The Tensions We Feel
Living in the present is pretty tense, isn’t it? Our society is filled with people who can eloquently argue the political reasons for their insights about decision-making AND all it seems to do is help to make society's anger intensify. The Lenape tribe shares the following wisdom writing for the leaders and inhabitants of this world. It reads:
“We are minded to live at Peace:
If we intend at anytime to make War upon you, we will let you know of it, and the Reasons why we make War with you; and if you make us satisfaction for the Injury done us, for which the War is intended, then we will not make War on you.
And if you intend at any time to make War on us, we would have you let us know of it, and the Reasons for which you make War on us, and then if we do not make satisfaction for the Injury done unto you, then you make War on us, otherwise you ought not to do it."
Long and prayerful meditation on this bit of wisdom is in order this week. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in the sight of the Holy One, the Creator of the universe.
--Ben Keckler
08.31.10
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, August 30
Another Week Begins
Today’s devotion comes from a Frederick Buechner sermon preached at the 200th anniversary celebration of the Congregational Church in Rupert, Vermont. Buechner writes good stuff. I like the concluding remarks in this sermon. Maybe they can help all of us as we begin a new week.
“There is plenty of work to be done down here, God knows.
To struggle each day, to walk the paths of righteousness
is no pushover,
And struggle we must because just as we are fed like sheep
in green pastures, we must also feed God’s sheep.
We must help bear each other’s burdens.
We must pray for each other.
We must nourish each other, weep with each other,
rejoice with each other.
Sometimes we must just learn to let each other alone.
In short, we must love each other. We must never forget that.”
Here's to a good week, a better week, a great week! In this present tense moment, there is much that we can, should and must do. May you be empowered for work right now!
--Ben Keckler
08.30.10
Today’s devotion comes from a Frederick Buechner sermon preached at the 200th anniversary celebration of the Congregational Church in Rupert, Vermont. Buechner writes good stuff. I like the concluding remarks in this sermon. Maybe they can help all of us as we begin a new week.
“There is plenty of work to be done down here, God knows.
To struggle each day, to walk the paths of righteousness
is no pushover,
And struggle we must because just as we are fed like sheep
in green pastures, we must also feed God’s sheep.
We must help bear each other’s burdens.
We must pray for each other.
We must nourish each other, weep with each other,
rejoice with each other.
Sometimes we must just learn to let each other alone.
In short, we must love each other. We must never forget that.”
Here's to a good week, a better week, a great week! In this present tense moment, there is much that we can, should and must do. May you be empowered for work right now!
--Ben Keckler
08.30.10
Friday, August 27, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, August 27
Not So Common Prayers, Day 5
This week I've offered a series of “Heart Prayers”. Thanks for letting me share them. Hope they helped you in your meditation time.
Friday Fantasy: The Need for Renewal
Good morning God,
It has been a demanding week. I feel like maybe you would understand if I sound a bit demanding in my prayers today. After being with a family that experienced news they weren't ready to hear and staying with them in their moments of shock and denial, I felt drained. Then dealing with a family who wasn't ready to say goodbye to their loved one, I felt drained. They are struggling with some important issues. I can’t seem to shake free from their empty looking eyes.
I know these experiences and the countless other challenges of this past week have marred me and scarred me. Yet, I know they have and continue to mold me into the person I am and will become. Thank you.
But, right now, I confess that I am looking forward to renewal this weekend. Some time in my own backyard with family and friends, some time with flowers, birds, and yes, a refreshing beverage, - that is what I treasure right now. I want some inner refurbishment so that my redecorated heart can dance with joy and gladness as I relax and prepare for another week of caring for your people.
Thanks for hearing, listening and responding with grace. Amen.
Have a good weekend.
--Ben Keckler
08.27.10
This week I've offered a series of “Heart Prayers”. Thanks for letting me share them. Hope they helped you in your meditation time.
