You are wisdom, uncreated and eternal, the supreme first cause, above all being, sovereign Godhead, sovereign goodness, watching unseen, the God-inspired wisdom of Christian people. Raise us we pray, that we may totally respond to the supreme, unknown, ultimate, and splendid height of your words, mysterious and inspired… You fill to the full with most beautiful splendour those souls who close their eyes that they may see.
St Denis prayer from The Cloud of Unknowing , written anonymously in the fourteenth century.
If you have never used this app, I highly recommend it. No, I do not use it every single day, but I find it worthwhile practically every time I do use it.
The above prayer has kept me praising for several weeks now. I know it is from the 14th century, but it still applies to the God I worship in 2026! Scroll back to the top, then pray it instead of just reading it. When might you be finished praying this one?
The legend of Saint Denis is surrounded by fictional tales and a few facts. All I can be certain of is that if he indeed prayed like the prayer quoted above, he knew my God and how to draw me into a closer relationship with the Trinity.
The prayer is said to come from The Cloud of Unknowing, a powerful tome. “The medieval spiritual guidebook called The Cloud of Unknowing was written by an anonymous English monk. At the core is a mystical approach to Christian prayer, in which God is found not through rote knowledge, but through ‘blind love.’ It has been described as Christianity with a Zen outlook.” J.B. Hare
Saint Denis in his prayer is no less powerful. Come, Lord, and make us more like those who loved you then. Help us to totally respond to You! “You fill to the full with most beautiful splendour those souls who close their eyes that they may see.“
I just realized I never posted this to let you know I was taking a week off. Oops. Well here is this blog entry very late!!
John Mark Comer has written a phenomenal book entitled Practicing the Way. I have been devouring it and trying to live into it. There is also a website that I found only recently https://www.practicingtheway.org/
Even if you have no intention of purchasing the book or borrowing it from your local library, I would encourage you to look a these materials. At the website practice materials are offered freely. Of course, there are also ways to contribute to the effort of getting the materials out.
There was a saying years ago that if you aim at nothing you are bound to hit it! That is especially true of our spiritual walk.
There are one or more areas where we might ignore the teachings of Jesus. The materials help guide us in contemporary ways to apply the teachings and grow in our own walk. I was familiar with the nine practices, but had never applied some of them to my walk consistently. In the New Year I hope to take this material and use it as my own. Hoping for a more fulfilling, God-honoring, lifestyle by bringing the practices into focus in my own life.
As we wind down 2025, I hope you will take some time to rest. We are truly a driven society and rarely allow our Shepherd to lead us into rest and solitude.
I will be taking the first week of January off from writing. I will also be studying materials for Stephen Ministry as I venture into again becoming a Stephen Minister. May your New Year celebration be blessed and warmly celebrated as we begin again to follow the Lord.
Start 2016 with a practice of resting in Christ. I did take that time off. Now I am back at writing, continuing to study Stephen Ministry materials and planning to work on two separate writing projects. All prayers appreciated!
I get a message from the Daily Liturgy Quote. This one was addressing grief, but I apply it to my overall life.
“Be nearer now, O Christ, than I have ever known.”
Don’t we all need this to pursue our walk with joy? I need God every hour. The hours I do not think of God are the ones in which I am most likely to wander.
I was given Amazing Grace Devotional by Stephanie Sample as a gift this Christmas. So far, I am enjoying the entries immensely! She wrote a morning and evening devotion using the same Scripture verse. The entry for January 3 especially caught my attention when she said, “Like a sponge in the ocean, at once saturated and contained by his vastness, our lives are forever connected.”
As a sponge, we can soak up everything around us. We as Christians can choose which source we absorb from.
Sponge harvester
Thinking about natural sponges that are harvested from the ocean, I found they are being grown and harvested even today across the world. Looking up on Sponge on Wikipedia they wrote, “The sponge is an aquatic invertebrate with a soft porous body. There are as many as 18 species of sponges, with the wool sponge being the most desired because it is soft, durable, and not susceptible to odors or mildew. The yellow sponge is less durable, lasting a year, while the wire sponge is abrasive and often used for manufacturing. The bay sponge is known as the flowerpot sponge and grows a plant or seed.”
