Refuge and Strength
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.”
--Psalm 46: 1
This song can be helpful when the perceived pressures of the day appear to be more than we can bear. Take time with Psalm 46 today and with the following prayer for healing:
“God of All, you have so fashioned the world that it possesses the potential to repair its imperfections. And, O Eternal One, you have fashioned humankind by endowing us, as your partners, with the creative ability to help the repairing. You gave us the insight to transform the simple herb into a healing balm for the body. May we, as your servant people, realize our responsibility to transform the herb of human caring into a healing balm for the aching soul. Like us, many are in need. We know the inner yearning for fulfillment, for purpose and meaning in our lives. May we come to know that as we help others to feel fulfilled, so shall we. And then, may we recognize the strength, the will, the dedication, and the commitment to do that for which we were created, to serve you realizing that, as you said in your word, “The kingdom of God is within us.”
A prayer for today: God of life, teach me stillness so that I can know strength. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.29.10
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 28
The Wise and Mature
“Listen to advice and accept instruction,
and in the end you will be wise.”
--Proverbs 19: 20
Most of the stories gathered from my years of ministry come from the lips of wise people, mature people who have found value in listening to advice and accepting instructions. While there are plenty of stories from both young and old alike, it seems the statements of the wise and mature grow more valuable with every passing day. Here is a touching prayer by Robert Terry Weston:
“Beautiful are the youth
Whose rich emotions flash and burn
Whose lithe bodies filled with energy and grace,
Sway in their happy dance of life;
And beautiful likewise are the mature
Who have learned compassion and patience, charity and wisdom,
Though they be rarer far than beautiful youth.
“But most beautiful and most rare is a gracious old age
Which has drawn from life the skill to takes its varied strands:
The harsh advance of age, the pang of grief,
The passing of dear friends, the loss of strength,
And with fresh insight weave them in a rich and gracious pattern all its own.
“This is the greatest skill of all,
To take the bitter with the sweet and make it beautiful,
To take the whole of life in all its moods,
Its strengths and weaknesses
And of the whole make one great and celestial harmony.”
A prayer for today: Lord, help me to capture what you are trying to teach me. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.28.10
“Listen to advice and accept instruction,
and in the end you will be wise.”
--Proverbs 19: 20
Most of the stories gathered from my years of ministry come from the lips of wise people, mature people who have found value in listening to advice and accepting instructions. While there are plenty of stories from both young and old alike, it seems the statements of the wise and mature grow more valuable with every passing day. Here is a touching prayer by Robert Terry Weston:
“Beautiful are the youth
Whose rich emotions flash and burn
Whose lithe bodies filled with energy and grace,
Sway in their happy dance of life;
And beautiful likewise are the mature
Who have learned compassion and patience, charity and wisdom,
Though they be rarer far than beautiful youth.
“But most beautiful and most rare is a gracious old age
Which has drawn from life the skill to takes its varied strands:
The harsh advance of age, the pang of grief,
The passing of dear friends, the loss of strength,
And with fresh insight weave them in a rich and gracious pattern all its own.
“This is the greatest skill of all,
To take the bitter with the sweet and make it beautiful,
To take the whole of life in all its moods,
Its strengths and weaknesses
And of the whole make one great and celestial harmony.”
A prayer for today: Lord, help me to capture what you are trying to teach me. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.28.10
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 27
Crying to the Lord
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice.”
--Psalm 130: 1
Today we will perform a variety of tasks in our work and we will perform our tasks relatively certain that there will be peace and calm around us. Today there are thousands of parents who are crying from the depths of their souls because their sons and daughters are on assignments to keep the world peaceful, possibly having to participate in a war to supposedly bring about world peace. It seems that our souls should be crying forth to the Almighty on behalf of these military personnel and their extended families.
One Sunday a few years ago, while enjoying a cup of coffee following a church service, a friend was crying. She had a son in the Navy. As we entered into conversation she shared, “I haven’t heard from him since New Year’s Eve. I realized today how much I’ve missed hearing his voice.” Linda had not heard from her son for a while and she realized how much she missed the sound of his voice. My heart joined hers in “crying to the Lord.”