Friday Fantasy: The Need for Renewal
Good morning God,
It has been a demanding week. I feel like maybe you would understand if I sound a bit demanding in my prayers today. After being with a family that experienced news they weren't ready to hear and staying with them in their moments of shock and denial, I felt drained. Then dealing with a family who wasn't ready to say goodbye to their loved one, I felt drained. They are struggling with some important issues. I can’t seem to shake free from their empty looking eyes.
I know these experiences and the countless other challenges of this past week have marred me and scarred me. Yet, I know they have and continue to mold me into the person I am and will become. Thank you.
But, right now, I confess that I am looking forward to renewal this weekend. Some time in my own backyard with family and friends, some time with flowers, birds, and yes, a refreshing beverage, - that is what I treasure right now. I want some inner refurbishment so that my redecorated heart can dance with joy and gladness as I relax and prepare for another week of caring for your people.
Thanks for hearing, listening and responding with grace. Amen.
Have a good weekend.
--Ben Keckler
08.27.10
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, August 26
Not So Common Prayers, Day 4
This week’s devotions are prayers that I call, “Heart Prayers”. They are struggles common to all. Hope these prayers help you in your meditation time.
Thursday Theology: The Meaning of Life
Good morning God,
It is good to believe that you know more about me than I know about myself. Today I am feeling like I don’t practice being sensitive to your voice; like I don’t take enough time to see the connection between this moment and the vast continuum of time; like I’m so caught up in my stuff that I may be missing You in the midst of life’s rhythmic pace.
There is reason why I am numb and uncertain — that’s right, you already know about it, don’t you.
God, I’m not sure that I can be what I feel you nudging me to be and to become. Help me to seek you and to find you in the moment, in each and every moment. Help my words and my deeds to be in concert with the spirit that is beyond my petty desires.
It isn’t that I want to or need to do anything great to find meaning in my life, God. It is just that I’m still trying to find balance in my journey toward your realm. I’ll be still now — that is probably all you wanted me to do when I began this prayer. In your name, I pray. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.26.10
This week’s devotions are prayers that I call, “Heart Prayers”. They are struggles common to all. Hope these prayers help you in your meditation time.
Thursday Theology: The Meaning of Life
Good morning God,
It is good to believe that you know more about me than I know about myself. Today I am feeling like I don’t practice being sensitive to your voice; like I don’t take enough time to see the connection between this moment and the vast continuum of time; like I’m so caught up in my stuff that I may be missing You in the midst of life’s rhythmic pace.
There is reason why I am numb and uncertain — that’s right, you already know about it, don’t you.
God, I’m not sure that I can be what I feel you nudging me to be and to become. Help me to seek you and to find you in the moment, in each and every moment. Help my words and my deeds to be in concert with the spirit that is beyond my petty desires.
It isn’t that I want to or need to do anything great to find meaning in my life, God. It is just that I’m still trying to find balance in my journey toward your realm. I’ll be still now — that is probably all you wanted me to do when I began this prayer. In your name, I pray. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.26.10
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, August 25
Not So Common Prayers, Day 3
This week I am offering a series of prayers that I call, “Heart Prayers”. They are struggles we all deal with. Hope this helps you in your meditation time.
Wednesday Wonderings: Problems
Good morning God,
I’ve got problems. In case you didn’t know, I thought I’d talk about them with you.
• I’m having trouble understanding others (or is it me I’m having trouble with?).
• I’m angry and so I get irritable too readily (you’re not surprised?).
• I’m anxious about the future (or is it that I’m kicking myself about regrets from the past that might resurface?).
• I’m hiding behind artificiality too often (or is it an insecurity that my feelings really aren’t important?).
• I’m trying to believe (or is it that I really don’t trust your ability to understand my humanity?).
Nothing-new here? I know.
Help me to remember that you know my problems. Remind me that I can do something about them when I'm attentive!
--Ben Keckler
08.25.10
This week I am offering a series of prayers that I call, “Heart Prayers”. They are struggles we all deal with. Hope this helps you in your meditation time.
Wednesday Wonderings: Problems
Good morning God,
I’ve got problems. In case you didn’t know, I thought I’d talk about them with you.
• I’m having trouble understanding others (or is it me I’m having trouble with?).
• I’m angry and so I get irritable too readily (you’re not surprised?).
• I’m anxious about the future (or is it that I’m kicking myself about regrets from the past that might resurface?).
• I’m hiding behind artificiality too often (or is it an insecurity that my feelings really aren’t important?).
• I’m trying to believe (or is it that I really don’t trust your ability to understand my humanity?).
Nothing-new here? I know.
Help me to remember that you know my problems. Remind me that I can do something about them when I'm attentive!
--Ben Keckler
08.25.10
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, August 24
Not So Common Prayers, Day 2
This week I want to offer a series of prayers that I call, “Heart Prayers”. I don’t mind sharing these struggles. Hope they help you in your meditation time.
Tuesday Thoughts: Generosity
Good morning God,
It is time for completing support for this year's United Way. I can't help but think how the economy doesn't seem to be changing much. It is quite tempting to cut back on my support – there are so many other requests and demands as money seems to get tighter.
Wait, you say! OK – I’m listening!
Yes, I have eaten every day. Yes, I have shelter and my air conditioning is working. Yes, I had a nice vacation. Yes, I've been able to attend various entertainments. Yes, I have a savings account. Yes, I have a job. Yes, I have vehicles and the ability to maintain them.
You ask, “Can I live more simply so that others can simply live?”
I get the picture. Thank you for the gift of living in this place; I will do my part to help others.
--Ben Keckler
08.24.10
This week I want to offer a series of prayers that I call, “Heart Prayers”. I don’t mind sharing these struggles. Hope they help you in your meditation time.
Tuesday Thoughts: Generosity
Good morning God,
It is time for completing support for this year's United Way. I can't help but think how the economy doesn't seem to be changing much. It is quite tempting to cut back on my support – there are so many other requests and demands as money seems to get tighter.
Wait, you say! OK – I’m listening!
Yes, I have eaten every day. Yes, I have shelter and my air conditioning is working. Yes, I had a nice vacation. Yes, I've been able to attend various entertainments. Yes, I have a savings account. Yes, I have a job. Yes, I have vehicles and the ability to maintain them.
You ask, “Can I live more simply so that others can simply live?”
I get the picture. Thank you for the gift of living in this place; I will do my part to help others.
--Ben Keckler
08.24.10
Monday, August 23, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, August 23
Not So Common Prayers
This week I want to offer a series of prayers that I call “Heart Prayers”. I don’t mind sharing these struggles. Hope they help you in your meditation time.
Monday Musings: Values
Good morning God,
I’m back from a refreshing weekend and I had some quality time with the world you’ve made. Thank you. My senses are alive! And now I’m back in the basement, graced by air conditioning and so many other products of human technology. Sirens will be sounding as more hurting people are transported to this hospital for some fine-tuning of their bodies. Help me to honor the value of the earth and the value of spending time with pained, unhealthy co-inhabitants from this small region of your vast world.
Guide me through my struggles this week:
Can I learn how to use my possessions and be less used by them?
Can I embrace creation’s beauty?
Can I be less enamored with my own creations?
Can I slow down?
Can I surrender my greed; realizing generosity will not deplete me?
Can I live more simply so that others can simply live?
Teach me awareness, O God.
--Ben Keckler
08.23.10
This week I want to offer a series of prayers that I call “Heart Prayers”. I don’t mind sharing these struggles. Hope they help you in your meditation time.
