Saturday, April 29, 2023

Dear God,

Periodically I return to listen to Susan Boyle's audition for Britain's Got Talent.  When she sang I Dreamed a Dream, I cried.  I thought of her own dream coming true.  I thought of an ordinary person finding her way to extraordinary.  I thought of the stereotypic ways of thinking being shattered.  I thought of love rising in the air.  I thought of beauty being revealed.

I weep because transformation often brings tears.  When we open ourselves to courage, strength and hope from on high, anything is possible.  When we watch glory unfold, we are wowed such that our tears spill forth and run down.  We discover joy within ourselves even when we see others transformed.  Deep down we want that same amazing state of being.  When we reflect upon it, we realize it comes from you.

Gracious God,

thank you

for Susan Boyle. 

Thank you

for her message

in song.

Thank you

for faith

that disrupts

our usual way

of being.

Forever yours, Andrea

Friday, April 28, 2023

Dear God,

When we pray we are making room for others in our heart of hearts.  We are ushering them into our love, compassion and hope.  We make space for them because we want healing or help or kindness for them.  For all we want peace.

Henri Nouwen and Richard Rohr, both renowned authors and part of my daily circle of friends have taught me a lot about prayer.  Their words, faith and optimism speak daily to me.  I listen and learn.  I am challenged to even make room for those I can barely stand like politicians who vote for bills to limit the rights of people.  I pray for them because you have asked me to pray specifically and corporately.  I can do no less.

It is strange how when I first pray for people I dislike, I can hardly speak their name/s.  My feelings of disgust and anger are present.  I can barely stand praying for them.  Yet, in time those feelings begin to subside because you remind me they are part of my family.  More importantly they are part of yours.  While I still may not like what they believe and practice, I still hold them in prayer in my heart where space is made for everyone.

Loving God,

you do

the impossible.

You change

our hearts.

When we

make space

for you,

what happens

in that space

changes things.

Whoever enters

finds a

loving space

just for them

in prayer.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Dear God,

If only we would all listen to you intently, discern your will and follow it.  We would be a people at peace.  Hope would soar.  Joy would come.  Most difficulties have a solution that can unfold bringing renewed hope.  But we must learn to trust you more.  We can do life on our own but we will always be limited in our perspective, our way and our strength.

When we begin and end our day with gratitude, life is just easier.  It is more tolerable.  Help can come even in horrible situations.  

When I write, I am usually in a warm, stable environment.  I have food in the fridge and medicine in the cabinet.  I regularly drink clean water and have money to pay my bills and save.  I have people who love me and those I love.  So I pen my prayers to you from a good, safe place.  But how can I say much of what I say when many people do not have any of these comforts?

Lord, I desperately pray for those living in violence, those who often through no fault of their own live in dangerous zones.  Whether through war or poverty or domestic troubles or any of many trials people face, their lives are not comfortable like mine.  Yet, I have known pain and know that you come to us to aid us.  I know there is injustice and no way to totally remedy loss and tragedy.  Still, I know you come to bring peace to the weary, worn-out anxious soul.  I know you can and want to tend to our hurting souls.  Peace you want to give.

Loving and Compassionate God,

help all

your children.

Ease the suffering

and loss.

Give to all

what they need,

Holy Father,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Dear God,

It is so easy to give in to temptation.  Although we know where and who to turn to, we often follow the road that leads to disappointment, hurt and sorrow.  But when we allow ourselves to take the path that leads to faith, there is always joy at the end.

I have traveled both paths.  I have given in to temptation where I knew ahead of time how I would feel.  I knew then and know now that it leads to nowhere good.  So why do I go there?  I don't have to.  I can always say NO.  And when I do, I rise up, see the light shining and suddenly feel your presence all around me.  

Lead me

to you,

Lord of the Living.

Show me

the way

to joy

and peace.

