All-Embracing Love
Dr. Henri Nouwen, a renowned priest, caregiver and writer, has greatly influenced my life. Several years before his death, he was in an accident that took him to the very door of death. He wrote a book reflecting on his experience, Beyond the Mirror. It is a short book and worthy of your reading. In the chapter that deals with his recovery he writes:
“When I awoke from my operation and realized that I was not yet
in God’s house but still alive in the world, I had an immediate
perception of being sent: sent to make the all-embracing love
of the Father known to people who hunger and thirst for love,
but often look for it within a world where it cannot be found.”
Henri fully recovered and went on to conduct many seminars around the world, two of which I was privileged to attend. This “all-embracing love” as he calls it, is something he shared daily. Life presents us with fragmentation, separation and pain. Through loving, caring actions we can help that “all-embracing love” to be experienced.
Have a blessed day and weekend.
Ben Keckler
02.27.09
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, February 26
Understanding Love
Those of us who work in the field of health care find our work to be both challenging and rewarding. Discovering the delicate balance needed to work with individuals and with groups nudges us to explore and understand love.
Those of us who work in the field of health care work in a place where bringing health, healing and life are our primary goals. We work in a place where experiencing death, grief and loss are not supposed to happen. The reality is, we journey with people in every rhythm of the life experience. The wisdom writer said, “there is a time for every season.” There is one significant opportunity we have working in a care giving institution – the challenge to demonstrate love, care and compassion. Whether in life or in death, we can be people whose loving spirits let our patients (friends) feel loved.
We’ve focused on love during this month of meditations. In just a couple days a new month will march in like a lion and hopefully go out like a lamb.. Know that you are loved!! “Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4: 7)
Ben Keckler
02.26.09
Those of us who work in the field of health care find our work to be both challenging and rewarding. Discovering the delicate balance needed to work with individuals and with groups nudges us to explore and understand love.
Those of us who work in the field of health care work in a place where bringing health, healing and life are our primary goals. We work in a place where experiencing death, grief and loss are not supposed to happen. The reality is, we journey with people in every rhythm of the life experience. The wisdom writer said, “there is a time for every season.” There is one significant opportunity we have working in a care giving institution – the challenge to demonstrate love, care and compassion. Whether in life or in death, we can be people whose loving spirits let our patients (friends) feel loved.
We’ve focused on love during this month of meditations. In just a couple days a new month will march in like a lion and hopefully go out like a lamb.. Know that you are loved!! “Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4: 7)
Ben Keckler
02.26.09
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 25
The Way of Love
It is good to know that there are hundreds—thousands—millions—who have lived the way of love. In Henri Nouwen’s book Compassion, A Reflection on the Christian Life he talks about learning the art of displacement as we journey toward being loving, compassionate people. He sights a variety of people who have followed “our Lord to places they would rather not go.” He issues a call for people of faith to learn this art. Henri says, “Voluntary displacement leads to compassion; by bringing us closer to our own brokenness it opens our eyes to our fellow human beings who seek our consolation and comfort.”
Sometimes in our daily lives we discover we are in difficult, uncharted territories. As we take courage and allow ourselves the freedom to travel in this “strange place,” insight and love take charge. It’s actually quite empowering! We discover that faith does work!
If you find yourself “displaced” today, take courage and listen. You will receive. The Sacred writings of Scripture tell us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end.”
Ben Keckler
02.25.09
It is good to know that there are hundreds—thousands—millions—who have lived the way of love. In Henri Nouwen’s book Compassion, A Reflection on the Christian Life he talks about learning the art of displacement as we journey toward being loving, compassionate people. He sights a variety of people who have followed “our Lord to places they would rather not go.” He issues a call for people of faith to learn this art. Henri says, “Voluntary displacement leads to compassion; by bringing us closer to our own brokenness it opens our eyes to our fellow human beings who seek our consolation and comfort.”
Sometimes in our daily lives we discover we are in difficult, uncharted territories. As we take courage and allow ourselves the freedom to travel in this “strange place,” insight and love take charge. It’s actually quite empowering! We discover that faith does work!
