MONDAY:
Perspectives
"Wait for God; be strong, let your heart take courage; wait for God."
—Words from a old song, Psalm 27:14
I've been reviewing some of my devotions from the past and I'd like to start the week sharing this devotion written for the last Monday of September in 2005:
In the last ten minutes I've received three e-mails and I want to share a little bit from each one of them!
E-mail 1: From Missionaries in Honduras
"We constantly think about keeping safe, whether from parasites in the water or from violence in the streets... We struggle with the reality of extreme poverty... We feel frustration each time we go through the hospital system and its long lines... We feel overwhelmed by the problems in the villages. "
E-mail 2: From Mr. Dawes about the Health Care Infrastructure of New Orleans
"Essentially the health care infrastructure of New Orleans is gone - it no longer exists, " said Joe Cappiello from JCAHO.
E-mail 3: From an Associate at HRH who forwarded an e-mail titled, "I am thankful"
The e-mail lists a dozen reasons (with brief explanations) why the author is thankful. For example: "I am thankful for my huge heating bill... because it means I am warm."
As we begin this new week we are keenly aware that millions around the world are surviving in ways we find difficult to even imagine. Sometimes in our sheltered and safe existence we are tempted to complain. Thinking of the grieving souls, the starving souls, the homeless souls!
Pray for them!
Approach your day with thankfulness and gratitude for life and join with all our brothers and sisters as we wait for the Lord.
-Ben Keckler 09.24.07
TUESDAY:
Musing About Friendship
"Do not forsake your friend..."
-A wisdom phrase (Proverbs 27:10)
One of the joys of fall that happens across our land is found at tailgate parties. Some are on Friday evening -- high school events; some are on Saturday - college events; and some are on Sunday -- professional events. I personally like going to college games, particularly a Purdue game as many of you may know.
For years I've held season tickets for Purdue games, but this year Cheryl and I decided to surrender them and use as many weekends as possible to touch hurting hearts rather than relaxing and tailgating. September 15 we didn't have anything planned and Purdue had a home game. Guess what happened?
Early in the week one of our friends whom we've entertained at tailgates called me and offered me tickets for the game. It is absolutely amazing how friendship works! I got to enjoy a 2007 tailgate at Purdue! What you give, you receive.
A prayer: Thank you God for the gift of friendship. Accept my gratitude today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.25.07
WEDNESDAY:
A Reason To Give Thanks
"Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them,
'Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth...
I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants..'"
-From the story of Noah
(Genesis 9, selected verses)
Friends: Some of you have read this musing before (the numbers have been updated for another year). I use this devotion annually for a reason; I'm sure it will make sense as you read it.
78 years ago my grandfather (Ben Keckler, Sr.) was ordained as a minister. My father ("Junior" as his brothers and sisters knew him) is still an active ordained minister and, of course, Ben 3rd is writing this devotional after more than 32 years of active ordained ministry. Just as the story of family and covenant relationship with God is told in the Noah story, so centuries later I can tell a story of God's blessing. I am grateful for family.
I wish there was a way to know the number of sermons, bible studies, weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. where a person named Ben Keckler has provided pastoral care during the last 78 years. I think about the thousands and thousands of home and hospital visits that grandpa, dad and I have experienced. It is overwhelming to realize how many people have invited us into their lives to share God's amazing grace with them.
I am filled with gratitude today for a loving God, a faithful family and a wonderful heritage. Believe me when I tell you that God is good. In the midst of all the STUFF we go through, I can honestly tell you that God is in love with this world and will not keep it a secret. Even with disasters around us, I believe. God bless your care-giving today!
A prayer: Thank you God for the gift of family and the gift of your love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.26.07
THURSDAY
Reaching Out To Others
"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith,
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering
you in my prayers. "
—A follower (Ephesians 1:15)
What a privilege to work side by side with people who care! When you hear the stories from New Orleans these days you realize that recovery from disasters takes a lot of time. It is not pleasant. Over the years many of us have participated in relief efforts brought on by both hurricanes and earthquakes. It is not pleasant. New occasions teach new duties and when disaster strikes, new opportunities and new challenges emerge.
HRH associates are known for outstanding support when others are in need. Your wonderful response is really not surprising! Regularly we are given opportunities to share (United Way, Food Banks, etc). Thank you for demonstrating your compassionate spirits of faith.
In recent weeks I've heard a number of stories that confirm how we do our work in this place. Regularly I am asked specific questions about the spirit of generosity that exists at HRH. Wow! Reaching out to others is so important and I give thanks for the way you share from your heart.
Thank you.
A prayer: Thanks be to you, O God, for compassion demonstrated in the workplace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.27.07
FRIDAY:
Some Thoughts For The Weekend
"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God, When shall I come and behold the face of God?"
--Psalm 42:2
Remembering an Acquaintance
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. Having spent several weeks listening to Henri Nouwen and sitting at dinner with him on three occasions, he feels like a friend, but a better term is probably "acquaintance." Henri was walking to work one day and was struck by the mirror of a passing motorist. His injuries took him to the door of death, but he did recover and wrote a wonderful reflection on life and death. The book is titled Beyond the Mirror.
The rhythms of the past week have brought me near to a number of folks who are reflecting on the end of life, grief, loss, and recovery from serious illnesses or diseases. For whatever reason, Henri came to mind. The following excerpt, from the chapter on recovery:
"The way my friends reacted to my recovery caused me to reflect on the way life and death are perceived in our society. Unanimously, they congratulated me on my restoration to health and expressed their gratitude that I was doing so well again. Although I was deeply grateful for the attention and affection, the encounter with God in my hours near death made me wonder whether being 'better again' was indeed the best thing for me."
Maybe these reflective words from a fellow journeyer can help in understanding what the Psalmist was wrestling with centuries ago. Have a good day, a blessed weekend, and enjoy every minute of life.
A prayer for today: Holy God, help and guide me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.28.07
Monday, September 24, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Daily Devotions - Week of 09.17.07
This week:
Introducing Solitude into our Busy Lives
MONDAY:
"Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Be merciful to me and hear my prayer."
-Psalm 4:1
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of uninterruptedness. Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time when we intentionally limit outside distractions so that the "inside noises" can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed to the silence (to the Holy, to God).
Recently I was privileged to observe another person's solitude. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved "stuff" and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. "Are you in a better place now?" I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
A prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 09.17.07
TUESDAY:
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from my Creator."
-Psalm 62:1
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
A couple of years ago one of those dreaded phone calls came, informing my wife and me of a sudden traumatic death. The brother of a very good friend was killed instantly in a freak accident. Our friend was totally numb. We talked with her on Saturday and again on Sunday. During the Sunday evening talk she indicated that she had said all that needed to be said and that it was time for her to be alone.
Our friend has been developing her ability to be attentive to God's voice over the past five years. She continues to learn that solitude is important, particularly when you feel bombarded by the many thoughts and feelings that emerge from difficult, daily living. The ability to withdraw from surrounding distractions takes time to develop. I am confident that our friend grew stronger on Sunday night when she declared that it was time to enter a solitary place!
While we hated to leave her, we knew that the best way for her to deal with her emptiness, loss, anger and grief was some quiet time. The Sacred writings tell stories about times when people found it helpful to enter into solitude. Even if it is only for a few minutes, take some time today for some solitary moments with God.
A prayer: God bless my moments of solitude with your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.18.07
WEDNESDAY:
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. "
-Psalm 130:1, 2
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
Every so often we can feel like we are "in the depths". When this feeling arrives (and arrive it will) the natural tendency is to turn to someone who can guide us through, who can pray for us, who can focus attention on our needs. One method of self-care that each of us can develop is learning the discipline of solitude.
Generally we opt for noise, busy-ness and activity in the surroundings to help us get through. Each can be helpful. Learning to experience the splendor of solitude can be as helpful; in fact, probably far more helpful. Entering a private room and shutting the door does not remove our doubts, fears, bad memories, angry feelings, impulsive desires, or unresolved stuff. Entering a solitary place does help us to define what is going on. Entering a solitary place does help us to encounter the "presence" that can help us gain clarity.
Mercy and grace are always present for us to access. The practice of solitude will help us to get there. Start with small segments of time (5 or 10 minutes) and keep increasing your allocated time until you reach what works for you.
A prayer: Guide me, 0 Holy God, toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 09.19.07
THURSDAY:
"Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth"
-Psalm 46:10
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can't it? I don't think so! Generally in our solitude it is important to focus on the "centering of our own being" and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important— when we are anchored we don't drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered remember those who are in difficult places:
Every person inside the borders of Iraq.
The thousands and thousands who are still displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Those who will face hardships because this is a day when they will receive? unsettling news.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.20.07
FRIDAY:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? I will sing and make music to the Lord my God."
-Psalm 27, selected verses
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
Excerpts from a prayer of St. Francis as he spent time in solitude:
You are holy, Lord, you are the only God
And all your works are wondrous.
You are strong,
You are great,
You are most high.
You, most holy, are the Lord of heaven and earth!
You are the mystery, the Lord God above all gods.
You are good,
You are all good,
You are the highest good.
Lord of all, God of all, ever living and ever true.
You are the fire of love itself.
You are our
Wisdom, humility, patience, beauty, meekness, security, inner peace and our joy.
Great and wonderful Lord!
You are God who lives forever, offering me life!
I pray that you will have a blessed weekend, filled with good.
--Ben Keckler 09.21.07
Introducing Solitude into our Busy Lives
MONDAY:
"Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Be merciful to me and hear my prayer."
-Psalm 4:1
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of uninterruptedness. Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time when we intentionally limit outside distractions so that the "inside noises" can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed to the silence (to the Holy, to God).
Recently I was privileged to observe another person's solitude. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved "stuff" and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. "Are you in a better place now?" I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
A prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 09.17.07
TUESDAY:
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from my Creator."
-Psalm 62:1
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
A couple of years ago one of those dreaded phone calls came, informing my wife and me of a sudden traumatic death. The brother of a very good friend was killed instantly in a freak accident. Our friend was totally numb. We talked with her on Saturday and again on Sunday. During the Sunday evening talk she indicated that she had said all that needed to be said and that it was time for her to be alone.
Our friend has been developing her ability to be attentive to God's voice over the past five years. She continues to learn that solitude is important, particularly when you feel bombarded by the many thoughts and feelings that emerge from difficult, daily living. The ability to withdraw from surrounding distractions takes time to develop. I am confident that our friend grew stronger on Sunday night when she declared that it was time to enter a solitary place!
While we hated to leave her, we knew that the best way for her to deal with her emptiness, loss, anger and grief was some quiet time. The Sacred writings tell stories about times when people found it helpful to enter into solitude. Even if it is only for a few minutes, take some time today for some solitary moments with God.
A prayer: God bless my moments of solitude with your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.18.07
WEDNESDAY:
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. "
-Psalm 130:1, 2
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
Every so often we can feel like we are "in the depths". When this feeling arrives (and arrive it will) the natural tendency is to turn to someone who can guide us through, who can pray for us, who can focus attention on our needs. One method of self-care that each of us can develop is learning the discipline of solitude.
Generally we opt for noise, busy-ness and activity in the surroundings to help us get through. Each can be helpful. Learning to experience the splendor of solitude can be as helpful; in fact, probably far more helpful. Entering a private room and shutting the door does not remove our doubts, fears, bad memories, angry feelings, impulsive desires, or unresolved stuff. Entering a solitary place does help us to define what is going on. Entering a solitary place does help us to encounter the "presence" that can help us gain clarity.
Mercy and grace are always present for us to access. The practice of solitude will help us to get there. Start with small segments of time (5 or 10 minutes) and keep increasing your allocated time until you reach what works for you.
A prayer: Guide me, 0 Holy God, toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 09.19.07
THURSDAY:
"Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth"
-Psalm 46:10
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can't it? I don't think so! Generally in our solitude it is important to focus on the "centering of our own being" and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important— when we are anchored we don't drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered remember those who are in difficult places:
Every person inside the borders of Iraq.
The thousands and thousands who are still displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Those who will face hardships because this is a day when they will receive? unsettling news.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.20.07
FRIDAY:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? I will sing and make music to the Lord my God."
-Psalm 27, selected verses
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
Excerpts from a prayer of St. Francis as he spent time in solitude:
You are holy, Lord, you are the only God
And all your works are wondrous.
You are strong,
You are great,
You are most high.
You, most holy, are the Lord of heaven and earth!
You are the mystery, the Lord God above all gods.
You are good,
You are all good,
You are the highest good.
Lord of all, God of all, ever living and ever true.
You are the fire of love itself.
You are our
Wisdom, humility, patience, beauty, meekness, security, inner peace and our joy.
Great and wonderful Lord!
You are God who lives forever, offering me life!
I pray that you will have a blessed weekend, filled with good.
--Ben Keckler 09.21.07
Monday, September 10, 2007
Daily Devotions - Week of 09.10.07
This week is all about CREATIVITY.
MONDAY:
A lesson: I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you.
-The Message (Ezekiel 36: 26)
Some thoughts:
I remember a couple of years ago here at Hendricks Regional Health (we were then known as Hendricks Community Hospital) we experienced a wave of creativity. A jungle theme came alive; the hospital facilities became warm and cheerful. Visitors, patients and staff were smiling more as departments accepted the challenge to be creative. HRH became therapeutic in a new way. Generally we focus on healing through the gifted care of a medical community touching the aching person. What we discovered (and hopefully we will not forget) is that new life came to hurting persons through artistic, aesthetic touches. A generally sterile setting had new life.
We are a gifted and talented community! The DVD created for Associates' Day let us know that!
Can we find ways to call forth that creativity on a regular basis? The reading for today talks about a "new spirit" dwelling within and among the people of God. That new spirit just might be a spirit of creativity. May we discover more and more ways to let dormant creativity be alive in the routines of our daily caregiving. Truly creativity is an important part of treating people better.
A Prayer: God of the journey, help us to affirm each other as we continually discover the new spirit you place within us. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.10.07
TUESDAY:
A lesson: Psalm 144: 9
"I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you."
Some thoughts:
Claiming your creative edge or edges can be a most energizing activity. You've heard someone say something like: "I'm not creative." Possibly, you have even uttered those words. The reality is that each of us has creative potential within. Over the years, I've observed people display gifts I had no knowledge they possessed. They demonstrated the creative potential that they discovered within.
One way of discovering the creative genius within us is practice. A musician discovers their creative edge as they practice the basics of scales, chords, melody, harmony and technic. A gourmet chef discovers their creative edge practicing with herbs and spices and then dreaming "outside the recipe box." A gardener discovers their creative edge by nurturing various plants and working in various soils. The more we practice the more we develop an inner confidence. With time we are ready to "sing new songs" and play new instruments of praise to our Creator. Having honed our skills, we are prepared to listen to that inner voice and create something unique.
A Prayer: God of Creativity, liberate me from the repetitive rhythms and tired tunes. Ready me to hear the pulse of a new beat and the whisper of a new melody, and then let me play for you my song of praise. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.11.07
WEDNESDAY:
A lesson: Isaiah 43:19
"I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert"
Some thoughts:
This verse contains a really wonderful insight about creativity. It tells us that creativity comes out of silence and listening. The source of new things in our lives is all about what the Holy One, the creator is doing within us. As we take time to practice the art of stillness we will find ourselves dreaming dreams, seeing pictures in our minds, coming up with solutions for problems, ...
