first sliver of dawn
my heart awakens slowly
mind gently musingPsalms and songs of praise
echo forth from my being
moments of sweet prayer
before unkind word
or uncharitable thoughts
have formed on my lips
I offer to You
myself, in strength and weakness
simply who I am
fresh coffee brewing
“Busy working for the kingdom”*
help me to pray as
do-lists and deadlines
copious meetings, projects
shift to overdrive
“Teach me your ways, Lord
That I may walk in your truth
Direct my heart, pray”**
that I might remain
pure at the end of this day
as I feel right now
washed in morning’s dew
reconciled and cleansed by sleep
Body, mind and soul
take my humble thoughts
fortify me with your love
I praise you always
JMM. Excerpts from *hymn “aint got time to die” and **Psalm 86 August 18 2015
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Fluorescent FusciaAngry, brooding shades of grey
Opposites attract
Color brushes edge
Of each dark and moving cloud
Shushing the thunder
Sunset in West Bend Wi. August 20 2015. Poem Jill Maria Murdy
Autumn Song
Warm, Crispy Autumn
Driving along the Backroads
Crops, and Farms and Fields
Sun Rising Slowly
Old Man in Middle of Road
Tractor Putts Along
Corn Stalks, Dry, Fading
Pumpkins, Apples, Road-Side Stands
Run on Trust Alone
Red Barn Peeling Paint
Will it hold on through Winter?
Tired, Sagging Low
Smell of Burning Leaves
Wafts through my Open Window
Scenes from Days Gone By
Set out this morning
hurrying to appointment
rush to be on time
Not Realizing
My Journey, Destination
were One and the Same
Savor Earth’s Goodness
Extraordinary Fall
Such a Simple Bliss
JMM 10/27/2014 After I wrote it , this one begged to be a song, so I finally acquiesced.
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Writing and praying this morning. The silence is just huge this morning, and glorious. So need those moments of calm and meditation. Its easy to get busy and forget that.
3/2/13
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I am so thankful for the family and friends in my life who have touched me, encouraged me, and helped me to grow. Its been a busy week with Ash Wednesday, a couple of speaking engagements, some writing, and a civic function. Yet I am so grateful to be able to have the energy to do those things, and be those places. I can get caught up in how stressful life is instead of thanking God for how wonderful God is, and the many people and places he has put in my life.
I am thankful for all those who have accompanied me on my journey in life, whether it be my whole life long, or those who are there for a short time. The thing is, life is so fragile. None of us knows the number of our days. So enjoy them, with much love and hope in your heart. 2/16/13
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My prayer the day we learned dear Pope Benedict announced his retirement
2/11/13
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PRAYER FOR A MONDAY 🙂
mmmmmmMONNNNNNNNNNNDAYYYYYY with coffee and jammies and writing…… This is one of my favorite zones.
she’s wearing jammies
and a smirk because she can
breathing in balance
pressing warm coffee
to the lips, cupped in two hands
breathing in the calm
the warmth surrounds her
basking in sheer silent glow
renewing the soul
1/28/2013
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Today is the feast of the conversion of St. Paul. Here is the wonderful image by Carvaggio from 1601. His paintings are all so powerful. Interestingly enough we often think of this as the day Paul was knocked off his high horse. But if you read the scriptures it really doesn’t mention that.
But for many of us there have been moments in life, where we see things in a new way, where we’ve been knocked off our own high horses, or somebody or something finally knocked some sense into us!
1/25/13
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For many, the third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means rejoice, and is symbolized by Rose vestments. Usually it is thought of as a very joyous day in Advent, but all hearts were heavy today. Yet it was amazing how beautiful the scripture readings and the hymns for the day were. I can’t help reflecting on our closing hymn, and how it captured both the sorrow and the hope in God, so instead of a poem, I’m sharing that today. http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121612.cfm 12/16/12
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Prayer based on Saturday’s Scriptures. The disciples had to come back down the mountain after the transfiguration. They had many questions… so do many of us regarding Friday’s events. (Sandy Hook)
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121512.cfm 12/15/12
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Prayer for the day’s events. President Obama quoted Isaiah 61 in his press statement, and I went from there. Photo is borrowed from Allan Sanedrin Photography. Blessings to you all, Jill Maria
December 14, 2012
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http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121312.cfm the scriptures for today that I based my poem and prayer upon. Blessings to you all…12/13/2012
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Today is 12/12/12 Or Aaron Rodgers day, but more importantly it is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is also like the halfway marker for Advent. My Haiku Prayer and image for the day are enclosed.