Today we will perform a variety of tasks and there will be relative peace and calm. Maybe we can all take some time to feel the deep longings thousands of parents and loved ones are having about all sorts of issues related to their children living in such a chaotic world. Take time to “cry to the Lord.”
A prayer for today: Lord, hear our voices today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.27.10
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice.”
--Psalm 130: 1
Today we will perform a variety of tasks in our work and we will perform our tasks relatively certain that there will be peace and calm around us. Today there are thousands of parents who are crying from the depths of their souls because their sons and daughters are on assignments to keep the world peaceful, possibly having to participate in a war to supposedly bring about world peace. It seems that our souls should be crying forth to the Almighty on behalf of these military personnel and their extended families.
One Sunday a few years ago, while enjoying a cup of coffee following a church service, a friend was crying. She had a son in the Navy. As we entered into conversation she shared, “I haven’t heard from him since New Year’s Eve. I realized today how much I’ve missed hearing his voice.” Linda had not heard from her son for a while and she realized how much she missed the sound of his voice. My heart joined hers in “crying to the Lord.”
Today we will perform a variety of tasks and there will be relative peace and calm. Maybe we can all take some time to feel the deep longings thousands of parents and loved ones are having about all sorts of issues related to their children living in such a chaotic world. Take time to “cry to the Lord.”
A prayer for today: Lord, hear our voices today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.27.10
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 26
SFGTD
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
God mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning, new every morning
Great is God’s faithfulness, Great is God’s faithfulness.”
--A paraphrase of an early Hebraic song
No, this is not an eye test. Yesterday I shared the story behind SFGTD, which stands for Something For God To Do. As a follow up to yesterday’s devotion, I hope you will enjoy this ancient Chinese story.
There was an old farmer who had an old horse for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and when all the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” A week later the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was “Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?” Then, when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone thought this was very bad luck?! Not the farmer, whose only reactions was “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” Some weeks later the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg they let him off. Now was that good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?
Everything that seems on the surface to be an evil may be a good in disguise. And everything that seems good on the surface may really be an evil. So let us be wise and leave the decision making to God. So let us be wise and learn that in all things we can and should give thanks. So let us be wise and give everything to God.
--Ben Keckler
01.26.10
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
God mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning, new every morning
Great is God’s faithfulness, Great is God’s faithfulness.”
--A paraphrase of an early Hebraic song
No, this is not an eye test. Yesterday I shared the story behind SFGTD, which stands for Something For God To Do. As a follow up to yesterday’s devotion, I hope you will enjoy this ancient Chinese story.
There was an old farmer who had an old horse for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and when all the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” A week later the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was “Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?” Then, when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone thought this was very bad luck?! Not the farmer, whose only reactions was “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” Some weeks later the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg they let him off. Now was that good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?
Everything that seems on the surface to be an evil may be a good in disguise. And everything that seems good on the surface may really be an evil. So let us be wise and leave the decision making to God. So let us be wise and learn that in all things we can and should give thanks. So let us be wise and give everything to God.
--Ben Keckler
01.26.10
Monday, January 25, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, January 25
Something for God to Do
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
God’s mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning.
Great is God’s faithfulness, Great is God’s faithfulness.”
--a paraphrase of an early Hebraic song
This is something I learned from a patient several years ago. I try to share it each January; I think it can help us in the New Year! One day I was visiting with a patient who had received some bad news; I was listening to a story of personal faith unfold. The conviction of faith I was hearing was really remarkable; I let the patient know how empowering his words were for me. Then, after a moment of silence, he picked up a pencil and wrote these five letters on a piece of paper: SFGTD.
“Tell me more,” I said.
The patient proceeded to explain that within minutes of hearing his news he spent a few moments in prayer. In his prayer he gave his diagnosis to God. He told me, “I am not going to concern myself with this and let worry overtake me.” He confessed that he was having moments when he would catch himself going back, but each time he thought of SFGTD. “Whatever happens will happen, we will see what each day brings,” I heard.
“So,” I asked, “what is SFGTD?”
“Well, I prayed and asked in faith. From here on out it is ‘Something For God To Do.’”
Friends, I am a better person now that I know of SFGTD. I wanted you to know of it, too! I’m glad I had a chance to listen to one of God’s people.
A prayer: O God, I release my burdens to your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.25.10
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
God’s mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning.