If you find yourself “displaced” today, take courage and listen. You will receive. The Sacred writings of Scripture tell us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end.”
Ben Keckler
02.25.09
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 24
Emotions with Morrie
I like to refer to the book Tuesdays with Morrie from time to time in these devotions. It is an engaging book which details Mitch Albom’s stories of his weekly (Tuesday) visits with a college professor who was dying. Morrie’s disease was ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes we call it Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The sixth Tuesday that Mitch and Morrie spent together they dealt with the subject of emotions. Since one of the themes we encounter in the month of February focuses on love, here are some of Morrie’s insights about a way of dealing with all of our emotions. Think about these quotes today:
• “Take any emotion,” he says, and “allow yourself to go all the way through it.”
• “By throwing yourself into your emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience your emotions fully and completely.”
• “Only when you jump in all the way can you say, ‘All right. I have experienced that emotion. I recognize that emotion. I can name my emotions and experience them as well.’”
We are thinking about love this month. Enjoy this emotion. Dive in and enjoy the experience of living love today.
Ben Keckler
02.24.09
I like to refer to the book Tuesdays with Morrie from time to time in these devotions. It is an engaging book which details Mitch Albom’s stories of his weekly (Tuesday) visits with a college professor who was dying. Morrie’s disease was ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes we call it Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The sixth Tuesday that Mitch and Morrie spent together they dealt with the subject of emotions. Since one of the themes we encounter in the month of February focuses on love, here are some of Morrie’s insights about a way of dealing with all of our emotions. Think about these quotes today:
• “Take any emotion,” he says, and “allow yourself to go all the way through it.”
• “By throwing yourself into your emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience your emotions fully and completely.”
• “Only when you jump in all the way can you say, ‘All right. I have experienced that emotion. I recognize that emotion. I can name my emotions and experience them as well.’”
We are thinking about love this month. Enjoy this emotion. Dive in and enjoy the experience of living love today.
Ben Keckler
02.24.09
Daily Devotion - Monday, February 23
More Loving
In A Book of Uncommon Prayer, written by Presbyterian professor and pastor Kenneth G. Phifer, there is a prayer entitled “I Need To Be More Loving.” Here it is:
“Almighty God, I know so little of what love in its fullness can be. My love is marred by jealousy, scarred by envy and limited by selfishness. I withhold love at the slightest provocation, and withdraw myself from involvement with others for fear of being hurt.
Still, I know something of what love can be like. I can remember being forgiven generously and freely by someone I had wronged. I can remember being made strong by the realization that someone cared. And, if your teachings are right, to know what love is like is to know what you are like.
Out of your heart came the evidences of love for all kinds of people and a refusal to give up on any of us. Thank you for that love and for that refusal. I hope that I can catch more of your Spirit in my life.
Help me to be more outgoing, less sensitive to slights, and more alert to the feelings of others. Slow my judging nature. Diminish my righteous spirit. Open me to life and to the beauty in others. Increase my confidence so that I am less defensive and reactionary. Maximize my ability to love for, as you know O God, I need to be more loving. Amen.”
Ben Keckler
02.23.09
In A Book of Uncommon Prayer, written by Presbyterian professor and pastor Kenneth G. Phifer, there is a prayer entitled “I Need To Be More Loving.” Here it is:
“Almighty God, I know so little of what love in its fullness can be. My love is marred by jealousy, scarred by envy and limited by selfishness. I withhold love at the slightest provocation, and withdraw myself from involvement with others for fear of being hurt.
Still, I know something of what love can be like. I can remember being forgiven generously and freely by someone I had wronged. I can remember being made strong by the realization that someone cared. And, if your teachings are right, to know what love is like is to know what you are like.
Out of your heart came the evidences of love for all kinds of people and a refusal to give up on any of us. Thank you for that love and for that refusal. I hope that I can catch more of your Spirit in my life.
Help me to be more outgoing, less sensitive to slights, and more alert to the feelings of others. Slow my judging nature. Diminish my righteous spirit. Open me to life and to the beauty in others. Increase my confidence so that I am less defensive and reactionary. Maximize my ability to love for, as you know O God, I need to be more loving. Amen.”
