Lacy Sietsema

Lord, you are closer to me than my own breathing, nearer than my hands and feet. St Teresa of Avila

The ends of the earth stand in awe at the sight of your wonders. The lands of sunrise and sunset you fill with your joy. You care for the earth, give it water, you fill it with riches. Your river in heaven brims over to provide its grain, and then you provide for the earth.

I sought the Lord and he answered me; From all my terrors he set me free. Psalm 34:4

God, I feel so full of contradictions. I’m squirming inside, hatching. My mind is pecking holes in my childhood. I am blank pages waiting to be written; my own drama, act one; no applause yet please. I am cures not imagined and failures I have already survived. I wear team jerseys and teem with possibilities

Be strong, fear not! Our God is coming. Our God will save us Then the blind will see and deaf people will hear. Then will the lame leap like deer and people of who have never spoken will sing.

When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it – always. Mahatma Gandhi

Emmanuel, you are God-with-us and the savior of all nations. Come, save us and make of us your own joy to the world.

I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that God will guide me to do whatever I’m supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I’m praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things,

Today I pray in thanks for the beauty around me. My heart swells with joy at the sight of flowers and sky, of caring adults and happy children.  Loving God, the beauty of your creation overwhelms my senses and my heart.  Today I thank you especially for ________. Hold all creation in your sheltering embrace.

God our Father, you have promised your kingdom to those who are willing to become like little children. Help us to follow the way of Saint Therese with confidence so that by her prayers we may come to know your eternal glory.