A Prayer for Healing
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.”
--Psalm 46: 1
The 46th Psalm is one of those wonderful Jewish hymns that talks about the presence of God amid the struggles of daily life. The opening sentence is a powerful affirmation (see above) and the closing sentences are gentle reminders. The gentle reminders go like this:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
and
“The God of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
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
01.31.08
*United Church of Christ Book of Worship
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, January 30
A Touching Prayer
“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 had 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,
It strengths and weaknesses
And of the whole make one great and celestial harmony.
A prayer for today:
Lord, guide my learning so that I can capture what you are trying to teach me. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.30.08
“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 had 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,
It strengths and weaknesses
And of the whole make one great and celestial harmony.
A prayer for today:
Lord, guide my learning so that I can capture what you are trying to teach me. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.30.08
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, January 29
It Is Okay To Cry!!
“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 and many of us will perform our tasks relatively certain 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 that makes less and less sense to the majority. It seems that our souls should be crying forth to the Almighty in behalf of these military personnel and their extended families.
I recall a Sunday not all that long 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.” She realized she wouldn't be hearing from her son for a while and she could only cry. My heart joins 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. May we each take time to “cry to the Lord.”
A prayer for today:
Lord, hear our voices today. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.29.08
“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 and many of us will perform our tasks relatively certain 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 that makes less and less sense to the majority. It seems that our souls should be crying forth to the Almighty in behalf of these military personnel and their extended families.
I recall a Sunday not all that long 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.” She realized she wouldn't be hearing from her son for a while and she could only cry. My heart joins 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. May we each take time to “cry to the Lord.”
A prayer for today:
Lord, hear our voices today. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.29.08
Monday, January 28, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, January 28
Taking Care of our Soul
“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”
--Psalm 25: 1
Every so often when reading reviews about books, you are called to attention and long to read more. Sam Keen offered this magnetic two-sentence review of the book, "Care of the Soul" (Thomas Moore):
“This book may help you give up the futile quest for salvation
and get down to the possible task of taking care of your soul.
A modest, and therefore marvelous, book about the life of the spirit.”
Thomas Moore is concerned about “soul” feeding. Centuries ago the Psalm writer felt the need to do “soul work.” It is still the cry of millions today. Daily soul work helps us discover the sacred in our routines. Sometimes we become concerned about the long-term (salvation), forgetting to see the gifts that surround us. Taking time in each moment to sense the divine enables us to care for the soul.
Nurturing the “core of our being” (Paul Tillich’s way of describing our souls), can provide many insights about how the Holy One comes so very close to us. Have a good week attending to your “soul work”.
A prayer for today:
God of my life and of all creation, teach me to take care of my soul. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.28.08
“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”
--Psalm 25: 1
Every so often when reading reviews about books, you are called to attention and long to read more. Sam Keen offered this magnetic two-sentence review of the book, "Care of the Soul" (Thomas Moore):
“This book may help you give up the futile quest for salvation
and get down to the possible task of taking care of your soul.
A modest, and therefore marvelous, book about the life of the spirit.”
Thomas Moore is concerned about “soul” feeding. Centuries ago the Psalm writer felt the need to do “soul work.” It is still the cry of millions today. Daily soul work helps us discover the sacred in our routines. Sometimes we become concerned about the long-term (salvation), forgetting to see the gifts that surround us. Taking time in each moment to sense the divine enables us to care for the soul.
Nurturing the “core of our being” (Paul Tillich’s way of describing our souls), can provide many insights about how the Holy One comes so very close to us. Have a good week attending to your “soul work”.
A prayer for today:
God of my life and of all creation, teach me to take care of my soul. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.28.08
Friday, January 25, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, January 25
A PRE-GAME REFLECTION
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.”
--Psalm 51: 12
Football season is winding down. Soon one team will be filled with joy and the other team will be remembering that they got to play in “the big game.” Millions and millions will be enjoying their winter version of a football tailgate party. By the time Monday morning after the Super Bowl arrives, most of the joy from the previous day will disappear as the work week begins. Joy is something we crave in our culture; its life span seems so short. Dollars in the hundreds of millions will be spent for a few hours of momentary joy. Please understand that football is my favorite sport. I will be watching, enjoying the entertainment of the evening throughout the game and maybe even during halftime!
Frederick Buechner tells a story from his life about the day he signed a contract for the first of many novels and was filled with joy. As he left the office of the publisher, he met a college friend who was working for the publisher, his job was delivering messages. Buechner’s observation about that experience is touching. “All I can say now is that something small but unforgettable happened inside me as a result of that chance meeting. There was some small flickering out of the truth that, in the long run, there can be no real joy for anybody until there is joy finally for us all.”
Enjoy these ending days of the football season friends! And, at a deeper level, keep working for and praying that there will be peace and joy for everyone in the global village.
A prayer for today:
Restore the joy, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.25.08
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.”
--Psalm 51: 12
Football season is winding down. Soon one team will be filled with joy and the other team will be remembering that they got to play in “the big game.” Millions and millions will be enjoying their winter version of a football tailgate party. By the time Monday morning after the Super Bowl arrives, most of the joy from the previous day will disappear as the work week begins. Joy is something we crave in our culture; its life span seems so short. Dollars in the hundreds of millions will be spent for a few hours of momentary joy. Please understand that football is my favorite sport. I will be watching, enjoying the entertainment of the evening throughout the game and maybe even during halftime!
Frederick Buechner tells a story from his life about the day he signed a contract for the first of many novels and was filled with joy. As he left the office of the publisher, he met a college friend who was working for the publisher, his job was delivering messages. Buechner’s observation about that experience is touching. “All I can say now is that something small but unforgettable happened inside me as a result of that chance meeting. There was some small flickering out of the truth that, in the long run, there can be no real joy for anybody until there is joy finally for us all.”
Enjoy these ending days of the football season friends! And, at a deeper level, keep working for and praying that there will be peace and joy for everyone in the global village.
A prayer for today:
Restore the joy, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.25.08
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, January 24
HOW DO YOU VIEW A COLD, COLD DAY?
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”
--Psalm 133:1
On a day like today there will be some very different views about the cold! The one unifying thing about today is that we will all agree that it is COLD. For some the cold is invigorating, for some the cold finds them ready to jump in the car and head for the sunny south! For some it is miserable, for some it presents some interesting challenges. This brief prayer of William Stafford seems to say that we can/should approach today and every day with optimism.
I like to live in the sound of water,
in the feel of the mountain air.
A sharp reminder hits me: this world still is alive;
it stretches out there shivering toward its own creation,
and I’m part of it.
Even my breathing enters into this elaborate give-and-take,
this bowing to sun and moon, day or night, winter, summer, storm, still—
this tranquil chaos that seems to be going somewhere.
This wilderness with a great peacefulness in it.
This motionless turmoil, this everything dance.
We may not live together in perfect unity about how we view a cold, cold day. But, like Stafford, we can give thanks that this world still is alive and that we can participate in “this everything dance” of life (even if the joints are a bit stiff today!) Have a good day.
A prayer for today:
Thank you for the gift of life on a cold, cold day, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.24.08
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”
--Psalm 133:1
On a day like today there will be some very different views about the cold! The one unifying thing about today is that we will all agree that it is COLD. For some the cold is invigorating, for some the cold finds them ready to jump in the car and head for the sunny south! For some it is miserable, for some it presents some interesting challenges. This brief prayer of William Stafford seems to say that we can/should approach today and every day with optimism.
I like to live in the sound of water,
in the feel of the mountain air.
A sharp reminder hits me: this world still is alive;
it stretches out there shivering toward its own creation,
and I’m part of it.
Even my breathing enters into this elaborate give-and-take,
this bowing to sun and moon, day or night, winter, summer, storm, still—
this tranquil chaos that seems to be going somewhere.
This wilderness with a great peacefulness in it.
This motionless turmoil, this everything dance.
We may not live together in perfect unity about how we view a cold, cold day. But, like Stafford, we can give thanks that this world still is alive and that we can participate in “this everything dance” of life (even if the joints are a bit stiff today!) Have a good day.
