In Difficult Times

The monk remembers the words of a Saint as he encounters difficult times:
"Blessed are those who quietly endure infirmity and tribulation,for by You they shall be strengthened,"
The running monk will return one week from today.

Ashes to Ashes

The monk looks out at the vastness of the sea,he thinks of this day and says: "ashes on my forehead, from the dust I came and to the dust I'll return."

As the Day Begins

As the monk begins his day, he says this brief prayer :
Grant unto me, my God, that with peace in mind I may face all that this new day is to bring. Grant unto me grace to surrender myself completely to Your will. When things unforeseen occur, let me not forget that all comes down from You.
Bestow upon me, my God, strength to endure the fatigue of the day and to bear my share in all its passing events.
Guide my will and teach me to pray,to believe,to hope,to suffer,to forgive,and to love. Amen.

A Gray Beauty

The monk moves smoothly down the beach at dusk,
There is a gray beauty to the skies, He hears a quiet power in the waves as they roll to the shore,
Their sound gives him a feeling of peace.

At Dusk

As the monk runs at dusk,he looks to the sea and recalls the words of the psalmist when he wrote:
"Praise Him, all ye heavens: and ye waters that are above the heavens. Let them praise the Name of the Lord: for He spake the word,and they were made; He commanded, and they were created."

At the End of Day

As he ends his day the sage looks to the dusk and an early moon, he recalls the words of a Saint,
"Praise be You,my Lord,through Sister Moon and the stars,
in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful."

At Dawn

As I begin this day's journey,
I see the sun just above the distant waves,
I feel Your presence.

A Beginning

Thinking as I run at dawn, I recall the words of Thomas Merton, "The fool is one
Who strives to procure at each instant
Some result
That God has not willed."
I pray as I run that His will may be my will.