“Shun anger, let go of pride, break out of every shackle.” -Buddha

“He brings the scarlet rose out of the fire. He brings advantage out of what is lost.” -Rumi

“What is man that you are mindful of him?” -Psalm

Thank You for the blessing of work.
The gift of hope amongst decay.
New life budding from ash and mud.

Thank You for the heat of summer sun
and easy evenings spent with loved ones.

Thank You for the golden ark of grace
evidenced by surprising providence.
   I can’t feel but humbled by Your hand in my life.
   I can’t feel but blessed.
     Help me to bless others.
     Work through me to bring good works to the earth.

Thank You for Your love and kindness.
       Amen. 

“This craving, this clinging, overpowers the man caught in it, and his sorrows multiply like prairie grass fed by rain.” - Buddha

“When wax and wood get closer to the fire, their own essential darkness turns to light.” - Rumi

“Let the light of your face shine up us, oh Lord.” - Psalm

Sheltering myself in shadow
and shuttering my eyes to light.
The days stretch directionless
afflicted.

   Despite myself You care for me
      and mark my way.
   Despite my no-seeing
     You tug my arm
     and set the path in motion.
   Despite myself
     You provide and bless and love.
Unfailing. Unshakable. Unchanging.
Your love for us and Your commitment to Your people.

At every level I don’t deserve
to be seen by You
cared for by You
nurtured by You.
  Unworthy.

Your character is consistently grace.
Your methods are mercy. 
Your Way is kindness.

How can I sit silent and not acknowledge You?
How can I sit silent
  and not dwell within an attitude of praise?

My lips are unworthy but You still hear my heart’s prayer
and accept my meager praises.
       I love You.
       Thank You for loving me.
       Amen. 

“This craving, this clinging, overpowers the man caught in it, and his sorrows multiply like prairie grass fed by rain.” - Buddha

“For lions to break the battle lines is easy. True Lion is he who breaks the lines of selfhood.” - Rumi

“When you were dead in your sins […] God made you alive in Christ.” - The Apostle Paul

Father, thank You for Your mercy and grace.
Attach my identity to the fulfillment of Your will.
Reconcile my life to Your ways.
Please redeem my career.
Please redeem my finances.
Please renew Your vision within me.
I rely on Your providence.
Please show me the right way.
Please help me to fulfill Your vision in my life.
     I trust You to take care of my needs.
     I trust You to bless the work of my hands.
     Thank You for Your faithfulness.
     Thank You for Your loving kindness. 

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you.”

       Thank You for Your many blessings.
       I love You. Amen. 

“… none of these rites can purify a man who has not freed himself from doubt.” - Buddha

“The faithful are a mirror to each other.” - Rumi

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” - The Apostle Paul

Father, thank You for Your many blessings.
Continue to lead me toward right paths.
Solidify Your will within me and remove my doubts.
     I can’t predict how life changes.
     How it moves and where it goes.
     The staccato melody running through my days.

The farmer creates great upheaval while tiling the soil.
He breaks apart the hard crust of earth and removes all obstacles 
     so that good things can grow.

You have created a fertile bed for Your work.
Plant and grow a bountiful harvest within me.

Thank You for taking care of my needs.
I continue to rely on Your providence.
       I love You.
       Amen.