A prayer for today:
Thank you for the gift of life on a cold, cold day, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.24.08
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, January 23
Really?
“Then God promises to love me all day, sing songs all through the night!
My life is God’s prayer.”
--Psalm 42:8 from The Message
Eugene Peterson, the writer of The Message, says, “The impulse to pray is deep within us, at the very center of our created being, and so practically anything will do to get us started—‘Help’ and ‘Thanks!’ are our basic prayers.
Untutored, we tend to think that prayer is what good people do when they are doing their best. It is not.
Inexperienced, we suppose that there must be an ‘insider’ language that must be acquired before God takes us seriously in our prayers. There is not.
It is the means by which our language becomes honest, true, and personal in response to God.
It is the means by which we get everything in our lives out in the open before God.”
My prayer for you — May your morning prayers bring you into the presence of God so you feel surrounded by Holy love as the day turns into night. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.23.08
“Then God promises to love me all day, sing songs all through the night!
My life is God’s prayer.”
--Psalm 42:8 from The Message
Eugene Peterson, the writer of The Message, says, “The impulse to pray is deep within us, at the very center of our created being, and so practically anything will do to get us started—‘Help’ and ‘Thanks!’ are our basic prayers.
Untutored, we tend to think that prayer is what good people do when they are doing their best. It is not.
Inexperienced, we suppose that there must be an ‘insider’ language that must be acquired before God takes us seriously in our prayers. There is not.
It is the means by which our language becomes honest, true, and personal in response to God.
It is the means by which we get everything in our lives out in the open before God.”
My prayer for you — May your morning prayers bring you into the presence of God so you feel surrounded by Holy love as the day turns into night. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.23.08
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, January 22
Journey from “N” to “V”
“Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.”
--Psalm 119: 41, 42
Yesterday was set aside as a day to remember a faith-filled leader who became the voice of the people during the Civil Rights turmoil several decades ago. Martin Luther King, Jr, did not dream of a day set aside as a holiday in his name. He did dream of a nation, this country we love, living the principles of liberty and justice for all. We’ve made some strides but we have a long way to go!
King’s boldness was strengthened by his Christian faith. He was aware that God would not turn against him. He went about his work with this inner confidence. Max Lucado writes:
"Your family may turn against you, but God won’t.
Your friends may betray you, but God won’t.
You may feel alone in the wilderness, but you’re not.
God is with you.
And because He is with you, everything is different.
You are different.
God changes your n into a v. So you go from lonely to lovely."
Have a good day and a good week. Bask in the sunshine of an eternal, steadfast love embracing you.
A prayer for today:
Grant wisdom and courage for the facing of each hour, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.22.08
“Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.”
--Psalm 119: 41, 42
Yesterday was set aside as a day to remember a faith-filled leader who became the voice of the people during the Civil Rights turmoil several decades ago. Martin Luther King, Jr, did not dream of a day set aside as a holiday in his name. He did dream of a nation, this country we love, living the principles of liberty and justice for all. We’ve made some strides but we have a long way to go!
King’s boldness was strengthened by his Christian faith. He was aware that God would not turn against him. He went about his work with this inner confidence. Max Lucado writes:
"Your family may turn against you, but God won’t.
Your friends may betray you, but God won’t.
You may feel alone in the wilderness, but you’re not.
God is with you.
And because He is with you, everything is different.
You are different.
God changes your n into a v. So you go from lonely to lovely."
Have a good day and a good week. Bask in the sunshine of an eternal, steadfast love embracing you.
A prayer for today:
Grant wisdom and courage for the facing of each hour, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.22.08
Monday, January 21, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, January 21
What Stuff Is Really Important?
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for God;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
Take delight in the Lord, and God will grant you the desires of your heart.”
--Psalm 37, selected verses
Living in a society like ours, there is a tendency to see all of the “stuff” that surrounds us as a fulfillment of the promise “God will grant you the desires of your heart.” The creative genius of people lures those of us who are technologically challenged (and even those who aren’t) to feel like we have to have the latest “stuff” in order to be happy or fulfilled. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If you ever have an opportunity to spend time in places like Haiti, Nicaragua or El Salvador, you will discover people who have joy that is not dependent on things. To live among people who have little or no concept of our materialistic society can be a real blessing.
