Heart Condition
By Brenda O’Dell of Kearney, MO, USA
Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened. Do not turn away in pride, fear, or guilt from the One who seeks only the best for you and your loved ones. Come before your Eternal Creator with open minds and hearts and discover the blessings of the gospel anew. Be vulnerable to divine grace. —Doctrine and Covenants 163:10
Sovereign God of all,
help me keep my focus on you.
Remind me of times I have not walked alone
for you were always by my side,
Even and especially in dark hours
of doubt and fear, of sorrow and grief
headstrong rebellion
mindless independence
Joyless duty or selfish resentment
my heart hard, shriveled within
a cold rock where grace and forgiveness
could not grow or bloom.
Soften and enlarge it now, I pray.
Let it swell and bloom and open
to room within for all broken souls—
the proud and strong,
the meek and kind,
the seeker and the escapee,
the failure and the winner,
the lost and forsaken,
of whom I am but one.
Help me remember
through life’s many chapters
always, always you are with me.
And though I may have felt alone,
you are the air I breathe, blood in my veins
very beat of my heart,
never, never, am I lost to Thee.
Prayer for Peace
Beat of my heart, I am nothing without you. Open my eyes when I don’t see you with me. Open my ears when I don’t hear you by my side. Open my heart when I don’t feel your peaceful presence.
Spiritual Practice
Light a candle and sit quietly, reflecting on the fire and light of God. Pay attention to your breathing and let it become calmer and deeper as you focus on God’s presence. Ask God to breathe in you. Imagine each breath carrying the light of God into your lungs, bloodstream, and every cell in your body until God’s Spirit fills you. Now imagine breathing out God’s compassion and grace each time you exhale. Pray to have the Spirit of Christ radiate from your life like the gentle flame of a candle.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, with each breath I take, I will feel you with me.
