Lent 2018 Photo a Day: Body

Body

The soft, fleshy bodies of caterpillars are such a marvel. They remind me of the fragility of life--the caterpillar can so easily be crushed or torn. Yet they also remind me of the body's incredible beauty promise, and potential. Lord, thank you for the body you have given me. Support me in my efforts to strengthen, maintain and improve it. Help me learn to appreciate my body in all its imperfections.

Lent 2018 Photo a Day: Silent

Silent

The yard is silent--no birdsong. These feathers tell a story that needs no words. The Coopers Hawk has caught his breakfast, and has left the yard hushed in deference to the dove that made his meal. Lord, in the world of noise and distraction, let me listen to the silence. Let me hear its message.

Lent 2018 Photo a Day: World

World

As I gaze at the beauty of the sunset, I appreciate this glorious planet of ours. Lord, let us be good stewards of this world you have given us. Help us to protect and not despoil and destroy what you have made. 

Lent 2018 Photo a Day: Opportunity

Opportunity

Planting seeds is such a hopeful activity for me. I imagine all the plants I will have, all the opportunities for blossoms or fruit. Lord, help me recognize and embrace the wonderful opportunities that come my way in life. Let me grow and blossom and brighten our world.

Lent 2018 Photo a Day: Offer

Offer

Flowers offer their nectar to pollinators. But that offer has a selfish purpose--the flowers need the pollinators in order to reproduce. I recognize that, like the flowers, I often have my own agenda or motivations when I'm offering help to others. Lord, help me learn to offer myself without any expectation of acknowledgement or reward.

Lent 2018 Photo a Day: Gossip

Gossip

The word gossip has such a negative connotation, as if it's intent is always to be cruel and even untrue. Gossip doesn't have to be unkind--it can be a helpful way to share information and form connections. Help me to be a positive gossiper--to share love and encouragement, and to foster neighborliness.

Lent 2018 Photo a Day: Wise

Wise

I usually turn to books and outside experts for wisdom. let me also turn to my faith and to you , Lord, for a wisdom deeper and richer than any found in a library.

Lent 2018 Photo a Day: Goods

Goods

Big box stores are crammed with goods from their concrete floors to their metal roof beams. Some are goods we need. More are goods we desire, things we buy to fill the endless empty places in our lives. Lord, help me to recognize the real "goods" that are available to me: the relationships and activities that bring blessings and meaning to my life. 

Lent 2018 Photo a Day: Crave

Crave

When I think of craving something, I immediately associate the feeling with guilt. It seems that I crave the wrong things--things that aren't good for me. Lord, let me crave what is healthy for both my body and soul, things I can point to with pride, not shame. 

Lent 2018 Photo A Day: Recognize

Recognize

I glance at photos from long ago and pick out the faces I remember, or I recognize the shape of a nose or chin or the tilt of a head that has carried down generations into a face I love.

Let me recognize the strangers that I see on the street or the refugee from far away as well. Help me see that they are part of your family--let me see that we are all your children.

ELCA Lent Photo A Day: Give

Give

Releasing things that I no longer need to others who can use them is an easy job. Lord, I ask that you open my heart to a harder task: to giving my time, my energy and my love to others in need.

Lent 2018: Metallic

Metallic

Lord, let me reflect the light of your love. Let me shine on others with kindness. 

Lent 2018: Neighbor

Neighbor

We live so close to one another, and yet we are so far apart in the ways that count. Let us look through the blinds that shadow our hearts so that we can see each other clearly and with love. May the walls of our differences melt away. Let "neighbor" mean more than a location or a building next to our own.

Lent Photo A Day 2018: Heart

Heart

Lord, may you soften the hard places in our hearts--the stones of indifference and selfishness that keep us from recognizing the humanity of others. Break down the hard, rocky wall into soft, rich soil where the tender shoots of love and understanding can take root and grow.