Wool sponge
Remembering back to when I used a synthetic sponge in the kitchen for almost every cleaning job, but especially washing dishes, I would get so angry when it turned nasty with moldy odor and mildew. I never knew until now that this natural sponge is not prone to mold and mildew!
Am I willing to become like a wool sponge this year? Like the most desired of all the variety of sponges? Sponges are still harvested and sold at Tarpon Springs , Florida, and sold as well at many other places. There is a road trip that would be fun for shopping!
But more in keeping with the devotional thought, “Like a sponge in the ocean, at once saturated and contained by his vastness, OUR LIVES ARE FOREVER CONNECTED. We are influenced and changed by God in us. We are protected through residing in him.” Thank you Stephanie Sample for reminding me I am protected through residing in God.
“Be nearer now, O Christ, than I have ever known.” And make me more conscious of your indwelling and purpose for my life throughout 2026 I pray. Hold me close and help me reside in you always. Amen.
PBS reports that: “Jews across the religious observance spectrum — from Reform to Conservative to Orthodox — focus on the same theme of bringing light into the darkness and emphasizing that even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect.” During their celebration of Hanukah they light a new candle each night on the eight branches menorah. As we mourn with the Jewish community in Australia over the murders and injuries there and beyond, I remember being awakened one night with a thought. Our life is to be like a thousand tiny lights of kindness.
How can you participate in this? Every tiny act of kindness that you do makes you a participant.
There was an elderly woman searching in the deep freezer at the grocery store among the frozen turkeys. She just wanted a small one. The one she had chosen did not have a tag on it. I was able to flag down an employee to help her get it weighed and tagged. He wanted me to follow him and I explained that he needed to carry the turkey and escort her slowly to wherever he was going as she was the one interested in the purchase.
There was someone in the same store using an electric shopping cart. She is tiny and seated. There is an item on a high shelf that she is interested in. I ask if I can reach it for her? She is grateful.
Just looking folks in the eye, greeting them with a smile and saying hello has become a practice that cheers many. Most older folks seem surprised that you see them and care. Every age is somewhat startled if you look them in the eye when you greet them.
A tiny thousand lights of kindness. Wishing a harried store clerk a good day. Telling them to take a deep breath while you find your credit card. Urging the world to slow down for one minute. Tiny light of kindness.
Yielding to a car in traffic and being genuinely glad about it.
Thanking the letter carrier for service. The last one I greeted was delivering mail in 13 degree weather. I asked how he stayed warm. He replied you just have to dress for the weather.
Giving the delivery man a home baked cookie when he brings your package to the door.
In the gospel of John we are told
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
The word light is used seven times in the first nine verses of John 1. In the passage above, a mere three verses, it is used four times. We are to pay attention to this idea. We are to shine the light God has given us. Shine and shine and then shine some more. No place does it say the light of the world got weary of shining and stopped. We too are called to this shine work.
Have you ever attended a concert where the performer asked people to turn on their cell phone flashlight? Or they were given wristbands they were to light up at a certain time? Can you imagine if all of those people left that stadium with the conviction to shine the light God gave them to others around the world? You can help with this effort every single day of your life. If you no longer leave the house you likely still have conversations with others. Smile through your words and bring light and life to each situation.
PBS goes on to report: “A menorah is lit in each household and traditionally is placed where it can be seen from the outside, such as a doorway or windowsill, to symbolize the spreading of God’s light to all nations.”
A thousand tiny lights of kindness. “Even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect.” Yes, that means each of us. Just as we celebrate Jesus, the Light of the world, at this time of year (and always) we are to be set on fire for the Kingdom good news! Many are credited with this saying, Saint Francis most notably.
“Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB (1939-2020), was a spiritual guide, popular retreat facilitator, and author who made her home with the monastic community of St. Scholastica in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Benedictine traditions of deep listening to the word of God and hospitality toward all of life form the roots of her writing and retreat ministry. Wiederkehr is the bestselling author of ten books, including The Flowing Grace of Now, Seven Sacred Pauses, Behold Your Life, and The Circle of Life, which she coauthored with Joyce Rupp.” from Ave Maria Press
Macrina influenced my Christian formation through her writings. I was able to hear her in person once. It was delightful to be under her teaching that evening. I first read this poem a number of years ago and think of it every Advent. I had difficulty finding it this year. Guess I had best print it out for myself!! I used to have the book The Circle of Life where this poem was published.