Great is God’s faithfulness, Great is God’s faithfulness.”
--a paraphrase of an early Hebraic song
This is something I learned from a patient several years ago. I try to share it each January; I think it can help us in the New Year! One day I was visiting with a patient who had received some bad news; I was listening to a story of personal faith unfold. The conviction of faith I was hearing was really remarkable; I let the patient know how empowering his words were for me. Then, after a moment of silence, he picked up a pencil and wrote these five letters on a piece of paper: SFGTD.
“Tell me more,” I said.
The patient proceeded to explain that within minutes of hearing his news he spent a few moments in prayer. In his prayer he gave his diagnosis to God. He told me, “I am not going to concern myself with this and let worry overtake me.” He confessed that he was having moments when he would catch himself going back, but each time he thought of SFGTD. “Whatever happens will happen, we will see what each day brings,” I heard.
“So,” I asked, “what is SFGTD?”
“Well, I prayed and asked in faith. From here on out it is ‘Something For God To Do.’”
Friends, I am a better person now that I know of SFGTD. I wanted you to know of it, too! I’m glad I had a chance to listen to one of God’s people.
A prayer: O God, I release my burdens to your steadfast love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.25.10
Friday, January 22, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, January 22
Still Reflecting on Prayer
Today we conclude a week of exploration focused on the theme of prayer. Prayer is important to people of every faith tradition. We’ve spent some time in the Christian, Islamic and Jewish traditions this week.
Our final prayer for the week returns us to the Christian tradition and to the pen of Reformed Church theologian and preacher, Reinhold Niebuhr. Most of us have heard the beginning part of this prayer that has been entitled “The Serenity Prayer.” Today I share with you the rest of that prayer.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.
“Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that you will make all things right if I surrender to your will,
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with you forever in the next.”
May your Friday be filled with good things and may your weekend be at least reasonably happy.
--Ben Keckler
01.22.10
Today we conclude a week of exploration focused on the theme of prayer. Prayer is important to people of every faith tradition. We’ve spent some time in the Christian, Islamic and Jewish traditions this week.
Our final prayer for the week returns us to the Christian tradition and to the pen of Reformed Church theologian and preacher, Reinhold Niebuhr. Most of us have heard the beginning part of this prayer that has been entitled “The Serenity Prayer.” Today I share with you the rest of that prayer.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.
“Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that you will make all things right if I surrender to your will,
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with you forever in the next.”
May your Friday be filled with good things and may your weekend be at least reasonably happy.
--Ben Keckler
01.22.10
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 21
More Thoughts About Prayer
Today we continue to explore the theme of prayer. Prayer is important to people of every faith tradition. We’ve spent some time in the Christian and Jewish traditions this week. Today we move to the Islamic tradition and find this prayer of faith. It is named an “opener prayer” and comes from the Koran.
“In the Name of God, the merciful Lord of mercy,
Praise be to God, the Lord of all being,
The merciful Lord of mercy,
Master of the day of judgment.
You alone we serve: to You alone we come for aid.
Guide us in the straight path,
The path of those whom You have blessed,
Not of those against whom there is displeasure,
Nor of those who go astray.”
Prayer could be defined as: the soul seeking clarity for the journey through life. This is true in all the traditions we’ve explored this week.
A prayer: May I find you guiding me in the straight path, O Lord. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.21.10
Today we continue to explore the theme of prayer. Prayer is important to people of every faith tradition. We’ve spent some time in the Christian and Jewish traditions this week. Today we move to the Islamic tradition and find this prayer of faith. It is named an “opener prayer” and comes from the Koran.
“In the Name of God, the merciful Lord of mercy,
Praise be to God, the Lord of all being,
The merciful Lord of mercy,
Master of the day of judgment.
You alone we serve: to You alone we come for aid.
Guide us in the straight path,
The path of those whom You have blessed,
Not of those against whom there is displeasure,
Nor of those who go astray.”
Prayer could be defined as: the soul seeking clarity for the journey through life. This is true in all the traditions we’ve explored this week.
A prayer: May I find you guiding me in the straight path, O Lord. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.21.10
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 20
Another Reflection on Prayer
Again today we focus on prayer, a way of life that is significant to people of every faith tradition. It is a wonderful path to maintaining and developing a sense of the divine while experiencing life that seems less than heavenly. In the Jewish tradition, their songs are filled with prayers of praise to God. We hear it often with phrases like “praise to You, O God.”
Also, the Jewish tradition is not afraid to voice prayers of disappointment to the Almighty. “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.” (Psalm 22:2) Another prayer from the Jewish tradition goes like this: “I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when feeling it not. I believe in God even when he is silent.”
Often prayer is more about listening to silence than it is verbalizing to the divine.
A prayer: Speak in your way, God, for I am ready to listen. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.20.10
Again today we focus on prayer, a way of life that is significant to people of every faith tradition. It is a wonderful path to maintaining and developing a sense of the divine while experiencing life that seems less than heavenly. In the Jewish tradition, their songs are filled with prayers of praise to God. We hear it often with phrases like “praise to You, O God.”
Also, the Jewish tradition is not afraid to voice prayers of disappointment to the Almighty. “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.” (Psalm 22:2) Another prayer from the Jewish tradition goes like this: “I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when feeling it not. I believe in God even when he is silent.”
Often prayer is more about listening to silence than it is verbalizing to the divine.
A prayer: Speak in your way, God, for I am ready to listen. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.20.10
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 19
A Reflection on Prayer
Prayer is important to people of every faith tradition. It is a meaningful way to maintain, maybe even develop, a deepened sense of the divine even when life seems less than heavenly. In the Christian tradition, Jesus responded to the request of the disciples by using what we know as “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is a model for prayer life.
Martin Luther was also a teacher. He worked primarily with the peasant farmers in Germany, serving as their priest. The people of his parish wanted to know about prayer, too. Luther responded by saying, “The fewer the words, the better the prayer.” Equally significant words, I believe.
Today’s prayer incorporates the thoughts of these two teachers. May your day be filled with God-ness!
A prayer: God be in my words and in my deeds. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.19.10
Prayer is important to people of every faith tradition. It is a meaningful way to maintain, maybe even develop, a deepened sense of the divine even when life seems less than heavenly. In the Christian tradition, Jesus responded to the request of the disciples by using what we know as “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is a model for prayer life.
Martin Luther was also a teacher. He worked primarily with the peasant farmers in Germany, serving as their priest. The people of his parish wanted to know about prayer, too. Luther responded by saying, “The fewer the words, the better the prayer.” Equally significant words, I believe.
Today’s prayer incorporates the thoughts of these two teachers. May your day be filled with God-ness!
A prayer: God be in my words and in my deeds. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.19.10
Monday, January 18, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, January 18
Martin Luther King Day
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance
and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A number of years ago, I was completing a part of my on-going training program at the hospital and Dr. King’s quote (see above) appeared on one of the slides. Along with fellow associates, I am called to focus on a theme word, EXCELLENCE. This is a critical word representing an attitude that should be expected not just in the workplace, but in every breath we take.
As we labor, regardless of our job description, each of us makes a contribution to truly uplift humanity. Let us undertake our work this week with painstaking excellence. If we are committed to this we will find the peace we all desire and talk.
A prayer: God be in my words and in my deeds. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.18.10
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance
and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A number of years ago, I was completing a part of my on-going training program at the hospital and Dr. King’s quote (see above) appeared on one of the slides. Along with fellow associates, I am called to focus on a theme word, EXCELLENCE. This is a critical word representing an attitude that should be expected not just in the workplace, but in every breath we take.
As we labor, regardless of our job description, each of us makes a contribution to truly uplift humanity. Let us undertake our work this week with painstaking excellence. If we are committed to this we will find the peace we all desire and talk.
A prayer: God be in my words and in my deeds. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.18.10
Friday, January 15, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, January 15
Toward A New Dawn
Five Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 5
It is the end of the week and here is one more prayer from Prayers for Healing. In 2010 may you be blessed with enough as this year unfolds season by season, day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute.
“I have no other helper than you, no other father, I pray to you.
Only you can help me. My present misery is too great.
Despair grips me, and I am at my wit’s end.
O Lord, Creator, Ruler of the World, Father.
I thank you that you have brought me through.
“How strong the pain was — but you were stronger.
How deep the fall was – but you were even deeper.
How dark the night was – but you were the noonday sun in it.
“You are our father, our mother, our brother, and our friend. Amen.”
--An African prayer
--Ben Keckler
01.15.10
Five Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 5
It is the end of the week and here is one more prayer from Prayers for Healing. In 2010 may you be blessed with enough as this year unfolds season by season, day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute.
“I have no other helper than you, no other father, I pray to you.
Only you can help me. My present misery is too great.
Despair grips me, and I am at my wit’s end.
O Lord, Creator, Ruler of the World, Father.
I thank you that you have brought me through.
“How strong the pain was — but you were stronger.
How deep the fall was – but you were even deeper.
How dark the night was – but you were the noonday sun in it.
“You are our father, our mother, our brother, and our friend. Amen.”
--An African prayer
--Ben Keckler
01.15.10
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 14
Toward A New Dawn
Five Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 4
Prayers for Healing is a wonderful and favorite resource book in my library. This week I have chosen five prayers from the book. Following is the fourth prayer for the week. Again, may you be blessed with enough as the year unfolds – season by season, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.
“Help me to let go of my preoccupations with the future.
Give me the strength to stop my futile attempts
To predict and control the future.
Let me see no value in my plan of what the future should be.
Rid me of my senseless questions about tomorrow
And of all my desires to exercise control of others.
“Remind me that my fears and uncertainties of tomorrow are only related to my unfounded fear of You.
“Help me be still; help me listen and love.
“Let me feel Your Freedom within me,
And let me laugh at the illusions that my ego once made me feel were so real.
Let me be the Light; let me be joy; let me know that
I am
The reflection of You wherever I am,
And wherever I go.”
by Gerald G. Jampolsky
--Ben Keckler
01.14.10
Five Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 4
Prayers for Healing is a wonderful and favorite resource book in my library. This week I have chosen five prayers from the book. Following is the fourth prayer for the week. Again, may you be blessed with enough as the year unfolds – season by season, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.
“Help me to let go of my preoccupations with the future.
Give me the strength to stop my futile attempts
To predict and control the future.
Let me see no value in my plan of what the future should be.
Rid me of my senseless questions about tomorrow
And of all my desires to exercise control of others.
“Remind me that my fears and uncertainties of tomorrow are only related to my unfounded fear of You.
“Help me be still; help me listen and love.
“Let me feel Your Freedom within me,
And let me laugh at the illusions that my ego once made me feel were so real.
Let me be the Light; let me be joy; let me know that
I am
The reflection of You wherever I am,
And wherever I go.”
by Gerald G. Jampolsky
--Ben Keckler
01.14.10
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 13
Toward A New Dawn
Five Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 3
It’s the middle of the work week and we are now at Prayer 3, another prayer chosen from the book, Prayers for Healing. May you be blessed with enough as this year unfolds – season by season, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.
“After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
and company doesn’t mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t compromises
and presents aren’t promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman or a man, not the grief of a child.
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you ask too much.
So you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to buy you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
that you really are strong.
And you really do have worth.
And you learn. And you learn.
With every difficulty or failure you learn."
--Anonymous
--Ben Keckler
01.13.10
Five Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 3
It’s the middle of the work week and we are now at Prayer 3, another prayer chosen from the book, Prayers for Healing. May you be blessed with enough as this year unfolds – season by season, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.
“After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
and company doesn’t mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t compromises
and presents aren’t promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman or a man, not the grief of a child.
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you ask too much.
So you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to buy you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
that you really are strong.
And you really do have worth.
And you learn. And you learn.
With every difficulty or failure you learn."
--Anonymous
--Ben Keckler
01.13.10
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 12
Toward A New Dawn
Five Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 2
A treasured resource book of mine is Prayers for Healing. For this week at the beginning of a new year, I have chosen five prayers. Again, may you be blessed with enough as the year unfolds – season by season, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.
“Infinite Spirit, when I pray each day for shelter for the homeless,
let me not ignore the pet without a home;
“As I ask for protection for those in areas of turmoil and unrest,
let me not forget endangered species of life;
“When I pray that the hungry be fed,
let me be mindful that all God’s creatures have need of sustenance;
“As I ask Divine assistance for those afflicted by fire, flood,
earthquake, storm or drought,
let me remember that this includes every living thing;
“In seeking miracle cures for human disease,
may I also speak for the well being of the planet itself.
“Let the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart
and the actions of my life be as one,
that I may live each day in harmony with Mother Earth. Amen.”
by Jennie Frost Butler
--Ben Keckler
01.12.10
Five Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 2
A treasured resource book of mine is Prayers for Healing. For this week at the beginning of a new year, I have chosen five prayers. Again, may you be blessed with enough as the year unfolds – season by season, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.
“Infinite Spirit, when I pray each day for shelter for the homeless,
let me not ignore the pet without a home;
“As I ask for protection for those in areas of turmoil and unrest,
let me not forget endangered species of life;
“When I pray that the hungry be fed,
let me be mindful that all God’s creatures have need of sustenance;
“As I ask Divine assistance for those afflicted by fire, flood,
earthquake, storm or drought,
let me remember that this includes every living thing;
“In seeking miracle cures for human disease,
may I also speak for the well being of the planet itself.
“Let the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart
and the actions of my life be as one,
that I may live each day in harmony with Mother Earth. Amen.”
by Jennie Frost Butler
--Ben Keckler
01.12.10
Monday, January 11, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, January 11
Toward A New Dawn
Five Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 1
One of my treasured resource books is Prayers for Healing. Since we are at the beginning of New Year 2010, I’ve chosen 5 prayers for use this week; may you be blessed with enough as the year unfolds – season by season, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.
“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning is a new arrival.
“A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
“Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house
Empty of its furniture,
Still, treat each guest honorably.
The Holy One may be clearing you out for some new delight.
“The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
“Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.”
Rumi, as translated by Coleman Barks
--Ben Keckler
01.11.10
Five Prayers for the New Year
Prayer 1
One of my treasured resource books is Prayers for Healing. Since we are at the beginning of New Year 2010, I’ve chosen 5 prayers for use this week; may you be blessed with enough as the year unfolds – season by season, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.
“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning is a new arrival.
“A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
“Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house
Empty of its furniture,
Still, treat each guest honorably.
The Holy One may be clearing you out for some new delight.
“The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
“Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.”
Rumi, as translated by Coleman Barks
--Ben Keckler
01.11.10
Friday, January 8, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, January 8
The Significance of All Creation
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars you have set on their courses,
What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 4, 5
Consider the works of God’s creation for 15 brief minutes a day and you too will probably wonder, “Why is God so mindful of me?” Enjoy discovering answers to this question.
Today we continue our thoughts about the significance of all creation that surrounds us. We are part of a cosmic community. It is important to remember that the Creator who set all time and space in motion created us in community with the rest of the cosmos. Stopping to recognize this reality and spending time with it can really be empowering. Here is a little story from the life of St. Francis who often took time to pray with the creatures of the cosmos:
When Francis was hurrying across the Lake of Rieti to the hermitage of Greccio, out of devotion a fisherman offered him a waterfowl. He took it gladly and opened his hands to let it go, but it did not want to. He prayed for a long time with his eyes turned to heaven. After more than an hour, he came back to himself and gently told the bird again to go away and praise God. Having received his permission with a blessing, the bird expressed its joy in the movements of its body, and flew away.
It may be difficult to take tales like this seriously. The problem is probably ours, however. Realizing the integrity and sacredness of creation opens new dimensions for our spiritual life and our devotional disciplines. We are a small, small part of a splendid work of creativity. I trust you can slow down enough so that in stillness you can discover.
--Ben Keckler
01.08.10
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars you have set on their courses,
What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 4, 5
Consider the works of God’s creation for 15 brief minutes a day and you too will probably wonder, “Why is God so mindful of me?” Enjoy discovering answers to this question.
Today we continue our thoughts about the significance of all creation that surrounds us. We are part of a cosmic community. It is important to remember that the Creator who set all time and space in motion created us in community with the rest of the cosmos. Stopping to recognize this reality and spending time with it can really be empowering. Here is a little story from the life of St. Francis who often took time to pray with the creatures of the cosmos:
When Francis was hurrying across the Lake of Rieti to the hermitage of Greccio, out of devotion a fisherman offered him a waterfowl. He took it gladly and opened his hands to let it go, but it did not want to. He prayed for a long time with his eyes turned to heaven. After more than an hour, he came back to himself and gently told the bird again to go away and praise God. Having received his permission with a blessing, the bird expressed its joy in the movements of its body, and flew away.
