"Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist; and the Eucharist, in turn, confirms our way of thinking". -- St. Irenaeus

Who can know the mind of God
Or plumb the depths of his wisdom?
What song can rise to Heaven's height
Or word can aptly describe Him?
Such mysteries plague the mind of man
No simple solution for this searching soul
It slips away like water through the hand
And loathe are we to relinquish control
We look upon the Eucharist with grateful thanksgiving
And offer graciously our petition and praise
For the purest act of love: life-giving
This source of food and drink in the form of bread and wine
Transcends and crosses through both mortal and divine
In this life-giving and purely creative force
I find my own creative imagination's source

There is a golden chain of love
That ties us all together
It unites us in one spirit and heart
Joined as sister and brother
Across the land, the sky, and sea
There is a chain by which we're bound
The world's most wondrous mystery
Is this love so deep and so frofound
Do to others what you would
Want to have done to you
This was the old law and fair
Now we take this command to new heights
When we love one another
As we have first been loved:
With a total, radical, sacrificial
Eternal, unconditional, unwavering
LOVE
Make peace, not war. Make love, not hate.
Be kind, not callus. Be genuine, not fake.
This love that binds us breaks the chains
We wrap ourselves in of sin and shame
Though our differences seem great
They really become quite small
When we stop and think and wonder
At the love God has for us all
So, live your lives in this tapestry of gold
And reject not a proffered hand to hold
For we are all a link in this great chain of love
Connected to each other and God up above

What are the keys to holiness and perfection? Practice, patience, time, and integrity. Like any good thing, it takes work and lots of it. You don't become Van Gogh, or Mozart, Michael Jordan or Mother Theresa overnight. Granted, some of these people have certain gifts and talents that make it easier, but it still took practice and consistent work. Patience is also necessary. There may be setbacks or failures, mistakes and sleepless nights, but one must be patient and endure, because if you keep going, things are going to look up and trials will strengthen and give us the tools we need for the future. Time is something we all have and never seem to have enough of. Make good use of your time and fill it with good and wholesome things. Do not hurry or rush perfection or holiness or any good thing. Nothing good comes to those who hurry and rush and do not wait. Finally, and perhaps most importantly is integrity. To be holy and strive for perfection, one must have true integrity. As Shakespeare said once "... above all else: To thine own self be true". Be true to who you are and who you were made to be. Do not try to live someone else's life or be someone else. You aren't. You are you and that is that. Be the best you that you can be. For, as Mother Theresa is quoted as saying: "in the final analysis it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway".

God bless us all on our path to holiness and perfection. Amen

In the soft and silent stillness
Of the soul the Spirit speaks
Of conviction and of comfort
And a heart that wholly seeks
The higher truths of Heaven
And the deepest truths of man
That form faith's firm foundation
And discern God's greater plan
The soul that finds repose and rest
To dwell so close to God's own heart
Indeed, that soul is richly blessed
My Lord, my God, how great though art!

Come and follow me if you do believe
Trust that all you need you will receive
Come away with me to the secret place
Where hope takes flight and fears erase
Land of eternal light, of rest, and peace
And every day love and wonder increase

Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man
I am small and weak, but you say that I can
I am not worthy so why do you insist
Why keep waiting? What have I missed?
But you can't stop, you won't stop. Fine. You win!

Do away with me, make my will your own
Take me away from all I've ever known
Fill me up with only you
Consume me through and through
If all I am is who you are, that's where I wanna be
So, I'll go when you say "Come. Away with me"

Flower from Heaven, sweet smelling rose
Simple and lovely, it's beauty only grows
Red for the passion of Christ and of love
White for purity and the angels above
Yellow is light for the whole human race
Blue for the rays of redemptive grace
Surround me with the sweetest fragrance
Help me enter into this Heavenly dance
Fill up the air in this most holy room
So that my prayer is as sweet perfume
Bless and guide me oh Little Flower
And grant me serenity in my final hour
Help me to follow your beautiful Little Way
And, by your example, help me joyfully obey

Even behind the clouds and the rain
There is a rainbow, and I won't complain
My faith will stay, my faith will remain
When I call on Jesus' name
When you look beyond the seas of gray
You'll see the light of a brand-new day
The sun breaks through to show the way
So, through it all, I'm gonna say
Even behind the clouds and the rain
There is a rainbow, and I won't complain
Now I'm looking back, and I see it all so plain
What I thought was loss was really gain
Sometimes life is more than I can take
And I'm sure another step and I'll break
I believe you know best, but for Heaven's sake
I'm a little concerned when my life's at stake
I trust you though and I choose to abide
I run to your open arms and curl up inside
Your love is deep, and your arms are wide
And in your merciful heart I will reside
Because there, behind the clouds and rain
Lies a rainbow, so I won't complain

So often I fall into sin. More often than not, it's the same one or two. I fall down again and again and it's hard to not get discouraged. I heard a beautiful song today that said "a saint is just a sinner who fell down... and got back up again. There are good days, weary days and bad days, but in the end the good days outweigh the bad days and so I won't complain". To me, it's a simple and beautiful reminder of something we all too often forget. In a contemplation from St. Thomas Merton, it said that hell is hatred and it's a hatred not of other, but of what we know others see in ourselves. It is the "curse of shattered sight". (A secular TV reference, but well applicable for these purposes). Sin is a symptom of this shattered sight as well. It is a desire for the good, but the good is twisted and distorted and we are caught in the trap of "looking for love in all the wrong places". We see the worst things that other people see in us and fail to see the good. We end up turning against each other and destroying ourselves. The love that satisfies and fulfills is the love of God for us, his beloved children. He loves us and accepts us for who we are: good, bad, shattered sight and all and he sent His only son to die for us when we were his foe. How great is the Father's love for us! To be truly free, we must admit to ourselves that we are imperfect, and we make mistakes. Even when we ***** up pretty bad, good family and friends still love us, accept us, encourage and challenge us to move forward and keep doing better. If there are those like us who can do that, then surely God, in his perfection, will do that all the more! Accept yourself fully and embrace all of who you are. We cannot truly love others or be loved by others if we don't love ourselves. Next time you fall, remember: Jesus fell (in love) for you, and he fell three times (out of the fullness of love) for you, and got back up again.

Lord Jesus, please grant us the strength and grace to get up again when we fall down. Help us accept and love ourselves without condition as you first did for us. By your grace and mercy, heal us from this shattered sight in accordance with your will and may we find comfort and solace by your side in the shadow of the cross. Amen.

Drawn to the ocean drawn to the sea
Your love is a river that is flowing free
From the well of love you draw living water
In partaking, we become sons and daughters
You have drawn me from the depths of earth
Holding me in your hands from before birth
You opened your merciful loving heart
Broke me open so healing could start
Arms spread wide on that cross, on that hill
Show me you loved me, and you always will
Draw me closer than I've ever been before
Draw me deeper in love each time I adore
Draw me nearer to you every minute, every day
Your hand upon my shoulder whenever I pray
Take me beyond what I have ever done
That, in fullness of time, we may live as one
Lord, come to bless, make holy, and sanctify
The gifts and the graces you bestow on I
Help me shine your light to a world in need
Make holy every thought, word, and deed
Draw us together in faith, hope, and love
And join with the angels in Heaven above
To glorify your name in every place and time
Draw me to you that I might be ever thine

You are everything we ever need
You are the living water to seed
Fill us with your Holy Spirit
Give us these spiritual gifts
As, with our voices, your praises we lift
You are greater and stronger
Your sin controls you no longer
In the light of your amazing grace
Come Lord Jesus, invade my space
Drive out the darkness and fear
I come crawling; will you meet me here?
Receive the greatness and the power
Of this glorious and holy hour
Shout to God be honor and glory
The world needs to hear your story
Free us and heal us from our sin and shame
All is possible when we call on your Holy Name

We are called out for the mission
To give of love without condition
Some are called to the foreign land
But all are to be his feet and hands
Where words fall silent, love speaks
To find a home is what the heart seeks
Our own homes can be the mission field
Our towns and communities to be healed
Preach with conviction, with peace, not rage
The voice of a prophet and wisdom of a sage
They will see your joy and how it is portrayed
In the face of persecution, you stand unafraid
If they question, they are open
If they are open turn them not away
Pray for them and with them
I will break their hearts of stone
Until they beat for me alone
Each of us has a mission should we accept it
Something to reach out right where we are
At work, in town, or riding in your car
Each gifted uniquely for a special role
And what a gift to uplift another human soul
To care for the widows and orphans
The forgotten and the oppressed
The stranger and the refugees
To work and know the work is blessed
Each of us is on a mission to do the work of God
Just don't expect the whole world to applaud
Sow the seeds of faith and hope
The seeds of charity and love
The wisdom of God was spoken
Like an echo from above

They take the first steps on their journey full of strength and vigor
Eager to change the world and excited to be a part of something bigger
The four set out with heads held high
They look back once and wave to all the people saying goodbye
What adventures will they have together
And what trials will they have to weather
What challenges will they face to help them discover
Not to rely on their own strength, but depend on each other
What must they go through to finally understand
What to do when things don't go quite like they had planned
Will our heroes learn who they are and the crucial role they play
What will they have to overcome and, against all odds, will they finally save the day?

