Archive for Prayer
Singing for Peace and Believing
Posted in Art, Faith, Music with tags believe, grace, Jackie Evancho, Music, peace, Prayer, song, spirituality, talent, Video clip on February 3, 2012 by JoannaWaiting for Me
Posted in Catholic, Christ, Christian, devotion, Faith, Poetry, Prose & Prayer, Spirituality with tags christianity, God, Joann Nelander, love, Poetry, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, waiting on January 13, 2012 by JoannaGod is.
God is waiting for me.
He woos me.
He thirsts.
God thirsts
For my thirsting for Him
Here in the Now,
I Am.
I Am in mystery.
I Am in darkness.
Being of Light,
Overshadowed, as by a cloud,
As driving in the dark,
Seeing darkly,
Perceiving indistinctly,
All senses at high pitch.
Unify the threads of day.
Compose my hours
To sing one song.
Bathe me anew.
Let me swim in You.
Alive to Presence.
Awake in repose.
Listening.
I know You in fullness,
Fully and abundantly.
I know You
In the fullness of my emptiness,
Robed in the fullness of my sorrow,
In the fullness of my grief,
In the fullness of my joy and plenty,
In rapture,
Sweetly knowing
And by Love known.
© 2012 Joann Nelander
Thanksgiving Kiss
Posted in My Journal with tags Art, Babe, God, