Prayer Thoughts
“Out of my distress I called on the Lord…
The Lord is my strength and my might;
God has become my salvation.”
--Psalm 118:5, 14
Daily we are greeted with unsettling stuff, challenges that are most difficult. Some are close and personal, others are more global. The up close, personal things can grab us and really shake up all the things we are trying to balance. Ken Phifer’s prayer “I Need a Sense of Peace” can be helpful,
“Give me peace, O God, a central peace.
Let me know that at the heart of turbulence
There is the calm that comes from faith in you
That at the core of life
There is great confidence
From which springs forth courage and gladness.
Give me a standing place in life
Wherefrom I may be able to look steadily
Upon the world without panic.
Out of my central peace,
Let there ripple forth concern and compassion,
Indignation at injustice,
And willingness to give of myself
Knowing your spirit is with me.
“May I attain the feeling
That I have touched that central peace,
The peace that abides amid the confusion of life. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
03.23.12
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Friday, March 23, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Daily Devotion - Monday, January 16
Can You Hear Me Now?
“How long, O Lord?
Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 13:1)
NOTE: The series of commercials, “Can You Hear Me Now?” developed by Verizon Wireless was quite memorable. This week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.
Some years ago, Dan Rather interviewed Mother Teresa. My paraphrase of that interview follows:
Rather: “So what do you say when you pray to God?”
Mother Teresa: “Nothing, I just listen.”
Struggling quickly to come up with the next question, probably believing that the answer would be longer,
Rather: “Well, what does God say to you?”
Mother Teresa: “Nothing. He just listens too!”
The Psalmist was feeling silence from the Divine and could keep quiet no longer. The three quick questions that begin this devotional seem to cry out, “Can you hear me now?”
Sometimes prayer is like that.
--Ben Keckler
01.16.12
“How long, O Lord?
Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 13:1)
NOTE: The series of commercials, “Can You Hear Me Now?” developed by Verizon Wireless was quite memorable. This week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.
Some years ago, Dan Rather interviewed Mother Teresa. My paraphrase of that interview follows:
Rather: “So what do you say when you pray to God?”
Mother Teresa: “Nothing, I just listen.”
Struggling quickly to come up with the next question, probably believing that the answer would be longer,
Rather: “Well, what does God say to you?”
Mother Teresa: “Nothing. He just listens too!”
The Psalmist was feeling silence from the Divine and could keep quiet no longer. The three quick questions that begin this devotional seem to cry out, “Can you hear me now?”
Sometimes prayer is like that.
--Ben Keckler
01.16.12
Friday, October 14, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, October 14
About Prayer
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time
to continue development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Friday: An Open-Eyed Prayer
The patient’s condition had been deteriorating for several days and the staff was less than optimistic about recovery of health; in fact, the feeling was pretty certain that death might occur during this hospitalization. With internal systems shutting down, one of the patient’s doctors finished his assessment. I had a feeling that it was best to quietly observe the MD as he came to the nursing station and pulled the chart. I’ve learned to trust my feelings and so I observed without a word.
The doctor opened the chart, pulled out his pen and then sat at the desk for at least 10 minutes, it could have been more. He gazed into space, fixing his eyes on some point and just sat there. Quietly he sat there. No one disturbed him as he sat there. With elbow resting on the table and chin resting in the palm of his hand (remember the artwork entitled “The Thinker”) he sat there.
And then there was a sigh. Some directives were written for care. The chart was authoritatively closed. Not a word was said.
I caught up with the doctor in the hallway and he explained what all was involved in the 10 minute time of contemplation. Slowly recovery occurred. Patient did go home and enjoy a measure of quality for a short time. Death did occur eventually. I observed prayer that day. With eyes opened and spirit ready to receive, a doctor witnessed to a mighty power that is very much alive in our world.
I pray that you will have a good day and a wonderful weekend.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.14.11
This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time
to continue development of spiritual awareness.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker
Friday: An Open-Eyed Prayer
The patient’s condition had been deteriorating for several days and the staff was less than optimistic about recovery of health; in fact, the feeling was pretty certain that death might occur during this hospitalization. With internal systems shutting down, one of the patient’s doctors finished his assessment. I had a feeling that it was best to quietly observe the MD as he came to the nursing station and pulled the chart. I’ve learned to trust my feelings and so I observed without a word.
The doctor opened the chart, pulled out his pen and then sat at the desk for at least 10 minutes, it could have been more. He gazed into space, fixing his eyes on some point and just sat there. Quietly he sat there. No one disturbed him as he sat there. With elbow resting on the table and chin resting in the palm of his hand (remember the artwork entitled “The Thinker”) he sat there.
And then there was a sigh. Some directives were written for care. The chart was authoritatively closed. Not a word was said.