The world once in harmony fallen far from grace
The seeds of chaos and discord are seen in every place
There is trouble close by on the near horizon
And the people of the land are slowly realizin'
Something must be done to restore the world's order
For, if we don't, death will be at our very border
Who among us is brave enough to chance this perilous quest
To enter into realms unknown to bring us peace and rest
There are four: fast friends from the start
They don't yet work as one, but they've got a lot of heart
They will carry our hopes and dreams, our thoughts and prayers
They leave today as Humans and Eagles and Elves and Bears
We anxiously await their returning as we hold to hope steadfast
That the ties that bind us hold firm and we know peace again at long last

There was a little girl in a small quiet town
Wherever she went there was nary a frown
The birds would sing, and the flowers would bloom
Whenever she entered a room
A kinder soul you'd never meet, full of grace and beauty
Gentle, sweet, and pure she was always happy, never moody
All the people loved her and cared for her like their own
All life was good and there was peace in all their homes
But then one fateful day her life was changed forever
A terrible accident occurred that caused her old self to be severed
And she, once beautiful and full of life and joy
Now her beauty was marred and life as she had known was utterly destroyed
The very same ones who once loved and cherished her in every way
Were now the same who drove her away
On the run, lost and alone, tired and afraid
She wandered for many miles, many long nights and days
Her heart turned cold and she grew hard and distant
Now bitter and angry the hurt she felt was very persistent
She became cruel to hide her deep pain
But no matter what she did, the wound still remained
Those she tried to get close to ran away in fright
Alarmed by her nature and disgusted by her sight
Thsi only made the whole thing worse growing in hatred and rage
So, over time, there was hardly a trace of the sweet little girl from Bethphage

You find me Lord and you speak my name
Fully known and truly loved, I'm not the same
I find myself in your eyes of grace
I find myself in a much better place
I find myself with joy in my heart
I find myself a work of living art
I find a new song formed on my lips
I find my stomach doing flips
I find my cheeks most deeply blush
My pulse quicken and my blood rush
I find to think of you gives me a thrill
And my God! I pray, pray that it ever will
To life's most burning questions I find
That the only answers truly lie
In finding a love that lasts a lifetime
For love takes all of a lifetime to tell

Lord, I lost my way, and I lost my ground
I lost the innocence I once had found
I lost my faith, and I lost my hope
Losing my grip at the end of this rope
I buried the treasure, I misplaced the map
Broke my compass, and now I'm at a gap
Can't see the sun, the stars have gone dark
Wherever it is I am, I'm way off the mark
So, I fall on my knees and say "God, if you please
If you're there and you care here's a flare
Hear this prayer I shout to the air:
Help!!! I'm so lost and so lost without you
I know that you love me with a love that is so true
You who are shepherd, the lion, the lamb
You who are prince of peace and Great I Am
Please bring me from darkness into the light
To where I can rest safe through the night"

Raindrops and dewdrops upon the lawn
Whisper sweet nothings until the dawn
I see in your eyes a light so subline
I get lost and found in them all the time
The wind moves your hair
And it moves my heart too
Now I know that you're aware
I get lost and found in you

"Are we there yet Mommy?" asked the little child

"Not yet my love. But soon enough you'll see"

"Daddy, are we there yet?" the child asked again

"No. But when we are you'll know it. Trust me"

"It'll be a while yet before we are there
But I'll tell you a secret of which I am aware.
If you pay close attention, sometimes you'll spot
A little bit of home that someone had forgot."

"It happens when two hearts come together
And true love finds a lasting home
Where peace and joy are birds of a feather
Built upon faith's cornerstone."

"It's where life flourishes and children grow
It's where laughter and love so freely flow.
But this is just a taste of what is yet do come:
It is far beyond your wildest dreams and then some."

"One day we will go before you
And leave you for a little while
But later you will join us again
And we'll welcome you with a smile."

"So, you see, for now, home is where we are.
As long as we're a family, Heaven isn't far."

