Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Dear God,

I listened to myself as I complained about this thing and that.  Then I heard your voice, "Such waste."  Once again I realized that I was not leaning on you, listening to you and following your lead.  Such nonsense.

For months I prayed for your church.  All during that time I prayed for your will, your way.  I sought your guidance.  I listened, watched and waited until your word came. Although it was hard and sad, I followed you.  I do not regret my decision; however, I find myself complaining about all that happened leading up to the decision.  For some reason I am having trouble letting go of the hurts, disappointments, and injustices.  Such waste.

Lead me
to your side,
O Holy One.
May I
always seek
your face,
your word
and your will.
Please help me
focus on
the light
rather than
the darkness.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 25, 2018

Dear God,

Only when we are silent, letting go of the sounds of worry, anxiety, busyness, distraction and scattered thoughts are we able to hear you, O Lord.  Only when we let you bubble to the top are we able to see you.  Only when we want you more than anything and everything around us can we find you waiting for us.  Only in silence.

Silence offers much, much more than any and all distraction.  It affords opportunity to draw holy breaths of faith, hope and peace.  There the light shines continually.  It draws us in, holds us and feeds us holy food.  Living water washes over us restoring and revitalizing us.  In silence you meet us, like nowhere else.

Thank you
for silence,
Holy God.
Thank you
for the blessing
of faith.
Thank you
for calling us
to silence.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Dear God,

I followed you to church today, not the same community of faith where I attended for a long time, but rather to the place where you lead.  Although I felt sad when stepping inside, I knew you were present.  As the worship unfolded I saw repeated signs of your presence and my need to be present there with you.

Trusting you is the call of my life.  Although my answer is not always yes, it is enough of a yes to call me back again and again to your side, to your will and to your way.  I am grateful.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for taking me
to worship today.
You blessed me
and I
am exceedingly grateful.
Thank you
for your
glorious presence.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Dear God,

Empty, I found an empty space inside myself.  All day I felt empty until I realized how emptiness can lead to a fullness of faith.

I let go, released what was causing anxiety, fear, and anger.  Although I wanted to hold on to who and what I was holding onto, I came to understand that sometimes we just have to let go so we do not drown.  As I finally said no and let go, I felt a release, a sad one but still a release.  Only then could I be filled up with you.

You lead us
to empty ourselves
of all
that holds us back
from the
full life
of faith
you want
for us.
Although emptiness
feels like
all is loss,
it is
just the beginning
of being
full of faith.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 22, 2018

Dear God,

Some things are just hard, really hard.  We can wonder how they got that way or we can figure we are just being picked on.  We can get angry, sad or just distressed.  However, there truly is value in what happens and how we handle it.

Right now I am just sad and actually somewhat relieved.  I have had to do a hard thing, say goodbye and begin a new trek.  It was not what I wanted to do, still don't like doing but know it is what I need to do.

I know I want to handle it your way, to trust you to help me do what is right and good, to be honest and truthful but also grace-filled.  Sometimes I do a lousy job of it.  Sometimes okay.  But now I just want to do it the way you want me to handle it.

Dear God,
thank you
for your kindness.
Thank you
for your challenge
and correction.
Thank you
for lessons
always waiting
to be learned.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Dear God,

Sorrow.  Loss.  Grief.  Anger.  I feel them all right now.  Where to turn?  Only to you.

You are God;
there is
no one
like you.
You can
be trusted.
May I rest
at your feet
for a while?

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Dear God,

Trials will come.  Suffering will following.  But suffering can bring lessons.

I wait
for you,
O Lord.
May I
be open
and receptive
to your word
when it comes.
I trust
in you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Dear God,

What do we do when we don't know what to do?  We can walk in circles, find a dead end where we can tarry or we can trust you in our waiting time.

I am a decisive person.  I can make decisions, lay out a plan and orchestrate the plan.  I can accomplish much.  However, at other times I find myself wandering in the empty halls of my own mind.  Right now I am wandering.  Yet, I hear these words:  Be still and know that I am God.

You are
my greatest blessing,
O God.
You are
the one constant
in my life.
When I rely
on you,
it is enough.
May I
trust you now.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 18, 2018

Dearest God,

Your own son said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  When we earnestly search for the truth, we mistakenly believe it will be a happy truth, a comforting, meaningful truth; however, rarely is this so.