Thank you

for your direction,

love and compassion.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Dear God,

Prayer is not something that begins with Dear God and ends with Amen.  Prayer is presence with God and God with us.  We exist together.  Because we are present with Presence, we do not need to search for God as if God is absent.  God is already beside us. Prayer is an ongoing conversation.  A formal beginning and ending are not required.  We do not have a special format or a way we must pray.  If we recognize God's presence with us, prayer becomes this sharing we do all day long.  More often than not during the day we are simply in the middle of prayer.

Thank you,

Compassionate God,

for the gift

of prayer.

Thank you

for each

and every moment

we share together.

Thank you

for prayer

that has

no beginning

and no end.

Love, Andrea

Monday, April 24, 2023

Dear God,

Why must we hurt one another?  What possesses us to attack with words and actions?  Why do we assume the world is according to us individually?

I continue to be stunned by the actions of politicians and people who continue to rob the most vulnerable in our population.  People of color, trans people, the poor and dispossessed, foreigners, people who are different from us are just some who are continually targeted.  They want to take away their rights, make it difficult for them to vote, to give voice to their needs and desires and to live a meaningful life.  I cannot comprehend the beliefs, behaviors and actions of those who harm, push down and marginalize others.  

Of course, to say all this, I am reminded that prejudice, discrimination, hatred, jealousy and poor behavior begins with us, with me.  While we want to point to others who are guilty, you call us to look within to see where we may be guilty.  Sin has a way of hiding in corners of every human heart.

Reveal your truth,

Loving God,

help us discover

our own wrongdoing.

Guide us

to higher standards

where compassion,

love, acceptance,

understanding and 

wisdom reside.

Lead us

to confession,

reconciliation and forgiveness.

Yours, Andrea

 

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Dear God,

How can we pray for our own if we do not pray for others?  Why would we pray only for our family, neighbors and friends and leave out strangers far and away who are suffering?  What would possess us to pray for ourselves without thinking of others?  

Several years ago the Carmelite sisters revealed a much better way.  In every prayer they included the world.  They thought of hurting children, people of different faiths and politicians of every party.  By example they reminded all gathered that we are all part of one family, some we love, some we despise, some who have harmed us, some who have lifted us up and some we sorely disagree with.  It was and is the way of love they showed us.

Show us always

the way

to you

and the world

waiting for us

to pray.

Remind us

of the

eternal connection

we have 

with everyone.

Thank you

for all

the prayers prayed

for us

by strangers.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Dear God,

Truth.  What is truth, O God, what is truth?  You said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  Truth frees.

In our world today truth is tossed about, massaged, manipulated, changed and made up.  How can this kind of truth set anyone free?  And isn't it true that truth should set all people free, not just some?  How can we ever return to the kind of truth you spoke of?

Show us

the way

to truth,

O God.

Lead us

to you.

We want

only the truth

that sets

people free.

Your truth.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, April 21, 2023

Dear God,

You stretch the human heart to make room for more love.  My granddaughter is about to give birth to a little boy, her second child.  But she is afraid she won't love the next baby as much as the first.  We as veteran moms know our capacity for love grows with each child.

You do that for us, O Lord, because you want us to love more.  You show us your love by creating more love in us.  There have been times you have asked me to love those whom I did not want to love like lying politicians.  You simply asked me to pray for them.  And what I have discovered is that I come to care more when I pray for someone.  Nothing should surprise us about you, O God.  Your gifts are beyond measure!

Holy God,

thank you

for loving us

and helping us

love others.

Show us

the way

of love

day after day.

By the way,

I love you back.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Dear God,

I still can't believe the extraordinary way nature works!  What appeared dead now lives again.  The trees are budding, the flowers are blooming, the grass is turning green, the temperatures are warming and our spirits are soaring.  

When we see what you are doing all around us, it gives us comfort and hope to know that our "dead" lives can come alive once more.  We so need transformation, O Lord, to remind us that nothing remains the same unless we allow it.  But you, dear God, offer us more than the status quo.  You invite us into a dramatic change in life that can bring a new day, a new life to us.

Thank you,

Loving God,

for change.

Thank you

for the possibility

of transformation.

Thank you

for your

wondrous blessings.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Dear God,

You awakened me early this morning by whispering in my ear.  "It is a good morning to walk."  Although I have wanted to walk to work on my weight, I did not have the will to do so.  Your invitation this morning was just what I needed.  