A number of people I know are either pregnant, or have recently given birth. While I don’t know that experience, today’s readings provide a sense of that wonder and awe. God has many names. It doesn’t matter what religion or faith one is, I just pray that the spirit of God may be born anew in your heart this Advent season and always. What the heck. Take a second and leap for joy!!!http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121212.cfm
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12/11/12 http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121112.cfm
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Monday Advent WEEK II
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December 8 Immaculate Conception http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120812.cfm Immaculate Conception
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December 7 2012 End of the day and I’m finally getting up today’s prayer.http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120712.cfm
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Cathedral rock from the Missouri River epitomizes today’s scriptures for me . This is the area we frequently canoe, and my photograph. http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120612.cfm
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Advent Haiku for the Day is based upon these passages. We use the Isaiah and the response for so many funerals. How glorious to couple them with the Gospel in today’s context! http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120512.cfm December 5 2012
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Advent Tuesday I reflection My poem, artwork by my Mother
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Today’s Scriptures are like a “Greatest Hits Compilation” They combine some of my favorite readings and images. Enclosed is my ADVENT MONDAY I Nutshell Haiku 🙂 reflection on the dayhttp://usccb.org/bible/readings/120312.cfm
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Part of the Eucharistic Prayer is the calling down of the Holy Spirit upon the offerings of bread and wine. This calling down of the Holy Spirit is called the Epiclesis, and the priest asks the Father to send the Holy Spirit in order to sanctify these offerings so that they may become the Body and Blood of Jesus. –
An epiclesis
An epiclesis . . .
Holy Spirit coming down,
making her way here.
See how we call you forth
through groans and pray’rs and silence
that you might complete
our unfinished thoughts-
actions begun in earnest-
gently left aside.
O see us wanting
that which we cannot fathom-
that which saves us,
or perhaps raging,
as agony becomes us
and we cannot grasp
your presence within,
among, around, all through us
O sweet, healing balm.
Yours is the comfort,
seeking life, creating it
refreshing Spirit,
renewing the face
of the earth, of our being
as we wait in hope.
O great breath of God,
the source of all compassion
fill us with your love.
An epiclesis . . .
taking the ordinary,
creating anew.
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This is a poem written by my younger truer self….. but it fits with the liturgy this weekend…
ALMOST AN EXODUS
I was there
but where was it that I was?
Placed suddenly, swiftly
in an environment
I neither knew, or understood.
And yet,
I said I would come.
So I began
wondering and wandering
Cursing….
the vastness, the dryness,
the heat of day,
the bitter cold at night.
Little creatures, cactus flowers,
I would not, could not see you
in my self pity and fears
I traveled ’round and ’round, again and again
I could not even tell where I had been.
MIRAGES….
Is that You?
You SHOULD look like that.
I’ve traveled far enough!
I deserve a break!
So I ran towards it with all my strength.
On my arrival,
I found nothing but sand.
Throwing a handful, I screamed,
“Damn You!” Where are You when I need You?”
So I began
wondering and wandering
Cursing . . . .
the vastness, the dryness,
the heat of day
the bitter cold at night.
Little creatures, cactus flowers,
I would not, could not see you
in my self pity and fears
I traveled ’round and ’round, again and again
Not even recognizing where I had been.
In my emptiness
I cried once more,
“I am failing! I do not know
how or where to go next.
I cannot do it.”
So I began
wondering and wandering
and then, when I did not expect it,
an Oasis appeared.
The Water was so large,
I drank all I could,
till I could drink no more;
the quietly I rested
in the shelter of its shore.
I would have liked to stay there
peaceful and content
but I knew
the journey had not ended.
So We began,
wondering and wandering
Praising . . . .
the vastness, the dryness,
the heat of day,
the bitter cold at night,
Little creatures, cactus flowers,
Have you always been there?
How beautiful you are.
I was there
but where was it that I was?
Placed suddenly, swiftly
in an evironment
I neither knew, or understood.
And yet, You bid me to come.
Jill Maria Murdy-circa a long time ago