Peace be upon you. Be still my soul
Without it, I can never be whole.
Be still my heart and rest in your King.
In Him, and with Him and through Him
Comes every good and wonderful thing.
With the Father and Holy Spirit in union.
With one word he calms the wind and waves
Or holds me close while the storms rage.
"Peace" he says. "Peace. Peace."
"Let it go and find the true release.
Do not be afraid, my child, do not fear
I will comfort you and dry every tear
I love you yesterday, today, and forever I will
So, hush my dear. Peace. Be still."

Imagine! We see God's image in creation
He created us in His own image and likeness
I see in my mind a dim and glorious image
Beautifully, I behold this wondrous visage:
In tongues of fire the Spirit descends
And with boldness, our faith, we defend.
Preach the Gospel by your words and living
And with great gladness and joy always giving
Of yourselves in service to your fellow man,
And using your gifts as best as you can.
We are called, we are equipped, and sent out
By the Spirit of God whom we shall not doubt.
My weary bones are filled with new life
My blood is hot and almost burns
I am electrified as the Spirit comes alive
My flesh cries out, my soul how it yearns!
If you are what you should be
You'll set the whole world ablaze.
May the love of God spread like wildfire
And may the nations forever praise.
What an image: imagine!

Concern yourselves not with others
Worry not about what they will do
I will concern myself with them
And you, for your part, follow me
You know nothing of my plans
My ways are higher than yours
Fix your gaze upon my light
And keep the goal in sight
Conduct yourselves in upright bearing
And, in robes of virtue gladly wearing,
I will mind my other children
They are mine to mold and guide
Do not be blinded to your own sin
How can you help someone else
When you can't first help yourself
I concern myself with you
I worry, but I so dearly love you
Stop comparing where you stand
I want your best and not your better than
Don't you know you are the one I love
Always and forever from Heaven above

There is beauty that makes my heart ache
There is beauty in every breath I take
There is beauty every time I come awake
There is a beauty so profound that it can't be fake
There is a drop of grace in every little step
There is a bit of hope in every word I write
There is a little love in every child's eyes
There is a hint of heaven in the miracle of life
There is joy that defies all reason
There is peace that passes all understanding
There is hope that burns eternally
There is love that transcends even death
There is the truth deeper than this reality
There is the way which brings me to life
There is the life, and it is so beautiful
And oh, how I love, this Beautiful Living!

So often, my love is shallow or fake
Unwilling to do what I know it takes
I am too wrapped up in my self-love
Self-interest and self-pity
To see that my vision is itty-bitty
I miss the sunset staring at the ground
Tenser than a spring, I'm so tightly wound
In the war between the spirit and the flesh
Caught in the middle, I'm a hot mess
So easy to say I love you
But so difficult to really prove
You love me without condition
And you send me out on a mission
Jesus; source of love in pure perfection
In your love help me be a reflection
Imperfect as I may be, shine through me today
Grant me the grace to turn back to you
And the discipline to obey

For freedom is found in following
The law of the Lord is the light of love.
Perfect peace and power pass over
When we watch with awe and wonder
What happens when, in our need, we kneel.
Sorrow and sadness in the savior's shadow
Are arrested in authentic love's atoning act,
Shed for sinners in the ultimate sacrifice.
Body and blood broken and beautiful
We are given the gift of God's great grace.
Recall the wretched reign, be reborn; renewed
For Christ has come to call his child.

Remind me that:
I cannot give what I have not received
I cannot teach what I have not learned
I cannot speak what I have not heard
I cannot heal what I have not known
I cannot reap what I have not sown
I cannot lose what I have not found
I cannot miss what I have not had

I can believe what I have not seen
I can have what I do not deserve
I can live what I feel to be true
I can be daily more like you

At this moment Lord, I am feeling a little uncomfortable, a little irritable, a little restless. It's not bad, but it certainly isn't pleasant, and I don't know just why. So, Lord, I ask for peace. I ask that you make it go away for I know that you are able, but if it is not your will Lord, help me offer this up for the salvation of souls and that you would ease someone else's discomfort. I unite this moment to the moments when you were also distressed. I offer these prayers and this feeling not for myself, but for the many others who, at this very moment, are in far greater need of your comfort and peace than I.

