An Important Reminder
“Train a child in the way they should go,
and when they are old they will not turn from it.”
--Proverbs 22:6
How often we hear this verse quoted. Sometimes it is used as a hopeful prayer and sometimes it is stated as an experienced truism. As we begin to make our preparations for the month of May, we are drawn to think of children. Springtime provides an excellent time to release the pent up energies of winter. Parents of young children are training children to “look both ways before crossing the street” and hundreds of other important things to remember. Parents of teenagers are praying for good decision-making, safety behind the wheel and hundreds of other important prayers. Parents of grown children still hope and pray for blessings to surround their children. The following words by Kahlil Gibran are perhaps some of the finest penned words on child-raising:
“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.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
And He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.”
God bless and keep the children.
--Ben Keckler
04.30.09
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 29
Tuesday on Wednesday?
It is Wednesday and my soul is feeling that it might be a good day to revisit the book Tuesdays with Morrie. From time to time excerpts from Morrie’s life can serve as a means for deepening our journey inward. Today we find Morrie in the final stages of ALS. His interviewer, Mitch Albom, listens as his dying professor spends some time on “the ultimate questions, the ones that won’t go away.”
“That’s the thing, you see. Once you get your fingers on the important questions, you can’t turn away from them.” Mitch asks, “And which are the important questions?” The professor continues, “As I see it, they have to do with love, responsibility, spirituality, awareness. And if I were healthy today, those would still be my issues. They should have been all along.”
Take time with the ultimate values both in your work and in your relationships. As we each do this, deep praise will rise up from within our souls.
Prayer: God of my life and all life, guide me as I struggle to reflect on the important questions throughout this day.
--Ben Keckler
04.29.09
It is Wednesday and my soul is feeling that it might be a good day to revisit the book Tuesdays with Morrie. From time to time excerpts from Morrie’s life can serve as a means for deepening our journey inward. Today we find Morrie in the final stages of ALS. His interviewer, Mitch Albom, listens as his dying professor spends some time on “the ultimate questions, the ones that won’t go away.”
“That’s the thing, you see. Once you get your fingers on the important questions, you can’t turn away from them.” Mitch asks, “And which are the important questions?” The professor continues, “As I see it, they have to do with love, responsibility, spirituality, awareness. And if I were healthy today, those would still be my issues. They should have been all along.”
Take time with the ultimate values both in your work and in your relationships. As we each do this, deep praise will rise up from within our souls.
Prayer: God of my life and all life, guide me as I struggle to reflect on the important questions throughout this day.
--Ben Keckler
04.29.09
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, April 28
A Hospital Experience
“When God gives anyone wealth and possessions
and enables that person to enjoy them,
to accept their lot and be happy in their work—
this is a gift of God.”
--A wisdom saying (Ecc. 5:19)
Thirty-four years and a few days ago at about 7 AM we arrived at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Our household was about to have a memorable hospital experience. For the next 15 hours I sat with my wife as she went through the pains of birthing our 5 pound, 13 ounce baby boy. The hospital stay was extended a few more days than anticipated due to some complications that, in the scope of things, were significant but minor. Today my son is a healthy young man, married and enjoying life. He is happy in his work, happy in his role as a volunteer firefighter and is able to enjoy the wealth and possessions that have come his way. I agree with the wisdom writer. My son is truly a gift of God experiencing God’s gifts for him. He too is enjoying family life with a young daughter and preparing for the birth of their second child.
I still remember the work of the child birth team. We had a good hospital experience over three decades ago. The people who helped us through that important moment in life impressed me. The same is going on in hospitals today. Teams are working together to make a good experience for the patient.
Today, wherever we are at work and play, we will have opportunities to help people – as a team or as an individual, in big ways or in small, quiet ways. May we be aware of others and their needs and then have the compassion and care to respond to them. Blessings to you.
Prayer: God, be with me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04-28.09
“When God gives anyone wealth and possessions
and enables that person to enjoy them,
to accept their lot and be happy in their work—
this is a gift of God.”
--A wisdom saying (Ecc. 5:19)
Thirty-four years and a few days ago at about 7 AM we arrived at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Our household was about to have a memorable hospital experience. For the next 15 hours I sat with my wife as she went through the pains of birthing our 5 pound, 13 ounce baby boy. The hospital stay was extended a few more days than anticipated due to some complications that, in the scope of things, were significant but minor. Today my son is a healthy young man, married and enjoying life. He is happy in his work, happy in his role as a volunteer firefighter and is able to enjoy the wealth and possessions that have come his way. I agree with the wisdom writer. My son is truly a gift of God experiencing God’s gifts for him. He too is enjoying family life with a young daughter and preparing for the birth of their second child.
I still remember the work of the child birth team. We had a good hospital experience over three decades ago. The people who helped us through that important moment in life impressed me. The same is going on in hospitals today. Teams are working together to make a good experience for the patient.
Today, wherever we are at work and play, we will have opportunities to help people – as a team or as an individual, in big ways or in small, quiet ways. May we be aware of others and their needs and then have the compassion and care to respond to them. Blessings to you.