It may be difficult to take tales like this seriously. The problem is probably ours, however. Realizing the integrity and sacredness of creation opens new dimensions for our spiritual life and our devotional disciplines. We are a small, small part of a splendid work of creativity. I trust you can slow down enough so that in stillness you can discover.
--Ben Keckler
01.08.10
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 7
New Perspectives from Nature
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars you have set on their courses,
What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 4, 5
These verses deal with an interesting question. It is a question we don’t want to encounter. We must face the question. Clearly the writer recognizes both how small he/she is and how profoundly privileged he/she is. The question should cause us to realize just how skewed our vision can become.
Somehow we get stuck. Our affluence can cause us to miss simple joys in simple things. By taking so little time focusing on the biggest picture, we try to create a big picture of our own. A collection of objects from nature—stones, feathers, pine cones, a flower, blades of grass can really help us in our spiritual development. Taking 15 minutes in your day to simply be with an object and allowing it to “tell its story” can truly be a meaningful way of getting in touch with our own “infinite smallness.” Taking time with the surroundings of nature that have been around forever can give us new perspectives about the plastic we use to purchase plastic things. One of my most recent additions is “The Contemplation Garden.” If you'd like to know more about it, please contact me and I'll give you the details.
Consider the works of God’s creation for 15 brief minutes a day and you too will probably wonder, “Why is God so mindful of me?” Enjoy discovering the answer to this important question.
A prayer for today: Holy God, slow me down enough so that in stillness I can discover. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.07.10
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars you have set on their courses,
What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 4, 5
These verses deal with an interesting question. It is a question we don’t want to encounter. We must face the question. Clearly the writer recognizes both how small he/she is and how profoundly privileged he/she is. The question should cause us to realize just how skewed our vision can become.
Somehow we get stuck. Our affluence can cause us to miss simple joys in simple things. By taking so little time focusing on the biggest picture, we try to create a big picture of our own. A collection of objects from nature—stones, feathers, pine cones, a flower, blades of grass can really help us in our spiritual development. Taking 15 minutes in your day to simply be with an object and allowing it to “tell its story” can truly be a meaningful way of getting in touch with our own “infinite smallness.” Taking time with the surroundings of nature that have been around forever can give us new perspectives about the plastic we use to purchase plastic things. One of my most recent additions is “The Contemplation Garden.” If you'd like to know more about it, please contact me and I'll give you the details.
Consider the works of God’s creation for 15 brief minutes a day and you too will probably wonder, “Why is God so mindful of me?” Enjoy discovering the answer to this important question.
A prayer for today: Holy God, slow me down enough so that in stillness I can discover. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.07.10
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 6
Important Questions
“A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.”
--Proverbs 14:30
One of the valuable textbooks for living is Mitch Albom’s book, Tuesdays with Morrie. When Mitch discovered that his revered college professor, Morrie, was dying, he took off a number of Tuesdays to go and visit his old professor. In today’s devotion we hear some important questions from their second visit. Morrie poses these questions as a guide for living:
1. Have you found someone to share your heart with?
2. Are you giving to your community?
3. Are you at peace with yourself?
4. Are you trying to be as human as you can be?
These questions are worthy of thought, particularly as we consider what we want to experience during 2010. Have a good day.
A prayer for the year 2010: Holy God, fill my heart (and your world) with peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.06.10
“A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.”
--Proverbs 14:30
One of the valuable textbooks for living is Mitch Albom’s book, Tuesdays with Morrie. When Mitch discovered that his revered college professor, Morrie, was dying, he took off a number of Tuesdays to go and visit his old professor. In today’s devotion we hear some important questions from their second visit. Morrie poses these questions as a guide for living:
1. Have you found someone to share your heart with?
2. Are you giving to your community?
3. Are you at peace with yourself?
4. Are you trying to be as human as you can be?
These questions are worthy of thought, particularly as we consider what we want to experience during 2010. Have a good day.
A prayer for the year 2010: Holy God, fill my heart (and your world) with peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.06.10
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 5
Move Forward with Confidence
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
--Psalm 27: 1
NOTE: As the Indianapolis Colts and other professional football teams prepare for the playoffs, it seems that this devotional piece may be in order.