Ben Keckler
02.23.09
Friday, February 20, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, February 20
LOVE at the End of the Week
“And now abide three things,
faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is love.”
--from a letter to people living in the city of Corinth
This week we have looked at the enduring quality of love with insights or prayers from George Carlin, Hazrat Inayat Khan and Dawna Markova. Our final prayer for the week is simply marvelous. It seems just right for a Friday. It seems just right for a day when we are thinking about the coming of spring. It seems just right for everyone. Molly Fumia writes:
"Oh Great Spirit of Surprise,
Dazzle us with a day full of amazing embraces,
Capricious, uncalculated caring,
Great hearts, kind souls and doers of good deeds."
Have a good day and may your weekend be filled with goodness too!
Ben Keckler
02.20.09
“And now abide three things,
faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is love.”
--from a letter to people living in the city of Corinth
This week we have looked at the enduring quality of love with insights or prayers from George Carlin, Hazrat Inayat Khan and Dawna Markova. Our final prayer for the week is simply marvelous. It seems just right for a Friday. It seems just right for a day when we are thinking about the coming of spring. It seems just right for everyone. Molly Fumia writes:
"Oh Great Spirit of Surprise,
Dazzle us with a day full of amazing embraces,
Capricious, uncalculated caring,
Great hearts, kind souls and doers of good deeds."
Have a good day and may your weekend be filled with goodness too!
Ben Keckler
02.20.09
Daily Devotion - Thursday, February 19
LOVE
“And now abide three things,
faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is love.”
--from a letter to people living in the city of Corinth
In our journey with the quality of love, we turn to a brief prayer by Dawna Markova. Dawna is the author of several helpful books like I Will Not Die an Unlived Life and No Enemies Within. The quality of love springs forth from lives where we are connected with our own inner core. Through her writing she helps people explore necessary questions that help in reclaiming (or maybe discovering) a passion for life. Here is her prayer:
“May we learn to open in love
so all the doors and windows
of our bodies swing wide
on their rusty hinges.
May we learn to give ourselves with both hands,
to lift each other on our shoulders,
to carry one another along.
May holiness move in us
so we pay attention to its small voice
and honor its light in each other."
Have a very good day, friends.
Ben Keckler
02.19.09
“And now abide three things,
faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is love.”
--from a letter to people living in the city of Corinth
In our journey with the quality of love, we turn to a brief prayer by Dawna Markova. Dawna is the author of several helpful books like I Will Not Die an Unlived Life and No Enemies Within. The quality of love springs forth from lives where we are connected with our own inner core. Through her writing she helps people explore necessary questions that help in reclaiming (or maybe discovering) a passion for life. Here is her prayer:
“May we learn to open in love
so all the doors and windows
of our bodies swing wide
on their rusty hinges.
May we learn to give ourselves with both hands,
to lift each other on our shoulders,
to carry one another along.
May holiness move in us
so we pay attention to its small voice
and honor its light in each other."
Have a very good day, friends.
Ben Keckler
02.19.09
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 18
Filled with LOVE
“And now abide three things,
faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is love.”
--from a letter to people living in the city of Corinth
As we continue with the quality of love, we turn to a brief prayer by Hazrat Inayat Khan. Following the prayer, a brief introduction of Khan.
“Fill my heart with Love,
that my every teardrop may become a star.”
Hazrat Inayat Khan: In the Western religious experience we seldom encounter the teachings of Sufism. The world continues to be drawn together, allowing us to be aware of our “connectedness” with others. We have more and more opportunities to develop sensitivity or spiritual awareness about the many different religions in our world. Khan started the “Sufi Order in the West”. He grew up in a musical family in the country of India. He learned a great deal from the poets and composers. As he listened he was able to see the vast similarities in the beliefs of humankind. Sufism honors all the world’s major religions and draws from the teachings of their holy books.
Ben Keckler
02.18.09
“And now abide three things,
faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is love.”
--from a letter to people living in the city of Corinth
As we continue with the quality of love, we turn to a brief prayer by Hazrat Inayat Khan. Following the prayer, a brief introduction of Khan.
