Saturday, November 6, 2021

Dear God,

This morning as I prayed, I lifted up the names of the sisters of St. Joseph, Carmel and St. Benedict as well as the brothers of Christ in the Desert.  Each of these Catholic monastic communities have helped forge a deeper faith inside me.  When I think of them, I am reminded of God's work through them to change me.

Who could guess a United Methodist minister would find respite, challenge, conviction, forgiveness and grace in Catholic monasteries and yet, that is exactly what has happened.  I have been drawn to monastic communities and they have blessed and inspired me in ways I could not have imagined.  

What intrigues me, O God, is the way in which you nudge us toward unfamiliar roads down which you want us to travel for a while.  There you whisper to us in refreshing ways to give us insight, knowledge, wisdom, help and guidance.  You invite us to open wide our hearts, minds and souls.  When and while open, you speak and move and bless.  All this you have done in me.  How can I ever fully convey my heartfelt thanks?

Blessed are you,

God Most High.

Thank you

for every moment

of blessing

and inspiration

in monasteries

of faith.

Thank you

for opening

my spirit

to yours.

Thank you

for transformation,

love and grace.

Bless you,

God of Great Love.

Yours, Andrea