Why do you care about every little thing that concerns us?  Why do you put up with our resistance and downright denials?  Why do you give us so many chances at life?  It is because your love is deep and wide.  

Thank you

for loving us

more than

anyone else.

Thank you

for blessing us

with your kindness.

Thank you

for teaching us

lessons of faith.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Dear God,

Because we are made in your image we are eternally connected to you.  Because we are all connected to you, we are connected to one another.  When we feel alone, we need to remember this truth.

There are so many accounts of people who fall ill and die in isolation.  That is because it is not natural to be separate from one another.  While we may wish to disconnect from some who hurt or disappoint us, we cannot do so.  However, the cord that connects us to you keeps us safe from those who desire to harm.  

If we think of a large tapestry, we can see multiple colors, shapes and textures which makes it exquisitely beautiful.  Yes, there are rips and tears, snags and pulls but it remains a solid piece.  The one thread most pleasing is the one that runs through the entire tapestry.  That is yours, O God, so wonderfully created.

Holy are you,

God Most High.

Thank you

for the gift

of connection,

most of all,

the connection

with you.

We are blessed.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, April 17, 2023

Dear God,

It is true; there is no place like home.  The moment we pulled in the driveway, my heart went warm, a smile spread across my face and my mind simply whispered "Home!"

Home is the space where safety, warmth, hope, joy and peace reside.  Just to see it, I know it.  I breathe deep sighs because I know what is to come.  

But this home, this physical place with all its possessions, joys and memories is nothing like the Home with you.  And the best news is I do not have to wait until death to go there.  I came be home in a breath or thought.  When I reside there for a moment, a minute or all day long, I find everything I need at the deepest level of my being.  

Thank you,

Wondrous God,

for your

many gifts.

Thank you

for eternity's home

available 24/7.

Thank you

for the joy

of knowing it

and being there.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Dear God,

"I will give you a new heart and breathe my spirit into you."  These words came from the author of Ecclesiastes.  What that means is when our hearts are weary, burdened down, pumping harder to no real avail, you promise to give us a new heart.  You promise to lift it up, to ease its suffering and to give it your strength.  And to think on top of that you promise to breathe your very own spirit into us giving us energy, restoration and life.  Wow, what more can we ask?

In our daily living more often than not, we work out of our own strength and will.  But we come up short.  We do not have what we could have by trusting in you, anticipating that new heart and breath of heaven.  We can have more and why would we not?

Thank you,

Loving God,

for your promises.

Thank you

for your

amazing love.

Thank you

for today's lesson

of faith.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Dear God,

Finally we departed for home.  Along the drive through Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, we saw evidence

of your exquisite handiwork.  Your fingerprints were everywhere.  Nature is a marvelous revealer of your amazing creation.

What more was beautiful was that you were not only doing miracle work outside but also inside the car.  Thank you.

Blessed are you,

God of Great Miracles.

Thank you

for creating miracles

inside us too.

Thank you

for your love

that never ends.

Yours for always, Andrea

Friday, November 14, 2023

Dear God,

Every day the sun rises and sets, the moon comes out and goes back in and the stars appear, then disappear.  It is just as you direct.

What pattern and rhythm did you create for humans?  Are we to rise up and sit down, sleep and wake and eat and refrain from eating?  The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time and season for all things, a time for war and a time for peace, a time to grieve and a time to dance and a time to gather stones and to refrain from gathering stones.  Do we do what you want, Loving Creator?

How I wish I could be like the sun, moon and stars. I want to follow your lead, your call. I want to fulfill your will for me.  Yet, far to often, I fail miserably.  I just can't seem to break old habits that keep me from a meaningful spiritual and emotional rhythm.

Help me,

dear Lord,

help me

follow your will.

Remind me

your way

is always better.