Monday Musings: Values
Good morning God,
I’m back from a refreshing weekend and I had some quality time with the world you’ve made. Thank you. My senses are alive! And now I’m back in the basement, graced by air conditioning and so many other products of human technology. Sirens will be sounding as more hurting people are transported to this hospital for some fine-tuning of their bodies. Help me to honor the value of the earth and the value of spending time with pained, unhealthy co-inhabitants from this small region of your vast world.
Guide me through my struggles this week:
Can I learn how to use my possessions and be less used by them?
Can I embrace creation’s beauty?
Can I be less enamored with my own creations?
Can I slow down?
Can I surrender my greed; realizing generosity will not deplete me?
Can I live more simply so that others can simply live?
Teach me awareness, O God.
--Ben Keckler
08.23.10
Friday, August 20, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, August 20
Listening to Our Hearts, Day 5
This is the last day for our devotions based on listening to our hearts.
“And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
And to walk humbly with your God.”
--A prophetic word
Micah 6:8
To conclude our week on listening, focus on the words above. As you listen, what do you hear?
Have a blessed weekend!
A prayer: Holy God, may I walk the walk and share the talk of a person graced by Your divine love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.20.10
This is the last day for our devotions based on listening to our hearts.
“And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
And to walk humbly with your God.”
--A prophetic word
Micah 6:8
To conclude our week on listening, focus on the words above. As you listen, what do you hear?
Have a blessed weekend!
A prayer: Holy God, may I walk the walk and share the talk of a person graced by Your divine love. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.20.10
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, August 19
Listening to Our Hearts, Day 4
Listening to Our Hearts – the theme of this week’s devotions.
The following is my prayer for each day. What do you sense these words saying in your heart/soul/spirit/whatever word you use to describe that internal sense of value and order for your life?
Expand my awareness, O God, to others whom I will see
today and tomorrow.
Help me to look for the signs of our common humanity
as we share our lives with each other.
Help me to listen to the song my heart is singing and,
help me to listen and discern the songs
others are singing in their hearts!
May I capture both the words they speak and
the unspoken realities within their soul.
Sensitize me to the cries for help that all of us bury deep in our hearts.
Remind me of your steadfast love and
help me to reflect your love to others.
Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.19.10
Listening to Our Hearts – the theme of this week’s devotions.
The following is my prayer for each day. What do you sense these words saying in your heart/soul/spirit/whatever word you use to describe that internal sense of value and order for your life?
Expand my awareness, O God, to others whom I will see
today and tomorrow.
Help me to look for the signs of our common humanity
as we share our lives with each other.
Help me to listen to the song my heart is singing and,
help me to listen and discern the songs
others are singing in their hearts!
May I capture both the words they speak and
the unspoken realities within their soul.
Sensitize me to the cries for help that all of us bury deep in our hearts.
Remind me of your steadfast love and
help me to reflect your love to others.
Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.19.10
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, August 18
Listening to Our Hearts, Day 3
We continue the week with devotions focused on listening to our hearts.
Our story for today: The answer-- where is it? Again, what do you sense this saying in your heart/soul/spirit/whatever word you use to describe that internal sense of value and order for your life?
There is a very thoughtful book in our chaplaincy library entitled Chad, written by his father. It is a tribute to Chad who died of a stroke at age 22. The book contains many heart stories from a father, now forced to listen to his heart. Here is one insight that I feel is a real gem:
In life we don’t have all of the answers.
We won’t have all of the answers.
Sometimes we have to go forward without the answers.
The answers from the tragedy become clearer----down the road.
We will never understand all of life before we need to start living life.
We have to live first to learn the answers.
A prayer: God, may I live today fully aware that I can learn more answers as I listen to my heart.
--Ben Keckler
08.18.10
We continue the week with devotions focused on listening to our hearts.
Our story for today: The answer-- where is it? Again, what do you sense this saying in your heart/soul/spirit/whatever word you use to describe that internal sense of value and order for your life?