One of the great running backs in professional football was Walter Payton. His autobiography, Never Die Easy, is a powerful story. Watching Walter play was always a treat and after reading this book, every reader probably wishes they had had a personal moment with him. I was privileged to be in Los Angeles and attend his final NFL game-- I treasure that experience! The book is about courage in the midst of chaos, it is a book about strength in times of personal weakness, it is a book about family and friends embracing and supporting one another.
It seems Walter understood today’s key verse. He didn’t like the way his life unfolded following his successful career in football. He faced difficulties and was sometimes depressed, but he kept moving forward, especially with the people that meant the most to him—his family and friends. He didn’t seem to be afraid. Rather he seemed anchored and secure. He faced life head on.
As we begin this New Year, let us move forward with confidence that light and strength will be ours each day. The challenges will be many, to be certain; with faith and focus, we, too, can be people who never die easy.
A prayer for the year 2010: God of another year, in the face of each challenge, help me to recognize you as the stronghold of my life. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.05.10
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
--Psalm 27: 1
NOTE: As the Indianapolis Colts and other professional football teams prepare for the playoffs, it seems that this devotional piece may be in order.
One of the great running backs in professional football was Walter Payton. His autobiography, Never Die Easy, is a powerful story. Watching Walter play was always a treat and after reading this book, every reader probably wishes they had had a personal moment with him. I was privileged to be in Los Angeles and attend his final NFL game-- I treasure that experience! The book is about courage in the midst of chaos, it is a book about strength in times of personal weakness, it is a book about family and friends embracing and supporting one another.
It seems Walter understood today’s key verse. He didn’t like the way his life unfolded following his successful career in football. He faced difficulties and was sometimes depressed, but he kept moving forward, especially with the people that meant the most to him—his family and friends. He didn’t seem to be afraid. Rather he seemed anchored and secure. He faced life head on.
As we begin this New Year, let us move forward with confidence that light and strength will be ours each day. The challenges will be many, to be certain; with faith and focus, we, too, can be people who never die easy.
A prayer for the year 2010: God of another year, in the face of each challenge, help me to recognize you as the stronghold of my life. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.05.10
Monday, January 4, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, January 4
To Be a Butterfly
“On the day I called, God answered me,
increasing my strength of soul.”
--Psalm 138:3
I hope everyone had a great holiday season and that you are ready for the challenges and joys of the New Year, 2010.
One of the wonderful books we have in the chaplaincy library is Trina Paulus’ book, Hope for the Flowers. This engaging book talks about the life journey of caterpillars. As we begin this New Year, it feels like the word “Hope” is particularly important. Let’s listen in on a part of a conversation two of the caterpillars are having and then consider how it might apply to the living of 2010:
“It can’t be true!” gasped Yellow (one of the caterpillars). How can I believe there’s a butterfly inside you or me when all I see is a fuzzy worm?” “How does one become a butterfly?” she asked pensively.
“You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” (The reply from the other caterpillar in their cocoon)
There is a tremendous insight here. May the year of 2010 be a tremendous butterfly year for each of us.
A prayer for the year 2010: God of refreshing possibilities, help me to give up what needs to be so that I can be a butterfly this year. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.04.10
“On the day I called, God answered me,
increasing my strength of soul.”
--Psalm 138:3
I hope everyone had a great holiday season and that you are ready for the challenges and joys of the New Year, 2010.
One of the wonderful books we have in the chaplaincy library is Trina Paulus’ book, Hope for the Flowers. This engaging book talks about the life journey of caterpillars. As we begin this New Year, it feels like the word “Hope” is particularly important. Let’s listen in on a part of a conversation two of the caterpillars are having and then consider how it might apply to the living of 2010:
“It can’t be true!” gasped Yellow (one of the caterpillars). How can I believe there’s a butterfly inside you or me when all I see is a fuzzy worm?” “How does one become a butterfly?” she asked pensively.
“You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” (The reply from the other caterpillar in their cocoon)
There is a tremendous insight here. May the year of 2010 be a tremendous butterfly year for each of us.
A prayer for the year 2010: God of refreshing possibilities, help me to give up what needs to be so that I can be a butterfly this year. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.04.10
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