I have spent months praying for an outcome, one that I hoped would bring hope, comfort, joy, solutions and peace to many people.  In my mind's eye I believed many would want this truth because it would rescue, cure or at least heal a few people.  I didn't count on the fact that the truth could be something else and it was.

Holy Father,
you are God;
there is none
like you.
Thank you
for the truth
even when
it is difficult
to learn.
Draw us
to your side,
the only
real place
to be.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Dear God,

I knew it was going to happen.  I tried my best to avoid it.  I hid away.  I lingered in the hall, restroom and kitchen.  But I could not say no.

This morning I was asked to do something I normally love to do.  But events, situations and conflict have caused me to pull back, to protect and to stay firmly rooted in where I am.  Yet, you, O Lord, know what is best.  You asked me.  I gave an excuse that did not fly.  Finally, I said yes.  Although it was difficult and my heart was not completely in it, I did as you asked.  Thank you.

Thank you,
dear Father,
for urging,
nudging and pushing.
Your will
is always best.
You know
what is right
and good
for us
and those
around us.
Bless you,
O Father,
bless you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Dear God,

Who can say no to the noise of life?  Who can say no to technology and the need to follow the lives of others?  Who can say no to all the clutter in the human mind and soul?  Who can say no to time with you?

Silence.  How can we know you without silencing ourselves before you?  Silence.  How can we draw close to you, find your truth and receive guidance to the various questions in life?  Silence.  How can we discover hope in despair, light in darkness and peace in chaos.  Silence.

Silence, O Lord, is not just the absence of sound.  It is making space for just you, setting aside all else for you.  It is breathing the air of mercy and letting go of all that grips us.  It is trusting, knowing you have a word for each of us every day, a word of love, of grace, of correction, of insight and wisdom.  Silence opens doors, windows, dark spaces, debris-ridden corners and every place where fears, anxieties, sin, doubt and troubles inhabit.  Silence is precious time with our creator/mother/father who comforts, directs and blesses us.  Silence.

Bless you,
O God,
for giving us silence.
Help us
not be afraid
as we enter
unfamiliar places.
Help us
trust you.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 15, 2018

Dear God,

The rain was not expected; however, it was rainy when I awakened at 5:00 a.m.  For hours the rain came gently down washing all the dry dusty leaves, dirty patios and sidewalks and watering the dry, thirsty plants.  When the sun came up later everything had a new shine.

So like the rain of your spirit that comes down upon us.  We too need cleansing, a wash of nasty habits, unkind thoughts and all that keeps us from shining too.  When your living water falls afresh on us, we breathe clean air and want to rise up from our limpy conditions, not a real word but it does seem to match what I am trying to say.  We are lifeless when we are dirty and have a layer of dust on us from lack of movement with your spirit.  But when you come and come you do, you enable us to feel alive once again.  You help us shake off the dust replacing it with a radiant shine, a glow of your holy spirit.  And we are grateful, so very grateful.

Loving God,
thank you
for your
spirit work
in our lives.
We so
need you.
We need
regular cleanings.
Help us,
O Lord.
Make us shine
for you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Dear God,

You have tucked music into my soul.  When life gets crazy or chaotic, you let your song rise up within me.  By your grace, I can often sing my way out of the rising tide.

As we sang songs of faith at choir practice tonight, I realized again how great a gift it is to have your song nestled down in my DNA.  There is a hope there, one I can grab for anytime I need it.  It soothes and comforts, challenges and helps, blesses and revives.  Most of all it turns me toward you.

Thank you,
Father,
for the gift
of music.
Thank you
for the ability
to sing,
hum and whistle.
All are gifts
from your hand.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Dear God,

When the soil is dry here in Maine, it becomes like dust in my hands.  As I gardened today I felt the dust rise in the area layering everything with a dull, dirty sheen. 

I can't help but think that's what happens in the spiritual life.  When all the nutrients seem to be lost, the character of the soul is dusty and the good particles have lost their ability to cohere, the soul becomes lost, lifeless and colorless.  Yet, like what happens when a good rain comes to the earth, living water can change everything for the soul.

Why don't we drink daily?

Give us water, Lord,
living water.
We are thirsty
for you.
Fill us
to the brim;
return life
to us.
Make us new
with you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Dear God,

He came home singing, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name.  On Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.  All other ground is sinking sand."  He had gone to the church meeting to make a presentation on a way to lead the church back to Christ during a time of conflict.  I knew even before he spoke to me that he had seen Jesus during the meeting.

You never fail to bless us with your living presence when we trust you to lead us.  He knew the meeting could be a challenge; yet, he trusted in you to guide him.  "Everything I said tonight was God's," he told me.  Flushed with surprise, amazement and humility, he knew God had a great hand in the gathering of the faithful.  He knew God was present and he gave thanks.

Bless you,
Lord of heaven and earth,
for the
wondrous gifts
of your spirit.
You are generous
with your
loving guidance
and helpful hand.
Thank you
for faith
to walk
beside you
instead of
in front
of you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 11, 2018

Dear God,

I didn't see it until I started watering.  There it was in all its radiant glory, one single lemon yellow and creamy white Bearded Iris standing tall among the Lady Ferns.  I don't remember planting it.

Every day you provide wondrous surprises for us.  It may be the way the sun rises or a gift that falls in our lap or an unexpected smile on a stranger's face.  Whatever it is, it is a beautiful blessing from you.

Thank you,
O Lord,
for the prize
among the ferns.
Thank you
for the joy
of finding you.
Thank you
for love
that keeps
on giving.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Dear God,

Your blessing always awaits us.  It may come in the form of an answered prayer, a miracle, a hope, a word of encouragement or a challenge.  Today it was a challenge.

I was working in my raspberry bushes when I heard your voice reminding me of an unkind thing I said in church of all places.  I realized I probably hurt my friend who was sitting nearby.  I felt really bad.  I knew I had to contact her to apologize.

You always want us to be about our best.  Although we are not perfect and never will be, still you call us to rise up higher and higher.  You called me today and I am thankful.

Blessed Lord,
you are good.
Thank you
for your
many kindnesses.
There is
no god
like you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Dear God,

All through the service tears filled and threatened to fall.  I was so moved and inspired by the faith of Monica Lyon.  Blind, unable to walk or feed herself and confined mostly to bed and a wheelchair, still her faith shined.

So often when life gets tough we blame you for our circumstances.  We complain and moan about the injustice of it all; yet, you wait patiently to get the go ahead from us to do your best work. 

Holy God,
please forgive
our foolish ways.
Help us focus
on you
as the light
in our darkness.
Move us
to faith,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 8, 2018

Dear God,

I stood on the patio and looked out over the lawn, woods and river.  I was amazed as I thought back on your invitation to revitalize the property.  As I reflected upon the woods I remember how menacing it was, threatening actually as I could see old pipes, barbed wire fence sticking out of the ground, trash, broken glass and so much more.  Now, it stuns with its peaceful quality.  Once again I murmured thanks for your creative handiwork.

You constantly remind us all things are possible.  Even the worst can be changed by your hand.  When I look at the ongoing transformation, I am challenged to be a partner in your ongoing transformation of my own being.  If you can do to me what you have done to the woods in bringing a sense of the holy, then I need to let go and let you do your work.

Loving God,
you want
so much
to transform
the world.
Only your
kind and compassionate hand
can do it.
Help us
let go
and let you.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Dear God,

Why is it easier to find you in the darkness rather than in the light?  Is it because it is more difficult to see light in the light?

When the light begins to fade and the darkness begins to take over, it seems we reach for you more during that time.  In the darkness it is easier to find the light.  Life issues can trouble our ability to see the light but when they grow more dismal and we become more desperate, we seek out the light in our darkness.  Although we may not readily see it, we will find it because it is always there.  We need to hold on until our faith eyes focus enough to see it.

Thank you
for your light,
O Light of the World.
Thank you
for shining
in the light
as well
as in
the darkness.
You will
forever be
the light
of the world.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Dear God,

I looked admiringly at my new lace curtains hanging at the windows of our 200-year-old home.  Aloud I said, "I have longed to have these curtains for years."  Listening to my own words, I thought "longing", really?  Does one long for lace curtains?  My own words betrayed me as I reflected upon the word "long."

I paused and heard the words of the psalmist, "As a deer pants for water, so do I long for you, O Lord."  What is worthy of my longing?  Surely not lace curtains.  When I consider what is very important to me, I realize you are my greatest longing.  I long for you and you only.  I am sorry.

I am glad
my own words
corrected me
today, Lord.
I always want
to be aware
of my thoughts,
my words
and my heart.
You and
you only
are my
greatest longing,
O God.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Dear God,

The word in my circle of friends (theologians living and dead) is deep, depth, deeper.  No surface living wanted, accepted or needed.  Each morning as I read and listen, I realize how faith calls to us daily.  It is not a shallow call; it is one that comes from the deepest depths.

St. John of the Cross talks about walking into darkness without the affections of all we possess.  The psalmist shares about praising God with all our self.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer speaks about to be Christian is to live with the suffering Christ.  Carol Gura invites us to examine our connections, the deepest ones, of course.  I hear their stories, witness their faith and feel the tug, the pull of faith into deeper places.  I have to wonder if I even have the right to join with these faith-filled Christians.

Sink me deeper,
O Lord,
into the depths
of faith.
Cleanse me
from connections
to things,
possessions and practices.
Be my guide,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 4, 2018

Dear God,

"You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  Jesus' words always challenge us to look for the truth, settle on the truth and be the truth.  However, in the world today the truth is anything but the truth.

How do we ever discover the truth, O Lord, when all we want to do is make the truth the way we want it to be?  I don't understand; I really don't understand.  How can we ever live the truth if we don't choose to meet it?

You are
the truth,
O Lord.
You are
our truth.
Please forgive
our strange
and selfish wanderings.
We are lost.
Help us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Dear God,

How can we ever let go enough to be united with you?  As I read about cheap grace and costly grace, I see why and how we have gone so far astray from a deep life of faith.  What will happen to us if we continue on the path we are currently on?

We long for so many things, O Lord.  We want faith but we also want a good job and nice things and good friends and lots of fun.  We want the good life but the good life and the life of faith seem so far off from one another.  As I read and think about my own priorities I realize I am far from a life of true faith.  Yet what faith offers is so much richer, better and lovelier than anything we could possible want from this world.  Why do we cling to cheap substitutes?

Hold us accountable,
dear Lord;
show us
the way,
the path
that leads somewhere,
not nowhere.
Help rid us
of unnecessary junk
in our lives.
Cleanse us,
purify us
for the
walk home,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Dear God,

It was just around the corner.  When I saw the sign I turned and glided down the steep hill and there it was.  The sun was shining, making the ocean water glisten as boats sailed, birds rode the waves and peace settled.  As my granddaughters came following me, they stopped to take pictures.

You never cease to amaze us with your wondrous creation!  Around every corner is something, a blossoming flower, a sun's ray, a tree coming to full bloom, tiny animals scurrying and vegetables poking their tiny stems just above ground.  When we pause to consider nature at its best, we find you waiting.

Thank you,
Holy God,
for the gifts
of your creation.
You bless us
beyond imagination.
Thank you
for each thing
around the corner
and in front
of us.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 1, 2018

Dear God,

We think we know all there is to know about a situation.  We draw conclusions.  We make judgments.  BUT then you come bringing us more news.

It is so easy to judge, to believe what we think we know.  So often we fall prey to judgmentalism thinking we are so smart, so clever.  We make decisions and then enact them only to learn we were not as smart as we thought we were.

O Lord, we forget to see through the lens of faith.  We fail to acknowledge you as the power source of faith.  We forfeit opportunities to watch and see, to listen and learn and to follow and obey.  We realize we cannot be both judge and jury.  Rather we are children of faith who follow the One who gives us faith. 

Forgive us,
Father,
for our
judgmental ways.
Please forgive us
for playing God.
We need you.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Dear God,

Each morning as I sit in my circle of friends, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the psalmist, St. John of the Cross, Carol Gura and the writers of the gospel, I realize how far away my soul is from being who I am called to be.  If I am to be a friend of Jesus, your friend, Holy God, my soul needs a constant cleansing.  I need to free myself of all that keeps me from you.

How difficult it is to surrender!  Yet, why would I want to hang on to all that takes me away from you?  Why would I want anything to stand between us?  In the deepest part of my soul, I want only you.

Gracious God,
please forgive
my selfish ways.
Please help me
rid myself
of everything
that keeps me
at arm's reach.
I am sorry.

Love, Andrea