Thank you

for reminding

me today.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Dear God,

I am angry, just plain angry!  I planned to leave on Tuesday and here it is Thursday and still we are not ready to leave.  Today I had to deal with so many little things that gobbled up my time.  I sprayed for ants three times but the chemical did not work.  I had to scrub the floor where a pot left a rust stain. I had to use weed killer on weeds I will not be able to pull for six months.  I had to deal with human problems as well.  I am ready to sell this house and move.  I am discouraged.

Now that I have ranted my complaints, I must pull back and stop, reflecting upon your love that exists even when we are troubled, recalcitrant or unbending.  You are the one steady factor in my life.  No matter what you are present to hear my complaints.  You whisper your love to me, offer me living water from your ever-flowing fountain.  You breathe into me the gentle breeze of your spirit and shine your brilliant light upon my darkness.

What more can I say O God but thank you.

Thank you

for reminding me

I am yours.

I do

not have

to be afraid,

sad or broken.

I can

trust you

to help me.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Dear God,

The writer of Ecclesiastes says that you have put eternity in the human heart.  Eternity. do we even comprehend what that means for us?  Eternity in all our hearts, in mine.

What power!  What love!  What compassion for the God of the cosmos to share eternity with us!  Can we even take it in?

When I pause to consider that eternity is within me, I realize I am enabled to do more than I can think or believe.  With your help and grace, I can overcome temptation.  I can conquer my fears.  I can love others who hurt me.  I can because you are with me.

Holy God,

thank you

for your

amazing gift

of eternity.

Thank you

for redirecting us

when we

trust you.

Thank you

for blessing us,

all of us,

even me.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Dear God,

The birds are so happy for spring.  Their sweet songs remind me of angels' praise.  It blesses the soul reminding us of your living presence in the world.

Springtime calls us to birth, rebirth and renewal.  It invites us to let go of the drudgery of the past and to stand still allowing your spirit to well up within us our own song of praise.  When that happens, there is a cacophony of voices who know you and want to sing.  I find myself doing the same.

What better way is there to spend a spring day that singing your praises?

Holy God,

thank you

for the blessing

of your love

revealed during spring.

Thank you

for the birds

who continually

teach us

to listen

for your voice.

Thank you

for giving me

a song too.

Love, Andrea

Monday, April 10, 2023

Dear God,

There is something quite beautiful about Easter Monday. It is that Easter continues.  Resurrection is still possible.  Hope is alive.  Faith is deep and wide.

Sometimes we treat holy days as holidays, ones for Santa and the Easter Bunny.  Now there is nothing wrong with that but holy days are more meaningful, ongoing and valuable.  When Santa and Bunny are gone one day, Christmas and Easter are still occurring.  Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit are still at work giving.

Thank you

for lessons

in faith,

Loving God.

We need them

for daily living.

Teach us

again andf again.

Love, Andrea

Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023

Dear God,

As I do every Easter Sunday, I listened outside in the darkness for the sound of the birds.  I always thought they were the first to sing praise to God for resurrection.  I was not disappointed but what I heard was different than ever before.  "Hoo, hoo, hoo." The owl cried.  I hear it now as "Who?  Who?  Who?"  Jesus, I believe is the answer.

Easter is not the same year after year.  To the attentive eye and ear, we see and hear something distinct, something perhaps unique.  The owl's message was mine this year.

I want something new.  I want to know I have changed throughout the year so I hear more deeply ready for the yearly message.  I want a new heart, a new mind, new ears and eyes.  I want to give evidence that the year just lived is not the same old story but one that is ever fresh as faith comes alive each new day. I want my life to embody the message of Good Friday even before I get to Easter.  I want to be the person you created, not the one I tend to tarnish, color or mar.  I want to be resurrected too.

Blessed are you,

Loving God Almighty,

for you

give every

good gift.

Thank you

for Easter

and all

its challenges.

Thank you

for the owl

whose message

I heard

loud and clear.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Dear God,

I always thought a day between Good Friday and Easter was good.  It gives us time to reflect, to think about the meaning of Holy Week and to consider what the challenge is for us individually and collectively.  I need that time.

Good Friday is dark.  Easter is joy.  Holy Saturday is quiet, an eerie silence and a time of reckoning.  So good, so very good.

