Ole Hallesby was a Norwegian, Lutheran Theologian who lived from 1879-1961. He offers us this encouragement and invitation.
Jesus is moved every time He sees you appreciate what He has done for you. Grip His pierced hand and say to Him, "I thank you, Savior, because you have died for me." Thank Him likewise for all the other blessings He has showered upon you from day to day. It brings joy to Jesus.
Here's a stream of consciousness prayer while on last week's monastery retreat ~ thanking Jesus for the blessings.
Planted along the edge of the monastic cemetery,
the brilliant maple glowing,
like hot coals.
Hemlocks through the second-floor window,
the bluest of skies between the branches.
The top of the Aspen quivers ~
the under-leaf is silver.
Ordination retreat here thirty seven years ago.
Pierre, Bruno, Gabriel and John were monks then.
Now Michael, Antonio, Justin,
Francis Michael and Luke have joined.
Pre-dawn Matins
Later ~
Lauds in sunlight
Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart ~
hymns and psalms,
silence at breakfast,
honey and cider.
Morning tea and
the wild orchard,
the house full of guests.
Winter-wear sheep,
hundreds riding green waves,
the ram with curled horns,
three donkeys for alarm,
April's lambs
move with the sun,
gathering in the dark time,
like monks at Compline.
Some guests run out with cameras and phones
to photograph the low,
full moon
which lights up the meadows
as the sheep settle in.
Medieval Mary in the undercroft,
holding me up these many years.
For the longings of my heart.
the strugglers I've met,
for compassion-ated hearts.
For the animals and plants ~
consolation when the humans have gone mad.
For the gift-ing of senses:
Athos incense
wet yellow leaves
a tangerine at dinner
the vesper bell
taking hold of the chalice with the cloisonne base.
The Philippine monk of the Sunday sermon:
Our life of prayer was set in motion
when God blew breath into our clay.