Lord come to our aid: in your mercy help us

Hear us when we cry out to you Oh Lord
Though we sail the sea of faith
We are buffeted by the trials of life
Tossed about by waves and wind
Lord come to our aid: in your mercy help us

Protect us from danger and grant us peace
Watch over us in our waking and our sleep
Help us remain ever vigilant in our watch
That not one lamb may find itself lost
Lord come to our aid: in your mercy help us

We know you hear our prayers Oh God
For you are good and gracious indeed
You hear the cries of your beloved children
Oh Lord, come swiftly in our time of need
Lord come to our aid: in your mercy help us

When troubles come and hard times assail
Remind us that evil will never prevail
You overcame the world so we shall not fear
Nor, for anything, want as long as you are near
Lord come to our aid: in your mercy help us

You consecrate our lives in your blessed truth
In your compassion fill all of our youth
With love for you and the world outside
Shine your light upon us, your face do not hide
Lord come to our aid: in your mercy help us

Every good thing, Lord, comes
Every good thing comes from you
Every day is showered in blessings
Every morning your graces are new
Every night you watch over us
Lord, keep us safe from harm
Every thing I have is from you
Every thing I am is who you are
Every beat of my heart beats for you
Without your love I fall apart
So when life is only clouds and rain
And all I can feel is sorrow and pain
Give me the eyes to see your rainbow
Give me hope and help me to grow
For, in the ultimate act of derision
Came a far more perfect vision
You took the cross designed for shame
And made a bridge out of the same
In death you destroyed sin and death
And in the span of the very next breath
You restored us to life and made all things new
For, every good thing Lord, comes from you

We are one heart, one body, one mind, one soul
Your goodness and mercy, as one, we extol
You are found in me as I am found in You
And all my dreams are becoming true
My flaws are perfected in your divinity
Truest expression of love Oh Blessed Trinity
Let your will and mine be of one accord
That I would live in harmony, not discord
Help us be as one. One faith community
And, in all things, help us sow peace and unity
We are one body in Christ, and we do not stand alone
For His love is made manifest, His Life is made known

Though we suffer for a time
And not everything works out fine
Nothing compares to what is waiting
For those, with hope, anticipating

A time of peace and comfort

Not everything is healed
Nor all wounds erased
But His Glory will be revealed
And sadness will be replaced

And we shall know His comfort

Sometimes all we have is comfort
Sometimes a point we make peace
A strength in the shadow of the cross
To comfort one who knows of loss

In whom we find our comfort

Maybe a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on
Maybe a cheerful smile or a listening ear
Maybe just to know someone will be there
To know, beyond a doubt, someone does care

Maybe this is the greatest comfort

Jesus never said there would be no pain
No sorrow, no loss, no sadness
But he also said he would never leave us
And, one day, turn our mourning into gladness

So, for now hold on to hope
And pray for peace and comfort

Crowned with glory like the sun
In robes of dazzling white
He is lifted up; the Holy One
Behold, the Ascension of Christ!

You have seen and you have heard
Bearing witness to the Living Word
Live your lives to reflect the change
And some people will think you strange

What hope to know Jesus goes before us
To intercede and prepare a place for us
Then sending down His love made manifest
His Holy Spirit by creation blessed

He empowers us to boldly proclaim
And do great things by the power of His name
Our hearts too small to keep the love inside
And must be shared high, far, deep, and wide

As Christ ascends to Heaven above
We too are ascended by His love
He lives within and we are lifted high
And on the wings of hope we fly

So shine upon the world so that all may see
Your true joy and come to believe
Go therefore and preach the good news
Be instruments for your God to use

Rejoice and be glad for you have been set free
A Holy Nation, a Fruitful People you will be
You were once long in exile and shame
For you turned against God and His Sacred Name
You were a people lost in great darkness
A creation of your own desire and wickedness
But rejoice for your light has come
Bright shining like the sun
He will raise you up again a mighty nation
Your God has chosen you from all creation
Freedom for prisoners, strength for the weak
Justice for the oppressed, life for those who seek
Give thanks and praise to the God who saves
Sing to Him a new song born of a grateful heart
Live your lives in the light of Christ so others imitate
Your example and may also enter the narrow gate
Rejoice; for today, salvation has come
Now go and share it with everyone!

Why, Oh Little Ones, do you stop and stare
What you are seeking is no longer there
You walked beside him for three years
The very Word of Life was in your ears
He died and rose and appeared once more
To prepare you for what is yet in store
He laid His holy hands upon you
To confer a spirit of authority and truth
With his power you have been sent out
Trust in His plan and do not be in doubt
Do not stand there frozen and dumb
Time is short and there is much work to be done
Go you now out into the mission field
And gather for the master a bountiful yield

Gracious God I come to thee
Meditate on mystery
To fully know and understand
Impossible for mortal man
Still, we may by grace, attain
Deeper wisdom of the same
You call me to deep water
Where narrow faith is broader
Draw me nearer than before
As I worship and adore
Shine your light upon my soul
Always learning is my goal
Whisper words of love and peace
To thy devotion increase

Lord, you held nothing back, not even your life
You forgave me when I denied you thrice
You still loved me when I betrayed you with a kiss
You ran out to meet me with grace and forgiveness
You desire to give me all I could possibly need
But so often, I ignore you and pay you no heed
Help me give you everything, to abandon it all
Because I know it is Jesus who calls
If I don't surrender to the power of the love
I am missing out on all that could be
And I won't experience a more wonderful reality
I come to life in the light of your love
Help me live a life that is fully realized
Yours is the blood that courses through my veins
And when all is stripped away, only your love yet remains

You, Oh Lord, are the light of the world
Come into the darkness of our ignorance and sin
Enter in and cast away the sky of perpetual gray
Let the light of your Son break through this day
Burn off the clouds of despair and gloom
Come and fill each dim and dusty room
The light hurts my eyes especially when I realize
How much I am a prisoner in a cell of my own design
And how much of it is no one's fault, but mine
And still, I see that this is only a part of me
Help me radiate the light that shines eternal
Grant a steady inner glow
So no matter where I go
People everywhere will know:
You are the Light that sets us free
You are the Light by which I see
Lord, You are the Light in me

The same hands that bear the scars
Created heaven and earth and the stars
The same brow that bore the thorns
The crown of glory now adorns
The same heart that was pierced and broken
Now beats within us, finally awoken
The same man we crucified
Has been raised and glorified
He takes us in and loves us
Gives us purpose and focus
He teaches us to learn and improve
To listen and allow the spirit to move
God can take our wounds and make it
Something holy and even sacred
So, remember the wounds and the lessons
And even broken things become blessings

Lord, help me to be silent
So that I can hear the music of life
Lord, open the eyes of my heart
So that I can see the beauty of your light
Lord, help me to order all of my days
To live with, in, and for a more perfect love

Amen

Help me this moment Lord to just BE
Present to You and help me RECEIVE

"Eye See You", says the Lord
When I look at Him

By the light of a million candles burning
A million hearts, for you, are yearning
A million stars up in the heavens shine
As you tell me "I love you, and you are mine"
You are my Light and you are my Love
You are my Life: my Lord above
Come and find rest, come and find peace
Come to the table and join in the feast
For the Lamb that was slain is alive in us once again
No one left in darkness and sin can remain
In the light of grace and in glory resplendent
Behold, the triune God, fully ascendent
My soul shakes as the light breaks
Over the hills that come alive with song
And I know in my heart, this is where I belong
Here with you in prayer and praising
In silent wonder at Christ my Savior gazing
Grace and mercy, water and blood
Drown me in this Holy Flood
Streams of life from love outpoured
When they pierced the heart of Christ my Lord
In your great goodness may I never grow tired
Of looking upon you, and being inspired
To look with awe and wonder as a child
Come back to you and be reconciled
You do not condemn me, but you say "Sin no more"
A chance to come clean: what are you waiting for?

Lord, won't you come and quiet my soul
Help me to give you all of my control
Once again, I am kneeling at the foot of the cross
In the flood of mercy and love I get so lost
In the shelter and shadow, I hide and rest
And I sit at your feet, and I am so blessed

Open my heart to feel you
My eyes to see you
Open my ears to hear you
My mind to know you
Open my soul to draw near you
My lips to praise you
Open my hands to hold you
My arms to welcome you
Open my love to be for you
My life to adore you

From the fount of life eternal, springs the water and the blood
Grace and mercy overflowing, spilling over: Holy Flood
Sin and shame, they have no power
At the mention of the name
Of King of Kings in whom salvation brings

Behold, for today, I give you a new commandment:
To love each other as I have first loved you
I gave my life for love of you
Sacrifice to help those most in need
By this, you show your love indeed

How great is our God who made heaven and earth
How awesome our God who knew us from birth
How mighty our God who can make mountains low
How wise our God who taught the wind how to blow
How kind our God who hung the sun in the sky
How loving our God who hung, bled and died
How merciful our God who did so to save
How deep God's love that He rose from the grave
How rich our God in kindness and love
How worthy our God who sits in heaven above
Yet our God is neither distant nor very far
He lives within you, right where you are
And another He sends to guide and inspire
To manifest love and set ablaze a holy fire
Let his hands be yours and your feet to use
Your mouth His instrument to tell of good news
Let all you have and do be done to glorify
The presence of Him who lives in you and I