Prayer: God, be with me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04-28.09
Monday, April 27, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, April 27
Distress? Don't Worry?
Prayers for deliverance from the terror of tough times have been offered, some even written, for thousands of years (an example can be found in Psalm 4)! They seem to be in order now! A wonderful book on spirituality, Making All Things New (Nouwen), can be most helpful for these times.
The book is an invitation to spirituality and is based on a simple admonition that comes from Sacred Scripture. “Do not worry” is easy to say. “Do not worry” is difficult to practice. “We live in a worry–filled world. We find ourselves occupied and preoccupied with many things, while at the same time feeling bored, resentful, depressed and very lonely,” he observes.
Like the Psalm writer, we long for a spiritual conversation assuring us that grace embraces us and that our inner soul is “in touch” with the Divine. A couple of simple steps:
1. Take time in solitude to discover God’s presence in your distress and
2. Take time to share your feelings with fellow sojourners.
I can't promise that the worry and stress will disappear, but you will discover that all things are becoming new as you express yourself!
Prayer: Be near me, O God, and calm my distressed soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.27.09
Prayers for deliverance from the terror of tough times have been offered, some even written, for thousands of years (an example can be found in Psalm 4)! They seem to be in order now! A wonderful book on spirituality, Making All Things New (Nouwen), can be most helpful for these times.
The book is an invitation to spirituality and is based on a simple admonition that comes from Sacred Scripture. “Do not worry” is easy to say. “Do not worry” is difficult to practice. “We live in a worry–filled world. We find ourselves occupied and preoccupied with many things, while at the same time feeling bored, resentful, depressed and very lonely,” he observes.
Like the Psalm writer, we long for a spiritual conversation assuring us that grace embraces us and that our inner soul is “in touch” with the Divine. A couple of simple steps:
1. Take time in solitude to discover God’s presence in your distress and
2. Take time to share your feelings with fellow sojourners.
I can't promise that the worry and stress will disappear, but you will discover that all things are becoming new as you express yourself!
Prayer: Be near me, O God, and calm my distressed soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.27.09
Friday, April 24, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, April 24
Soul Searching
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
--from a song of the Hebrew people
Today is a day for soul searching. Just two weeks ago Christians observed Good Friday. The record of Sacred Scripture tells about a number of people that did soul searching on that day. Followers of Jesus did soul searching, government officials did, religious leaders did (reluctantly it appears), military (soldiers) did. The story hints that there was a great deal of divine soul searching going on that day, too! Today is an equally good day to do some soul searching, allowing new insights to help us in the transformation process.
This concept of soul searching isn’t reserved for those in the Christian community. Obviously, the Psalm writer longed for renewal and transformation within. Clearly in the year 2009, the world is at yet another “cross-road”. Actually, we don’t need to say a whole lot today. While the grandiose desire for a world of soul-searching folk seems impossible, there is a possible way to make it happen. The verse of the day states it one way and a more contemporary lyricist states it this way:
“Let there be peace on earth, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my parting vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
May today be a Good Friday for you.
--Ben Keckler
04.24.09
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
--from a song of the Hebrew people
Today is a day for soul searching. Just two weeks ago Christians observed Good Friday. The record of Sacred Scripture tells about a number of people that did soul searching on that day. Followers of Jesus did soul searching, government officials did, religious leaders did (reluctantly it appears), military (soldiers) did. The story hints that there was a great deal of divine soul searching going on that day, too! Today is an equally good day to do some soul searching, allowing new insights to help us in the transformation process.
This concept of soul searching isn’t reserved for those in the Christian community. Obviously, the Psalm writer longed for renewal and transformation within. Clearly in the year 2009, the world is at yet another “cross-road”. Actually, we don’t need to say a whole lot today. While the grandiose desire for a world of soul-searching folk seems impossible, there is a possible way to make it happen. The verse of the day states it one way and a more contemporary lyricist states it this way:
“Let there be peace on earth, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my parting vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
May today be a Good Friday for you.
--Ben Keckler
04.24.09
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 23
The Creator and Creation
“The eyes of all look to you, Father of all,
and you give them all they need at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”
--an old song
Springtime, the season of new life and resurrection, surrounds us. Religions of the world take time to recognize and affirm the open hand of God upon a world that has been cold and dark throughout the winter. A common theme clearly emerges in all – even though language, expression and methodology vary greatly – the Creator watches over the creation and the creation is filled with gratitude to the Creator for the gifts of redemption and life. St. Francis offers this prayer:
“My Father, thank you for the gift of this life… full of wonders… full of people I can love for your sake. Thank you that I am surrounded above and below, behind and before, by you. Today and all days… let me fix my eyes upon you… So that I may be filled with the inner fire of your presence!”
As you take time to meditate on your spiritual journey for today, may thanksgiving fill your soul.
