I went along I drove across a bridge and saw a pretty body of water but what I really saw was the river of life.  Later when I saw beautiful ducks gliding across smooth waters, I witnessed the truth of how much easier it is to glide through life when we trust you to calm the stormy seas that rise up.  When I saw cars merging onto the highway and other vehicles move to a farther lane, I realized how you make way for us.  All during the drive you helped me see through spirit eyes.

Open our eyes
to you,
O Lord;
help us
see what
you see.
Thank you
for the
visit today
to the divine.
Thank you
for faith
that opens doors
to you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 20, 2017

Dear God,

Every day you bring beauty and goodness into our lives.  When we open our eyes of faith, we are able to see, enjoy, appreciate, and give thanks.  When our eyes are blind, we miss the magnificent gifts.

Just this morning as I sat down to write, I looked outside and saw a soft blue sky with striated pink clouds.  I stopped what I was doing and went to the front door, opened it, and smiled.  This time I did not miss a picture of creation's finest.

Bless you,
O Lord,
for the gifts
in our
daily lives.
Like little surprises,
we are awed
by your
loving grace.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Dear God,

You turn us toward each other, O Father, for you want us to love one another.  You want us to care for each another.  You made us sister and brother, one family.  We are all your family, not just some.

It is so easy to love loved ones, those who love and care for us.  It is not easy to love those who hate us, those who do not agree with us, or those who hurt us.  Yet, you have established the law of love.

It is hard to break through barriers, those that have been set up by others but also those we have set up for ourselves.  We want room, space between us and others so we can protect ourselves.  But you, O Lord, want us to break down barriers and obstacles so we can move toward others and not away.  You want love, peace, and mercy for every one of your children.

Blessed God,
help us
remove everything
we set up
to keep us separate.
Show us
the way
to healing
and hope.
Rid us
of all
our weapons,
not just
the bright,
shiny ones.
Make us
to love more
than to hate.
Show us
the way
to compassion,
understanding,
and acceptance.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Dear God,

I just finished reading the book of Ezekiel and I was moved by the last line.  "And from that day the name of the city will be 'The Lord Is There.'"

The Lord is There.  Is my home a dwelling place for you?  The Lord is There.  Is my soul a dwelling place for you?  The Lord is There.  When others who know me drive by my home, do they say, "The Lord is there?"  When people see me, do they say, "The Lord is there?"  Where in the world today do people say, "The Lord is there."

Help me be
a dwelling place
for you, Lord.
Please dwell
in my home,
my heart,
and my being.
I want
to be
a dwelling place
for you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Dear God,

I have a hole in my prayer right between Lori and Liz.  I stumble every time I reach that special place.  It is where I used to pray Aunt Caroline's name.  She died and I miss her so.

I think you allow holes in prayer.  I believe you want us to consider people in our lives who have blessed us with their presence, love, and friendship.  I believe you want us to pause and give thanks.  You want us to reflect on your many gifts to us.  Perhaps you want us to express gratitude so we can see the benefits of being like others who gave so much.

I am blessed,
O Lord,
not because
I am anything special
but because
I am your child.
I am grateful
for Aunt Caroline.
Please let her know
I love her.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, October 16, 2017

Dear God,

I want to fill myself up with you, Lord.  For you are peace, not war.  For you are love, not hate.  For you are faith, not fear.  To fill up with you is to fill myself with everything good.

It is hard to fight off the conflicts of today.  It is easy to slip into self protection and shut out anything that appears to be threatening.  It is easy to talk about others who I perceive to be on the other side of me.  It is easy to create anxiety instead of the calm of heaven.

So often we grab for the wrong things, Lord.  We operate as if faith does not even exist.  Or if we do then we minimize the power faith can have.  We forget whose power created the cosmos, who breathed breath into your people, and who heals the lost, the broken, and the sick.  Forgive us, Lord, forgive us please.  Cleanse us from within so we will be a clean vessel for you.

No one
is like you,
Holy God.
No one
offers what
you offer.
No one
is pure good
like you.
Fill us up,
Lord;
we want
only you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Dear God,

He was shivering in the cold, misty rain as I drove past him to church.  I saw him and felt sorry for him but I kept on driving not wanting to be late for church.  LATE FOR CHURCH???  Church was the moment I saw the man and failed to do anything.

And so you spoke, O Lord, and so you spoke.  "Forgive us, Lord, for acting as if we have not heard your call.  Forgive us, Lord, for living for ourselves, for ignoring the needs of our neighbors.  Forgive us for being timid disciples, afraid to reach out to the stranger...," the call to confession went during worship.  How much clearer did you need to be for me to hear you?

We pray to hear your voice and see your face and when we do, we ignore it.  No, I ignore it.  I failed to reach out, to love my neighbor, to help.  As the preacher gave his message, something clicked inside me and an idea came to me, one I intend to institute this week...new blankets in my car to give out when you appear in need.

I am sorry,
O Lord,
I am sorry
for failing
my neighbor.
I am sorry
for ignoring you.
I am sorry.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Dear God,

Kairos time, heaven's time, is not driven by Chronos time which is each moment ticking off in time.  Kairos time is when resurrection unfolds within us, when time stands still, is pregnant with fullness, and heaven's joy spills over like a fountain.

Kairos time occurs every Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. when our covenant group convenes.  When we enter into prayer with you, we sit at your feet.  We gaze into your eyes.  We hear your words, feel your spirit, and breathe in more deeply the air of faith.  We sense your lead, take your guidance, and wander in the lush garden of spiritual and emotional possibility.  You are present with us and we know that we know that we know you are there.

Open us
to your spirit,
O Holy One.
Make your time
our time.
May we
attune ourselves
to you
and bring glory
to your name.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 13, 2017

Dearest God,

If we do not drink regularly from the well of living water, we grow parched, dry, and weak.  Eventually we grow so weary we can no longer stay on the path that leads to growth, strength, hope, joy, and wisdom.  We fail to thrive.

On the other hand, there is nothing like the sweet taste of eternity's living water.  Even a small drink can turn us around.  It can bring humility, peace, and light.  To bathe in your water is to enliven us in faith, to cleanse us, and bring hope to our despair.  But more than anything, it gives life, abundantly so.  There is so much joy that words fail to describe adequately.

We are never worthy to drink from your well, O Lord, but we drink because you invite us there.  You hand us the cup and prompt us to drink. There is nothing that tastes as good.  It refreshes, restores, and renews us.  Hallelujah!

Blessed God,
all your gifts
are sweet
but none more
than your
living water.
Thank you
for blessing us.
Thank you
for loving us
so much.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Dear God,

Bring heaven down to earth, I prayed this morning, bring heaven down to earth.  All of a sudden I saw peace come.  People breathed in the air of calm and quiet.  Joy replaced fear.  Some sang and danced.

Bring heaven to earth.  When I think of the possibility, I find myself breathing easier.  When heaven has come to me and I knew it, joy rose out of me as tears.  When I have witnessed heaven coming down for others, I remember the awe, the glory on their faces, and the hope that heaven gives.  There is nothing like heaven on earth.

Let heaven come
NOW,
O Lord,
let heaven come
NOW.
We all need heaven
right now.
The broken need mending.
The sorrowful need joy.
The anxious need peace.
Let heaven come
NOW,
O Lord,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Dear God,

There is so much sorrow in our family right now...breast cancer, addiction, two family members in residential treatment centers and a third one who needs it, just to name a few.  It is easy to become overwhelmed by the pain.  It is difficult to see a way through it all.

That is where your mercy comes in, Gracious God.  Your mercy is far greater than all the great despair.  It is wider and deeper.  It overflows from the fountain of your love.  It flows out touching us right where we are.  Your mercy is sweeter than the taste of honey.  It can reach our inner core and penetrate all the parts of our body, mind, and soul. 

When we find ourselves slipping downward, all we need do is remember your mercy is available, accessible, and free.  We just need to grab hold, take the mercy you offer, give thanks, drink, and breathe in your spirit.  Power comes from mercy.  Strength comes from mercy.  Wisdom comes from mercy.  Courage comes from mercy.  Love comes from mercy.  All free.  All available.  All accessible.

Loving God,
thank you
for the gift
of your mercy.
Oh, how
we need it.
Make us receptive
to your offer.
Pour your mercy
upon us
until it drips,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Dear God,

The light shines.  Even when it is turned off, we remember it.