The deepest desires of the heart are realized when we take time to “be still” and “wait patiently.” The Way of the Heart (Nouwen) is a classic little book in human spirituality. As we practice stillness and patience, “we become compassionate people, deeply aware of our solidarity in brokenness with all of humanity and ready to reach out to anyone in need.” (Page 25). Authentic caregiving best leaps forth from the souls of people who are practicing stillness, of people who are waiting patiently for God. Have a blessed day of caregiving, friends.
A prayer for today:
Instill within me a silent, seeking heart, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.21.08
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for God;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
Take delight in the Lord, and God will grant you the desires of your heart.”
--Psalm 37, selected verses
Living in a society like ours, there is a tendency to see all of the “stuff” that surrounds us as a fulfillment of the promise “God will grant you the desires of your heart.” The creative genius of people lures those of us who are technologically challenged (and even those who aren’t) to feel like we have to have the latest “stuff” in order to be happy or fulfilled. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If you ever have an opportunity to spend time in places like Haiti, Nicaragua or El Salvador, you will discover people who have joy that is not dependent on things. To live among people who have little or no concept of our materialistic society can be a real blessing.
The deepest desires of the heart are realized when we take time to “be still” and “wait patiently.” The Way of the Heart (Nouwen) is a classic little book in human spirituality. As we practice stillness and patience, “we become compassionate people, deeply aware of our solidarity in brokenness with all of humanity and ready to reach out to anyone in need.” (Page 25). Authentic caregiving best leaps forth from the souls of people who are practicing stillness, of people who are waiting patiently for God. Have a blessed day of caregiving, friends.
A prayer for today:
Instill within me a silent, seeking heart, O God. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.21.08
Friday, January 18, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, January 18
How Would You Describe You?
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”
--Psalm 51: 10, 12
One truly helpful spiritual teacher in recent decades was the late Henri Nouwen. One of his friends asked Henri if he might write a book about how to live a spiritual life while spending his day in a secular world. Henri responded, writing a beautiful book, Life of the Beloved.
Living a spiritual life in a secular world is always challenging. Some days we live as “beloved” people better than we do on other days. Henri writes, “Deep in the recesses of our minds and hearts there lies hidden the treasure we seek. We know its preciousness, and we know that it holds the gift we desire most: a life stronger than death.” Living the spiritual life begins with the recognition that we are “beloved,” or as the Psalmist sings, “Create in me a clean heart.” Living the spiritual life continues as we keep on the journey of “becoming the beloved.”
Enjoy a good weekend, friends! Life of the Beloved might be a good addition to your library. (I don’t get any commission for recommending it!)
A prayer for today:
God who calls me “beloved,” guide me as I live in this secular world. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.18.08
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”
--Psalm 51: 10, 12
One truly helpful spiritual teacher in recent decades was the late Henri Nouwen. One of his friends asked Henri if he might write a book about how to live a spiritual life while spending his day in a secular world. Henri responded, writing a beautiful book, Life of the Beloved.
Living a spiritual life in a secular world is always challenging. Some days we live as “beloved” people better than we do on other days. Henri writes, “Deep in the recesses of our minds and hearts there lies hidden the treasure we seek. We know its preciousness, and we know that it holds the gift we desire most: a life stronger than death.” Living the spiritual life begins with the recognition that we are “beloved,” or as the Psalmist sings, “Create in me a clean heart.” Living the spiritual life continues as we keep on the journey of “becoming the beloved.”
Enjoy a good weekend, friends! Life of the Beloved might be a good addition to your library. (I don’t get any commission for recommending it!)
A prayer for today:
God who calls me “beloved,” guide me as I live in this secular world. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.18.08
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, January 17
What Song Are You Singing?
“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.”
--Psalm 25: 1, 4-5
Is it fair to say that we really don’t listen effectively to the music within us? We listen to the MP-3 and the IPOD play music, but how often do we listen to the internal music? The Hebrew song writer is offering this prayer of the soul, realizing that often the pace and pressures of daily routine are filled with our “stuff.” The writer goes on to affirm that God’s steadfast love is available always and that God’s grace brings harmony when it seems there are only the notes of discord.
