image per Creative Commons Zero – CC0.
Lord! Going out from this silence,
teach me to be more alert, humble, expectant,
than I have been in the past:
ever more ready to encounter you
in quiet, homely ways:
in every appeal to my compassion,
every act of unselfish love
which shows up and humbles my imperfect love,
may I recognize you:
still walking through the world.
Give me that grace of simplicity
which alone can receive mystery.
Come and abide with me!
Meet me, walk with me!
Enlighten my mind!
And then, Come in! Enter my humble life
with its poverty and limitations
as you entered the stable in Bethlehem,
the workshop of Nazareth,
the cottage of Emmaus.
Bless and consecrate the material
of that small and ordinary life.
Feed and possess my soul.
Evelyn Underhill, 1875 – 1941, English author and mystic
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So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
prayer & verse 