Desert Father's saying: Abba Poemen said about Abba Pior that every single day he made a fresh beginning.
Joyce Rupp prayer:
Create in me a clean heart, cleared of the refuse of old battles with others and deadly opposition with myself.
Create in me a clean heart, bathed from harsh thoughts, shame, and perfectionistic tendencies, warmly welcoming others with the embrace of nonjudgment.
Create in me a clean heart, rinsed of the residue of false messages about my identity, enabling my inner goodness and light to shine through all I am and do.
Create in me a clean heart, cleansed of anxiety and lack of trust, restoring in me an enduring faith in your abiding presence and unconditional love.
Create in me a clean heart, God. Dust off the unmindful activity that constantly collects there. De-clutter my heart from harsh judgments and negativity. Wash away my resistance to working through difficult relationships. Rinse off my un-loving so the beauty of my generous and kind heart can shine forth. Remove whatever keeps me from following in your compassionate footsteps.
Create in me a clean heart, open and receptive, so that I may embrace the many ways you choose to visit my life.
Amen
Art and Photos
Image 1 - Image by Lynn Spence
Image 2 - Image by Melanie Hackett
Image 3 - Artist Jyoti Sahi (Indian, 1944)