Max Lucado has designed a deck of cards called “Comfort Cards.” These comfort cards contain various little comfort statements based on the Psalms, particularly the 23rd Psalm. Our “Ace for the day” is this card: “God wants you to hear God’s music.” On the flip side of the card is this simple meditation: “If God must silence every voice, God will. God has a rhythm that will race your heart and lyrics that will stir your tears. You want to lie down in peace? Remember, God’s music can soothe your soul.”
A prayer for today:
God of melody and harmony, write your song in my heart today. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.17.08
“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.”
--Psalm 25: 1, 4-5
Is it fair to say that we really don’t listen effectively to the music within us? We listen to the MP-3 and the IPOD play music, but how often do we listen to the internal music? The Hebrew song writer is offering this prayer of the soul, realizing that often the pace and pressures of daily routine are filled with our “stuff.” The writer goes on to affirm that God’s steadfast love is available always and that God’s grace brings harmony when it seems there are only the notes of discord.
Max Lucado has designed a deck of cards called “Comfort Cards.” These comfort cards contain various little comfort statements based on the Psalms, particularly the 23rd Psalm. Our “Ace for the day” is this card: “God wants you to hear God’s music.” On the flip side of the card is this simple meditation: “If God must silence every voice, God will. God has a rhythm that will race your heart and lyrics that will stir your tears. You want to lie down in peace? Remember, God’s music can soothe your soul.”
A prayer for today:
God of melody and harmony, write your song in my heart today. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.17.08
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, January 16
A Reminder for Winter's Snow
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--Psalm 24: 1
Watching snowflakes drift down toward the earth illuminated by a spotlight still glowing in the pre-dawn hours is truly awesome. A few years ago we visited with family in Colorado. One night we took time to visit Seven Falls in Colorado Springs. The beauty of the lighted, iced- over waterfalls took on added splendor at places where spectators could observe the water flowing underneath paper-thin ice. In the midst of wintertime there are reminders that the earth is the Lord’s.
Here is a prayer written for the United Nation’s Environmental Sabbath:
Great Spirit, give us hearts to understand;
Never to take from creation’s beauty more than we give;
Never to destroy wantonly for the furtherance of greed;
Never to deny to give our hands for the building of Earth’s beauty;
Never to take from her what we cannot use.
Give us hearts to understand
That to destroy Earth’s music is to create confusion;
That to wreck her appearance is to blind us to beauty;
That to callously pollute her fragrance is to make a house of stench;
That as we care for her she will care for us. Amen.
A prayer for today:
Creator God, thank you for the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.16.08
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--Psalm 24: 1
Watching snowflakes drift down toward the earth illuminated by a spotlight still glowing in the pre-dawn hours is truly awesome. A few years ago we visited with family in Colorado. One night we took time to visit Seven Falls in Colorado Springs. The beauty of the lighted, iced- over waterfalls took on added splendor at places where spectators could observe the water flowing underneath paper-thin ice. In the midst of wintertime there are reminders that the earth is the Lord’s.
Here is a prayer written for the United Nation’s Environmental Sabbath:
Great Spirit, give us hearts to understand;
Never to take from creation’s beauty more than we give;
Never to destroy wantonly for the furtherance of greed;
Never to deny to give our hands for the building of Earth’s beauty;
Never to take from her what we cannot use.
Give us hearts to understand
That to destroy Earth’s music is to create confusion;
That to wreck her appearance is to blind us to beauty;
That to callously pollute her fragrance is to make a house of stench;
That as we care for her she will care for us. Amen.
A prayer for today:
Creator God, thank you for the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.16.08
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, January 15
But What About Tomorrow?
“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.”
--Psalm 121: 8
Surrendering control and simply trusting that we will have enough strength for the “beyond the comfort zone” moments is a tough, tough task! For example, a friend of mine went on a business trip. One day after work, accompanied by several business partners, he was scheduled to take a ride down an Olympic bobsled run. This was a totally new adventure. In speaking with him about this anticipated experience, he was excited but also quite nervous. He was getting ready to move beyond his comfort zone.