I caught up with the doctor in the hallway and he explained what all was involved in the 10 minute time of contemplation. Slowly recovery occurred. Patient did go home and enjoy a measure of quality for a short time. Death did occur eventually. I observed prayer that day. With eyes opened and spirit ready to receive, a doctor witnessed to a mighty power that is very much alive in our world.
I pray that you will have a good day and a wonderful weekend.
A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.14.11
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, June 10
An Interesting Concept
LIFT UP (A Look at What We Do in Prayer)
Words like, “Don’t worry about anything, pray about everything,” encourage us to have meditative time with the Almighty. One of my great teachers was talking about the life of prayer and she reminded me that God responds to our prayers in three ways, “Yes, no and wait.”
Prayer is really about transformation and conformity… transforming and conforming our ways to the ways of the Divine. Take the things, the people, and the circumstances that are written on your heart today and lift them up to the unseen power that has been given many names. When you lift up, you are lifted up.
Have a nice weekend.
A prayer: Dear God, encourage me to lift up my prayers and regularly listen to your silence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.10.11
LIFT UP (A Look at What We Do in Prayer)
Words like, “Don’t worry about anything, pray about everything,” encourage us to have meditative time with the Almighty. One of my great teachers was talking about the life of prayer and she reminded me that God responds to our prayers in three ways, “Yes, no and wait.”
Prayer is really about transformation and conformity… transforming and conforming our ways to the ways of the Divine. Take the things, the people, and the circumstances that are written on your heart today and lift them up to the unseen power that has been given many names. When you lift up, you are lifted up.
Have a nice weekend.
A prayer: Dear God, encourage me to lift up my prayers and regularly listen to your silence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
06.10.11
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 19
Can You Hear Me Now?
Devotional Reflections on prayer, with thanks to Verizon Wireless
“To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, do not refuse to hear me,
for if you are silent to me,
I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 28:1)
NOTE: You may remember the Verizon Wireless commercial with the young man walking into all sorts of places to check on the “power supply” for communicating with “the person” on the other end of the line. This week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.
One day, not all that long ago, I faced a most challenging day. A funeral for a 16-year old young man who died from a cancer; a support group for cancer survivors, knowing that three of them decided to participate in hospice care since our last meeting; visitation requests as per the normal day; and spending a few minutes with our new associates. There was a lot on the schedule that day and it felt pretty overwhelming. My insides echoed the writer of the old Hebrew psalm. Here is the prayer that I wrote for that day:
Holy God,
I know you are strong and willing to grant me strength for my day.
Help me to feel your presence and trust in your promises.
I really do believe, for I have felt your amazing grace.
Since you already know about the challenges of my day,
forgive me for checking, but
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
--Ben Keckler
01.19.11
Devotional Reflections on prayer, with thanks to Verizon Wireless
“To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, do not refuse to hear me,
for if you are silent to me,
I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 28:1)
NOTE: You may remember the Verizon Wireless commercial with the young man walking into all sorts of places to check on the “power supply” for communicating with “the person” on the other end of the line. This week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.
One day, not all that long ago, I faced a most challenging day. A funeral for a 16-year old young man who died from a cancer; a support group for cancer survivors, knowing that three of them decided to participate in hospice care since our last meeting; visitation requests as per the normal day; and spending a few minutes with our new associates. There was a lot on the schedule that day and it felt pretty overwhelming. My insides echoed the writer of the old Hebrew psalm. Here is the prayer that I wrote for that day:
Holy God,
I know you are strong and willing to grant me strength for my day.
Help me to feel your presence and trust in your promises.
I really do believe, for I have felt your amazing grace.
Since you already know about the challenges of my day,
forgive me for checking, but
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
--Ben Keckler
01.19.11
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
Friday, March 5, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 5
A Sense of Humor
“Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?”
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
We’ve made it to Friday and I share with you one of my favorite prayers.
God,
Give me a sense of humor
Give me the grace to see a joke,
To get some pleasure out of life
And pass it on to other folk.
Have a good day and a wonderful weekend.
--Ben Keckler
03.05.10
“Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?”
--Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
We’ve made it to Friday and I share with you one of my favorite prayers.
God,
Give me a sense of humor
Give me the grace to see a joke,
To get some pleasure out of life
And pass it on to other folk.
Have a good day and a wonderful weekend.
--Ben Keckler
03.05.10
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
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
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, December 10
Children of the World 2
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
and he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
--A voice of a prophet
The prophet realized that we develop many names for the child that is born. Likewise, we bring many names to this season of the year and each of those names is sacred.
One of the insights the prophet is telling us is that the very essence of God enters into our midst as a child. Sixty-three years ago (December 11, 1946) the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, was founded by people around the world. Children are so important. Today, I want to share the second segment of Marian Wright Edelman’s prayer for children. The words can help to keep us focused on the realities of this season:
“O God of the child prodigy and the child prostitute,
Of the child of rapture and the child of rape,
Of runaway or thrown-away children who struggle
Every day without parent or place or friend or future,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.