This moment now under a starry night
Bathed in the soft glow of firelight
Slightly cool air brings the scent of flowers
Time stands still and minutes are as hours
Nature comes to life in praise of your name
As I lift my eyes to profess the same

I come before you open and exposed
While you sit peaceful and reposed
Like a newborn babe, I am weak
I am helpless, and blindly, I seek
To see your face and find your eyes
Tend, Oh Lord, to my mewling cries

In your light, my darkness is exposed
And all my sins are, at once, disclosed
You answer before I can think, much less speak
With a love so personal and so unique
Lord, you see through all the lies
You know me beneath the disguise

And there you are open and exposed
A symphony of victory being composed
Giving me hope when the future was bleak
Lifting up the humble, merciful, and meek
There is so much that I don't yet realize
Like the groanings of the spirit and the heart's sighs

I fall down: naked and in shame
But you clothe me and softly call my name
You embrace me and kiss me sweet
And, full of tears, our eyes now meet
I once was lost, but your love has found
Me and brought me back to holy ground
You wash away the guilty stains
Until no trace of sin remains
I am new: born again in your eyes
In my foolishness, you are wise
Let all creation break forth in joyful hymn
For He is found in me, and I am lost in Him

May the spirit of God be with you
All the days of your life
May the spirit of life and of love
Shine bright in your heart
May the spirit of giving and charity
Help you find some clarity
May the spirit of firm believing
Also help you in receiving
May the spirit of truth and grace
Be seen by all who look upon your face
May the spirit that is ever faithful
Help you always in being grateful
May the spirit of wisdom and prudence
Guide your thoughts and sense
May the spirit of endless joy
Be yours forever to enjoy
May the spirit of glory and power
Keep you safe in darkest hour
May the spirit's Holy Essence
Be for always ever present
May the spirit of life-giving spring
Renew and refresh every thing
May the spirit lead that you would follow
Where the demons cannot go
May the spirit lift you up to the sky
Spread your wings and learn to fly
May the spirit fill you with courage
If you fall, rise again! Do not discourage
May the spirit be a companion and friend
Always by your side unto the very end
May the spirit of the Lord so bless
That He is more and we are less
May the spirit of the Lord help us be
Closer to Him and farther from me
May the spirit of silence settle down
And a blanket of peace surround
May the spirit of God take you ever higher
And grant you the soul's deepest desire

Forever I will be
Loving you eternally
I am your strength and salvation
I am your hope and song
I walk beside you, for the road is long
I will keep you safe in my arms of love
Close to my heart you will remain
I will give you comfort in the pain
Lean on me and I will carry you
Know in your heart that this is true
Do not fear, for I am here
Take my hand and you can
Rise up from your mat and walk
Be silent and rest while I talk
Be filled with the living spirit
Come to life as you draw near it
I am as close as your shadow
As close as your very next breath
Nothing will separate us: not even death
I am as close as your heartbeat
Lay your troubles at my feet
Because forever I will be
Loving you eternally
I give you my peace and my love
And, my child, that will be enough
Trust in me and remain in me
As I will remain in you
Let me help you, let me heal you
Let me work in and through you
I will provide in your time of need
For, I hear the prayers of those who intercede
Find your strength and solace and light
A ray of hope, even in the darkest night
From our hearts to yours
For you, we'd break walls and doors
Because forever we will be
Loving you eternally

When the battle lines are drawn, and the horn of war has sounded
When you are outnumbered, and the enemy has you surrounded
When your heart is beating madly inside your chest
Summon up the hope that springs eternal in the human breast
And go, once more, unto the breach!

When the walls fall, and the defenses are shattered
And you are bruised and broken, ****** and battered
Fight with all your being and brave the sea of foes
Fight for God and for family, fight for the love of those
And go, once more, and stand in the gap

We are called to stand in the gap, and even give our lives
We are called to intercede for our children and our wives
Lay down your sword and take up the arrows of love
Pierce the dark and fill the void with light from above
And go, once more, and stand in the gap

Christ has come as the Holy and Annointed One
To stand in the gap that our sin had begun
The chasm that separated us is no more
For the cross has become the bridge to the far shore
And Jesus, once more, stands in the gap

Since the fall and by the sins of mortal man
We find it difficult to truly understand
That our hearts are broken and there stands a void
We struggle to find the peace we once enjoyed
Only the love of God can fill the void

The angels' battle is relentless and eternal
Against the forces of darkness infernal
The earth is slick with blood and death
But still, they fight on with every last breath
And go, once more, unto the breach!

