Lord,
gather the loose fabric of my mind.

So many thoughts wander
like garments in the wind,
caught on fear,
heavy with yesterday,
restless for tomorrow.

Tie them gently at the waist of Your mercy.

Grant me the spiritual readiness
that sees the world as passing shadows
and yet still shimmers with Your hidden fire.

Keep me awake.

Not rigid or afraid,
but awake enough
to distinguish Your footsteps
crossing the waters of ordinary hours.

When my heart drinks too deeply
from distraction, applause, bitterness, or worry,
lead me again to the clear water of silence.

And there,
when the soul becomes still enough to listen,
fasten my hope completely to You.

O Revealed One,
whose face still rises within creation,
keep my lamp lit.

Gird my thoughts
until every judgement,
every wound,
every longing
walks toward You undivided.

-based on 1 Peter 1:13