About ten years ago a spiritual leader gave a fresh approach to the verse from Psalm 121 in these words:
Our true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Peace is all around us—
in the world and in nature—
And within us—
in our bodies and in our spirits.
Once we learn to touch this peace,
we will be healed and transformed.
It is not a matter of faith;
it is a matter of practice.
A prayer for today:
God of this moment, help me to practice experiencing the present moment. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.15.08
“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.”
--Psalm 121: 8
Surrendering control and simply trusting that we will have enough strength for the “beyond the comfort zone” moments is a tough, tough task! For example, a friend of mine went on a business trip. One day after work, accompanied by several business partners, he was scheduled to take a ride down an Olympic bobsled run. This was a totally new adventure. In speaking with him about this anticipated experience, he was excited but also quite nervous. He was getting ready to move beyond his comfort zone.
About ten years ago a spiritual leader gave a fresh approach to the verse from Psalm 121 in these words:
Our true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Peace is all around us—
in the world and in nature—
And within us—
in our bodies and in our spirits.
Once we learn to touch this peace,
we will be healed and transformed.
It is not a matter of faith;
it is a matter of practice.
A prayer for today:
God of this moment, help me to practice experiencing the present moment. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.15.08
Monday, January 14, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, January 14
A Question for the Holy?
“Whom have I in heaven but you?…
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord my refuge.”
Psalm 73:25, 28
Taking time with the questions of the soul is some of the best work a person can do. Taking time with the questions of the soul opens up avenues for communication at levels that can empower us and guide us when the way is particularly difficult. The Psalm writer was comfortable asking questions, even if answers did not readily surface. Asking the questions of the soul — this is the good work. Rainer Maria Rilke offers this insight today:
“Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves…
Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now,
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps then, someday far in the future,
you will gradually, without even noticing it
live your way into the answer."
A prayer for today:
Holy God, I give you my questions and ask you to grant me understanding in your time. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.14.08
“Whom have I in heaven but you?…
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord my refuge.”
Psalm 73:25, 28
Taking time with the questions of the soul is some of the best work a person can do. Taking time with the questions of the soul opens up avenues for communication at levels that can empower us and guide us when the way is particularly difficult. The Psalm writer was comfortable asking questions, even if answers did not readily surface. Asking the questions of the soul — this is the good work. Rainer Maria Rilke offers this insight today:
“Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves…
Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now,
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps then, someday far in the future,
you will gradually, without even noticing it
live your way into the answer."
A prayer for today:
Holy God, I give you my questions and ask you to grant me understanding in your time. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.14.08
Friday, January 11, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, January 11
Considering the Important Stuff
“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 creation. We are part of a cosmic community. The Creator who set all time and space in motion created us in community with the rest of the cosmos. Spending time meditating on this thought can really be empowering. Here is a little story from the life of St. Francis who spent time praying with the little creatures:
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. Thanks to God for all of creation.
A prayer for today:
Holy God, slow me down enough so that in stillness I can discover. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.11.08
“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 creation. We are part of a cosmic community. The Creator who set all time and space in motion created us in community with the rest of the cosmos. Spending time meditating on this thought can really be empowering. Here is a little story from the life of St. Francis who spent time praying with the little creatures:
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. Thanks to God for all of creation.
A prayer for today:
Holy God, slow me down enough so that in stillness I can discover. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.11.08
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, January 10
What Is The Important Stuff?
“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
This is an interesting question, don't you think? It is a question worthy of exploration and dialogue. The writer recognizes both how insignificant 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, thinking we are the center of the universe. Our affluence can cause us to miss enjoying simple things. We take little time focusing on the biggest picture because we are trying 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 allow 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.
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
01.10.08
“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
This is an interesting question, don't you think? It is a question worthy of exploration and dialogue. The writer recognizes both how insignificant 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, thinking we are the center of the universe. Our affluence can cause us to miss enjoying simple things. We take little time focusing on the biggest picture because we are trying 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 allow 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.