Sometimes our personal worlds turn dark and foreboding.  We look around and all we see is darkness.  If we look no further, we languish for however long it takes...until we remember the light shining.  Only then can we find the courage, strength and power to step back into the light that will guide us into the future.

This truth came to me this morning as I looked out onto the dark morning and saw a back porch light shining.  When I closed my eyes I could still see the light because I remembered it.  Your light is like that, O Lord.  When we see your light and recognize it for what it is, we can always remember it and allow the remembering to hold us until the dark storm passes.

Bless you,
Great Light of the World,
for your light.
Thank you
for all
we can see
in the light.
Thank you
for your promise
of the light
now and forever.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Dear God,

Your promises are sure and true.  You said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  Sometimes the truth is hard to hear.  Sometimes it is heartbreaking.  Yet, truth can begin the healing process.

No one can mend torn tissues.  No one can make us heal but you.  Doctors can pull tissue together and stitch them but only you can make them heal.  Your truth is like that.  When you say you love us, we know your love can heal broken hearts.  When you say I will be with you always, we know your living presence is with us.  When you say I am the light of the world, we know your light shines on us in our darkness.

Sometimes we lose our way but you, O Lord, return us home.  You guide us.  You show us the way.  You reveal your truth to us and it is always good news.  You truth feeds us spiritual food and gives us living water to drink.  Your truth holds us until the dark night passes and your light leads us the rest of the way.  Thanks be to God!

Holy God,
thank you
for your truth
that can
set us free.
Thank you
for love
that enables
good to happen.
Thank you
for blessing us
with your promises.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, October 9, 2017

Dear God,

Who can we trust?  How can we trust?  Where will trust lead us?

O Lord, our world is filled with so much mistrust.  Our trust has been trampled on.  Our trust has been misused.  Our trust has led us down so many dead-end alleys.  Those with whom we have placed our trust have so often misled us so we ask our many questions.

You have never failed us, O God.  When we put our trust in you, we are reminded of your promise so long ago...I will be with you always.  We may not always be aware of just how your presence presents itself but we know you are with us.  When we trust in you, our faith grows, our strength returns, and our wills bend to yours because we know you will not disappoint us.

Teach us how
to be trustworthy.
Show us
the way
to true authenticity.
Cleanse us
from all untruth.
Clear the hallways
of our souls.
Make way
for the purity
of faith,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Dear God,

We are desperate for peace, O God.  Each of us needs peace.  Families need peace.  Neighborhoods need peace.  Villages, towns, and cities need peace.  Nations need peace.  The world needs peace.

How can we make peace?  How can we change our perspective?  How can we act civilly?  How can we reach out making enemies friends?

Only you can make us receptive to peacemaking.  Only you can turn our sour into sweet, our hopelessness into hope, and war into peace.  We need you to lead us, Lord; we need you to soften our hearts, refresh our minds, and cleanse our souls.  Make us desirous of peace over war whether a war of words or a war of nations.  We need you.

Guide us,
Light of the World.
Feed us,
Bread of the World.
Change us,
Redeemer of the World.
Please.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 6, 2017

Dear God,

You open the door to goodness when evil strikes.  You give your children the ability and capacity to see beyond color, background, political persuasion, economic status, and religious preference to reach out to help someone in need

Another mass shooting has occurred.  Why, we do not know.  We cannot imagine, O God.  Only you know the interior of the heart, mind, and soul of the shooter.  Only you know why he chose to kill and wound so many innocent people.  Only you know the ins and outs of your children. 

Yet, in the midst of evil and darkness, your light sparked and shined.  Mercy, compassion, kindness, love, and sacrifice were born in perfect strangers who reached out risking their own lives to help others.  Friendship bonded people together.  The best in many rose up out of the horror to light the way.  Although we are focusing on all we can know about the murderer, it seems the more important news at the moment are the stories of so many people who came together to help.  Beautiful stories, stories of hope, grace, and faith have graced the air waves.  They are the stories that help us mend, reminding us love is always possible.

You are love,
O God;
you are
the author
and creator
of love.
You place
part of yourself
inside us
and that part
always has
the potential
to rise up
with good.
Thank you
for all
who responded
to your call
to love.