“Fill my heart with Love,
that my every teardrop may become a star.”
Hazrat Inayat Khan: In the Western religious experience we seldom encounter the teachings of Sufism. The world continues to be drawn together, allowing us to be aware of our “connectedness” with others. We have more and more opportunities to develop sensitivity or spiritual awareness about the many different religions in our world. Khan started the “Sufi Order in the West”. He grew up in a musical family in the country of India. He learned a great deal from the poets and composers. As he listened he was able to see the vast similarities in the beliefs of humankind. Sufism honors all the world’s major religions and draws from the teachings of their holy books.
Ben Keckler
02.18.09
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 17
More on LOVE
“And now abide three things,
faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is love.”
--from a letter to people living in the city of Corinth
The greatest of all qualities is LOVE. Even though Valentine’s Day is over, the quality of love that we celebrated for Valentine’s Day continues to endure. We turn to some further insights offered by George Carlin.
“Remember, to say “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones,
but most of all, mean it.
A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt
when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment
for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share
the precious thoughts and feelings in your mind and heart.”
Ben Keckler
02.17.09
“And now abide three things,
faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is love.”
--from a letter to people living in the city of Corinth
The greatest of all qualities is LOVE. Even though Valentine’s Day is over, the quality of love that we celebrated for Valentine’s Day continues to endure. We turn to some further insights offered by George Carlin.
“Remember, to say “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones,
but most of all, mean it.
A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt
when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment
for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share
the precious thoughts and feelings in your mind and heart.”
Ben Keckler
02.17.09
Monday, February 16, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, February 16
LOVE
“And now abide three things,
faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is love.”
--from a letter to people living in the city of Corinth
Valentine’s Day for this year is now history, but the quality that we celebrated over the weekend, love, continues to endure. Truly, the greatest of all qualities is LOVE. This week we will examine some observations about love.
Today we turn to some insights offered by the late George Carlin.
“Remember, spend some time with your loved ones,
because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe,
because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, give a warm hug to the one next to you,
because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart
and it doesn’t cost a cent.”
Ben Keckler
02.16.09
“And now abide three things,
faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is love.”
--from a letter to people living in the city of Corinth
Valentine’s Day for this year is now history, but the quality that we celebrated over the weekend, love, continues to endure. Truly, the greatest of all qualities is LOVE. This week we will examine some observations about love.
Today we turn to some insights offered by the late George Carlin.
“Remember, spend some time with your loved ones,
because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe,
because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, give a warm hug to the one next to you,
because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart
and it doesn’t cost a cent.”
Ben Keckler
02.16.09
Friday, February 13, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, February 13
It's Almost Here!
Happy Valentine’s Day-- ALMOST! Stopping to think about all the ways people are saying “I love you” this weekend would probably be mind boggling. This holiday is one that, in many ways, is designed to have us share with one another tangible statements of our affections for the significant people in our lives. Enjoy!
Today is also a good day to express your “I love you” to those who have shaped your life. Spending some time in meditation, remembering family members who have died and family members who are miles and miles away can help to strengthen the significance of this day. Spending some time with people you know are lonely and grieving is another way to deepen the significance of the holiday.
Take some quiet time today. Think about friends who are experiencing adverse times and assure them that they are loved. Think about those who have helped to make you the person you are today and allow that old relationship to take on new meaning. Spread the love, from your heart to the hearts of others. As we take that kind of time, we will truly have a Happy Valentine’s Day! Have an enjoyable and meaningful day.
A prayer: Loving God, for those who have shaped my life,
For those who continue to surround me with loving care,
I thank you. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.13.09
Happy Valentine’s Day-- ALMOST! Stopping to think about all the ways people are saying “I love you” this weekend would probably be mind boggling. This holiday is one that, in many ways, is designed to have us share with one another tangible statements of our affections for the significant people in our lives. Enjoy!
Today is also a good day to express your “I love you” to those who have shaped your life. Spending some time in meditation, remembering family members who have died and family members who are miles and miles away can help to strengthen the significance of this day. Spending some time with people you know are lonely and grieving is another way to deepen the significance of the holiday.