--Ben Keckler
04.23.09
“The eyes of all look to you, Father of all,
and you give them all they need at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”
--an old song
Springtime, the season of new life and resurrection, surrounds us. Religions of the world take time to recognize and affirm the open hand of God upon a world that has been cold and dark throughout the winter. A common theme clearly emerges in all – even though language, expression and methodology vary greatly – the Creator watches over the creation and the creation is filled with gratitude to the Creator for the gifts of redemption and life. St. Francis offers this prayer:
“My Father, thank you for the gift of this life… full of wonders… full of people I can love for your sake. Thank you that I am surrounded above and below, behind and before, by you. Today and all days… let me fix my eyes upon you… So that I may be filled with the inner fire of your presence!”
As you take time to meditate on your spiritual journey for today, may thanksgiving fill your soul.
--Ben Keckler
04.23.09
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 22
Is It Possible To Have Hope?
What happens when difficult news comes our way? How do we respond? It seems fair to say that life is not as easy as we would like, that challenges are more the standard, that pain is more frequent than we desire. When these times come our way, try spending some moments in quiet reflection, allowing hope to infuse the uncomfortable feelings that grow in our souls. A number of helpful observations have been preserved over the years about hope. Maybe some of these could be helpful as well:
“If you do not hope, you will not find what lies beyond your hopes.”
--Clement of Alexandria
“Hope is the physician of every misery.”
--An Irish Proverb
“There never was night that had no morn.”
--Dinah Maria Mulock Craik
“My heart leaps when I behold a rainbow in the sky.”
--William Wordsworth
“We must never despair; our situation has been compromised before,
and it has changed for the better; so I trust it will again.”
--George Washington
Prayer: Infuse me with hope today, especially in the things that feel so hopeless.
--Ben Keckler
04.22.09
What happens when difficult news comes our way? How do we respond? It seems fair to say that life is not as easy as we would like, that challenges are more the standard, that pain is more frequent than we desire. When these times come our way, try spending some moments in quiet reflection, allowing hope to infuse the uncomfortable feelings that grow in our souls. A number of helpful observations have been preserved over the years about hope. Maybe some of these could be helpful as well:
“If you do not hope, you will not find what lies beyond your hopes.”
--Clement of Alexandria
“Hope is the physician of every misery.”
--An Irish Proverb
“There never was night that had no morn.”
--Dinah Maria Mulock Craik
“My heart leaps when I behold a rainbow in the sky.”
--William Wordsworth
“We must never despair; our situation has been compromised before,
and it has changed for the better; so I trust it will again.”
--George Washington
Prayer: Infuse me with hope today, especially in the things that feel so hopeless.
--Ben Keckler
04.22.09
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, April 21
Six Years Later
“They will build houses and dwell in them,
they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.”
--From the Prophecies of Isaiah
NOTE: I am sending this devotion today because it was written SIX years ago. We need to be reminded of how slow progress really is; how long it takes to follow through on headlines!
The headlines this morning said that the war is winding down and it would be easy to think that this will mean that the troops will soon be back home. As the war winds down, the vast work of mending begins. Many will not be able to return quickly because a war torn area needs to create a new direction. Many others will have to pack their bags here and go to Iraq to help in the building of houses and the planting of vineyards.
Lester Brown in his book Building A Sustainable Society writes, “We have not inherited the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children.” This is a statement that deserves some attention as we continue to do our part as responsible partners with a fractured world. I personally would say, “We have inherited the earth AND we are also borrowing the earth from our children.”
I've been privileged to travel among the small towns of developing nations. In our lives we have opportunities to grow in our awareness about how much work needs to be done to help move this world toward health and peace. Let’s all work to “wind up their energies” as the war winds down.
Prayer: God of the new heavens and new earth, empower me to do my part in mending a fractured world. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.21.09
“They will build houses and dwell in them,
they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.”
--From the Prophecies of Isaiah
NOTE: I am sending this devotion today because it was written SIX years ago. We need to be reminded of how slow progress really is; how long it takes to follow through on headlines!
The headlines this morning said that the war is winding down and it would be easy to think that this will mean that the troops will soon be back home. As the war winds down, the vast work of mending begins. Many will not be able to return quickly because a war torn area needs to create a new direction. Many others will have to pack their bags here and go to Iraq to help in the building of houses and the planting of vineyards.
Lester Brown in his book Building A Sustainable Society writes, “We have not inherited the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children.” This is a statement that deserves some attention as we continue to do our part as responsible partners with a fractured world. I personally would say, “We have inherited the earth AND we are also borrowing the earth from our children.”
I've been privileged to travel among the small towns of developing nations. In our lives we have opportunities to grow in our awareness about how much work needs to be done to help move this world toward health and peace. Let’s all work to “wind up their energies” as the war winds down.
Prayer: God of the new heavens and new earth, empower me to do my part in mending a fractured world. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.21.09
Monday, April 20, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, April 20
Gardens of Eden
“The Lord God took the man and put him
in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
--from the Creation stories of Genesis
The weekend was filled with natural beauty. The asparagus grew almost three inches, the perennials are coming out of the earth and growing, and those with allergies used up more kleenex than they wanted to! It is good to get out in the yard and experience the rejuvenation of Mother Earth. How wonderful it is to have our little “Gardens of Eden” to work them and care for them!
