The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. – Romans 8:26 Sometimes, we simply do not know how to pray. Have you ever been there? I found myself in that place during a recent retreat. Pondering changes and challenges and the needs of so many, I simply offered: “Abba, I don’t even know what to ask; I don’t know what I need . . .” It was the best I could do. I then settled int

On a recent morning I sit in the silence, seeking stillness. It proves elusive. Reminders chirp in my head. Thoughts flap around. Plans ping. I pause. Offload to paper. Return. Repeat. “Be still” I say. “Stop it.” “Pay attention.” And, slowly, I lift my gaze. I look out. Up. Around. The clouds hang flat and heavy on the mountains. Low and slow moving, they narrow the gap between earth and sky, concentrating my field of vision. The birds are awake and lively. Swallows push aga

We are immersed in so much noise! The chatter can be deafening . . . defying the most heroic attempts to discern God’s loving presence and wise guidance in the midst of it all. How do we see God-with-us in, through, and beyond the noise? What actions can we embrace to stay present and centered in the midst of chaos? One action I take is to walk. Outside. In the woods. There I find respite from the noise. Yet, even there, I often need a little help, if I am to do more than sim