Take some quiet time today. Think about friends who are experiencing adverse times and assure them that they are loved. Think about those who have helped to make you the person you are today and allow that old relationship to take on new meaning. Spread the love, from your heart to the hearts of others. As we take that kind of time, we will truly have a Happy Valentine’s Day! Have an enjoyable and meaningful day.
A prayer: Loving God, for those who have shaped my life,
For those who continue to surround me with loving care,
I thank you. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.13.09
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, February 12
A Gentle Reminder
There is a wonderful book entitled, The Prophet. In that text the writer observes:
“Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts.”
As we approach Valentine’s Day, think about the really important gift that our children, our loved ones and our friends really want. My now grown-and-on-their-own children may want to know my thoughts and if they do, they will ask. The same is true in every meaningful relationship we experience. In the meantime, my tasks are these:
● 1. Assuring creation that I will support them with deep and endless love faithfully.
● 2. Pointing creation toward the steadfast love of the Lord that endures forever.
Authentically performing these two tasks is my Valentine’s Day challenge!
A prayer: Loving God, may your love flow through me today and always. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.12.09
There is a wonderful book entitled, The Prophet. In that text the writer observes:
“Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts.”
As we approach Valentine’s Day, think about the really important gift that our children, our loved ones and our friends really want. My now grown-and-on-their-own children may want to know my thoughts and if they do, they will ask. The same is true in every meaningful relationship we experience. In the meantime, my tasks are these:
● 1. Assuring creation that I will support them with deep and endless love faithfully.
● 2. Pointing creation toward the steadfast love of the Lord that endures forever.
Authentically performing these two tasks is my Valentine’s Day challenge!
A prayer: Loving God, may your love flow through me today and always. Amen.
Ben Keckler
02.12.09
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 11
Being Still
“Be still and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
--Psalm 46:10
In the past I have written devotions focusing on “stillness” and this particular verse. Questions have been posed about the concept of “being still” and so today we pause in a moment of honesty and offer the following prayer. Maybe this will offer new insights; maybe it will pose new questions. Even if your personal life feels like you have a “full house” without the busyness of yet another day, I believe taking a moment with this prayer could be helpful----
As you already know, all-knowing Creator, stillness seems the hardest for me.
My life is filled with clanging and clattering.
There are even times I deliberately create noise to fill the silence.
Sometimes it’s the radio and sometimes I just talk to myself.
In some silent moment today
Give me courage to look inward and meet you in the deep places of my heart.
Come to me and bring the healing, restoration, forgiveness and reconciliation I long for.
And, as you already know, I probably won’t stay still long enough.
My agenda seems so full.
Could you teach me how to “be still” in the midst of motion? Amen.
Dance well with the stillness!
Ben Keckler
02.11.09
“Be still and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
--Psalm 46:10
In the past I have written devotions focusing on “stillness” and this particular verse. Questions have been posed about the concept of “being still” and so today we pause in a moment of honesty and offer the following prayer. Maybe this will offer new insights; maybe it will pose new questions. Even if your personal life feels like you have a “full house” without the busyness of yet another day, I believe taking a moment with this prayer could be helpful----
As you already know, all-knowing Creator, stillness seems the hardest for me.
My life is filled with clanging and clattering.
There are even times I deliberately create noise to fill the silence.
Sometimes it’s the radio and sometimes I just talk to myself.
In some silent moment today
Give me courage to look inward and meet you in the deep places of my heart.
Come to me and bring the healing, restoration, forgiveness and reconciliation I long for.
And, as you already know, I probably won’t stay still long enough.
My agenda seems so full.
Could you teach me how to “be still” in the midst of motion? Amen.
Dance well with the stillness!
Ben Keckler
02.11.09
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 10
Expressing Our Needs
As I have mentioned before, I work in the field of healthcare, specifically in a hospital. Generally, hospitals buzz with busy-ness, even when everything else in the world seems to come to a grinding halt. There are moments when it feels like every bed has more than one patient occupying it, when we are pushed beyond capacity. There are times when it feels like the Holy One isn’t hearing our prayers. Maybe this prayer expresses your feelings in the middle of winter.