O God of words, dear Word made flesh give birth to my thoughts change them into words that will help me Christmas up the lives of those I love, for I am weak and fragile scared and empty this year and still I feel You very near.
Jesus, I think I hear You coming I think I hear a sound that says you’ve cared your way into my life again. I think I see a light more lasting than the ones we hang on trees I think I see a world that’s splashed with God again so gospelled with his presence so covered with his love yet, lonely still …
O shoppers, dear shoppers put your carts away. Please put your carts away and search deep down within your hearts for gifts that will not rust or fade for where your treasure is there is your heart. (Matthew 6:19–21) O look into your God-splashed, gospelled hearts and see! See Christmas standing there waiting to be, not bought but given free.
We are Christmas shoppers, Lord We are shopping for a way to make your coming last O take the blind in us and hold it close O teach us how to see decorate our lives with your vision for Christmas, let us see!
O shoppers, dear shoppers hang lights in your hearts instead of on your trees for the One we’ve hung our hopes on has come, and now we’re free but only if we see.
Jesus, we long for Christmas-eyes. Please heal the blind in us for Christmas, eyes that see! Makrina Wiederkehr
Isn’t she amazing in her imagery and passion for Christ and the lost? I just love it! Addressing us directly, “Shoppers put your carts away!” “Dear shoppers hang lights in your hearts instead of on your trees.” May your God-splashed, gospelled hearts rejoice all through this season!
Happy New Year! The church calendar begins all over again. We sang this in church last week and I honestly had never heard it. What a great song!
Refrain: Lead me, guide me along the way; For if You lead me, I cannot stray; Lord, let me walk each day with Thee. Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
1 I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power To help me over my weakest hour; Let me through the darkness Thy face to see, Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
2 Help me tread in the paths of righteousness; Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress. I am putting all my trust in Thee, Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]
3 I am lost, if you take your hand from me; I am blind, without Thy Light to see; Lord, just always let me Thy servant be, Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]
The following quote is from a newsletter I get entitled Friends of Silence.
Light dwells deep within each of us ready to radiate forth as our will freely surrenders in alignment with our soul's purpose. We are here on Earth to lift and deepen our own awareness and that of creation: co-partners in the Divine Plan for the divinization of all creation. Seek within and find the Source of Love and Light. Shine in unity with all whose joy is to co-birth as a light in the world. ~ Nan Merrill in LUMEN CHRISTI...HOLY WISDOM
This is how we are awaiting the second coming of Christ and preparing our hearts to celebrate the first coming in the flesh. We are blessed beyond measure and grateful to our Father.
Grant us strength and grace, O God, that we might move through today folding in humble obedience to you, sensitivity of your Spirit, and in joyful expectancy of your coming kingdom." A Liturgy of the Hours Midday, Volume 1
That phrase ‘folding in humble obedience to you,’ that just brought me up short. Folding in humble obedience to you. Yes, Lord, I want to be that sort of obedient.
Have you ever tried to carry an unruly child, one kicking and screaming, squirming to get down out of your arms? God does not want us to be like that.
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb; 4 even to your old age I am he; even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:3-4 NRSVUE
Even to old age and gray hair, (or no hair), God wants to be involved in our life.
Will we cooperate with those wishes?
Will we bend our heart in humble obedience, sensitivity to God’s Spirit, and in joyful expectancy of the coming kingdom? I hope and pray you will join me in this sort of yielding.
This man is a young father to three boys. He is happily married and works really hard for the kingdom of God. He has gained much renown as a singer and songwriter. His performances delight millions of people, especially the young people. Yet, he made time to touch the life of this child and pray over her. His hat commemorates a recent album entitled King of Hearts. While posting this I listened to teh interview several times. I finally had to stop or begin weeping with joy.
Forty-five seconds to bring you this blessing today!