We live in a place somewhere between two worlds
One the physical and one the spiritual
They are separate and distinct
But they can coexist, they can be linked
To be practical and active
And still live contemplative
Living with one foot in the sea and the other on dry land
We fight to maintain equilibrium and meet every demand
So how do we reconcile one with the other?
Is it even possible to do so?
Maybe we don't have to, maybe it's already been done
For a baby born of a ******: God's own precious son
Jesus was of two worlds, and he bridged that divide
Became bread and wine so he could live inside
Let all you do be a prayer, and all your work give him glory
All you say be with love, and all your life lived with joy
This is how we can live in two worlds

Today I have progress on my mind
Of a physical and spiritual nature and kind.
Taking steps to improve my health
Where I am ow is better than where I was.
From day to day or even week to week
I don't notice the progress that I seek.
But when I step back and reassess
It is then that I'm aware of the progress
I'm farther than I was before
But still not where I want to be
Even so, I'm closer and it gives me a thrill
Because I can get there, I know that I will
There are good times and bad times
Sometimes I move forward, sometimes back
But I refocus, recenter, and get back on track
Losing weight, getting stronger
It takes practice, patience, and time
It's tough, but it's always worth the climb
It seems to me that our spiritual life
In many ways runs parallel
To the ways that make us physically well
In our prayers and in our giving
How we're loving, how we're living
Sometimes our faith builds slow
And, sometimes, it quite quickly grows
It's hard to see in the desert place
Where the wind blows hard against your face
The path ahead is very nearly lost
No idea how much distance you've crossed
But the winds die down and the skies clear
Breathe in deep as you are standing here
And through the trials you see
Just how far you've come
And how you came to where you are
You've done so well and worked so hard
Now have some rest and keep making progress

Shine forth like the sun
Radiant beams and glory streams
And hope springs forth like the dawn
Your golden glow giving glimpses
Of a gift greater than any on earth
Life eternal and a new birth
Shine and let your light lift
The mind and body and soul
With praise and prayer
Pierce the very heart of darkness
Sing and dance with every fiber
And this Adoration we will employ
Till the very rocks cry out with joy
Warm the earth and hearth and home
May the glow follow wherever we roam
All the nations on earth will see
And many people will come to believe
From miles around they will flock
To be close to you and take stock
Of their own light that lives within
Where they end, He will begin
So, shine your light, your God-given sun
Giving thanks and praise to the Holy One

Be silent. Listen. Breathe. Easy enough to say, but much harder to put into practice. Sometimes I talk to fill a void. I talk to avoid having to feel the weight of silence like judgement, so I don't have to go down deep and see what actually lives there. Help me deal with my emotions, help me feel my emotions, especially those that are uncomfortable or unnatural to me. Be silent. Listen. Breathe. Maybe the hurts and sadness, the hungers and scars deserve to be recognized for what they are. They are part of life. The help me know and feel I am alive. They help me remember and be more grateful for the many wonderful blessings I have in my life. There is a time for talking, but now it is time To Be Silent. To Listen. To Breathe.

Ask of me what you want
What does your heart truly desire?
I delight in providing for your needs
Even when you do not ask me.
Come to me in your weakness and strength
Seek my aid each morning.
Offer me your day and everything in it
And ask me to bless it and give you graces
I rejoice in your asking, and I love to give
Open yourself to me and receive
Receive my love and affection
Receive my presence and do my will
Receive the gifts I have prepared
Believe that I live within you
In all you think and speak and do
Let me help you do more good
What would you do if only you could?
Have faith in me
For, with me, all things are possible
If you are truly doing my work
Do your best and I will make it work
Give it to me that I may bless and multiply
Walk with me faithfully
and I will teach you how to fly
When this happens, and it will, be assured,
Be not proud, but rejoice and give me thanks
Everything you do, do it for the greater glory of God
For you have been chosen to bring
A bit of heaven down to the earth
You are a beloved Child Of The King
Called to a purpose before your birth
Call me up: I'm always free
For you, I'm never too busy
But when you are done, stop and listen
Be patient, persevere even if I seem silent
Sometimes I speak through things
Sometimes what you want is not what you need
Sometimes I have something better
Sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder
So often you take for granted
The many blessings you are given
You don't appreciate their value as much
Until it is taken away
My spirit longs for you
As a desert longs for rain
How long must I wait
To feel your presence again
Let your face shine upon me
Take not your spirit from me
Open my eyes to truly see
As I live out this new reality