There is a very thoughtful book in our chaplaincy library entitled Chad, written by his father. It is a tribute to Chad who died of a stroke at age 22. The book contains many heart stories from a father, now forced to listen to his heart. Here is one insight that I feel is a real gem:
In life we don’t have all of the answers.
We won’t have all of the answers.
Sometimes we have to go forward without the answers.
The answers from the tragedy become clearer----down the road.
We will never understand all of life before we need to start living life.
We have to live first to learn the answers.
A prayer: God, may I live today fully aware that I can learn more answers as I listen to my heart.
--Ben Keckler
08.18.10
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, August 17
Listening to Our Hearts, Day 2
This week our devotions focus on the theme of listening to our hearts.
The story for today is attributed to philosopher Chuang Tzu. What do you sense this saying in your heart/soul/spirit/whatever word you use to describe that internal sense of value and order for your life?
The purpose of a fish trap is to catch fish
And when the fish are caught, the trap is forgotten.
The purpose of a rabbit snare is to catch rabbits.
When the rabbits are caught, the snare is forgotten.
The purpose of the word is to convey ideas.
When the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten.
Where can I find a person who has forgotten words?
This is the one I would like to talk to.
Remember: Even in silence there is a great deal that is being said. Enjoy listening today.
--Ben Keckler
08.17.10
This week our devotions focus on the theme of listening to our hearts.
The story for today is attributed to philosopher Chuang Tzu. What do you sense this saying in your heart/soul/spirit/whatever word you use to describe that internal sense of value and order for your life?
The purpose of a fish trap is to catch fish
And when the fish are caught, the trap is forgotten.
The purpose of a rabbit snare is to catch rabbits.
When the rabbits are caught, the snare is forgotten.
The purpose of the word is to convey ideas.
When the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten.
Where can I find a person who has forgotten words?
This is the one I would like to talk to.
Remember: Even in silence there is a great deal that is being said. Enjoy listening today.
--Ben Keckler
08.17.10
Monday, August 16, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, August 16
Listening to Our Heart
This week’s devotions focus on listening to our hearts. The prayer for today is attributed to St. Francis.
What do you sense this prayer saying in your heart/soul/spirit/ whatever word you use to describe that internal sense of value and order for your life?
Lord,
Make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master, grant
That I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Have a better day today as you listen to your heart.
--Ben Keckler
08.16.10
This week’s devotions focus on listening to our hearts. The prayer for today is attributed to St. Francis.
What do you sense this prayer saying in your heart/soul/spirit/ whatever word you use to describe that internal sense of value and order for your life?
Lord,
Make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master, grant
That I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Have a better day today as you listen to your heart.
--Ben Keckler
08.16.10
Friday, August 13, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, August 13
Prayer
“Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”
--A call to faith, Psalm 62: 8
It’s Friday and the final day for a prayer from the book, Prayers for Healing. Edited by Maggie Oman, this book offers 365 blessings, poems and meditations from people of various faith traditions. It is grouped by the seasons of the year; we have been receiving prayers from the Summer Section. Today’s prayer by Belleruth Naparstek prepares us for the possibilities of the weekend ahead.
“Just give me this:
A rinsing out, a cleansing free of all my smaller strivings
So I can be the class act God intended,
True to my purpose, all my energy aligned behind my deepest intention.
"And just this:
A quieting down, a clearing away of internal ruckus,
So I can hear the huge stillness in my heart
And feel how I pulse with all creation, part and parcel of Your great singing ocean.
"And this, too:
A willingness to notice and forgive the myriad times I fall short,
Forgetting who I really am, what I really belong to.
"So I can start over, fresh and clean like sweet sheets billowing in the summer sun,
My heart pierced with gratitude.”
May your day and your weekend give you opportunity for refreshment.
A prayer: Holy One, bring me what I need for this time in my life. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.13.10
“Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”
--A call to faith, Psalm 62: 8
It’s Friday and the final day for a prayer from the book, Prayers for Healing. Edited by Maggie Oman, this book offers 365 blessings, poems and meditations from people of various faith traditions. It is grouped by the seasons of the year; we have been receiving prayers from the Summer Section. Today’s prayer by Belleruth Naparstek prepares us for the possibilities of the weekend ahead.
