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Recently Shared Poems & Reflections

Begin again, again, and again,
deliberately, with intention, each day
opening the heart’s door, seeking to invite
with the divine companion, eager to abide with us.
Stop squirming.
Release clinging.
Let go of the binding chains to self-willed ways.
Begin again, and again, and again,
with ardent faith and endless vigil.
Never give up on praying.
Countless are the paths leading to the heart’s home
where Ancient Love anticipates us,
waiting, always waiting,
while our restless heart turns inward,
as we listen
for the whisper of remembrance,
the taste of an Eternal One here, yet, far,
the fragrance of the divine breath,
for a few delicious moments,

touching our soul

By Joyce Rupp

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Hold My Hand

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever,
and they told him about her at once.
He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up.
Then the fever left her…  Mark 1:30-31

Compassionate Companion, you reached out in welcome to marginalized persons, offered the nurturance of bread to ease hunger, blessed children, and healed many with the touch of your hands. I turn now to remember the gift of your hands. I trust that you will always be holding my hand, especially when I experience difficulties.

Companion of Hurting Hearts,

When my peace of mind and gentleness of heart slip away,
hold my hand.

When I lose sight of my worthiness and inherent goodness,
hold my hand.

When unrealistic expectations crowd out joy and satisfaction,
hold my hand.

When I forget to breathe in and listen to my inner being,
hold my hand.

When fear of vulnerability keeps me from reaching out,
hold my hand.

When I stumble and fall on the path of doing too much,
hold my hand.

When most everything I have believed turns to ashes,
hold my hand.

When the distress of others overwhelms my compassion,
hold my hand.

When earth’s beauty fails to provide comfort for me,
hold my hand.

When the path of life looks fruitless and deserted,
hold my hand.

When even Your presence has fled my awareness,
hold my hand.

Tenderhearted One, remind me often that you walk with me, that I am never alone when I limp along in the hazy grayness of life. Keep teaching me how necessary it is to care well for myself, to trust that the valley of darkness I walk through is a part of the journey of spiritual transformation. I place my hand in yours once again and move forward with hope in your loving presence. Amen.

© Joyce Rupp

This prayer can be found in Return to the Root.

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Human beings suffer
They torture one another,
They get hurt and get hard.

The innocent in gaols
Beat on their bars together.

History says, Don't hope
On this side of the grave.

But then, once in a lifetime
The longed-for tidal wave
Of justice can rise up,
And hope and history rhyme.

So hope for a great sea-change
On the far side of revenge.
Believe that a further shore
Is reachable from here.
Believe in miracles
And cures and healing wells.

~ Seamus Heaney,"The Cure at Troy," in THE CURE AT TROY

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Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:

The hallowing of your name echo through the universe;
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world;
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings;
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.

With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trial too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen.

~ "The Lord's Prayer," in A NEW ZEALAND PRAYER BOOK / HE KARAKIA MIHINARE O AOTEAROA--