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
01.10.08
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, January 9
What Is The Important Stuff?
“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. 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 2008. Have a good day.
A prayer for the year 2008:
Holy God, fill my heart (and your world) with peace. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.09.08
“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. 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 2008. Have a good day.
A prayer for the year 2008:
Holy God, fill my heart (and your world) with peace. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.09.08
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, January 8
Perspective For 2008
“Watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
--Deuteronomy 4: 9
The gift of family and children is a wonderful gift. What we do with the gift is important. With the season of gift giving and gift receiving fresh in our memories, let’s think today about what we are doing with this gift of family and children. Generally, when we receive gifts we keep them (well, maybe at this season we exchange them ). We appear to be a culture that hoards, storing away the gifts we receive. There is a tendency to do the same with the gift of family and children; a tendency to claim ownership, to keep for ourselves, to smother.
This gift of family and children can be (should be) viewed as a gift that we can nurture for the purpose of giving away. Today’s key verse suggests that we need to learn from our experiences and teach them to our families and children, thereby preparing them for their journey A good question in these opening days of 2008 might be: “How am I preparing the gift I’ve received to be a gift for the world?”
Walter Payton states in his autobiography Never Die Easy, “They (family/children) are the most precious thing that we have. …Find out what they’re doing, what their life is all about, what their problems are and what they feel is important to them.” By listening we can teach “our gifts” the value of being compassionate. Enjoy your day and have a good year nurturing the gifts you are preparing for the world.
A prayer for the year 2008:
God who has gifted me in many ways,
Empower me to listen to the gifts you have given me. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.08.08
“Watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
--Deuteronomy 4: 9
The gift of family and children is a wonderful gift. What we do with the gift is important. With the season of gift giving and gift receiving fresh in our memories, let’s think today about what we are doing with this gift of family and children. Generally, when we receive gifts we keep them (well, maybe at this season we exchange them ). We appear to be a culture that hoards, storing away the gifts we receive. There is a tendency to do the same with the gift of family and children; a tendency to claim ownership, to keep for ourselves, to smother.
This gift of family and children can be (should be) viewed as a gift that we can nurture for the purpose of giving away. Today’s key verse suggests that we need to learn from our experiences and teach them to our families and children, thereby preparing them for their journey A good question in these opening days of 2008 might be: “How am I preparing the gift I’ve received to be a gift for the world?”
Walter Payton states in his autobiography Never Die Easy, “They (family/children) are the most precious thing that we have. …Find out what they’re doing, what their life is all about, what their problems are and what they feel is important to them.” By listening we can teach “our gifts” the value of being compassionate. Enjoy your day and have a good year nurturing the gifts you are preparing for the world.
A prayer for the year 2008:
God who has gifted me in many ways,
Empower me to listen to the gifts you have given me. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.08.08
Monday, January 7, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, January 7
A Never Ending Story
“O God, do not keep silence;
do not hold your peace or be still, O God!”
Psalm 83:1
The rhetoric of election year is filled with tension and the tension will only increase. No matter which newscast you listen to or which newspaper you read, the stories of chaos and political maneuvering clearly show us that conflict surrounds us. If only a big, booming voice could call down to all of us and issue a clear word, resonating a divine justice throughout the global village. In essence that is what the Psalm writer wants in the verse for today.
Hearts continually cry for divine intervention. It seems appropriate to sound forth the cry once again. Hopefully today can be a peaceful day for you!
A prayer for the year 2008:
God who knows about chaos and conflict,
Instill within me a spirit of peace and a desire for understanding. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.07.08
“O God, do not keep silence;
do not hold your peace or be still, O God!”
Psalm 83:1
The rhetoric of election year is filled with tension and the tension will only increase. No matter which newscast you listen to or which newspaper you read, the stories of chaos and political maneuvering clearly show us that conflict surrounds us. If only a big, booming voice could call down to all of us and issue a clear word, resonating a divine justice throughout the global village. In essence that is what the Psalm writer wants in the verse for today.
Hearts continually cry for divine intervention. It seems appropriate to sound forth the cry once again. Hopefully today can be a peaceful day for you!
