About Janet Salbert

Always becoming a listener for God.

Body and Soul

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Janet Salbert

Breath of Life, who is restoring all of creation,
In the midst of these endless winter days, free us of fear, help us to face our guilt and grant us your mercy so that our bodies and souls are readied to join in the transformation of the earth. Open us with each breath we take, further washing away any cynicism or mistrust. Stretch our bodies in ways that hold our communal life together. Remind us that faith is not simply a spiritual exercise but a physical experience. Prepare us for a future where your Presence is fully revealed in all of creation. Amen.

Space for Slowing

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Janet Salbert

Author of Our Story, who invites us into deep mystery,
As this night falls and a stillness fills the air, we remember how often we are interrupted by storms, fearful and frustrated. Guide us gently into this space of slowing, this time of darkness. As we connect more closely to your Presence, diminish the distance we keep from others. Build in our hearts, fires where others can come to gather for warmth. Give us opportunities to bring hope to neighbors, working alongside one another to clear away paths that are impassable. Persist in us until all paths to wholeness are open. Amen.

Builder of Bridges

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Janet Salbert

Builder of Bridges, who carries us across the span of each day,
Enliven us anew with our silent breathing. Use this moment to connect us with the power of your loving Presence. Give us wisdom to wait on the threshold of choices we make today. With what we cannot see, hold us in the pattern of your truth. Bring us alongside others who share our hopes. And when the day is over, realize in us that faith alone brings us across each divide. Amen.

Lengthen our Imagination

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Janet Salbert

Unifying Creator, who knits soma and spirit into one strand,
Wrapped in the warmth of your Presence, we begin to take notice of the way you weave the threads of our days into colorful patterns. Even the frayed and foolish hours are not wasted but eventually lend resilience and increase our capacity to forgive. Widen our hope and lengthen our imagination. Weave the work of this day into a blanket of blessing for others. Amen.

Steady our Souls

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Janet Salbert

Divine Light, whose constancy fills our days,
Saturate us with your peace. Help us to linger in your Presence during the course of this day. As we recognize the calamities around us and conflicts within us, steady our souls with reason. Shine the possibility of your benefit as we move through each difficulty. Bring us to experience the bright energy of your love, making way and encouraging our faith. Amen.

Reconciling Peace

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Janet Salbert

Living One, who extends mercy far beyond our perception,
Encircle us in the strength of your Love. Cradle us within the safety of your silent arms. Whisper deep truths into our hearts increasing our understanding and refreshing our imagination. Use our dependence on You to confront what we thought impossible, finding instead the reality of your Presence and reconciling peace. Amen.

Warmth of Assurance

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Janet Salbert

Giver of Goodness, who refreshes our lives with grace and mercy,
Steady our souls in this stillness. With each morning dawn your Presence enfolds us in layers of loving-kindness and the chill of our separation is replaced with the warmth of assurance. Fill us with compassion and increase our courage to take down the walls that keep others frozen and left out. Open the doors that make our true dwelling place in you. Amen.

Friday Five: Calendar Themes

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Janet Salbert

For today’s FF, tell us about five calendar themes that you like to see hanging on your walls or going with you to appointments, or that you WISH existed to adorn and accompany your life.

1) Practicing silence is essential for me. So the “calendar” that keeps me straight is my big tibetan singing bowl. (for those interested you can also download a mindfulness bell at http://www.mindfulnessdc.org/bell/)

2) My favorite kitchen calendars feature bucolic farm settings with community activity. Every day, I need to remember to connect with the earth, to help something grow, or help with a harvest, and each day, I try to connect with community in meaningful ways.

3) My Celtic Daily Prayer book keeps my inner calendar aware of the power of love and mercy, the communion of saints and makes blessing a daily practice. I am beginning this year with Mark Nepo’s “Book of Awakening” along with CDP.

4) The only way I keep track of my schedule is on my calendar app on my smart phone, not very creative but it does keep me organized.

5) Ruby, our sweet aussie is my walking calendar, she takes me for long walks to inspire me and keep my body healthy. I need to remember to keep her spirit with me as I attend to meetings and appointments, she is the perfect blend of both playful and attentive work.

First Resolution

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Janet Salbert

Breath of Eternity, who creates all that lives,
As the year begins, we confess that we rather not live at the distance we maintain. Strengthen our intent to live as those more fully aware of your Presence throughout each day. Use this silent moment to enfold us in the knowledge that we are wholly yours. Give us new confidence to reach and stretch, letting go of our will in order to live within yours. Make love our first resolution. Amen.

Fresh Joy

Posted on December 25, 2013 by Janet Salbert

Holy Child, whose arrival is different from expected,
On this blessed morning, we pause to realize the richness of your Presence. May one of the gifts we open, today, be the gift of poverty within our hearts. Change us this Christmas season. Give us opportunities to submit to the power of peace and ground our every hope in redeeming love. Bring fresh joy to all creation! Amen.

Janet Salbert

Put Out Into the Deep

Author Archives: Janet Salbert