Almighty and Eternal God,
I come in prayer to express my needs, my moods and my desires.
I am fearful of exposing too much of myself to others because
They may laugh or
They may reject me.
Keep me from despair or cynicism or bitterness.
Remind me that
There are rich experiences available daily,
There is love to be given and received,
There is faith that transforms the ordinary in extra-ordinary ways.
I give myself to your guiding Spirit.
If today seems uncertain to me, remind me that You are not!
Peace be yours as you ride on the wings of the guiding Spirit.
Ben Keckler
02.10.09
As I have mentioned before, I work in the field of healthcare, specifically in a hospital. Generally, hospitals buzz with busy-ness, even when everything else in the world seems to come to a grinding halt. There are moments when it feels like every bed has more than one patient occupying it, when we are pushed beyond capacity. There are times when it feels like the Holy One isn’t hearing our prayers. Maybe this prayer expresses your feelings in the middle of winter.
Almighty and Eternal God,
I come in prayer to express my needs, my moods and my desires.
I am fearful of exposing too much of myself to others because
They may laugh or
They may reject me.
Keep me from despair or cynicism or bitterness.
Remind me that
There are rich experiences available daily,
There is love to be given and received,
There is faith that transforms the ordinary in extra-ordinary ways.
I give myself to your guiding Spirit.
If today seems uncertain to me, remind me that You are not!
Peace be yours as you ride on the wings of the guiding Spirit.
Ben Keckler
02.10.09
Monday, February 9, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, February 9
After the Weekend
After a restful weekend we go to work energized and ready. Sometimes we can arrive at work and discover that the demands are more than we anticipated or can imagine. All of a sudden the positive emotions or the weekend are replaced by the reality of being “in a dry and weary land.” We can feel just like the Psalm writer—“there is no water.” If that is a description of your “Monday” at work, the following prayer may be helpful.
A prayer for today:
Ah God, I would thank you for your constant renewal.
Sometimes I’m happy, sometimes I’m blue, I fluctuate and vacillate.
Sometimes my heart sings, sometimes it sobs.
But your Spirit comes—
Sometimes when I pray for the coming and
Sometimes when I least expect it.
Keep coming, O Lord,
For I often get too busy, too harried and too preoccupied with the details of the day
And fail to ride on the wind of your Spirit.
I need to stop and look at my surroundings more often than I do.
Perhaps I will be more aware from now on, but maybe not.
So keep coming, Lord.
I desperately need you, especially today.
Friends, ride on the wind of the Spirit. Today, tomorrow, this week, eternally!
Ben Keckler
02.09.09
After a restful weekend we go to work energized and ready. Sometimes we can arrive at work and discover that the demands are more than we anticipated or can imagine. All of a sudden the positive emotions or the weekend are replaced by the reality of being “in a dry and weary land.” We can feel just like the Psalm writer—“there is no water.” If that is a description of your “Monday” at work, the following prayer may be helpful.
A prayer for today:
Ah God, I would thank you for your constant renewal.
Sometimes I’m happy, sometimes I’m blue, I fluctuate and vacillate.
Sometimes my heart sings, sometimes it sobs.
But your Spirit comes—
Sometimes when I pray for the coming and
Sometimes when I least expect it.
Keep coming, O Lord,
For I often get too busy, too harried and too preoccupied with the details of the day
And fail to ride on the wind of your Spirit.
I need to stop and look at my surroundings more often than I do.
Perhaps I will be more aware from now on, but maybe not.
So keep coming, Lord.
I desperately need you, especially today.
Friends, ride on the wind of the Spirit. Today, tomorrow, this week, eternally!
Ben Keckler
02.09.09
Friday, February 6, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, February 6
Another Prayer
“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.”
--An old hymn of God’s people (Psalm 89:1)
The weekend is coming! Have a great weekend in whatever you do. May this traditional Celtic prayer empower you today and in future days.