Loving God,

thank you

for the gift

of Holy Week.

Thank you

for all

the emotions

that come

during this week.

Teach us

to travel

with you

every season.

Love, Andrea

Friday, April 7, 2023

Dear God,

While it may seem odd or strange, I believe we need crucifixion and death in order to understand resurrection and new life.  At times I need to die to whatever is keeping me trapped in sin or willful way so that I might change, repent to find opportunity to resurrection and new life.  Your own son showed us the way.

On this Good Friday, I have plenty to let die so the ground beneath me may grow fertile again with possibility.  I need to breathe my last in sin to clear myself of all that keeps me bound.  I need to surrender again.

Loving God,

lead me

to the cross

where I

may die

to myself.

Breathe into me

new air,

the air

of faith

and grace.

Resurrect me,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Dear God,

Today the words "living sanctuary" popped off the page.  Living sanctuary, the space that is hidden deep within the human DNA which is God.  It is always there, cannot separate it from any other.  The space of the living God.

Yet, so often we think of and practice life outside that living sanctuary.  We step out on our own, wanting our own way and will.  We forget the real power lies deep within, a power so mighty and powerful that it can completely transform the heart and mind and soul.  When we forget, we operate out of weakness but with it, we rise to higher levels of faith, trust and wisdom.

Today I decided again to dwell in this living sanctuary and to be awash in your living water!!!

Holy God,

you give us

everything we need.

Help us remember

and to act

in faith,

trust and love.

Show us

the way!

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Dear God,

Some days are just especially beautiful days.  Yesterday was one of those.

In the morning I drove to a tiny library and gave them a box of books and a check for their summer reading program.  Next, I went to one of my covenant group members for lunch and a gratitude visit to say thank you for being a significant part of my life.  I left there and drove 45 minutes to a very small town to visit a grandson, his fiancée and three grandchildren.  I was there less than an hour but I gave them homemade chocolate chip cookies and received several hugs (five from my nine-year-old granddaughter) and then drove an hour north to have dinner with two granddaughters and a soon-to-be grandson.  On my way home I filled the air with my praise to you for making such a day possible.

I realize that every day is a beautiful day when we begin and end with you and we walk with you all day long.  Although there may be hardships at times, all things are made better with you.

Thank you,

Holy God,

for making yesterday

a holy

and wholly 

beautiful day.

Thank you

for blessing me

with loved ones.

Yours forever, Andrea

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Dear God,

How wonderful it is to be welcomed by you each morning.  Your love, compassion and wisdom meet me just as I rise in the morning.  I always know there is much to look forward to in my day because you are with me.

Just today as I was driving home from an early morning doctor's visit, you brought to mind a stranger I met several years ago at a very remote monastery in northwestern New Mexico.  I will never forget our chance meeting.  We were just coming out of the service of compline in the chapel when I stepped outside and saw a frightening thing in the sky.  The stranger nearly bumped into me in the deep darkness and he said to me, "Have you never seen the Milky Way before?"  

We walked back to the primitive guesthouse together and I learned he was an oncologist from Denver, Colorado who travels to Christ in the Desert Monastery monthly.  For a few minutes he shared his story with me.  Many years earlier he lived in Germany in an apartment when a fire started in the apartment below him.  He had to jump out of a fourth-floor window.  With several broken bones it took many months to recover.  In the process he decided to become a doctor specializing in cancer treatment.  His faith grew and his repeated trips to the monastery helped foster his faith and his hope as he often dealt with dying patients.

This morning you brought him back to me so that I could reflect upon what faith and hope mean during difficult times.  I am so grateful.

Compassionate God,

no one cares

the way

you care.

Thank you

for caring

for me

this morning.

Bless all

who need

faith and hope

today.

Love, Andrea

Monday, April 3, 2023

Dear God,

Only when we have stood in the midst of deep darkness can we know the sweetness of the light.  Just a crack, a small spark can change our personal world, our mood and our despair.  That light is always yours, O Lord, only yours.  I know this because I know the weakness of my own light.