A prayer for the year 2008:
God who knows about chaos and conflict,
Instill within me a spirit of peace and a desire for understanding. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.07.08
Friday, January 4, 2008
Daily Devotions - Friday, January 4
Toward A New Dawn
A Prayer for the New Year of 2008
As we close the first week of a New Year, I'd like to share a prayer that comes to us from another continent. May your weekend be blessed with enough of what you really need, season by season, day by day.
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
01.04.08
A Prayer for the New Year of 2008
As we close the first week of a New Year, I'd like to share a prayer that comes to us from another continent. May your weekend be blessed with enough of what you really need, season by season, day by day.
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
01.04.08
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, January 3
A Way To Face 2008
“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
One of the great running backs in professional football was Walter Payton and his autobiography Never Die Easy is a powerful story. Watching Walter play was a treat and after reading this book, readers probably wish they had a personal moment with him. It is a book 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. 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. He seemed anchored and secure. He faced life head on.
I encourage you to move forward, confident that light and strength will be yours each day. The challenges will be many; with faith and focus you too will never die easy.
A prayer for the year 2008:
God of another year, in the face of each challenge, help me to recognize you as the stronghold of my life. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.03.08
“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
One of the great running backs in professional football was Walter Payton and his autobiography Never Die Easy is a powerful story. Watching Walter play was a treat and after reading this book, readers probably wish they had a personal moment with him. It is a book 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. 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. He seemed anchored and secure. He faced life head on.
I encourage you to move forward, confident that light and strength will be yours each day. The challenges will be many; with faith and focus you too will never die easy.
A prayer for the year 2008:
God of another year, in the face of each challenge, help me to recognize you as the stronghold of my life. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.03.08
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, January 2
Hope For 2008?
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27: 11, 14
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. Yesterday, we heard a part of Yellow’s conversation with another caterpillar. Today Yellow has decided to risk changing from a fuzzy worm to the process of becoming a butterfly. Enjoy this snippet from Yellow’s life and consider how it might apply to the living of 2008:
"For courage Yellow hung right beside the other cocoon and began to spin her own. 'Imagine, I didn’t even know I could do this. That’s some encouragement that I’m on the right track. If I have inside me the stuff to make cocoons—maybe the stuff of butterflies is there too.'”
May today be a level path day for you. May today be a day when you, like Yellow, take courage, allowing that God-given “stuff” to spin forth from your life. If we all take that risk, 2008 will be more than we can think or imagine.
A prayer for the year 2008:
God of refreshing possibilities,
Encourage me to use the gifts I have,
Allow me to emerge with new vitality this year. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.02.08
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27: 11, 14
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. Yesterday, we heard a part of Yellow’s conversation with another caterpillar. Today Yellow has decided to risk changing from a fuzzy worm to the process of becoming a butterfly. Enjoy this snippet from Yellow’s life and consider how it might apply to the living of 2008:
"For courage Yellow hung right beside the other cocoon and began to spin her own. 'Imagine, I didn’t even know I could do this. That’s some encouragement that I’m on the right track. If I have inside me the stuff to make cocoons—maybe the stuff of butterflies is there too.'”
May today be a level path day for you. May today be a day when you, like Yellow, take courage, allowing that God-given “stuff” to spin forth from your life. If we all take that risk, 2008 will be more than we can think or imagine.
A prayer for the year 2008:
God of refreshing possibilities,
Encourage me to use the gifts I have,
Allow me to emerge with new vitality this year. Amen.
Ben Keckler
01.02.08
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, January 1
Hope For 2008?
“On the day I called, God answered me,
increasing my strength of soul.”
--Psalm 138:3
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 2008:
“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)
It feels like there is a tremendous insight in this conversation. May the year of 2008 be a tremendous butterfly year for each of us, individually and collectively.
A prayer for the year 2008:
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
01.01.08
“On the day I called, God answered me,
increasing my strength of soul.”
--Psalm 138:3
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 2008:
“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)
It feels like there is a tremendous insight in this conversation. May the year of 2008 be a tremendous butterfly year for each of us, individually and collectively.
A prayer for the year 2008:
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
01.01.08
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