“Just give me this:
A rinsing out, a cleansing free of all my smaller strivings
So I can be the class act God intended,
True to my purpose, all my energy aligned behind my deepest intention.
"And just this:
A quieting down, a clearing away of internal ruckus,
So I can hear the huge stillness in my heart
And feel how I pulse with all creation, part and parcel of Your great singing ocean.
"And this, too:
A willingness to notice and forgive the myriad times I fall short,
Forgetting who I really am, what I really belong to.
"So I can start over, fresh and clean like sweet sheets billowing in the summer sun,
My heart pierced with gratitude.”
May your day and your weekend give you opportunity for refreshment.
A prayer: Holy One, bring me what I need for this time in my life. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.13.10
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, August 12
Thoughts about Pain and Joy
“Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”
--A call to faith, Psalm 62: 8
Prayers for Healing, edited by Maggie Oman, is a book that offers 365 blessings, poems and meditations from the people of various faith traditions. It is grouped by the seasons of the year and this week, we are receiving prayers from the Summer Section. Today, May Sarton offers some words of wisdom worthy of your thought and meditation:
“Pain is the great teacher.
I woke before dawn with this thought,
Joy and happiness are what we take and do not question.
They are beyond question, maybe. A matter of being.
But, pain forces us to think, and to make connections, to sort out what is what,
to discover what has been happening to cause it.
And, curiously enough, pain draws us to other human beings in a significant way,
whereas joy or happiness to some extent, isolates.”
Today, as you encounter others in their pain, may your life and their lives be strengthened by the significance of your time together.
A prayer: Holy One, teach me to be present with others in their pain. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.12.10
“Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”
--A call to faith, Psalm 62: 8
Prayers for Healing, edited by Maggie Oman, is a book that offers 365 blessings, poems and meditations from the people of various faith traditions. It is grouped by the seasons of the year and this week, we are receiving prayers from the Summer Section. Today, May Sarton offers some words of wisdom worthy of your thought and meditation:
“Pain is the great teacher.
I woke before dawn with this thought,
Joy and happiness are what we take and do not question.
They are beyond question, maybe. A matter of being.
But, pain forces us to think, and to make connections, to sort out what is what,
to discover what has been happening to cause it.
And, curiously enough, pain draws us to other human beings in a significant way,
whereas joy or happiness to some extent, isolates.”
Today, as you encounter others in their pain, may your life and their lives be strengthened by the significance of your time together.
A prayer: Holy One, teach me to be present with others in their pain. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.12.10
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, August 11
Prayer for Peace
“Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”
--A call to faith, Psalm 62: 8
This week we are receiving prayers from the book entitled Prayers for Healing, edited by Maggie Oman. Poems, meditations and blessings from people of various faith traditions are grouped by seasons of the year. With today’s offering from the Summer Section, we think globally and meditate on a prayer written a quarter of a century ago for the Week of Prayer for World Peace.
“We pray for the power to be gentle; the strength to be forgiving;
the patience to be understanding; and the endurance to accept the consequences to holding to what we believe to be right.
May we put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil and the power of love to overcome hatred.
We pray for the vision to see and the faith to believe in a world emancipated from violence, a new world where fear shall no longer lead men to commit injustice, nor selfishness make them bring suffering to others.
Help us to devote our whole life and thought and energy to the task of making peace, praying always for the inspiration and the power to fulfill the destiny for which we were created.”
As the Sacred writings state, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
A prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.11.10
“Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”
--A call to faith, Psalm 62: 8
This week we are receiving prayers from the book entitled Prayers for Healing, edited by Maggie Oman. Poems, meditations and blessings from people of various faith traditions are grouped by seasons of the year. With today’s offering from the Summer Section, we think globally and meditate on a prayer written a quarter of a century ago for the Week of Prayer for World Peace.
