Oratio Divina

Remain opento all possibilitiesfor all things are possibleto the open-heartedto the childliketo those with faith in the Lordallow His Spiritto guide youyou needn’t worrynor to make great plansHe will take care of youHe who knowsyour every need and desire ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

God’s spiritrises and fallswithin melike an ocean wavebeating againstthe shoresof my soulknocking loosethat whichdoes not belongto Him ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

We are one with Godlike the sands are onewith the oceanHe is in usbut we are not Himwe are in Himbut we are not HimHis love washes through ussoftening our rough edgespolishing our soulsuntil we disappearinto Him ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

Jesus Christson of Goddraw me nearteach me to loveteach me to be lovedmay I drinkfrom the wellof the living waterthat quenchesthe soul’s thirstand lead othersto do the same ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

Lost in the sunriseacross the morning seaall of my troublesand worriesare behind methe gentle pull of the currentdraws me inthe chill of the waterrushes over meI give myself to the wavesthey give themselves to methen I hear a whisperthis is not your timethere is more work to be donereturn to shoremy beloved and broken…

A bird’s songa whispering windthe sunrise over a lakea child’s laugha loving embracethe tears of joy or sorrowcaptured by the momentbrought to stillnesswe are gifted a glimpsethrough the veilinto eternityif only we have eyes to seeand ears to hear ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

God has called methrough my painwhispering to my heartthat this is notmy identityI am meant for morethan this lonlinessthis sorrow and griefmy guilt and shamedo not get to namewho I amI am named in graceI am named in mercyI am nameda beloved child of God ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

God lovinglyweens meoff of my relianceon the giftsof His gracethat I seek notHis giftsbut Himfor His own sake ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

In Christour trials and tribulationsare given meaningour shared sufferingopens our hearts to lovefor all who grievefor all who mournfor all who are lostthrough Christour burdens are transformedwe are reborn of the Spiritthat binds uswith the yoke of loveto our fellows ~Robert Van Valkenburgh

How can a sinnerlike mebe the recipientof such mercyas thisoh how far downI have goneinto the depths of selfishnessand despairI stood thereknocking at the gates of Sheoljust to be pulled up by graceinto the light of lovethe balm that heals all woundsboth caused and received ~Robert Van Valkenburgh