This morning, as I kindle the fire upon my hearth,
I pray that the flame of God’s love may burn in my heart,
And the hearts of all I meet today.
I pray that no envy and malice, no hatred or fear, may smother the flame.
I pray that indifference and apathy, contempt and pride
May not pour like cold water on the fire.
Instead, may the spark of God’s love light the love in my heart,
That it may burn brightly through the day.
And may I warm those that are lonely,
Whose hearts are cold and lifeless,
So that all may know the comfort of God’s love.
Blessings to all!
Ben Keckler
02.06.09
“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.”
--An old hymn of God’s people (Psalm 89:1)
The weekend is coming! Have a great weekend in whatever you do. May this traditional Celtic prayer empower you today and in future days.
This morning, as I kindle the fire upon my hearth,
I pray that the flame of God’s love may burn in my heart,
And the hearts of all I meet today.
I pray that no envy and malice, no hatred or fear, may smother the flame.
I pray that indifference and apathy, contempt and pride
May not pour like cold water on the fire.
Instead, may the spark of God’s love light the love in my heart,
That it may burn brightly through the day.
And may I warm those that are lonely,
Whose hearts are cold and lifeless,
So that all may know the comfort of God’s love.
Blessings to all!
Ben Keckler
02.06.09
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, February 5
Sharing and Learning More
“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.”
--An old hymn of God’s people (Psalm 89:1)
Several hundred years ago in North America there were some native Americans who were known as the Ojibwa y. The Ojibwa y were religious people who, from all that is presently known, had developed their religious belief system without European or Middle Eastern influences. The Ojibwa y were people who lived along the St. Lawrence Seaway. As European exploration came to them, they were uprooted and began their own westward migration that led them into what we now know as the northern parts of Minnesota. Today, we know the Ojibwa y as the Chippewa Indians. Their beliefs are reflected in this prayer:
Grandfather, look at our brokenness.
We know that in all creation only the human family has strayed from the Sacred Way.
We know that we are the ones
Who must come back together to walk in the Sacred Way.
Grandfather,
Sacred One,
Teach us love, compassion and honor
That we may heal the earth
And heal each other.
Ben Keckler
02.05.09
“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.”
--An old hymn of God’s people (Psalm 89:1)
Several hundred years ago in North America there were some native Americans who were known as the Ojibwa y. The Ojibwa y were religious people who, from all that is presently known, had developed their religious belief system without European or Middle Eastern influences. The Ojibwa y were people who lived along the St. Lawrence Seaway. As European exploration came to them, they were uprooted and began their own westward migration that led them into what we now know as the northern parts of Minnesota. Today, we know the Ojibwa y as the Chippewa Indians. Their beliefs are reflected in this prayer:
Grandfather, look at our brokenness.
We know that in all creation only the human family has strayed from the Sacred Way.
We know that we are the ones
Who must come back together to walk in the Sacred Way.
Grandfather,
Sacred One,
Teach us love, compassion and honor
That we may heal the earth
And heal each other.
Ben Keckler
02.05.09
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 4
Sharing and Learning
“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.”
--An old hymn of God’s people (Psalm 89:1)
The world is filled with a number of ancient religions. Where I live and work, a small dot in this global village, our faith tradition is primarily Christian, but all of the world’s major religions are represented within my “dot.” This is good. There are many things we can learn from one another.
Today’s prayer comes to us from one of the smallest religious communities in the world, Shinto. Shinto is a Japanese religion, which originated in prehistoric times and has beliefs that are quite different from the monotheistic religions. Personally, I have discovered that prayers from other religious communities can be meaningful to me. This prayer is several thousand years old and is regularly prayed by Shintoists. I hope you can find some strengthening words that are a part of a religious community far different than those we are accustomed to:
“I reverently speak in the presence of the Great Parent God:
I pray that this day, the whole day, as a child of God,
I may not be taken hold of by my own desire,
But show forth the divine glory by living a life of creativeness
Which shows forth the true individual.”
Ben Keckler
02.04.09
“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.”