My life has been all about light and darkness.  I can point to many scenes of darkness when I was lost, afraid and without hope.  But in every instance, you came bringing light.  You filled me with enough light to see my way out of my situation or change me enough so I could move forward in life.  As I sit here writing, I only see light looking back.  I know there was darkness to be sure but the light overpowers it so all I see is your glory shining!

Thank you

for moments

of reflection

that return us

to dark places

penetrated by

your shining light.

Thank you

for never

giving up

on us.

Thank you

for your light

that forever shines!

Love, Andrea

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Dear God,

Every Sunday there is a drawing power that invites me to join you for worship.  Although I like the music and the sermon and the fellowship, the real reason I go is to be with you, Holy God.  I go to sit with you, to give praise, to pray in thanksgiving, to sing my hopes and dreams and most of all to reaffirm my faith in you.  It is all very simple, to be present with your living presence.

Today was no different.  I wanted to be near, to see signs of your love and to drink from the cup of living water.  To hear your word and make sense of it for my life and the life of the world sustains me in every-day living.  As I returned home, I murmured my prayers once again expressing my deep gratitude for faith.

You are God;

there is none

like you.

Thank you

for blessing us

with faith,

for teaching us

to listen

and to 

know you.

Thank you

for the

fill up!

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Dear God,

The squirrels are chasing one another.  So are the birds.  Green buds are emerging on small branches.  Flowers have sprung up.  It is resurrection time!

Sometimes I wonder if nature is present to remind us of spiritual matters.  Darkness and light.  Despair and hope.  Death and Resurrection.  Good timing coming out of the cold of winter.

We all need springtime, O God.  We are living in a perpetual winter of darkness, loneliness, fear, anxiety and loss.  Our families, our nation and our world long for resurrection!  We need transformation.  We need filling up of that which is good and rich and beautiful!  We need to turn around to face what you see can be!  But, obviously we are not capable of doing this alone, Compassionate God.  We need your help, guidance and gentle nudge.  Only you have the power, strength and love to alter our situation!

Draw us close

to you,

O God.

We need you!

Never let

us go.

Call forth springtime!

Call us too!

Yours, Andrea

Friday, March 31, 2023

Dear God,

We spent nearly 50 years apart.  Although we only lived an hour or two away, we busied ourselves with other things.  Until Ted died.  We drove three hours away to grieve together.  That changed us.  We wanted to be together.  We wanted to know what we had missed.

Today we had our monthly lunch at an assisted living facility where cousin Judy now resides.  We told stories, laughed and shared our love with one another.  It was so meaningful, so full of joy and connection. We wondered why we waited so long.  Yet, here we were touching hearts, hands and souls together!

Thank you

for occasions

to bring us together,

O God.

Thank you

for the blessing

of cousins' love.

Thank you

for reminding us

we are

forever connected.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Dear God,

Each of us has our own way of singing praise to you.  There is the birdsong, the dance of faith and the bubbling river stream.  When our joy spills over, praise is at its fullest.

Every night just as I close my eyes, I reflect upon my day and lift up all the gifts you have given me.  My heart is always full as my mind remembers and my mouth gives praise.  Blessing upon blessing, inspiration upon inspiration and healing upon healing of heart, mind or spirit.

Every time we turn our soul toward you, O God, what springs forth brings great delight.  Who honors us more?  Who calls us beloved?  Who provides hope, joy or faith like you?

Turn the whole

of our self

to you,

Creator God.

Turn us

to you,

every day,

all day.

Fill our mouths

with more

and more praise.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Dear God,

Your gifts just keep on coming!  Today as I "sat" with my covenant group and listened to our sharing and responses, there was no doubt of your presence on our conference call.  Our words, prayers and love all pointed to you.

Although our nation right now seems as though there is no God, in small circles, in nature and other ways, you are so incredibly visible that your gifts give us hope.  You keep us believing that change is possible with your help and grace.  We can hope because you still live among us!

Blessed are you,

Loving and Almighty God.

You give

and then

give some more.

You reveal yourself

to us.

Although we behave

as those

without God,

you remind us

of your

living presence.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea