Finding a Quiet Center
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
--From Psalm 23
One aspect of the spiritual journey during chaotic times is self-care. I’ve discovered a wonderful hymn that expresses feelings related to this subject, “Come and Find the Quiet Center.”
“Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.
Prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.31.09
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 30
Being United
“The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.”
--From Psalm 19: 1
Good morning! Spring has sprung and all around us the renewal of nature sings mighty songs! Along with a song of anticipated beauty, we can hear a song proclaiming the steady rhythm of the life. Season after season declares the glory of God. Candidly, this writer is glad that winter is behind us. I’m ready for a season of life!
In the midst of life budding forth among us, we also deal with another song as well. The challenge related to a new hurricane season really has the potential to test whether we are the “United States of America” or the “Untied States of America.” Recently one of our chaplains spent a week in Louisiana dealing with Hurricane Katrina rehabilitation. There is still clean up work that needs attention in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana.
The song of springtime is a song of new life. Nature is telling the glory of God. The storms of springtime and summer can also tell the mighty power of God. I pray that we can find ways to unite with our brothers and sisters who have lost everything in recent years. If we don’t work at being united, we may experience the tragedy of being untied.
Prayer: God of springtime, instill greater unity among us. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.30.09
“The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.”
--From Psalm 19: 1
Good morning! Spring has sprung and all around us the renewal of nature sings mighty songs! Along with a song of anticipated beauty, we can hear a song proclaiming the steady rhythm of the life. Season after season declares the glory of God. Candidly, this writer is glad that winter is behind us. I’m ready for a season of life!
In the midst of life budding forth among us, we also deal with another song as well. The challenge related to a new hurricane season really has the potential to test whether we are the “United States of America” or the “Untied States of America.” Recently one of our chaplains spent a week in Louisiana dealing with Hurricane Katrina rehabilitation. There is still clean up work that needs attention in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana.
The song of springtime is a song of new life. Nature is telling the glory of God. The storms of springtime and summer can also tell the mighty power of God. I pray that we can find ways to unite with our brothers and sisters who have lost everything in recent years. If we don’t work at being united, we may experience the tragedy of being untied.
Prayer: God of springtime, instill greater unity among us. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.30.09
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 27
Trusting
“Let those who are wise give heed to these things,
and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.”
--From an ancient song of trust
Our week concludes with a verse from an old Hebrew hymn. This Psalm is a litany of the many ways God demonstrates steadfast love in all sorts of circumstances. It is as though the writer is concluding the song saying, “OK folks, if you are wise you will look at all these examples and trust in the steadfast love of the Lord.” Psalm 107 is filled with good observations that still ring true today—around 3,000 years later.
Popular writer, Max Lucado, has a deck of cards known as “Comfort Cards.” This 50-card set is a contemporary example echoing the sentiments of the Psalms. Here is a card that seems to incorporate our theme of the week, trust, and our meditation verse for today.
One side of the card says, “You can trust God.” The other side affirms this simple statement with these words; “You are not a candidate for insecurity. You are no longer a client of timidity. He has given His love to you; why don’t you give your doubts to Him? On the days you don’t feel close to God, trust your faith and not your feelings.”
The steadfast love of God is trustworthy. Have a good day and a good weekend trusting in God’s steadfast love.
Prayer: Watch over me, God. Help me to recognize your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.27.09
“Let those who are wise give heed to these things,
and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.”
--From an ancient song of trust
Our week concludes with a verse from an old Hebrew hymn. This Psalm is a litany of the many ways God demonstrates steadfast love in all sorts of circumstances. It is as though the writer is concluding the song saying, “OK folks, if you are wise you will look at all these examples and trust in the steadfast love of the Lord.” Psalm 107 is filled with good observations that still ring true today—around 3,000 years later.
Popular writer, Max Lucado, has a deck of cards known as “Comfort Cards.” This 50-card set is a contemporary example echoing the sentiments of the Psalms. Here is a card that seems to incorporate our theme of the week, trust, and our meditation verse for today.
One side of the card says, “You can trust God.” The other side affirms this simple statement with these words; “You are not a candidate for insecurity. You are no longer a client of timidity. He has given His love to you; why don’t you give your doubts to Him? On the days you don’t feel close to God, trust your faith and not your feelings.”
The steadfast love of God is trustworthy. Have a good day and a good weekend trusting in God’s steadfast love.
Prayer: Watch over me, God. Help me to recognize your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.27.09
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 26
Trust and Releasing Anxiety
“Have no anxiety about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
--Paul of Tarsus
The opening words of today’s text do not seem appropriate. Anxiety is a natural thing when life is not ordered and controlled. It seems to me that the helpful, interpretive word might be: “Having anxiety is understandable; letting your anxiety dominate your energy may not be helpful.”
Paul offers an alternative to anxious, tense, stress-filled and self-destructive tendencies. The alternative is not a shield from the uncertainties we face; it is a source of protection when we find our lives disrupted. The alternative is not an exemption; it is a comfort when we find the puzzle difficult. The alternative is not a magical wand for the disturbing condition; it offers a calming effect when everything appears fragile and tenuous. The alternative: “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
This radical alternative can be a most appropriate resource for moments of anxiety. Releasing our requests to God is a statement of trust, releasing our total being into the arms of the Holy One. Such trust can be liberating and empowering.
Prayer: God, whom I trust, I release my anxious inner being to you. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.26.09
“Have no anxiety about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
--Paul of Tarsus
The opening words of today’s text do not seem appropriate. Anxiety is a natural thing when life is not ordered and controlled. It seems to me that the helpful, interpretive word might be: “Having anxiety is understandable; letting your anxiety dominate your energy may not be helpful.”
Paul offers an alternative to anxious, tense, stress-filled and self-destructive tendencies. The alternative is not a shield from the uncertainties we face; it is a source of protection when we find our lives disrupted. The alternative is not an exemption; it is a comfort when we find the puzzle difficult. The alternative is not a magical wand for the disturbing condition; it offers a calming effect when everything appears fragile and tenuous. The alternative: “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
This radical alternative can be a most appropriate resource for moments of anxiety. Releasing our requests to God is a statement of trust, releasing our total being into the arms of the Holy One. Such trust can be liberating and empowering.
Prayer: God, whom I trust, I release my anxious inner being to you. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.26.09
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 25
Trusting God
“Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,
for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
--Psalm 143. 8
About a quarter of a century ago, Jean-Pierre de Caussade wrote Abandonment to Divine Providence. The book is a collection of letters that fall under the general theme of “trusting God who is often disguised.”
God comes to us in the present moment, utilizing all sorts of disguises. Some, like snowfall, can be called wonderful or beautiful. Other disguises have had the label of "misfortune," “disaster,” “humiliating circumstance,” “a dark moment,” “something ordinary.” Truly God is present in every moment of life. The important thing is learning to trust that reality. Each of us would love to hear of God’s steadfast love every morning, but some days the disguise is far different than we expect, making it difficult to trust. Those we interact with today may be struggling with “disguises” that are difficult. They may feel abandoned by the Divine. May they experience God’s steadfast love through our words and actions. Have a good day and week!
Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument, playing melodies of your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.25.09
“Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,
for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
--Psalm 143. 8
About a quarter of a century ago, Jean-Pierre de Caussade wrote Abandonment to Divine Providence. The book is a collection of letters that fall under the general theme of “trusting God who is often disguised.”
God comes to us in the present moment, utilizing all sorts of disguises. Some, like snowfall, can be called wonderful or beautiful. Other disguises have had the label of "misfortune," “disaster,” “humiliating circumstance,” “a dark moment,” “something ordinary.” Truly God is present in every moment of life. The important thing is learning to trust that reality. Each of us would love to hear of God’s steadfast love every morning, but some days the disguise is far different than we expect, making it difficult to trust. Those we interact with today may be struggling with “disguises” that are difficult. They may feel abandoned by the Divine. May they experience God’s steadfast love through our words and actions. Have a good day and week!
Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument, playing melodies of your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.25.09
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 24
Trust
“Cast your burden on the Lord,
God will sustain you.
I will trust in the power of God.”
--An ancient song of trust
This week we are dealing with the theme of trust, one of those important characteristics we hope will grow as we take risks in relationships. On several occasions we’ve cited the writings of Jean Blomquist in these daily devotions. Today is another day to recognize one of her contributions, “Trusting Nimbly.” The article is about a hike she took with her husband when they vacationed in Yosemite National Park. On this hike they were to climb to the summit of 10,850 foot Mt. Hoffman. When Jean took time to reflect on the successful ascent, she realized that she had learned three things about trusting. She identified her insights as:
Leaning: She discovered that trust meant leaning on others and on God.
Letting Go: Trust requires surrender of our pain, brokenness and requires vulnerability.
Leaping: Trust is the meeting point of the already and the not-yet. Sometimes we have to leap to arrive at the not-yet.
A few insights to think about today as we engage in exploring the theme of trust.
Prayer: Show me the moments when leaning is appropriate, when letting go would be helpful, and when leaping is the right alternative. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.24.09
“Cast your burden on the Lord,
God will sustain you.
I will trust in the power of God.”
--An ancient song of trust
This week we are dealing with the theme of trust, one of those important characteristics we hope will grow as we take risks in relationships. On several occasions we’ve cited the writings of Jean Blomquist in these daily devotions. Today is another day to recognize one of her contributions, “Trusting Nimbly.” The article is about a hike she took with her husband when they vacationed in Yosemite National Park. On this hike they were to climb to the summit of 10,850 foot Mt. Hoffman. When Jean took time to reflect on the successful ascent, she realized that she had learned three things about trusting. She identified her insights as:
Leaning: She discovered that trust meant leaning on others and on God.
Letting Go: Trust requires surrender of our pain, brokenness and requires vulnerability.
Leaping: Trust is the meeting point of the already and the not-yet. Sometimes we have to leap to arrive at the not-yet.
A few insights to think about today as we engage in exploring the theme of trust.
Prayer: Show me the moments when leaning is appropriate, when letting go would be helpful, and when leaping is the right alternative. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.24.09
Monday, March 23, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 23
In Whom Shall We Trust?
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord.”
--Isaiah, the prophet
This week we are dealing with the subject of trust. The capacity for trusting can easily erode right before our eyes. With uncertainty surrounding so many public and private arenas, the heartsong of many people these days sings the question, “In whom shall we trust?”
Our currency, both coin and paper proclaims “In God we trust.” This is a bold, bold statement; a statement we often struggle to reflect in daily living. Today’s text serves to remind us that the thoughts and ways of the Holy are far different than our thoughts and ways. Trusting God means accepting friendship with one radically different from us. One writer calls it “naked commitment to live with God’s strangeness.”
How is your trust right now? The constant battle goes on and on and on, doesn’t it? We close today with a little poetic offering by Neva Perdue who penned these words while in a hospital bed and titled them “At Dark’s Edge.”
“and if I
should slip away
a quiet exhalation in time
a moment welling up on the edge of always
trickling without sound or regret
into the darkness of new birth
and if I
let go of your hand
forsaking the tenderness of flesh and eye
for uncharted embrace
will you smile?”
Prayer: God of my life, continue to teach me the lessons I need to learn. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.23.09
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord.”
--Isaiah, the prophet
This week we are dealing with the subject of trust. The capacity for trusting can easily erode right before our eyes. With uncertainty surrounding so many public and private arenas, the heartsong of many people these days sings the question, “In whom shall we trust?”
Our currency, both coin and paper proclaims “In God we trust.” This is a bold, bold statement; a statement we often struggle to reflect in daily living. Today’s text serves to remind us that the thoughts and ways of the Holy are far different than our thoughts and ways. Trusting God means accepting friendship with one radically different from us. One writer calls it “naked commitment to live with God’s strangeness.”
How is your trust right now? The constant battle goes on and on and on, doesn’t it? We close today with a little poetic offering by Neva Perdue who penned these words while in a hospital bed and titled them “At Dark’s Edge.”
“and if I
should slip away
a quiet exhalation in time
a moment welling up on the edge of always
trickling without sound or regret
into the darkness of new birth
and if I
let go of your hand
forsaking the tenderness of flesh and eye
for uncharted embrace
will you smile?”
Prayer: God of my life, continue to teach me the lessons I need to learn. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.23.09
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 20
Expressing Our Feelings
“Out of the depths I call to you.
O God, hear my voice!
I wait for the Holy One.
My soul waits, and in God’s word I hope.”
--A song from a hurting heart
The songwriter was not afraid to express the feelings that were written on the heart. The same should be said for us. There are many reasons to wonder if God hears our voices. Life is so delicate that sometimes we find ways to insulate/protect ourselves from the fragile. However, there are times we find we can’t do that! We find that we are brought to our knees, that we are crying tears that won’t quit, that we are aching deep in our souls.
Staying in touch with our feelings and acknowledging them to one another and to the Almighty One is the best that we can do. Sing your heartsong today and know that your hurting soul is heard.
God of compassion,
Watch over the ways of all of us
And weave out of terrible happenings
A blanket of love that will sustain us as we experience
The chilling realities of living in these times. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.20.09
“Out of the depths I call to you.
O God, hear my voice!
I wait for the Holy One.
My soul waits, and in God’s word I hope.”
--A song from a hurting heart
The songwriter was not afraid to express the feelings that were written on the heart. The same should be said for us. There are many reasons to wonder if God hears our voices. Life is so delicate that sometimes we find ways to insulate/protect ourselves from the fragile. However, there are times we find we can’t do that! We find that we are brought to our knees, that we are crying tears that won’t quit, that we are aching deep in our souls.
Staying in touch with our feelings and acknowledging them to one another and to the Almighty One is the best that we can do. Sing your heartsong today and know that your hurting soul is heard.
God of compassion,
Watch over the ways of all of us
And weave out of terrible happenings
A blanket of love that will sustain us as we experience
The chilling realities of living in these times. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.20.09
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 19
The Arrival of Spring
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name,
Give to God glorious praise.”
--A song from a joyful heart (Psalm 66:1)
As we move toward the beauty of spring, I'm focusing on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. We anticipate the arrival of spring tomorrow. Here is a verse from the Chinook SongBook.
“O Lord,
May we today be touched by grace, fascinated and
Moved by this your creation,
Energized by the power of new growth at work in your world.
May we move beyond viewing this life only through a frame, but
Touch it and be touched by it,
Know it and be known by it,
Love it and be loved by it.”
May spring come to us, be in us and recreate life in us. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
03.19.09
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name,
Give to God glorious praise.”
--A song from a joyful heart (Psalm 66:1)
As we move toward the beauty of spring, I'm focusing on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. We anticipate the arrival of spring tomorrow. Here is a verse from the Chinook SongBook.
“O Lord,
May we today be touched by grace, fascinated and
Moved by this your creation,
Energized by the power of new growth at work in your world.
May we move beyond viewing this life only through a frame, but
Touch it and be touched by it,
Know it and be known by it,
Love it and be loved by it.”
May spring come to us, be in us and recreate life in us. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
03.19.09
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 18
My Soul Dancing with Praise
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name,
Give to God glorious praise.”
--A song from a joyful heart (Psalm 66:1)
As we move toward the beauty of spring, I like this little prayer that helps my soul dance with praise to God. This wonderful prayer, written by Anne Baring, demonstrates the vibrancy of God’s springtime.
“Beehive source
Trellised womb
Mother of all beginnings
Hold me
Gather me
Feed me
With the honey-nectar
From the hive.
Nourished
I will sing
The Bee-song
The long-forgotten threnody
Of praise to thee.”
--Ben Keckler
03.18.09
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name,
Give to God glorious praise.”
--A song from a joyful heart (Psalm 66:1)
As we move toward the beauty of spring, I like this little prayer that helps my soul dance with praise to God. This wonderful prayer, written by Anne Baring, demonstrates the vibrancy of God’s springtime.
“Beehive source
Trellised womb
Mother of all beginnings
Hold me
Gather me
Feed me
With the honey-nectar
From the hive.
Nourished
I will sing
The Bee-song
The long-forgotten threnody
Of praise to thee.”