Often we jump to statements about our inability. It is easy to do. For example, many people feel very inadequate with their artistic abilities. When asked to draw something we say, "I can't draw." The same is true with mechanical abilities, musical abilities and so on. We tend to jump to the concluding statement rather than allowing the silence to work a new thing within us.
In the pre-computer age we didn't know about double-clicking on icons so that a screen would appear. Now millions who never thought they'd have any literacy about the "new thing" called computers have quietly discovered that they are doing things they never perceived they could do! Enjoy the discoveries you make as creative wonder springs up within you!
A Prayer: Grace-giving God, when life seems dry, let me find living water in the wilderness. Grant me the creativity to fashion vessels that carry this water to others. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.12.07
THURSDAY:
"The discipline of solitude is one of the most powerful disciplines.
It is a simple, though not easy, way to free us from the slavery of our
occupations and preoccupations and begin to hear
the voice that makes all things new."
Henri Nouwen
Making All Things New, page 75
Some thoughts:
Now here is a major challenge for each of us - creating a space to be alone for a few minutes each day. Listening to silence is wonderful, but it can be tough to feel comfortable in silence. We are surrounded by distractions and interruptions, we are surrounded by noise and busy schedules, and in fact, we've even created "surround sound"!
I'm looking forward to spending a week with two of my grandchildren in October (will take some time for daughter and son-in-law, too!) but I am not anticipating those moments to be silent! While leaving them will be difficult, I already know that I will enjoy the silence that will be part of my return to normal routine.
They live near the base of Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs. In between the care giving and the cooking, I plan to take some quiet time. Sitting in a hot tub, looking at Pike's Peak and its splendor will make that quiet time pretty relaxing. The challenge is finding ways to "be still" and know that God is renewing me day after day after day.
A prayer: God be near me as I creatively develop places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.13.07
FRIDAY:
A lesson: Read Psalm 40
"God put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God."
Some thoughts:
We conclude this week's thoughts on creativity with this prayer by Roberta Porter. May you have a weekend filled with many creative expressions of love, peace and joy.
A Prayer for Becoming
Roberta Porter
Lord,
may I live each day creatively, in you,
beginning with thanks for life itself,
for life in you.
May I find my gifts, knowing
in the searching I am becoming
who you created me to be.
May I use these gifts
to serve each task
as serving you, seeing in the work
and in others
your face, your light.
And, at the end of the day
may I rest in your grace,
always grateful.
Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.14.07
MONDAY:
A lesson: I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you.
-The Message (Ezekiel 36: 26)
Some thoughts:
I remember a couple of years ago here at Hendricks Regional Health (we were then known as Hendricks Community Hospital) we experienced a wave of creativity. A jungle theme came alive; the hospital facilities became warm and cheerful. Visitors, patients and staff were smiling more as departments accepted the challenge to be creative. HRH became therapeutic in a new way. Generally we focus on healing through the gifted care of a medical community touching the aching person. What we discovered (and hopefully we will not forget) is that new life came to hurting persons through artistic, aesthetic touches. A generally sterile setting had new life.
We are a gifted and talented community! The DVD created for Associates' Day let us know that!
Can we find ways to call forth that creativity on a regular basis? The reading for today talks about a "new spirit" dwelling within and among the people of God. That new spirit just might be a spirit of creativity. May we discover more and more ways to let dormant creativity be alive in the routines of our daily caregiving. Truly creativity is an important part of treating people better.
A Prayer: God of the journey, help us to affirm each other as we continually discover the new spirit you place within us. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.10.07
TUESDAY:
A lesson: Psalm 144: 9
"I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you."
