Friday Letters | Edition 185

This week I fell in love with the cover of a book. The color and form spoke deeply to me, enough to give pause and consideration to becoming a landscape painter. For now, merely the book is on its way to me, and in eager anticipation, I have scanned the first pages from google preview. His words also have proved themselves worthy. The book is Being Here: Prayers for Curiousity, Justice, and Love by Pádraig ÓTuama, an Irish poet and theologian. He wrote this during the pandemic and the book was published in January of this year. I want to share his first prayer with you.

OPENING PRAYER

Turning to the day and to each other

We open ourselves to the day

and each other.
This is the day that the Lord has made
and a day we’ll have to make our way through.

Whether with ease or pain

with patience or joy
May we find opportunities for generosity toward others and ourselves.

May we find moments of encounter

even in isolation.
May we find stories and memories even in the most complicated corners.

May we start again

where we have failed again.

May we confess
and be confessed to.

Because this is a way of living That’s worth living daily.

Friends, I found this passage extraordinary. I hope you enjoy it as much as I. I look forward to holding the actual book in my hand and immersing myself in that beautiful cover and Tuama’s wise words.

Until next Friday!
Be well, breathe, read, and make some art!

Jen