The weekend was filled with inspiration. Here in Indianapolis thousands joined in the annual Race for the Cure, giving a powerful witness about how we care for creation (one another). We are looking for, discovering and refining methodologies for treating disease. Attending to the needs of creation can be done in minor and major ways. All the various ways are important to the whole of creation.
For many the rhythm of life moves to the workplace today. Our workplaces are also garden spots, places where we will be challenged and where we will commit ourselves to making creation a better place. May the Creator who empowers us bless your day.
Prayer: Thanks to you, O God, for the opportunity to work and care for your garden.
--Ben Keckler
04.20.09
“The Lord God took the man and put him
in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
--from the Creation stories of Genesis
The weekend was filled with natural beauty. The asparagus grew almost three inches, the perennials are coming out of the earth and growing, and those with allergies used up more kleenex than they wanted to! It is good to get out in the yard and experience the rejuvenation of Mother Earth. How wonderful it is to have our little “Gardens of Eden” to work them and care for them!
The weekend was filled with inspiration. Here in Indianapolis thousands joined in the annual Race for the Cure, giving a powerful witness about how we care for creation (one another). We are looking for, discovering and refining methodologies for treating disease. Attending to the needs of creation can be done in minor and major ways. All the various ways are important to the whole of creation.
For many the rhythm of life moves to the workplace today. Our workplaces are also garden spots, places where we will be challenged and where we will commit ourselves to making creation a better place. May the Creator who empowers us bless your day.
Prayer: Thanks to you, O God, for the opportunity to work and care for your garden.
--Ben Keckler
04.20.09
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, April 17
I Need To Listen
This week we have used a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”, as a focal point for our devotional life. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. We conclude our meditation time on becoming better listeners with the concluding section of Ken’s prayer to the Great Listener, God our Creator.
“Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weight the words I hear with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.”
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to the voices of those in this place.
--Ben Keckler
04.17.09
This week we have used a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen”, as a focal point for our devotional life. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. We conclude our meditation time on becoming better listeners with the concluding section of Ken’s prayer to the Great Listener, God our Creator.
“Steady me, O God, as a listener.
And when I speak, make me careful lest I use words as weapons
and language as a severing sword.
Enable me to sort out what I hear and not be thrown off balance
when the tongue of another is careless.
When prejudice and passion weight the words I hear with divisiveness and conflict,
give me sense enough to reject them.
Grant me judgment and common sense to cut through words
that evade and distort lest I be misled.
Steady me, O Lord, as I learn to listen. Amen.”
Divine presence and help is near. Have a good day and weekend listening to the voices of those in this place.
--Ben Keckler
04.17.09
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 16
I Need To Listen
We continue to pray through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need To Listen”. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. Here is today’s part of the prayer.
“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”
Divine presence and help is near. As we see Dr. Phifer’s requests simply stated, may each of us find our conversation with God a time of simply identifying the help we need to maintain the quiet center of our lives. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
04.16.09
We continue to pray through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need To Listen”. The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. Here is today’s part of the prayer.
“Help me to listen to myself,
to still small voices of conscience, to whispers of faith,
and to the soft inner humming of hope.
Help me to learn to trust myself more than I do,
trust myself not because I am wise and good,
but because I am loved and wanted.
Help me to listen to the stranger who may be an angel is disguise,
to the friend who may be lonely and lost.
Help me to listen to the angry and the outraged
who may be saying to me words I need to hear.”
Divine presence and help is near. As we see Dr. Phifer’s requests simply stated, may each of us find our conversation with God a time of simply identifying the help we need to maintain the quiet center of our lives. A listening Creator can enable us to be better listeners. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
04.16.09
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 15
I Need To Listen
This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen.” The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. Improving our listening, improves our caregiving of others in our life. Here is another part of the prayer.
“Lord, this is a shouting world.
There are voices of rage and of protest.
There are voices of defiance and of contempt.
How carefully I sift out the shouting, ignore the screaming.
Make me listen, O God, I pray.
You are the Creator of us all, and sometimes the voices of anger carry messages from you.
Enable me to be a listener, I ask. For in listening I may find direction and guidance.”
Listen to all the voices, even the shouts and the screams. Be open to finding messages even there. God bless you.
--Ben Keckler
04.15.09
This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen.” The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. Improving our listening, improves our caregiving of others in our life. Here is another part of the prayer.
“Lord, this is a shouting world.
There are voices of rage and of protest.
There are voices of defiance and of contempt.
How carefully I sift out the shouting, ignore the screaming.
Make me listen, O God, I pray.
You are the Creator of us all, and sometimes the voices of anger carry messages from you.
Enable me to be a listener, I ask. For in listening I may find direction and guidance.”
Listen to all the voices, even the shouts and the screams. Be open to finding messages even there. God bless you.
--Ben Keckler
04.15.09
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, April 14
I Need To Listen
This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen.” The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. Improving our listening, improves our caregiving of others. Here is another part of the prayer.
