Arms of Love

Posted on December 30, 2017 by Janet Salbert

Arms of love

Holy God, who holds us in arms of love,
We come to be purified in this full and holy season, to be quieted long enough to take in your goodness of all that has come and will be. We long for your plan to be revealed and yet, we refuse to wait, grasping instead at lesser things. We long to be chosen and favored, to be part of your family and yet, we reject our brothers and sisters. Help us to have courage when our souls are pierced and remind us in this new year that you will raise us after each fall. Move us by your Spirit to follow in the ways of Christ. Amen.

Simple Prayer from Darkness

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Janet Salbert

Oh God, Unknown One, whose creation desperately needs redemption
Nothing makes any sense. We are not taking a breath, every cell in our bodies anxious with furious vibration, broken bones and torn flesh, every thought numbed. Lead us through this arid wilderness. Can the lost be found? Can the afflicted be comforted or the proud be convicted? Can we be sustained by your promise? Redeem the images seared in our memories. Embroider the names of victims on our hearts and in our minds until compassion brings us to new places of hope. Amen.

Bearing Fruit

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Janet Salbert

Orchard Grower, who cultivates beauty amongst all the thorns,
We pause to receive all you pour out upon us through creation; the soft Spring air, the call of songbirds, the fruiting trees… Make us mindful of these gifts. Give us patience to wait upon your timing for whatever is not yet revealed. Help us to accept the wisdom of your ways. Bring us to places of expectant hope. Remind us that the fruit of your Presence feeds us all. Amen.

Attending to Fullness

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Janet Salbert

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Creative Spirit, who purifies and refines our hearts,
Set aside our many distractions for lending attention to the fullness of your Presence. Help us breathe with those who struggle for air. As we admit the temporary nature of our existence, so also move us to act on the eternal quality of our love. Make everything we surrender this season an opportunity to welcome our neighbors into your communion. Amen.

Widen Our Understanding

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Janet Salbert

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Eternal Companion, who is amongst and within us,
This moment is our to receive your beams of light and love no matter what our struggle. Help us admit that we are all empty and unfinished. Rather than allowing our circumstances to build walls, break down our resistance until understanding widens into ways of deliverance and peace. Remind us to persevere in the one relationship that helps us to navigate all the rest. Amen.

Wounded by Mercy

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Janet Salbert

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Force of Life, who emerges in times of trial,
We admit our resistance to your power, and yet, we allow the pressures of the world to split us open. We invite you in this time of silence to enter into our hearts and wound us by your mercy and love. Break us open to receive your goodness that your light might shine through us into dark spaces. Change our minds about the things we need most so that we find our struggle satisfied by relieving the needs of others. Make us stubborn and steadfast in our love for you. Amen.

Wait For It

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Janet Salbert

Unknown Being, who creates and gives life,
How is it that the dawn’s last deep sigh opens this morning’s light? There is no pausing to take a breath, no learning to breathe, nor forgetting to breathe, only the constancy of the One giving and receiving. Just wait, just watch for it. When it seems there is no hope, there is in reality more Presence than we can take in. The shattering of our hearts is not to be feared. Those deep sighs coming from our depths, are already initiating the opening for the new day. Just wait, just watch for it. Amen.

Eternal Gifts

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Janet Salbert

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Gracious Presence, who is with us in our comings and goings,
We pause to allow quiet to enter into our harried minds. Make this day a pilgrimage toward a closer encounter with You. Some of our steps are clear, guided by your love. And some of our steps require faith through the power of your Spirit. Thank you for the privilege of established relationships with loved ones who now tie our lives to the life that is to come. Center us to carry gifts of healing mercies and love that have been given to us making each step count for the sake of offering these eternal gifts to others. Amen.

Creation’s Stage

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Janet Salbert

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Life-giving Presence, whose creation has redeeming power,
Awaken us to the wonder of this day, open to the beauty contained in it. Enliven us by the breath of your Spirit hovering overhead, steady us with the earth beneath our feet. Transform us into cheering and adoring crowds who want to get a little closer, to see more of your celebrity. Our one desire is to enter into your inner circle, perhaps even finding a place at your feet. Then, after having audience with our Creator, make us enthusiastic participants for the restoration of the world. Amen.

One Voice

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Janet Salbert

One voice

Living Word, who speaks creation into existence
We are tired of hearing condemnation from every angle. Gently awaken us to listen for the one Voice that gives life. Fill us with what we need to carry into the course of this day. Help us to listen to one another more than we speak. Rather than increasing any conflict, make the words you give us to speak create understanding. Multiply the opportunities we have to share that the power of your mercy brings justice. Amen.

Janet Salbert

Put Out Into the Deep

Tag Archives: Spirituality