Some thoughts:
Claiming your creative edge or edges can be a most energizing activity. You've heard someone say something like: "I'm not creative." Possibly, you have even uttered those words. The reality is that each of us has creative potential within. Over the years, I've observed people display gifts I had no knowledge they possessed. They demonstrated the creative potential that they discovered within.
One way of discovering the creative genius within us is practice. A musician discovers their creative edge as they practice the basics of scales, chords, melody, harmony and technic. A gourmet chef discovers their creative edge practicing with herbs and spices and then dreaming "outside the recipe box." A gardener discovers their creative edge by nurturing various plants and working in various soils. The more we practice the more we develop an inner confidence. With time we are ready to "sing new songs" and play new instruments of praise to our Creator. Having honed our skills, we are prepared to listen to that inner voice and create something unique.
A Prayer: God of Creativity, liberate me from the repetitive rhythms and tired tunes. Ready me to hear the pulse of a new beat and the whisper of a new melody, and then let me play for you my song of praise. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.11.07
WEDNESDAY:
A lesson: Isaiah 43:19
"I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert"
Some thoughts:
This verse contains a really wonderful insight about creativity. It tells us that creativity comes out of silence and listening. The source of new things in our lives is all about what the Holy One, the creator is doing within us. As we take time to practice the art of stillness we will find ourselves dreaming dreams, seeing pictures in our minds, coming up with solutions for problems, ...
Often we jump to statements about our inability. It is easy to do. For example, many people feel very inadequate with their artistic abilities. When asked to draw something we say, "I can't draw." The same is true with mechanical abilities, musical abilities and so on. We tend to jump to the concluding statement rather than allowing the silence to work a new thing within us.
In the pre-computer age we didn't know about double-clicking on icons so that a screen would appear. Now millions who never thought they'd have any literacy about the "new thing" called computers have quietly discovered that they are doing things they never perceived they could do! Enjoy the discoveries you make as creative wonder springs up within you!
A Prayer: Grace-giving God, when life seems dry, let me find living water in the wilderness. Grant me the creativity to fashion vessels that carry this water to others. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.12.07
THURSDAY:
"The discipline of solitude is one of the most powerful disciplines.
It is a simple, though not easy, way to free us from the slavery of our
occupations and preoccupations and begin to hear
the voice that makes all things new."
Henri Nouwen
Making All Things New, page 75
Some thoughts:
Now here is a major challenge for each of us - creating a space to be alone for a few minutes each day. Listening to silence is wonderful, but it can be tough to feel comfortable in silence. We are surrounded by distractions and interruptions, we are surrounded by noise and busy schedules, and in fact, we've even created "surround sound"!
I'm looking forward to spending a week with two of my grandchildren in October (will take some time for daughter and son-in-law, too!) but I am not anticipating those moments to be silent! While leaving them will be difficult, I already know that I will enjoy the silence that will be part of my return to normal routine.
They live near the base of Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs. In between the care giving and the cooking, I plan to take some quiet time. Sitting in a hot tub, looking at Pike's Peak and its splendor will make that quiet time pretty relaxing. The challenge is finding ways to "be still" and know that God is renewing me day after day after day.
A prayer: God be near me as I creatively develop places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.13.07
FRIDAY:
A lesson: Read Psalm 40
"God put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God."
Some thoughts:
We conclude this week's thoughts on creativity with this prayer by Roberta Porter. May you have a weekend filled with many creative expressions of love, peace and joy.
A Prayer for Becoming
Roberta Porter
Lord,
may I live each day creatively, in you,
beginning with thanks for life itself,
for life in you.
May I find my gifts, knowing
in the searching I am becoming
who you created me to be.
May I use these gifts
to serve each task
as serving you, seeing in the work
and in others
your face, your light.
And, at the end of the day
may I rest in your grace,
always grateful.
Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.14.07
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Daily Devotions - Week of 09.04.07
Prayers From Various Traditions
This week's devotions are prayers
that come from various traditions;
all are expressions from faithful people
who believe in the healing power of prayer and meditation.