“Lord, this is a sobbing world.
There are voices filled with echoes of hurt and pain everywhere.
There are voices almost choked out by tears and voices that come out of aching.
There are hollow voices, empty voices.
I would rather not hear them—
the voices of hungry children
and of sorrowing women
and of desperate men.
But they are all around me.
Enable me to hear them, I pray, and in the hearing
Be able to be near my brothers and sisters.”
Have a blessed day as you listen.
--Ben Keckler
04.14.09
This week we are praying through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need to Listen.” The theme of Rev. Phifer’s prayer is for God to empower him to be a better listener. Improving our listening, improves our caregiving of others. Here is another part of the prayer.
“Lord, this is a sobbing world.
There are voices filled with echoes of hurt and pain everywhere.
There are voices almost choked out by tears and voices that come out of aching.
There are hollow voices, empty voices.
I would rather not hear them—
the voices of hungry children
and of sorrowing women
and of desperate men.
But they are all around me.
Enable me to hear them, I pray, and in the hearing
Be able to be near my brothers and sisters.”
Have a blessed day as you listen.
--Ben Keckler
04.14.09
Monday, April 13, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, April 13
I Need To Listen
This week we are going to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need To Listen.” I invite you to take time this week seeking to become a better listener through a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“How strange it is, O Lord,
that I should feel I need to ask you to hear me.
Is it not I who need to learn to listen?
Should I not ask you to jerk me to my feet,
to snatch me out of my drowsy indifference,
to nudge me into alertness?
I am constantly surrounded by sounds I do not hear,
By voices to which I am indifferent.
“This is a singing world.
There are voices of angels
and voices of those inviting me to share in their lives.
Enable me to hear them, I pray,
and in the hearing be lifted up to gratitude
for the mystery and magic of being human.”
--Ben Keckler
04.13.09
This week we are going to work through a prayer by Kenneth Phifer entitled, “I Need To Listen.” I invite you to take time this week seeking to become a better listener through a prayer to the Great Listener, our Holy God.
“How strange it is, O Lord,
that I should feel I need to ask you to hear me.
Is it not I who need to learn to listen?
Should I not ask you to jerk me to my feet,
to snatch me out of my drowsy indifference,
to nudge me into alertness?
I am constantly surrounded by sounds I do not hear,
By voices to which I am indifferent.
“This is a singing world.
There are voices of angels
and voices of those inviting me to share in their lives.
Enable me to hear them, I pray,
and in the hearing be lifted up to gratitude
for the mystery and magic of being human.”
--Ben Keckler
04.13.09
Friday, April 10, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, April 10
Some Thoughts on Joy
“I have told you this, so that my joy may be in you
and your joy may be complete.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John in the gospels, chapter 15, verse 11
There is so much happening that can rob us of joy. Here in the hospital we treat sickness and disease in people who are experiencing joyless times. Throughout the global village, we continue to hear the sad stories. Some of the sagas are older than the hills
Yet, we hear this gospel word saying to us that complete joy, ecstasy if you will, is a possibility that is not just something for the mystic but a possibility for all who listen to the teachings of Jesus. Trying to picture that is almost unfathomable.
Henri Nouwen writes, “Somehow joy is much harder to express than sadness. It seems that we have more words for sickness than for health, more for abnormal conditions than for normal conditions.”
He continues, “those who live joy-filled lives are always moving away from rigidly fixed situations and exploring new, unmapped dimensions of reality.” In other words, “Joy is always new. Whereas there can be old pain, old grief, and old sorrow, there can be no old joy. Old joy is not joy! Joy is always connected with movement, renewal, rebirth, change—in short, with life.” (Quotes are from Lifesigns, Henri Nouwen, pp. 85-88)
I wish you a day and weekend that has many moments of joy! May springtime be alive within you, filling you with joy, complete joy and contentment.
--Ben Keckler
04.10.09
“I have told you this, so that my joy may be in you
and your joy may be complete.”
--Jesus, as remembered by John in the gospels, chapter 15, verse 11
There is so much happening that can rob us of joy. Here in the hospital we treat sickness and disease in people who are experiencing joyless times. Throughout the global village, we continue to hear the sad stories. Some of the sagas are older than the hills
Yet, we hear this gospel word saying to us that complete joy, ecstasy if you will, is a possibility that is not just something for the mystic but a possibility for all who listen to the teachings of Jesus. Trying to picture that is almost unfathomable.
Henri Nouwen writes, “Somehow joy is much harder to express than sadness. It seems that we have more words for sickness than for health, more for abnormal conditions than for normal conditions.”
He continues, “those who live joy-filled lives are always moving away from rigidly fixed situations and exploring new, unmapped dimensions of reality.” In other words, “Joy is always new. Whereas there can be old pain, old grief, and old sorrow, there can be no old joy. Old joy is not joy! Joy is always connected with movement, renewal, rebirth, change—in short, with life.” (Quotes are from Lifesigns, Henri Nouwen, pp. 85-88)
I wish you a day and weekend that has many moments of joy! May springtime be alive within you, filling you with joy, complete joy and contentment.
--Ben Keckler
04.10.09
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 9
Some Thoughts to Ponder
Frederick Buechner's book Listening to Your Life, a daily meditation book, is very rich and full of meaning. In an April meditation he suggests that life itself is trying to tell us something.
“The alphabet of grace is full of sibilants—sounds that can’t be shouted but only whispered: the sounds of bumblebees and wind, of whitecaps hissing up flat over the glittering sand, of crowds hushed in vast and vaulted places, the sound of your own breathing. The trees, the budding flowers, the rhythm of waking, work and sleeping—all are trying to tell us something.”
The meditation goes on and Buechner continues to use words that paint a picture about the rhythm of life. He concludes with these brief words:
“How do I happen to believe in God? I will give one more answer which can be stated briefly. Writing novels, I got into the habit of looking for plots. After awhile, I began to suspect that my own life had a plot. And after awhile more, I began to suspect that life itself has a plot.”
Seems like Buechner is in touch with something! It really isn’t a new insight. In fact, Buechner seems to be using his words to tell the story of Psalm 104. Why not take a minute and read that Psalm today.
--Ben Keckler
04.09.09
Frederick Buechner's book Listening to Your Life, a daily meditation book, is very rich and full of meaning. In an April meditation he suggests that life itself is trying to tell us something.
“The alphabet of grace is full of sibilants—sounds that can’t be shouted but only whispered: the sounds of bumblebees and wind, of whitecaps hissing up flat over the glittering sand, of crowds hushed in vast and vaulted places, the sound of your own breathing. The trees, the budding flowers, the rhythm of waking, work and sleeping—all are trying to tell us something.”
The meditation goes on and Buechner continues to use words that paint a picture about the rhythm of life. He concludes with these brief words:
“How do I happen to believe in God? I will give one more answer which can be stated briefly. Writing novels, I got into the habit of looking for plots. After awhile, I began to suspect that my own life had a plot. And after awhile more, I began to suspect that life itself has a plot.”
Seems like Buechner is in touch with something! It really isn’t a new insight. In fact, Buechner seems to be using his words to tell the story of Psalm 104. Why not take a minute and read that Psalm today.
--Ben Keckler
04.09.09
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 8
An Old Prayer from Mother Teresa
Several decades ago Malcolm Muggeridge was inspired to write a book about the work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In Something Beautiful for God he includes her daily prayer for the Children’s Home in Calcutta. The prayer is entitled Jesus, My Patient:
Dearest Lord, may I see you today and every day in the person of your sick, and while nursing them, minister unto you.
Though you hide yourself behind the unattractive disguise of the irritable, the exacting, the unreasonable, may I still recognize you, and say: ‘Jesus, my patient, how sweet it is to serve you.’
Lord, give me this seeing faith, then my work will never be monotonous. I will ever find joy in humoring the fancies and gratifying the wishes of all poor sufferers.
O beloved sick, how doubly dear you are to me, when you personify Christ; and what a privilege is mine to be allowed to tend you.
Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness or impatience.
And, O God, while you are Jesus, my patient, deign also to be to me a patient Jesus, bearing with my faults, looking only to my intention, which is to love and serve you in the person of each of your sick.
Lord, increase my faith, bless my efforts and work, now and forevermore. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.08.09
Several decades ago Malcolm Muggeridge was inspired to write a book about the work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In Something Beautiful for God he includes her daily prayer for the Children’s Home in Calcutta. The prayer is entitled Jesus, My Patient:
Dearest Lord, may I see you today and every day in the person of your sick, and while nursing them, minister unto you.
Though you hide yourself behind the unattractive disguise of the irritable, the exacting, the unreasonable, may I still recognize you, and say: ‘Jesus, my patient, how sweet it is to serve you.’
Lord, give me this seeing faith, then my work will never be monotonous. I will ever find joy in humoring the fancies and gratifying the wishes of all poor sufferers.
O beloved sick, how doubly dear you are to me, when you personify Christ; and what a privilege is mine to be allowed to tend you.
Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness or impatience.
And, O God, while you are Jesus, my patient, deign also to be to me a patient Jesus, bearing with my faults, looking only to my intention, which is to love and serve you in the person of each of your sick.
Lord, increase my faith, bless my efforts and work, now and forevermore. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.08.09
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, April 7
A Story About Transformation
Have you ever read any of the works of C. S. Lewis? He is a most enjoyable, creative writer. He tells stories that can really help us interpret life. One of his tales, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, tells a story about a young lad who discovers that he really isn’t the person he visualizes himself to be.
Eustace Clarence Scrubb is his name. He is a self-absorbed, always right, “better-than-you-are,” rude, haughty person. During a wonderfully imaginative trip in the Land of Narnia, a time comes when Eustace realizes himself as others see him. He really wants to be a changed, transformed person. He meets Aslan who helps Eustace to understand that transformation would only happen as Eustace allows Aslan to care for him. To tell more of the story is to take away the wonder of experiencing C. S. Lewis’ writings.