“We pray for the power to be gentle; the strength to be forgiving;
the patience to be understanding; and the endurance to accept the consequences to holding to what we believe to be right.
May we put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil and the power of love to overcome hatred.
We pray for the vision to see and the faith to believe in a world emancipated from violence, a new world where fear shall no longer lead men to commit injustice, nor selfishness make them bring suffering to others.
Help us to devote our whole life and thought and energy to the task of making peace, praying always for the inspiration and the power to fulfill the destiny for which we were created.”
As the Sacred writings state, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
A prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.11.10
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, August 10
A Prayer from the Pueblo Tribe
“Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”
--A call to faith, Psalm 62: 8
A few years ago, Maggie Oman was inspired to serve as the editor for a book entitled Prayers for Healing. The book offers 365 blessings, poems and meditations from people of various faith traditions. It is grouped by seasons of the year. This week we receive prayers from the Summer Section of the book. Today blessing from the Pueblo tribe:
“Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of earth;
Hold on to what you believe, even if it is a tree that stands by itself;
Hold on to what you must do, even if it is a long way from here;
Hold on to life, even if it is easier to let go;
Hold on to my hand, even if I have gone away from you.”
May your soul be inspired to hold on for this moment… and forever.
A prayer: God, tighten your grip on me and mine on you. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.10.10
“Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”
--A call to faith, Psalm 62: 8
A few years ago, Maggie Oman was inspired to serve as the editor for a book entitled Prayers for Healing. The book offers 365 blessings, poems and meditations from people of various faith traditions. It is grouped by seasons of the year. This week we receive prayers from the Summer Section of the book. Today blessing from the Pueblo tribe:
“Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of earth;
Hold on to what you believe, even if it is a tree that stands by itself;
Hold on to what you must do, even if it is a long way from here;
Hold on to life, even if it is easier to let go;
Hold on to my hand, even if I have gone away from you.”
May your soul be inspired to hold on for this moment… and forever.
A prayer: God, tighten your grip on me and mine on you. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.10.10
Monday, August 9, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, August 9
Prayer for Forgiveness
“Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”
--A call to faith, Psalm 62: 8
A few years ago, Maggie Oman was inspired to serve as the editor for a book entitled Prayers for Healing. The book offers 365 blessings, poems and meditations from people of various faith traditions. It is grouped by seasons of the year. This week we receive prayers from the Summer Section of the book. Today a prayer from Persia:
“All that we ought to have thought and have not thought,
All that we ought to have said, and have not said,
All that we ought to have done, and have not done;
“All that we ought not to have thought, and yet have thought,
All that we ought not to have spoken, and yet have spoken,
All that we ought not to have done, and yet have done;
“For thoughts, words and works, pray we, O God, for forgiveness.”
May your week be blessed with the thoughts, the words and the deeds that come from souls forgiven and empowered to do that which needs to be done.
A prayer: God, be in all that I do. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.09.10
“Trust in God at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”
--A call to faith, Psalm 62: 8
A few years ago, Maggie Oman was inspired to serve as the editor for a book entitled Prayers for Healing. The book offers 365 blessings, poems and meditations from people of various faith traditions. It is grouped by seasons of the year. This week we receive prayers from the Summer Section of the book. Today a prayer from Persia:
“All that we ought to have thought and have not thought,
All that we ought to have said, and have not said,
All that we ought to have done, and have not done;
“All that we ought not to have thought, and yet have thought,
All that we ought not to have spoken, and yet have spoken,
All that we ought not to have done, and yet have done;
“For thoughts, words and works, pray we, O God, for forgiveness.”
May your week be blessed with the thoughts, the words and the deeds that come from souls forgiven and empowered to do that which needs to be done.
A prayer: God, be in all that I do. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
08.09.10
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