Lectio Divina
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12
I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire
in all that I am doing.
Thomas Merton
Prayer
Lord
Morning pulls at me
from every direction
Even before
the little ones
call my name
Return me
to the quiet center
Communion
and the loving gaze
May my love be pure
Unvarnished
Without need to be seen
May passion be born of daily breath
Grace received
Gratitude returned
All in joyful union
Draw me close
Blessing
Dear Friend
When I was young, I burned passionately for God. I also longed to be seen, admired by the ones I held in high esteem. That adolescent child is finally now a tired middle aged man! The voices I once strained to impress grow quieter each year. Praise be to God.
And yet, something holy still remains. The same passion now longs to be transmuted into a generous attentiveness offered to those God has placed before me.
I pray God reigns in us this day.
May our love ask for little in return.
May we offer our attentiveness freely.
May we receive the grace of stillness.
May we enjoy the nearness of God.
In the Name of the One
Who Lifts Our Eyes
Amen