--An old hymn of God’s people (Psalm 89:1)
The world is filled with a number of ancient religions. Where I live and work, a small dot in this global village, our faith tradition is primarily Christian, but all of the world’s major religions are represented within my “dot.” This is good. There are many things we can learn from one another.
Today’s prayer comes to us from one of the smallest religious communities in the world, Shinto. Shinto is a Japanese religion, which originated in prehistoric times and has beliefs that are quite different from the monotheistic religions. Personally, I have discovered that prayers from other religious communities can be meaningful to me. This prayer is several thousand years old and is regularly prayed by Shintoists. I hope you can find some strengthening words that are a part of a religious community far different than those we are accustomed to:
“I reverently speak in the presence of the Great Parent God:
I pray that this day, the whole day, as a child of God,
I may not be taken hold of by my own desire,
But show forth the divine glory by living a life of creativeness
Which shows forth the true individual.”
Ben Keckler
02.04.09
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, February 3
Making Others Comfortable
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary;
They will walk and not be faint.”--A prophet speaks (Isaiah 40:31)
Mary Tan from Malaysia expressed her desires this way:
“I would like to do the things “normal,” able-bodied people do –
like going into town or simply taking a stroll through the park.
However, I feel a little self-conscious and “inferior”
because I have multiple disabilities,
being partially blind, deaf, and paralyzed.
I always have to have my guide dog with me, and I can’t help feeling conspicuous.
Although God is with me, I still feel uncomfortable.”
Today in our work and every day life, we will meet people. Like Mary Tan, some may feel uncomfortable. It is good for each of us to rededicate ourselves to making everyone feel comfortable. Feeling comfortable, these people can find renewed hope and even soar like eagles. May you be enabled to find the inner resources for making “the other” comfortable.
Prayer: Bless, O Lord, this day. Bring us into deeper relationship with one another.
Ben Keckler
02.03.09
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary;
They will walk and not be faint.”--A prophet speaks (Isaiah 40:31)
Mary Tan from Malaysia expressed her desires this way:
“I would like to do the things “normal,” able-bodied people do –
like going into town or simply taking a stroll through the park.
However, I feel a little self-conscious and “inferior”
because I have multiple disabilities,
being partially blind, deaf, and paralyzed.
I always have to have my guide dog with me, and I can’t help feeling conspicuous.
Although God is with me, I still feel uncomfortable.”
Today in our work and every day life, we will meet people. Like Mary Tan, some may feel uncomfortable. It is good for each of us to rededicate ourselves to making everyone feel comfortable. Feeling comfortable, these people can find renewed hope and even soar like eagles. May you be enabled to find the inner resources for making “the other” comfortable.
Prayer: Bless, O Lord, this day. Bring us into deeper relationship with one another.
Ben Keckler
02.03.09
Monday, February 2, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, February 2
My Prayer for Our Journey
As we begin our second month of 2009, a prayer for us as we journey through life. May we have deeper relationships with those we love, with our friends and neighbors, with our work associates. Blessings to you on your journey.
May our eyes remain open even in the face of tragedy.
May we not become disheartened,
May we find in the dissolving of our apathy, the cup of the broken heart.
May we discover the gift of the fire burning in the chamber of our soul—
Burning great and bright enough to transform any poison.
May we offer the power of our sorrow
to the service of something greater than ourselves.
May our guilt not rise up to form yet another defensive wall.
May the suffering we see and endure purify and not paralyze us.
May we endure; may sorrow bond us and never separate us.
Ben Keckler
02.02.09
As we begin our second month of 2009, a prayer for us as we journey through life. May we have deeper relationships with those we love, with our friends and neighbors, with our work associates. Blessings to you on your journey.
May our eyes remain open even in the face of tragedy.
May we not become disheartened,
May we find in the dissolving of our apathy, the cup of the broken heart.
May we discover the gift of the fire burning in the chamber of our soul—
Burning great and bright enough to transform any poison.
May we offer the power of our sorrow
to the service of something greater than ourselves.
May our guilt not rise up to form yet another defensive wall.
May the suffering we see and endure purify and not paralyze us.
May we endure; may sorrow bond us and never separate us.
Ben Keckler
02.02.09
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
