Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Dear God,

The abyss is ever growing in Washington.  Our president lies.  He misleads.  He offers misinformation that can and is harming thousands of people.  How do we ever crawl out of the hole created by an insecure narcissist?

Everything seems out of control.  Politics, protests and a pandemic are threatening us on every side.  We want to make people well.  We want to right the wrongs.  We want to ease the suffering.  We need a leader who will show compassion, who will listen to scientists and who will take wisdom from advisors who are much smarter than he.

While we are in a freefall, catch us, Lord, will you please?

Holy and Powerful God,
we look
to you
to lead us.
Lead us
to your will.
Lead us
to peace,
hope and comfort,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 27, 2020

Dear God,

Why do we think we have so much power?  Why do we think we can really change things?  Why are we so arrogant?  We have little to no power to make change without you.

My aunt is sick.  She is being tested for Covid-19.  Forty residents have the virus and it is spreading like wildfire.  Yet, we have no real power as family to change her situation as much as we desire it.  She is 92.  We love her dearly.

Right now there are many things about which we have no power.  We feel helpless, powerless to change this plague, the many injustices in our country and economic downfall.  We need you, O Lord; we desperately need you.

Merciful God,
lead us
to the well
to drink.
We need
living water.
We need
spiritual food.
We need guidance.
We need compassion.
Lead us,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Dear God,

Even as I rise to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night I hear your voice nudging me to pray.  For a family member, protesters, victims of Covid-19, refugees, the forgotten, the lost and the fearful.  As I murmur names, groups and strangers, I know you are doing the same thing with others around the world.

You keep us in touch with one another.  You want us to pray not only for those we know but those we do not know, those who need help, rescue, guidance, love and hope.  As we connect with others we grow more deeply in touch with you.

Grow our love
for one another,
O God.
Make us
into one people,
one human family.
Sensitize us
to the need
for prayer
and for prayer
for others.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Dear God,

Some day I intend to write a book entitled, "Lessons from the Spiritual Path."  For 14 years I have been working on a spiritual path in the woods.  Since the very day you directed me to look into the woods, a tangled, ominous, invasive mess, and pointed me to the opening to a spiritual path, I have been working, digging, cleaning, clearing, raking, cutting, pruning and opening.  For all these years you have whispered truths, insights and lessons from the path.

Sometimes its was the trees that spoke.  Other times it was the ferns dancing on the breeze.  Even the stones, wildflowers, dead trees, river and weeds had something to say about the spirit life.  Today was no different.

This morning when it was hot and muggy, I went out early and beginning cleaning and clearing an area for mulch.  As I looked around and saw an acre of ground full of weeds, debris and last year's Autumn leaves, I was tempted to say, "This is too much for me.  I can't do it."  But you quietly spoke, "There is always the temptation to be overwhelmed by all we see.  But when we do just what is before us, we are able to do all we need to do in due time."  I continued to clear and clean not only the spiritual garden but also my soul and spirit.

Holy God,
you are
the author
of all
good things.
You created
the path
and you
created me.
You called me
to the task
just so
you could
challenge and
change me.
In the process
together we
have created
a path
for the divine.
Thank you,
Loving God,
thank you.

Always and forever yours, Andrea

Friday, July 24, 2020

Dearest God,

This morning I listened to the voice of Henri Nouwen when he said, "Issues easily imprison; a person can set free.  Issues easily divide us; a person can unite.  Issues easily exhaust; a person can give rest.  Issues easily destroy; a person can offer new life.  Despair is caused by orientation toward issues, but hope emerges when we direct ourselves with heart and mind to the person of a saving God.  That is prayer."

I found myself repentant as I confessed my own bent on issues in our nation and world.  I get so caught up in the despair of the day rather than in the hope of a saving God.  Nouwen's words challenged me to stop the trend and following the savior.

Lead me,
Lord,
lead me
to the
healing power
of faith.
Hold my feet fast
to your
holy word.
Wade through
the flood
of my
own predilections.
May your thoughts
be mine.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Dear God,

Just to see the name of my blog as I open the page gives me a sense of the holy, of your living presence, of your goodness and grace and of your love and openness to all your children, gives me joy, peace and hope in spite of any emotion or mood I may be experiencing at the moment.  I know this prized time of writing, sharing and reflecting is a favored time of the union between the divine and human.  You open me to change, challenge and compassion.

How do you do it, Lord?  Why?  Far too often I am like a recalcitrant child committed to my own belligerent way.  It is only as I come to you like a child to a loving parent do I falter and breathe, let down my own defenses and sit in your loving presence.

I need you, Lord, no doubt about it!  I need you!  I need to allow you to break down every defense so I can sit humbly before you.  I need to let go, surrender and listen to you.  I need your guidance, help and counsel to live as you intend me to live.

Only you,
O God,
are worthy
of all
my praise
and thanksgiving.
I am
so little
and you
are so big.
I want
to lift
my eyes up
not down
or ahead
of me.
I want
to be
a living participant
in your
holy plan
of life.
I don't want
to be greedy,
selfish or arrogant.
I want only
to be
your willing child
so ready
to follow you.
Help me,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Dear God,

As my covenant friend shared, a vision came to me and I began to weep.  As he shared I continued to weep until finally I was able to share the vision with our group.

It was a holy moment in Russia when my husband and I visited in 1988.  We worshipped every day for 19 days in different churches.  There we saw what was really important, the people and their faith.  We saw the way of true devotion.  We saw their great joy in the return of the relics of St. Andrew.  We witnessed their ecstasy in worshipping together and receiving the Eucharist.  After 70 years of terrible persecution, killings and closing of most churches, they were now rejoicing in their return, an answer to so many prayers.

In America today we complain, murmur complaints and gripe about things in our country.  We are in chaos; there is no doubt about it.  However, what I saw this morning was a call to return to the God of our faith, the only One who can save us.  Where is Christ in the midst of the awfulness, I asked myself and my colleagues.  Where is Christ?  The truth is Christ is here, present with us.  We are not alone.  When we change our focus, anticipate and look, we find Christ all around, I said.

In the moments of our sharing, we saw you, felt your presence and were moved to action.  All this was your hand at work.

Bless you,
Almighty God,
for your
living, loving presence.
My, how
we need you.
Open us
to your
deep, abiding spirit.
Make us willing
to listen,
see and experience.
Lead us
to you.
Lead us
to love,
faith and peace,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Dear God,

There is no one who can fill us up like you.  When we are empty, truly empty, lost and lonely, you invite us to let you fill us with compassion, love and hope.  When we move from empty to full, we know the only One who has done this amazing feat!

I know emptiness and fullness.  I know loss and gain.  I know sorrow and joy.  Knowing you helps us know the differences and how they can change and then change us.

In life when we trust you, you show us the way from one to the other.  Holding your hand in the process makes all things possible.

Holy God,
thank you
for the opportunity
for transformation.
You are
the author
of all
good things.
Help us
trust you
in all things.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 20, 2020

Dear God,

The sound of a loved one's voice is enough to settle our unsettledness.  It can lift our spirits, take away our burdens and give us hope.  It can restore our soul.

Today I talked with my 92-year-old Aunt Jodie.  Oh, how I love her.  She now resides in a nursing home of her choice.  She is isolated by the corona virus.  She mostly sits in her recliner, reads, naps, eats, does her shoulder exercises from her wheelchair and walks a few minutes with aides each day.  Although it doesn't sound like much of a life, she still laughs, loves and shares with nurses and all who tend to her needs.  She talks with family nearly every day and seems content although Covid has claimed about 15 residents who are now in quarantine.