I do want to share this line, however: “It would be nice, and nearly fairly true, to say that ‘from that time on Eustace was a different boy.’ To be strictly accurate, he began to be a different boy. He had relapses. But…. the cure had begun.”
The work of personal transformation is not easy. Each of us needs to allow that to happen as Aslan works within us. On our life journey, we are involved in the transformation process not only of ourselves, but with other “Eustaces.” Enjoy a book from the Narnia tales of C. S. Lewis—you won’t be disappointed.
--Ben Keckler
04.07.09
Have you ever read any of the works of C. S. Lewis? He is a most enjoyable, creative writer. He tells stories that can really help us interpret life. One of his tales, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, tells a story about a young lad who discovers that he really isn’t the person he visualizes himself to be.
Eustace Clarence Scrubb is his name. He is a self-absorbed, always right, “better-than-you-are,” rude, haughty person. During a wonderfully imaginative trip in the Land of Narnia, a time comes when Eustace realizes himself as others see him. He really wants to be a changed, transformed person. He meets Aslan who helps Eustace to understand that transformation would only happen as Eustace allows Aslan to care for him. To tell more of the story is to take away the wonder of experiencing C. S. Lewis’ writings.
I do want to share this line, however: “It would be nice, and nearly fairly true, to say that ‘from that time on Eustace was a different boy.’ To be strictly accurate, he began to be a different boy. He had relapses. But…. the cure had begun.”
The work of personal transformation is not easy. Each of us needs to allow that to happen as Aslan works within us. On our life journey, we are involved in the transformation process not only of ourselves, but with other “Eustaces.” Enjoy a book from the Narnia tales of C. S. Lewis—you won’t be disappointed.
--Ben Keckler
04.07.09
Monday, April 6, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, April 6
Springtime Transformation
The warm-up weeks of spring bring the transformation we long for annually after the gray days of winter. (Right now it still feels like winter with snow flurries, rain and wind!) This is a life-giving transformation—barren trees bud; brown grass becomes green; cocoons yield butterflies….the list could go on and on! In addition to the visible transformation observed in nature, religion (particularly Christian religion) calls us to transformation, too!
Transformation is more than just changing. “Trans,” from Latin, means “to move across.” Therefore, I’m suggesting that transformation is a moving of our “formation.” This may make resurrection, that Easter term, a bit more understandable. Here are three ways to meditate further on the theme of transformation.
Reading for the day: John 20:11-18
An exercise for understanding: Find a tree that is starting to bud and observe the transformation of those buds in the next 6 weeks.
Prayer: God of transformation, walk beside me on the roads that lie ahead. Bless my life again by your empowering spirit that makes all things new. In your Holy name, Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.06.09
The warm-up weeks of spring bring the transformation we long for annually after the gray days of winter. (Right now it still feels like winter with snow flurries, rain and wind!) This is a life-giving transformation—barren trees bud; brown grass becomes green; cocoons yield butterflies….the list could go on and on! In addition to the visible transformation observed in nature, religion (particularly Christian religion) calls us to transformation, too!
Transformation is more than just changing. “Trans,” from Latin, means “to move across.” Therefore, I’m suggesting that transformation is a moving of our “formation.” This may make resurrection, that Easter term, a bit more understandable. Here are three ways to meditate further on the theme of transformation.
Reading for the day: John 20:11-18
An exercise for understanding: Find a tree that is starting to bud and observe the transformation of those buds in the next 6 weeks.
Prayer: God of transformation, walk beside me on the roads that lie ahead. Bless my life again by your empowering spirit that makes all things new. In your Holy name, Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.06.09
Friday, April 3, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, April 3
Blessed Are
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.”
--From Psalm 100
In some ways it is pretty difficult to make a joyful noise when there is so much conflict in the world. Yet, as springtime visits us again—whether in a powerful storm and or with aches and pains from necessary yard work—it can be pretty easy to make a joyful noise to God. In my prayers this week, I recall a lengthy prayer by Mary de LaValette and want to share an excerpt from it. The idea for the prayer came from the Beatitudes, a wonderful text from the pen of Matthew in Sacred Scripture.
“Blessed are the animals for they shall lead us back to our lost innocence.
Blessed are the great whales for their vast intelligence is peaceful.
Blessed is the eagle for he is the king of birds.
Blessed is the cow for she is the ancient symbol of Peace.
Blessed is the little mouse who seeks shelter from the cold.
Blessed are the otters for their playfulness is without guile.
Blessed are all wild, free things for they live in harmony with their Creator.
Blessed are those animals who are part of our families for they bind us to the rest of Creation.
And blessed be Humankind who has gone so far astray.
Blessed is the Creation in its magnificence for the Spirit dwells in every living thing.
And is indivisible.”
Enjoy the budding of creation as your weekend unfolds. Especially enjoy the animals.
--Ben Keckler
04.03.09
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.”
