Monday Manna

Good morning, friends, and blessings to you as we begin summer!

I am just returning from a short retreat at the monastery I love, and this is also our last week of school (!!!), so today is another A&P day as we call them — art and prayer (also the same thing). I had some time to paint while I was away, so here is some color to drink in and some words to feed you.

I’ll be back next week for one last post before my summer sabbath pause. In the meantime, deep strength, deep joy, and deep breaths to you, friends.

Stay in today, friends. Here is a prayer to help us be where our feet are. From my book, Ash and Starlight: Prayers for the Chaos and Grace of Daily Life, Second Edition.

When I need to ground myself in today

Calming One,

I am stopping now.

I am resting now.

I am letting the stillness

of being with you

wash in like a wave,

while the chatter and

activity around me recede.

Thank goodness I don’t need

silence around me

in order to have quiet inside.

This moment, God—

it’s what I need and where I am.

I find myself so encumbered

by yesterdays and tomorrows

that, sometimes, I leave today

in the corner.

But today is enough.

You’re giving me the daily bread I need for now—

a person who loves me,

a moment to breathe,

a meal on the table,

a word bringing hope,

a gleam of life outside my window.

Please help me open my hands

and receive today with gratitude,

letting past seasons fill me with appreciation,

and seasons yet to be give me hope.

But, for now—

Today. Today. Today.

I love you best when I’m present,

seeing and hearing and holding

what asks for my heartfelt attention

here and now.

You promise to hold

space for everything else.

Thank you for bringing me back, God.

Thank you for the miracle of manna.

Amen.

1 Kings 17:8–16 * Matthew 6:11 * Matthew 6:34

“Give us this day our daily bread.” —Matthew 6:11

Love and Light,

Arianne

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