--Ben Keckler
03.18.09
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 17
A Prayer for Light
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name,
Give to God glorious praise.”
--A song from a joyful heart (Psalm 66:1)
As we move toward the beauty of spring, another little prayer that can help our souls dance with praise to God. Today I encourage you to spend some time with this prayer ascribed to Mohammed.
“O God, give me, I pray Thee,
light on my right hand
and light on my left hand
and light above me
and light beneath me.
O Lord, increase light within me
and give me light
and illuminate me.”
Ben Keckler
03.17.09
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name,
Give to God glorious praise.”
--A song from a joyful heart (Psalm 66:1)
As we move toward the beauty of spring, another little prayer that can help our souls dance with praise to God. Today I encourage you to spend some time with this prayer ascribed to Mohammed.
“O God, give me, I pray Thee,
light on my right hand
and light on my left hand
and light above me
and light beneath me.
O Lord, increase light within me
and give me light
and illuminate me.”
Ben Keckler
03.17.09
Monday, March 16, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 16
A Native American Proverb
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name,
Give to God glorious praise.”
--A song from a joyful heart (Psalm 66: 1)
As we move toward the beauty of spring, a little prayer that can help our souls dance with praise to God. This is a proverb from our Native American brothers and sisters:
“May your life be like a wildflower,
growing freely in the beauty
and in the joy of each new day.”
Ben Keckler
03.16.09
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name,
Give to God glorious praise.”
--A song from a joyful heart (Psalm 66: 1)
As we move toward the beauty of spring, a little prayer that can help our souls dance with praise to God. This is a proverb from our Native American brothers and sisters:
“May your life be like a wildflower,
growing freely in the beauty
and in the joy of each new day.”
Ben Keckler
03.16.09
Friday, March 13, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 13
Significance of Prayer
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice!”
--Psalm 130: 1
Few people will deny that prayer is a significant part of life. Many people will say things like, “I don’t know where I would be right now if it weren’t for prayer.” Often the comment will be made, “I don’t pray as much as I should.”
Even with all of this certainty about the significance of prayer, few enter into moments of prayer with diligence. There is always one more phone call, one more letter, one more visit, one more meeting, one more party, one more TV show, one more page to read and… The insurmountable pile of activities surrounding us can win our attention and offer the tangible distraction that pulls us away from the centering process of prayer.
“The contrast between the great support for the idea of prayer and the lack of support for the practice of it is so blatantly visible that it becomes easy to believe in the power of the things that surround us.” (Nouwen, The Way of the Heart, p. 55)
Take time and, in the way that works for you, pray. May your day and weekend be showered with enough because you’ve taken the necessary time to center your life.
Prayer: Allow me enough stillness, O God. Keep me centered, listening for you!
Ben Keckler
03.13.09
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice!”
--Psalm 130: 1
Few people will deny that prayer is a significant part of life. Many people will say things like, “I don’t know where I would be right now if it weren’t for prayer.” Often the comment will be made, “I don’t pray as much as I should.”
Even with all of this certainty about the significance of prayer, few enter into moments of prayer with diligence. There is always one more phone call, one more letter, one more visit, one more meeting, one more party, one more TV show, one more page to read and… The insurmountable pile of activities surrounding us can win our attention and offer the tangible distraction that pulls us away from the centering process of prayer.
“The contrast between the great support for the idea of prayer and the lack of support for the practice of it is so blatantly visible that it becomes easy to believe in the power of the things that surround us.” (Nouwen, The Way of the Heart, p. 55)
Take time and, in the way that works for you, pray. May your day and weekend be showered with enough because you’ve taken the necessary time to center your life.
Prayer: Allow me enough stillness, O God. Keep me centered, listening for you!
Ben Keckler
03.13.09
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 12
A Prayer
Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
A prayer for times when life is filled with health and blessings:
When the wind blows
That is my medicine.
When it rains
That is my medicine
When it hails
That is my medicine.
When it becomes clear after a storm
That is my medicine.
For when I am healthy,
I sense God’s medicine in all that surrounds me.
Ben Keckler
03.12.09
Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
A prayer for times when life is filled with health and blessings:
When the wind blows
That is my medicine.