TUESDAY:
A prayer for the world.
Here we are, God - a planet at prayer. Attune our spirits that we may hear your harmonies and bow before your creative power that we may face our violent discords and join with your Energy to make heard in every heart your hymn of peace.
Here we are, God - a militarized planet. Transform our fears that we may transform our war fields into wheat fields, arms into handshakes, missiles into messengers of peace.
Here we are, God - a polluted planet. Purify our vision that we may perceive ways to purify our beloved lands, cleanse our precious waters, de-smog our life-giving air.
Here we are, God - an exploited planet. Heal our heart, that we may respect our resources, hold priceless our people, and provide for our starving children an abundance of daily bread.
Have a good day. Be at peace with yourself and the world around you.
-Ben Keckler 09.04.07
WEDNESDAY:
A prayer for Divine Light to shine on creation.
O God, I pray for
The Body of the Earth, which is our rock and breath;
The Body of the Self, which is the shining eternal strand of the soul;
The Body of Material Substance, which is the ancient gentle temple of the
spirit.
Move your divine hand across us in each of these planes,
Allow the earth of our bodies and the ether of our souls
To become fit grand vessels for your and our own illustrious light.
Have a good day. May the light of God radiate through you.
--Ben Keckler 09.05.07
THURSDAY:
A prayer for sensitivity.
Holy God,
When I walk through thy woods,
May my right foot and my left foot
Be harmless to the little creatures
That move in its grasses: as it is said
By the mouth of thy prophet,
They shall not hurt nor destroy
In all my holy mountain.
Have a good day. May your spirit be sensitive to all the creatures that you encounter today.
-Ben Keckler 09.06.07
FRIDAY:
A simple prayer of the heart.
I am here in need,
I am here in pain,
I am here in straits,
I am here alone.
O God, aid me.
Have a good day. May this day and your entire weekend be filled with God.
-Ben Keckler 09.07.07
This week's devotions are prayers
that come from various traditions;
all are expressions from faithful people
who believe in the healing power of prayer and meditation.
TUESDAY:
A prayer for the world.
Here we are, God - a planet at prayer. Attune our spirits that we may hear your harmonies and bow before your creative power that we may face our violent discords and join with your Energy to make heard in every heart your hymn of peace.
Here we are, God - a militarized planet. Transform our fears that we may transform our war fields into wheat fields, arms into handshakes, missiles into messengers of peace.
Here we are, God - a polluted planet. Purify our vision that we may perceive ways to purify our beloved lands, cleanse our precious waters, de-smog our life-giving air.
Here we are, God - an exploited planet. Heal our heart, that we may respect our resources, hold priceless our people, and provide for our starving children an abundance of daily bread.
Have a good day. Be at peace with yourself and the world around you.
-Ben Keckler 09.04.07
WEDNESDAY:
A prayer for Divine Light to shine on creation.
O God, I pray for
The Body of the Earth, which is our rock and breath;
The Body of the Self, which is the shining eternal strand of the soul;
The Body of Material Substance, which is the ancient gentle temple of the
spirit.
Move your divine hand across us in each of these planes,
Allow the earth of our bodies and the ether of our souls
To become fit grand vessels for your and our own illustrious light.
Have a good day. May the light of God radiate through you.
--Ben Keckler 09.05.07
THURSDAY:
A prayer for sensitivity.
Holy God,
When I walk through thy woods,
May my right foot and my left foot
Be harmless to the little creatures
That move in its grasses: as it is said
By the mouth of thy prophet,
They shall not hurt nor destroy
In all my holy mountain.
Have a good day. May your spirit be sensitive to all the creatures that you encounter today.
-Ben Keckler 09.06.07
FRIDAY:
A simple prayer of the heart.
I am here in need,
I am here in pain,
I am here in straits,
I am here alone.
O God, aid me.
Have a good day. May this day and your entire weekend be filled with God.
-Ben Keckler 09.07.07
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