When I hear her voice, I go back in time.  I remember her when I was a little girl.  I loved and still do her chicken and noodles.  I remember her at Grandma's house, her home and when she came to visit my family.  We always had a good time sharing our lives together.  I have known her my 73 years and can't imagine a day without her in my being.  I travel down memory lane when we talk.  I am so blessed by her loving gestures, sweet smile, great compassion, giving ways and kind heart.  Today, I felt lighter just talking with her.

You bring us together,
O God.
You make us family.
You grow love there.
You provide joy
and we grow
with it.
Thank you
for Aunt Jodie.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Dear God,

Sometimes we live with the belief that we can only find you in the building called church.  Without a formal worship, we sometimes feel bereft of faith, community and even hope.  But, you, O Lord, created the cosmos out of nothing.  In it you breathed the air of your spirit.  As a gentle breeze causes the trees to dance, it is yet another sign that you are even in the dance.

Right now it is a hard time not being in our church, sharing together, praying the prayers, singing our praise, listening for the word and fellowshipping with friends.  It is painful to be away from one another.  And yet outside our windows the birds sing their songs.  They do not know where their next meal will come from nor do they know where they will lodge when storms brew.  Yet, they sing.

I have come to realize this time is fertile soil for faith, hope and mercy.  We just need to look deeper, farther and higher.  As we allow you to stretch us, we find you waiting, joining us in the spiritual search for signs of the divine.  As we grow, we find more and more of you and less and less of our worries, anxieties and despair.

Holy God,
we are
always in
your care.
We do
not need
to fear.
You are
with us.
Forgive us
when we forget.
You are
always here.
Teach us
to grow
and grow
and grow.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Dear God,

Surprises come in all colors and shapes.  I had the best surprise today.  I saw your hand all over the wondrous gift.

My daughter appeared out of my flower garden.  The most beautiful blossom of all, I opened my arms and charged toward her.  I hugged and hugged and hugged her.  I couldn't help it!

It has been six months since I hugged my 49-year-old Jenni.  The pandemic put signs on all our fronts..."Don't touch."  Rightfully so.  But today, I simply could not hold back.

When we look at life as a gift, such gifts like the surprise visit of my daughter become so much more. It is such a lovely gift that all I can do is utter heavenward, "Thank you; thank you; thank you."

Holy and Loving God,
thank you
for the gifts
of your spirit.
Thank you
for gifts
that delight
the soul.
Thank you
for my daughter
and her
generous spirit.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 17, 2020

Dear God,

When we drove out the driveway at 5:00 a.m., we encountered fog that stayed with us for more than 200 miles.  When we entered Acadia National Park, the fog began to lift.  What it revealed was a stunning display of your magnificent creation.  We were filled with awe.

The spiritual life is the same, I thought.  When we walk in fog, we feel blinded to the realities around us.  We can stumble and fall and even lose our way.  But when that fog lifts, when your hand pulls up the shade, we see what you see, what you want us to see and what is beautiful.

On the way home while my granddaughter rested, I thought about the gift of fog, how it helps us and what is possible before the fog lifts.  On the ride up to the national park, at times the fog and sunshine working together looked like an entrance into my perceived notion of heaven.  It was radiant.  I could see the hard work being done in the midst of the fog and I was intrigued.  When you and your children work together in the midst of the hovering darkness, all things are possible.

Holy God,
thank you
for lessons
that come
when driving.
Thank you
for fog
and its challenge
to reflect,
to grow
and to change.
Thank you
for good gifts
that follow.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Dear God,

It is possible to live far away from our own heart.  We can follow ideas, people and situations that take us away from what is meant to be close.  Honored as the seat of love and mercy and kindness, we can lose our way.  Sometimes it is difficult to find our way home.

In this time of chaos, conflict, confusion, anger and despair, we are tempted to follow something or someone who will lead us in a doubtful direction.  Because it is easy to get caught up in things, we can lose our footing and our common sense.  We can slide onto slippery soil.

The beautiful thing is you are the love and the power to bring us home.  One call, one hand reached out or one plea can redirect us to all that is good and loving and powerful.  Your compassion can bring us home and keep us home.

O God,
how much
we need you.
How much
we need
your power
and your strength.
How much
we need
your loving compassion
and willingness
to take us
by the hand
and bring us home.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Dearest God,

You make our hearts soft so we can be open to your spirit.  You create us to know you and to experience the deepest love in the whole of the cosmos.

This came home to me today when my granddaughter Sophie and I stepped inside the hermitage built just a few months ago along my spiritual path.  When she saw it for the first time, she paused, looked around and her face expressed awe and wonder.  Although she did not say it in so many words, it was evident she saw you in the holy, sacred space.

How wonderful my granddaughter and I can experience your spirit together!  What gifts!  What presence, knowing and loving you together at the same time, in the same space!

Loving God,
thank you
for your
living, loving presence
in our lives.
Thank you
for revealing yourself
to us.
We are blessed.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Dear God,

You grow our hearts.  You give us the capacity to love, to love more and to love many.  You stretch us to include others.

Today my 20-year-old granddaughter flew in for a week with us.  How happy my grandma's heart was!  Because of the pandemic, we didn't quite know how to greet one another.  "What should we do?"  I asked.  "I don't know." She replied.  "Should we hug with masks?"  I asked.  We both laughed even though we want to stay safe and well.  Finally Sophie said, "Grandma, I think we should just hug."  In the front seat of the car at the curb at the airport, we embraced.  It was our first hug in months and we are both grandma-granddaughter huggers.

You constantly remind us of the gift of love.  You show us your deep, abiding love for your children.  You give us more and more love so we can share more.  We love because you love us and because loving brings so much joy.

Thank you,
for holy love,
O God,
and for all
love is.
Thank you
for grandchildren,
yet another gift.
Thank you
for Sophie
and our
special time together.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 13, 2020

Dear God,

When rain comes down, it cleanses, refreshes and renews.  The budding flowers, berry bushes and thirsty trees drink it down, quenching their thirst and making them new.  That's what happened today, a nice rain to feed the dry ground.

As always you spoke in the rain.  This is the living water that quenches the emotional and spiritual thirst of my people, you say in the misty fog.  And I drink it in too knowing I am just as thirsty as any plant surrounding our home and woods.  I need the living water from the Loving God who provides it.

Today we were both fed.

Thank you,
Almighty God,
for the gift
of your
wondrous spirit.
Thank you
for quenching
our thirst.
Thank you
for speaking
your word,
a word
of hope
for today.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Dear God,

I really do thrive on quiet, not the absence of sound, but the opening to the divine.  I don't need to hear my own voice or any other.  I don't need television, telephones or other devices.  I love silence, when I get the opportunity to quiet my heart, mind and soul.  I open myself to you, wait patiently and when you are ready listen to you.  Sometimes it is a feeling, a word, an insight, a pearl of wisdom, a convicting word, a challenge or a word of affirmation.  It is always sweet.

I need silence.  When I do not have it, I grow frustrated, anxious or irritated.  When I do enter into silence, I find a calmness, solitude and serenity.  Peace and hope rise up in me.  I am enabled to let go of what ails me.  I find you.

Holy God,
thank you
for quiet moments
with you.
Thank you
for returning me
to the silence
when I am
caught up
in the chaos
of daily life.
Thank you
for allowing me
to walk
with you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Dear God,

Only you can change us!  Only you can turn our hearts, minds and souls to you!  Only you can redirect us toward healing, hope and joy.

This morning I was angry, really angry.  I was filling up with resentment, bitterness and hostility.  As I began writing to you, I felt this wash of loving mercy come over me.  I felt it dissolving me of all that was not me.  I felt love filling the places where hatred had taken up residence.  I felt loved, challenged and convicted.  I knew it was your work and I was willing to let go, surrender into your loving hands.  I knew I was returning to you and I was happy, very happy.

Lord, thank you
for taking away
all those things
that drag us down.
Thank you
for bringing healing
and hope.
Thank you
for transforming us.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 10, 2020

Dear God,

Only when we listen can we hear your word, find our way and build a meaningful life!

There are so many distractions in our world, O Lord, distractions that take us toward temporal things, experiences and situations.  Tragically, many take us in directions that compete with time with you.  We forget you are always with us.  We have opportunity every day, every moment to dwell with you, to talk and listen and to find creative, new ways to live life to the fullest.

But we must listen.  We must quiet ourselves and turn off everything that begs for our attention in order to hear your still, small voice that never demands or forces us to listen.  When we intentionally turn toward you, turn down everything else and listen, we find richness, beauty, wisdom, warmth, hope, compassion, and guidance.  All you have to offer us is all we need.  There are no conditions, rather an open, loving relationship that always has our best in mind.  Why?  Because your love is greater than anything the world has to offer!

Teach us
the way
to listen,
O God.
Tune our ears
to your voice.
Help us develop
a loving trust
in you
one more time.
Speak, dear God,
speak to us,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Dear God,

We want a convenient, meaningful and happy life every day.  We want to plan our day and have it run perfectly smoothly.  We don't want anything to get in our way.  We don't like inconveniences, distractions or problems.  But life is not always this way.  In fact, I am certain it is not designed to be that way.

A beautiful, meaningful and joy-filled life comes when we entrust our day to you, when we begin our day with a prayer, "Lead me through this day, O God, this day you have created."  When we give you back the day you give to us, we begin where we need to begin, with you.  This is the most effective, valuable and loving experience of the 24 hours you provide every day.

I confess I have been irritated this morning.  I have run into so many obstacles around a simple matter.  Trying to get cell phone service in a spotty area, working to find a telephone number of a department store that sent the wrong box springs, getting into a rotary, punching number after number for 20 minutes and then finding out I am in a cue for at least 30 minutes set me off.  As I write, I realize this could be valuable time to listen to you, to pray for others and do learn another lesson in patience.  Instead my anger increased, my frustration grew and I ranted.  Please forgive me, Lord; I need to sit at your feet, wait, listen and learn.

Holy God,
I am
a sinful child,
recalcitrant, self-centered
and stubborn.
I need
a lesson
in patience.
I need you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Dear God,

You created the cosmos to teach us lessons of faith.  Even simple, small things have the power to speak.

Today I worked alone on the land.  I simply cleaned and cleared areas of debris, weeds, thorny things and dead leaves.  I cut, pulled and raked.  When done the evergreen tree was free to rise up, to stand and to dance in the wind.  I was struck by the beauty of something so weighed down, paralyzed and unable to live and breathe and move, suddenly its burdens lifted giving freedom and joy.  I smiled, talked to the 2' tree and gave thanks to you.  With great interest over the next few years, I will rejoice in its growth.

I realized the story of the small tree is our story.  We too are weighed down by burdens, worries and anxiety.  Yet, when we are freed from our constraints, we too are free to grow and live and dance.  I felt privileged to partner with you in giving room to grow to your precious evergreen.

Thank you
for all
your gifts
of life,
O Lord.
You bless us
with life
and insight
and joy.
Praise to you,
Creator God!

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Dearest God,

You are the giver of all good gifts.  You speak and invite us to consider the ideas, thoughts and helps you give us.

Just today as my friend and I continued to clear some areas of the woods for the spiritual path some ideas for flowers came.  It has been so meaningful to work around beautiful ferns dancing in the wind.  As weeds are pulled, noxious plants are removed and sections are prepared, openings for beauty arise, ideas come and plans are made.

What is astounding to me is your invitation 14 years ago to create a spiritual path, gardens and contemplative space for pilgrims.  Although the area was nearly an acre and filled with dead and living trees, debris from decades of disuse and invasive plants allowed to take over for at least a century, I said yes.  Funny, I'm not really a gardener nor a visionary for spiritual gardens.  Yet, all these years you have been whispering to me and I have simply followed your word.  Some spectacular things have evolved, all because of you.

When ideas or thoughts come and I see them in my mind, I am always led to pray, to give thanks, to smile and sometimes even dance because I know all these gifts come from you.  Although I am a partner in your creation, I don't take the credit because every idea, picture and thought has been yours.  You have been the driver of this work.  You have created a space for all to enjoy, those who kayak down the river, neighbors and all others who find themselves on our land.  What supreme joy it gives me to work with you, always taking your lead.

Blessed are you,
God of love and joy.
Thank you
for every gift.
Thank you
for blessing
your people,
all your people,
workers, partners,
friends and strangers.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, July 6, 2020

Dear God,

There is goodness in the air when children commit to feed hungry people!  One child somewhere in America has given away more than 1,500 meals.  She knows there is a growing number of hungry people and she is determined to help them.

Inside the human soul there is a piece of you, O God.  That small piece inspires, challenges and guides us to do great things.  Even children like this one at the age of seven.  I remember a little girl of three who wanted to open a lemonade stand to sell drinks and give the money for pediatric cancer research.  By the time she was six and died she had given more an a million dollars to help sick and dying children.

Oh Lord, if only the whole world acted on the impulse of love!  The work we could do, the assistance we could give and the love that could spread would transform our world.  Why don't we?

Help us,
O God,
become all
we can be.
Show us
the way
to greatness,
not for ourselves
but for others.
Help us run
to the needy
with that piece
of you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Dear God,

This morning as my friend and I worked together on the spiritual path, I asked her if she would like to create our own worship this morning.  We stopped our work, sat on the little porch of the hermitage and there we prayed, spoke the psalms, sang, offered a call to worship and shared the miracle of hope in the midst of darkness in our world today.  How wonderful it was to listen to the birds sing their own songs of praise and to watch as the tree branches danced with the wind of your spirit.  Clearly, you were with us in our worship.

You whisper invitations for us to draw close to you.  You invite us to worship, to sing, pray and praise, to lift up our prayers of thanksgiving and offerings of love and grace.  You bless us beyond what we think is possible and bring smiles and greater gratitude to our hearts and minds.  We will always be grateful for your living presence.

Loving God,
thank you
for worship
this morning.
Thank you
for speaking
to us,
for inviting us in
and for
allowing us
to enjoy
and bless
your creation.
Every gift
is yours
and always divine.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Dearest God,

When you fashioned your creation, you put within the soil your very spirit.  As we work the good earth for planting, you know this can bring peace, hope and comfort.  The process itself can help us find answers to our dilemmas, guidance in our decision-making and insight into our doubts and fears.  As we pull weeds, clear the land of debris and dig out tangled, gnarly roots, we can hear your voice speaking to us.  It is a quieting time, a chance to reflect, honor and praise you.

Today was one of those days.  The irritation, fear and contempt over many issues in our country quieted down as your voice became louder than all these.  I realized once again how important, vital really, our relationship is to you.  While we drift awhile in prayer, silence and simply dwell while working the soil, we find the respite you want to give us.  You strengthen us for each day giving us courage and direction.  You show us your love and encourage us to love one another.

An intentional day with you is better than a thousand without you.

Holy God,
thank you
for the gifts
that lay
at our fingertips.
Thank you
for your creation.
Thank you
for quiet time.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, July 3, 2020

Dear God,

This morning as I prayed you brought strangers to me in prayer, those who had no one to pray for them.  As I quieted my usual prayer, I waited as they entered and I prayed for them.  I felt my prayer emptying out, making room and swelling as many came.  I smiled.  You trusted me to care for these.

You do things beyond our imagination.  I may pray for the world but you, on the other hand, bring the world into our prayer.  You give us love for the stranger, patience and welcome.  You join us together.  How you do this is not important.  You simply round up children, your children and bring them to us.  You invite us to hold them in prayer.  It is a marvel, a special joy.

Blessed are you,
God Most High.
You love
your children,
all of them.
You want us
to love them.
Thank you
for bringing them
to me today.
May I
hold them
all day long.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Dear God,

Our brothers and sisters in Hong Kong are being crushed by a controlling, demanding regime that seeks to snuff out freedoms of speech and political opinion.  Threatened with years of imprisonment of even speaking about the possibility of separating from China is breaking people.  Why, O Lord, why?

Is our world just that crazy and chaotic right now?  Is there just a great need for authoritarian control?  Why must governments, leaders and people behave in such a way?  Have we forgotten the way of love, acceptance and peace as the way to live on planet earth?  Have we put aside the value of every human being?  Have we given up the way of love?

How will we ever find our way home, O God, home to hope, compassion, mercy, love, acceptance, forgiveness and peace?  How?

Bless our brothers
and sisters
in Hong Kong,
Merciful God.
Bless them
in their efforts
toward self rule
and peace.
Bless them
in their discouragement,
despair and hopelessness.
Put peace
and determination
in their hearts,
minds and souls.
Help them
find their way home.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Dear God,

How do we find our way beyond division in our country?  How do we unite, caring for each other as beloved sister and brother?  How do we find the path back to one another?

Our president seems to have a need to divide us.  His rhetoric, actions and demeanor divides and conquers.  It is a terrible gesture that continues to rip and tear at the heart of who we are.  He has a way of keeping our wounds raw.

How do we find peace and hope in this tragic environment, Lord?  People are dying of Covid-19.  Protestors are working to bring comfort, hope and reform for our black brothers and sisters and yet, our president derides, demeans and uses destructive language toward them.  The political lies and negative campaigning drags us further and further down.  What do we do, O God?

Please help us,
Great Loving God;
please help us
find the road
to peace,
compassion and love.
We are desperate
for your help.
Only you
can help us,
O Father,
only you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Dear God,

There are moments when I feel on shaky ground.  I don't always know why.  I just feel the ground beneath me shaking.

We do not live in a perfect world.  Our lives are never perfect.  Everything can be just fine and then not fine.  Our perspectives can change, our views can shatter, all that we know to be solid can begin to give way.  Perhaps that has always been your plan.  Perhaps we are meant to live on shaky ground because we need to be fluid in faith not locked in to what may temporary or inauthentic.  Shaky ground is the call to draw close and not fear.  It is the challenge to hang on to that which we know is good and true and loving.  Riding out the storm increases our trust, faith and hope.

Loving God,
call us closer.
Make us
more sure
of you
and ourselves.
Help us be
so united
to you
that we welcome
shaky ground
knowing the challenge
is yours.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 29, 2020

Dear God,

I have never had to search for you; however, at times I have felt distant, far off.  I have felt as if I were living in a vacuum, nearly devoid of your living presence.  At such times I felt adrift on a sea of uncertainty where the winds of life seemed to take me further and further out.  I was bereft.

It is in this darkness that I had to take the stairs into the depths of my own soul.  I had to dig deeper than before feeling strange and uncertain, yet, right where I needed to be.  I had to face fear and walk through it to go to unfamiliar land where I was not sure what or who I would meet.  The deeper I went, the more I knew I was moving deeper into my faith that would surely lead me to you.  And when I tripped over you, I knew that I knew that I knew you had destined me to meet you there.

Holy God,
we need not
be afraid
when we search
for you.
There is
a thread
between us,
one that cannot
be broken,
one that
binds us eternally
to you.
Although we
go further
and further,
we have
to remember
you have
already gone
where we
are going.
You are always
waiting for us.
Thank you
for the blessing
that follows.

Love always, Andrea