Quotes from Edward Hays

Grant me daily the grace of gratitude, to be thankful for all my gifts, and so be freed from artificial needs, that I might lead a joyful, simple life.

Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present.

Riding sidesaddle with envy is a dangerous practice: I would be happy if I had what he or she possesses. By contrast, giving thanks constantly and in all circumstances liberates us from envy.

O Gracious and Loving God,   the ancients believed that writing   is a sacred gift from you. Send me the gift of words   so that I can say what must be said   in a way that will cause as little pain as possible. Inspire me with your wisdom   and guide my hand as I write.

Remind me in countless ways, as I walk the sunlit hours of this day, that I am on a sacred journey along with the stars traveling through space, that I am on a pilgrim path.

Grant me the grace to look with respect upon all I will meet this day and upon every event I encounter. Mindful that I am a pilgrim, may I treat each and every one with reverence and love, as a manifestation of you to whom I journey. May the work of my hands be part of the redemption of the world and its eternal springtime liberation.

Our great daystar floods the Earth with fire in this season of summer. The heart of the sun prays at forty million degrees; grant me a heart of such fierce fire as I now begin this new day in an act of devotion and adoration. Wrap me in the silence of your Spirit and lead me into quiet prayer.

I now turn fully to face you, 0 God, the source of the universe and of my life, as I enter into silence.

Wind of Inspiration, Creative Spirit of God, teach me not to forget that you come always as gift. Remind me always to be ready to receive and romance and dance with joy wherever and whenever you visit, or risk that you may move on without me. May I ever be sensitive to your gentle breezes and willing to soar with your wild winds.

May this morning prayer give me the energy to act at all times this day with love and kindness. May I treat each person and each living being as a brother or sister, as a member of your sacred family.

Grant that when this day concludes and the Earth turns slowly outward to gaze into the night of space, I may bring a harvest of light and love as my gift to you.

As the sun pours forth its life that we on this Earth may live, may I pour forth my life this day in service to others and in love for you, my beloved God.

You who alone know the secrets of hearts, look with love upon my feeble attempts at silent prayer. I am grateful that you do not measure my effort but look only upon my love for you.