Always yours, Andrea

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Dear God,

Your divine seed has been put in us, so the scripture line read, your seed.  You intend us to give birth to the divine, don't you, O God?

You have entrusted us with so beautiful a gift.  You have placed your seed within us so it can grow to full form.  Your seed is love.  It wants to grow and grow and grow.  It wants to mature fully so it can break open and shower the world with your love.  As vessels of this divine love, we are precious to you. 

Because we carry your seed the opportunities for life are overwhelming.  With this seed we can spread love wherever we go.  When we begin to feel empty, we can look inside and face the reality that your love is still with us.  We are not alone.  When we stumble and fall, all we need do is remember and we have strength to rise up once again.  When we feel little and of small value, you recall to our mind our great value to you and suddenly we breathe in love's great value.

Your seed is ours, may we give birth to beauty, goodness, and peace.

Holy Father,
how thankful
we are
for your seed
of love.
Thank you
for blessing us greatly.
Thank you
for life's
every gift.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Dear God,

You are good, O Lord; you are good to smile upon us, to give us others who shine their light, and to brighten our days when days seem sometimes dark or dreary.  You bless us over and over again.

As we vacation on the farm of a Mennonite couple in Pennsylvania, we see and hear faith all around us.  At every meal we see signs of holy life, people living in faith, sharing their sacred stories, and offering happy fellowship.  Before we leave for a day outing, our hostess shows us pictures of two miracle babies, great stories of prayer, hope, and healing.

We are surrounded
by you,
Loving Father.
We see
the signs
of faith everywhere.
As we listen
we hear
your story,
your song,
and your mercy.
We are touched,
inspired, and blessed.
Receive our thanksgiving,
O God,
receive our devotion
and love.

Always, Andrea

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Dear God,

One day with you, O Lord, and faith has the chance to grow and grow and grow.  From the moment we awaken until we return to our beds, we see your hand.  We hear your voice.  We feel your presence.

Creation itself displays the wonder of your grace.  People reaching out to people offers a peek at your compassion.  One person sacrificing for another presents your love.  One act of kindness multiplying into another shows your mercy.  Birds singing, children laughing, and couples holding hands express your joy.

We do not need to look far to find you, dear God, no, not far at all.

Thank you,
Heavenly Father,
for your
many gifts.
Thank you
for one day
of faith
and then another.
Thank you
for your presence
that makes
faith possible.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 2, 2017

Dear God,

She waved her hands before her radiant face.  As we sang she praised with her hands.  As song leader I watched her.  My heart swelled with love as I realized once again how we praise in so many ways.

We praised well this morning, O Lord, not because I lead the singing but because our hearts wanted to praise.  We wanted to lift up our songs of praise.  We wanted to glorify your name.  We wanted to reach the heavens with our devotion.

When we worship you in song, we sing from the deepest part of our selves.  We turn nearly inside out with love.  We feel your song begging to be given expression.  Today we gave it all to you because you give your all to us.

Loving Father,
what gifts
you give us
in worship.
Thank you
for blessing us
so well.
Thank you
for love
that never ends.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Dear God,

You are God; there is none like you.  On this high, holy day, we gather to worship, to pray, to sing, to fellowship, and to give thanks.  We want to hear your word proclaimed.  We want to pray as one people, "Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name..."  We want to share love, to receive and give mercy, and to strengthen our faith.  We want to be with you.

Every Sunday morning we gather as your people, flawed, broken sinners in need of our God.  You are faithful to greet us, to speak, and to challenge us.  You do not leave us as we come but rather work on us so when we leave we are prepared to be in the world, a light shining in the darkness.

We are blessed, all of us, to be called your children.  It is good to be called in, a father calling to his children, inviting us in for a holy meal, a gathering of love, and a sit-down talk to learn your ways.  We are blessed most of all because you are our father.

Thank you,
Blessed God,
for the gift
of worship,
for your church,
and for faith.
Thank you
for all
who will gather
to sit
at your feet.
Clear our minds,
our hearts,
and our souls
of any clutter
and debris
so we
may hear
all you
want us
to hear.
Make us
good listeners.
Glory to you,
Holy Father,
glory to you.

Love, Andrea