When it rains
That is my medicine
When it hails
That is my medicine.
When it becomes clear after a storm
That is my medicine.
For when I am healthy,
I sense God’s medicine in all that surrounds me.
Ben Keckler
03.12.09
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 11
Prayer of Old
Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
Today’s devotional life takes us back almost 500 years. This is a prayer of Saint Teresa of Avila:
“Let nothing disturb you
Nothing frighten you,
All things are passing;
Patient endurance
Attains all things:
One whom God possesses
Wants nothing
For God alone suffices.”
Ben Keckler
03.11.09
Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
Today’s devotional life takes us back almost 500 years. This is a prayer of Saint Teresa of Avila:
“Let nothing disturb you
Nothing frighten you,
All things are passing;
Patient endurance
Attains all things:
One whom God possesses
Wants nothing
For God alone suffices.”
Ben Keckler
03.11.09
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 10
God With Me
Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
A prayer for the day:
The light of God surrounds me;
The love of God enfolds me;
The power of God protects me;
The presence of God watches over me.
Wherever I am, God is.
Ben Keckler
03.10.09
Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
A prayer for the day:
The light of God surrounds me;
The love of God enfolds me;
The power of God protects me;
The presence of God watches over me.
Wherever I am, God is.
Ben Keckler
03.10.09
Monday, March 9, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 9
A New Week
Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
A new week begins.
Filled with new challenges and opportunities, a new week begins.
Filled with chaos and surprise, a new week begins.
Faith is an option for all our experiences; a new week begins.
Ben Keckler
03.09.09
Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
A new week begins.
Filled with new challenges and opportunities, a new week begins.
Filled with chaos and surprise, a new week begins.
Faith is an option for all our experiences; a new week begins.
Ben Keckler
03.09.09
Friday, March 6, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 6
Tuesday on Friday
One book that can be a helpful devotional book is Tuesdays with Morrie. I’ve referred to this book several times in the past and want to mention it again today. Morrie, as you may recall, is a retired college professor who is dying from ALS. His former student, hearing of Morrie’s illness, decides to take some of his Tuesdays flying from Detroit to Boston just to learn some more from Morrie. For today, Morrie’s thoughts about our emotions:
“If you hold back on the emotions—if you don’t allow yourself to go all the way through them—you can never get to being detached, you’re too busy being afraid. You’re afraid of the pain, you’re afraid of the grief. You’re afraid of the vulnerability that loving entails. By throwing yourself into these emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your heart even, you experience them fully and completely. You know what pain is, what love is, what grief is.”
He then shares this powerful observation:
“I know you think this is just about dying
but it’s like I keep telling you: When you learn how to die,
you learn how to live.”
May your day and your weekend be filled with wonderful (difficult) encounters with the emotions of your soul.
Prayer: O God, give me courage to face the emotions of my soul.
Ben Keckler
03.06.09
One book that can be a helpful devotional book is Tuesdays with Morrie. I’ve referred to this book several times in the past and want to mention it again today. Morrie, as you may recall, is a retired college professor who is dying from ALS. His former student, hearing of Morrie’s illness, decides to take some of his Tuesdays flying from Detroit to Boston just to learn some more from Morrie. For today, Morrie’s thoughts about our emotions:
“If you hold back on the emotions—if you don’t allow yourself to go all the way through them—you can never get to being detached, you’re too busy being afraid. You’re afraid of the pain, you’re afraid of the grief. You’re afraid of the vulnerability that loving entails. By throwing yourself into these emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your heart even, you experience them fully and completely. You know what pain is, what love is, what grief is.”
He then shares this powerful observation:
“I know you think this is just about dying
but it’s like I keep telling you: When you learn how to die,
you learn how to live.”
May your day and your weekend be filled with wonderful (difficult) encounters with the emotions of your soul.
Prayer: O God, give me courage to face the emotions of my soul.
Ben Keckler
03.06.09
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 5
A Sense of Humor!
Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
We’ve made it to Thursday. The days and weeks go by quickly! I share with you one of my favorite prayers.
God,
Give me a sense of humor
Give me the grace to see a joke,
To get some pleasure out of life
And pass it on to other folk.
