Often I will arrive at my office in the morning and take a few minutes to start my day by reading an excerpt from one of the authors who I happen to keep on the shelf above my desk… (St. John of the Cross, Williard, Foster, Nouwen, De Sales, Matthewes-Green, etc.)

I have found that this rhythm engages my mind and quite frequently my heart as well. I have found that just taking 10 minutes provides me with a thought, idea or prayer to reflect on throughout the day.

Today I selected a book entitled, The Hungering Dark by Frederick Buechner. Buechner, a Presbyterian minister and the author of more than 30 titles, is a very well respected writer. Perhaps you have heard of him?

The Hungering Dark was given to me by my close friend Mark Patrick a few years ago. It moved me when I read it then — and it moved me when I read an excerpt today. Here is part of a prayer that I was re-introduced to this morning… (page 33)

“…Be present especially with the young who must choose between many voices, Help them to know how much an old world needs their youth and gladness. Help them to know that there are words of truth and healing that will never be spoken unless they speak them, and deeds of compassion and courage that will never be done unless they do them. Help them never to mistake success for victory or failure for defeat. Grant that they may never be entirely content with whatever bounty the world my bestow upon them, but that they may know at last that they were created not for happiness but for joy, and that joy is to him alone who, sometimes with tears in his eyes, commits himself in love to thee and his brothers. Lead them and all thy world ever deeper into the knowledge that finally all men are one and that there can never really be joy for any until there is joy for all. In Christ’s name we ask it and for his sake. Amen.”