The more faithfully you listen to the voice within you, the better you will hear what is sounding outside. Only one who listens can speak.

Dag Hammerskjoid

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Lord,

you have been present in my listening over these years.

i now relate to you in a new way,

more honest and brutal than ever

and i know,

if that is what my heart desires,

my clumsy state of trust

will always find quiet favour with you.

help me to name what needs to be named

within the sacred circle of my own faith.

may you help release the soul-bird

you have helped to nurture and cradle from young.

chained in the past, shackled by fear

it now seeks release. you have given

me courage to be free.

O God, complete the work you have begun in me.
release through me
a flow of mercy and gentleness that will bring
water where there is desert,
healing where there is hurt,
acceptance where there is rejection,
hope where there is despair,
wholeness to what is scarred and broken,
beginnings where there are dead-ends.

awaken in me
a profound gratitude for my life,
a genuine life-giving love for every living being,
joy in what is human and holy,

humility and patience amid lingering bitterness
- deep praise for you

within the inner movements

and turmoils of my soulheart

renew my faith that you are God
beyond my grasp
but within my reach;
past my knowing
but within my searching;
disturber of the assured,
assurer of the disturbed;
destroyer of illusions,
creator of dreams.

O Keeper of Promises,
composer of grace,
grant me
prayer in my heart,
trust at the core,
many other songs on a newer journey,
and a growing sense of your voice,

your Life,

helping me to integrate

my faith and my wandering

from within...

amen

ted loder (adapted)