Have a good day and a wonderful, soon to arrive, weekend.
Ben Keckler
03.05.09
Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
We’ve made it to Thursday. The days and weeks go by quickly! I share with you one of my favorite prayers.
God,
Give me a sense of humor
Give me the grace to see a joke,
To get some pleasure out of life
And pass it on to other folk.
Have a good day and a wonderful, soon to arrive, weekend.
Ben Keckler
03.05.09
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 4
A Day with St. Francis of Assisi
A few years ago writer David Hazard did some research on Francis of Assisi and was inspired to write a book of 40 meditations, A Day in Your Presence. St. Francis wrote from a Christian perspective. I have done some minor editing for our multi-faith world.
“I am awed at the glory of it, amazed at the great and holy gift that is ours—to have a Creator who cares. Deep within me the very wonder of it burns with a holy fire. When I am faced with my own sin, it warms me with consolation. When I face a world of cruelty and vices, it brightens my soul with its beauty and with flames of holy wonder. To have a God who has willingly and lovingly promised to be ours forever!”
--St. Francis, from his second letter to the faithful
Realize the gift that is within you and within those with whom we work and live.
Prayer: In this moment, I want to be with you so that I may walk today in this thirsty world and carry with me a cool drink of your presence. Amen.
Ben Keckler
03.04.09
A few years ago writer David Hazard did some research on Francis of Assisi and was inspired to write a book of 40 meditations, A Day in Your Presence. St. Francis wrote from a Christian perspective. I have done some minor editing for our multi-faith world.
“I am awed at the glory of it, amazed at the great and holy gift that is ours—to have a Creator who cares. Deep within me the very wonder of it burns with a holy fire. When I am faced with my own sin, it warms me with consolation. When I face a world of cruelty and vices, it brightens my soul with its beauty and with flames of holy wonder. To have a God who has willingly and lovingly promised to be ours forever!”
--St. Francis, from his second letter to the faithful
Realize the gift that is within you and within those with whom we work and live.
Prayer: In this moment, I want to be with you so that I may walk today in this thirsty world and carry with me a cool drink of your presence. Amen.
Ben Keckler
03.04.09
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 3
Learning from an Acquaintance
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. In a devotion last week I mentioned Dr. Henri Nouwen who has had an impact on my life. 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 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. Henri came to mind. The following excerpt is 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.”
May these reflective words from a fellow journeyer provide thoughtful moments for you. Have a good day and enjoy every minute of life.
Ben Keckler
03.03.09
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. In a devotion last week I mentioned Dr. Henri Nouwen who has had an impact on my life. 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 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. Henri came to mind. The following excerpt is 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.”
May these reflective words from a fellow journeyer provide thoughtful moments for you. Have a good day and enjoy every minute of life.
Ben Keckler
03.03.09
Monday, March 2, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 2
A Prayer of Thanks
Loving God, we offer you thanks and praise
For all the surprising graces which come to us,
For those that sustain our lives and those that change them:
For food—familiar diets and startling new aromas and tastes;
For homes—places of steady surroundings and settings for redemptive love;
For friendships—old friends who are willingly open in their affection and their correction
and new friends who remind us that your spirited presence still dwells within us and others;
For tasks to perform—routine actions which we do well and which bring order to our days
and tasks at which we have failed, restoring a needed humility in us;
For your steadfast love—reminding us of our heritage
and enabling us to move into our tomorrows with confidence and courage.
We offer you thanks and praise, great and mighty God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
03.02.09
Loving God, we offer you thanks and praise
For all the surprising graces which come to us,
For those that sustain our lives and those that change them:
For food—familiar diets and startling new aromas and tastes;
For homes—places of steady surroundings and settings for redemptive love;
For friendships—old friends who are willingly open in their affection and their correction
and new friends who remind us that your spirited presence still dwells within us and others;
For tasks to perform—routine actions which we do well and which bring order to our days
and tasks at which we have failed, restoring a needed humility in us;
For your steadfast love—reminding us of our heritage
and enabling us to move into our tomorrows with confidence and courage.
We offer you thanks and praise, great and mighty God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
03.02.09
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