--From Psalm 100
In some ways it is pretty difficult to make a joyful noise when there is so much conflict in the world. Yet, as springtime visits us again—whether in a powerful storm and or with aches and pains from necessary yard work—it can be pretty easy to make a joyful noise to God. In my prayers this week, I recall a lengthy prayer by Mary de LaValette and want to share an excerpt from it. The idea for the prayer came from the Beatitudes, a wonderful text from the pen of Matthew in Sacred Scripture.
“Blessed are the animals for they shall lead us back to our lost innocence.
Blessed are the great whales for their vast intelligence is peaceful.
Blessed is the eagle for he is the king of birds.
Blessed is the cow for she is the ancient symbol of Peace.
Blessed is the little mouse who seeks shelter from the cold.
Blessed are the otters for their playfulness is without guile.
Blessed are all wild, free things for they live in harmony with their Creator.
Blessed are those animals who are part of our families for they bind us to the rest of Creation.
And blessed be Humankind who has gone so far astray.
Blessed is the Creation in its magnificence for the Spirit dwells in every living thing.
And is indivisible.”
Enjoy the budding of creation as your weekend unfolds. Especially enjoy the animals.
--Ben Keckler
04.03.09
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 2
Another Day
The writings of St. Francis offer some great wisdom in the midst of troublesome times. Meditating on his words can help us to view the world through lenses that cause us to see our surroundings more clearly. Possibly we can be led to more peaceful living, with the ability to tell of God’s wondrous deeds. Here are words from meditation #27 in “The Admonitions.”
"Where there is God’s love and wisdom,
There is no room for fear, or for ignorance.
Where there is patience and humility,
There is no anger, nor even irritation.
Where there is joy in being poor in spirit,
There is neither secret covetousness nor greed that leads
to hateful actions.
Where there is peace, sown in times of meditation,
There is no worry, nor dissipation of true spiritual zeal.
Where there is awe and deep respect for the Lord
to guard the house,
The Enemy cannot get inside, or gain so much as a foothold.
Where there is mercy in discerning the faults of another,
There is neither allowance for destructive excesses,
Nor an unforgiving hard-heartedness toward those who fail."
Prayer: God, may my life reflect your ways as I speak of your wondrous deeds. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.02.09
The writings of St. Francis offer some great wisdom in the midst of troublesome times. Meditating on his words can help us to view the world through lenses that cause us to see our surroundings more clearly. Possibly we can be led to more peaceful living, with the ability to tell of God’s wondrous deeds. Here are words from meditation #27 in “The Admonitions.”
"Where there is God’s love and wisdom,
There is no room for fear, or for ignorance.
Where there is patience and humility,
There is no anger, nor even irritation.
Where there is joy in being poor in spirit,
There is neither secret covetousness nor greed that leads
to hateful actions.
Where there is peace, sown in times of meditation,
There is no worry, nor dissipation of true spiritual zeal.
Where there is awe and deep respect for the Lord
to guard the house,
The Enemy cannot get inside, or gain so much as a foothold.
Where there is mercy in discerning the faults of another,
There is neither allowance for destructive excesses,
Nor an unforgiving hard-heartedness toward those who fail."
Prayer: God, may my life reflect your ways as I speak of your wondrous deeds. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
04.02.09
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, April 1
Prayer for Today
“The Lord answers you in the day of trouble!
May God grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.”
--From Psalm 20
The world is becoming a very different place. The recent shift of attitude and awareness in our culture is one of the many, many changes we observe. As we begin this new month, I’ve developed a series of phrases to contemplate. Take some time with each line and at the end of each phrase you may want to add the words, “Receive this prayer, O God.” Let us pray:
For those without food, clothes and a place of shelter…
For those who live with wars and rumors of war…
For those who fiercely defend freedom while away from freedom’s shores…
For those who find their routine interrupted…
For those who hear the noise of explosion and feel the earth shake…
For those who daily see clouds of smoke and debris arising from mother earth…
For those who lead and make decisions affecting the common folk of societies…
For those who weep…
For those who cause their weeping…
In the midst of today’s successes or disasters, assure us that your requirements still include a clean conscience, a loving spirit and a forgiving heart…
--Ben Keckler
04.01.09
“The Lord answers you in the day of trouble!
May God grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.”
--From Psalm 20
The world is becoming a very different place. The recent shift of attitude and awareness in our culture is one of the many, many changes we observe. As we begin this new month, I’ve developed a series of phrases to contemplate. Take some time with each line and at the end of each phrase you may want to add the words, “Receive this prayer, O God.” Let us pray:
For those without food, clothes and a place of shelter…
For those who live with wars and rumors of war…
For those who fiercely defend freedom while away from freedom’s shores…
For those who find their routine interrupted…
For those who hear the noise of explosion and feel the earth shake…
For those who daily see clouds of smoke and debris arising from mother earth…
For those who lead and make decisions affecting the common folk of societies…
For those who weep…
For those who cause their weeping…
In the midst of today’s successes or disasters, assure us that your requirements still include a clean conscience, a loving spirit and a forgiving heart…
--Ben Keckler
04.01.09
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