“O God of children who can walk and talk and hear
And see and sing and dance and jump and
Play and of children who wish they could
But can’t
Of children who are loved and unloved, wanted and unwanted,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.”
The prayer will conclude tomorrow. Have a meaningful day.
--Ben Keckler
12.10.09
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
and he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
--A voice of a prophet
The prophet realized that we develop many names for the child that is born. Likewise, we bring many names to this season of the year and each of those names is sacred.
One of the insights the prophet is telling us is that the very essence of God enters into our midst as a child. Sixty-three years ago (December 11, 1946) the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, was founded by people around the world. Children are so important. Today, I want to share the second segment of Marian Wright Edelman’s prayer for children. The words can help to keep us focused on the realities of this season:
“O God of the child prodigy and the child prostitute,
Of the child of rapture and the child of rape,
Of runaway or thrown-away children who struggle
Every day without parent or place or friend or future,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.
“O God of children who can walk and talk and hear
And see and sing and dance and jump and
Play and of children who wish they could
But can’t
Of children who are loved and unloved, wanted and unwanted,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.”
The prayer will conclude tomorrow. Have a meaningful day.
--Ben Keckler
12.10.09
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, December 9
Children of the World
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
--A voice of a prophet
The prophet realized that we develop many names for the child that is born. We bring many names to this season of the year and each of those names is sacred. The insightful prophet is telling us that the very essence of God enters into our midst as a child.
Sixty-three years ago UNICEF was founded (December 11, 1946) and people around the world joined together to form the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. Children are so important. During the rest of this week, I want to share with you excerpts of Marian Wright Edelman’s prayer for children.
“O God of the children of Somalia, Sarajevo, South Africa and South Carolina
Of Albania, Alabama, Bosnia, and Boston,
Of Cracow and Cairo, Chicago and Croatia,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.
“O God of Black and Brown and White and Albino
Children and those all mixed together,
Of children who are rich and poor and in between,
Of children who speak English and Spanish
And Russian and Hmong and languages our ears cannot discern,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.”
--Ben Keckler
12.09.09
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
--A voice of a prophet
The prophet realized that we develop many names for the child that is born. We bring many names to this season of the year and each of those names is sacred. The insightful prophet is telling us that the very essence of God enters into our midst as a child.
Sixty-three years ago UNICEF was founded (December 11, 1946) and people around the world joined together to form the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. Children are so important. During the rest of this week, I want to share with you excerpts of Marian Wright Edelman’s prayer for children.
“O God of the children of Somalia, Sarajevo, South Africa and South Carolina
Of Albania, Alabama, Bosnia, and Boston,
Of Cracow and Cairo, Chicago and Croatia,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.
“O God of Black and Brown and White and Albino
Children and those all mixed together,
Of children who are rich and poor and in between,
Of children who speak English and Spanish
And Russian and Hmong and languages our ears cannot discern,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.”
--Ben Keckler
12.09.09
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, December 1
Another Month Begins
The final month of 2009 has arrived and I am reminded of the many things that compel me to take some time to offer prayers of thanksgiving. Many of us had good weekends, the kind of weekend that you want to keep enjoying or at least savor for a while longer. While the pace of weekends becomes a bit hectic around this holiday season, at least we can still call our experiences good! As you begin this December what are a couple of things you should include in your thanks to the God? (you fill it in).
Let us not forget that there are some people whose weekends weren’t as pleasant. Some battled the “bugs” that are going around, some continued their battles with significant problems related to their health or other personal stuff. Some had to face the “angel of death” and listen to the silence of their emptiness. We think of all these folks in the midst of their less-than-pleasant journeys and wish for them a better December.
May you find time in your day to have a few prayers of thanksgiving.. Have a good day and a December filled with God’s peace.
--Ben Keckler
12.01.09
The final month of 2009 has arrived and I am reminded of the many things that compel me to take some time to offer prayers of thanksgiving. Many of us had good weekends, the kind of weekend that you want to keep enjoying or at least savor for a while longer. While the pace of weekends becomes a bit hectic around this holiday season, at least we can still call our experiences good! As you begin this December what are a couple of things you should include in your thanks to the God? (you fill it in).
Let us not forget that there are some people whose weekends weren’t as pleasant. Some battled the “bugs” that are going around, some continued their battles with significant problems related to their health or other personal stuff. Some had to face the “angel of death” and listen to the silence of their emptiness. We think of all these folks in the midst of their less-than-pleasant journeys and wish for them a better December.
May you find time in your day to have a few prayers of thanksgiving.. Have a good day and a December filled with God’s peace.
--Ben Keckler
12.01.09
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