Here is the video and below the lyrics for King of Hearts. Song is 4-1/2 minutes
I saw the nails I heard the hammer King of the Jews Carved into a wooden banner
Made you a crown Bloodied your temple You could have come down But in silence we both trembled
You gave your life I gave you nothing You poured me grace I poured you poison But still you drank My cup of shame
With all that I’ve done Could I be forgiven Is there still a way To enter your kingdom I’m just a thief Beside a king King of hearts
I looked to my side I only had seconds Please remember we met When you’re seated high in Heaven
He spoke in a whisper Looking deep in my eyes Said son this time tomorrow We will be in paradise
You gave your life I gave you nothing You poured me grace That blood keeps on running A love so great You took my place
After all that I’ve done I’ve been forgiven Those scars made a way To enter your kingdom On golden streets Beside a king
King of the poor King of the lowly King of the broken King of the lonely King of the hopeless King of the gone too fars King of hearts
King of the lost King of the guilty King of the misfits King of the filthy King of the critics King of the brand new start King of hearts
You gave your life I gave you nothing You poured me grace That blood keeps on running A love so great You took my place
After all that I’ve done I’ve been forgiven Those scars made a way To enter your kingdom On golden streets Redeemed and free A beloved thief Right beside his king King of hearts
Remember the recent post about avalanche? This quote came up and I had to share it with you. There is a great sense of helplessness in the world right now; especially in the United Sates. Mother Teresa had wisdom to share with us regarding this sense of helplessness.
We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
SAINT MOTHER TERESA
Bob volunteers at the local food pantry once a week. We were going together on a separate day, but it got to be too much standing on the concrete with shoppers for a couple hours. We might go back though as the Inter Parish Ministry foodbank is swamped by people in need.
There is an evening “drive through” that was averaging 20 neighbors a week. Last week they had over 100 at that one event. Much of the food is bagged in advance. The staff was bagging food at 8 AM on Tuesday to try to provide for the drive through neighbors for Tuesday. Usually the bags are filled by volunteers.
One week I was amazed there was no shampoo to give out. V05 shampoo is about $1.25 a bottle at Walmart. Recently I found some environmentally safe shampoo at a resale shop in downtown Batavia. I bought what they had to try to make my “drop in the ocean” contribution.
What might you provide to your neighbors in need? I do not mean, Pat, next door. The IPM ministry is not calling those who come in need clients. We are referring to them as neighbors. And they are our neighbors.
Toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, shampoo, soap, canned foods, peanut butter, bread, so many needs. They tell us that a cash donation to the ministry is the best. The ministry can buy things from The Freestore Foodbank at better prices than we can obtain.
I find it disgraceful that we are supposed to live in the richest country in the world and we have people who are hungry, unhoused, un-cared for. Please do your part to help out in any way that you can where you live.
Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can. John Wesley’s Rule of Life
These days when every old seasonal movie is shown on TV, there is an elf running around in an adult-sized costume hollering, “I KNOW HIM!!!”
During this season when some folks get the blues over lost times and memories of the past, I have a question. Those days when things seem blah remember this! Do you know Him? Not the merchandising one, the One who came to set us free!
10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 NRVUE
I have much to learn about those two verses. What about you?
23 Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom; do not let the mighty boast in their might; do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; 24 but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24 NRSUE
I will never fully understand or know the Almighty, but I make it the work of my life to learn more and more
28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to abolish things that are, 29 so that no one might boast in the presence of God. 30 In contrast, God is why you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Cor 1:28-31 NRSVUE
That is enough to keep me pondering all the days of my life!! J B Philips did a New Testament translation that is often times refreshing.
We wish you could see how all this is working out for your benefit, and how the more grace God gives, the more thanksgiving will redound to his glory. This is the reason why we never collapse. The outward man does indeed suffer wear and tear, but every day the inward man receives fresh strength. These little troubles (which are really so transitory) are winning for us a permanent, glorious and solid reward out of all proportion to our pain. For we are looking all the time not at the visible things but at the invisible. The visible things are transitory: it is the invisible things that are really permanent. Philips 2 Corinthians 4: 15-18
One of my favorite artists, Stephanie Gretzinger, draws me back to this truth as I play the following song repeatedly. Written by Graham Kendrick it is full of eternal truths. I encourage you to also listen to it repeatedly. Layers upon layers of meaning.
Treasures in Plain Sight, A Christian Blog 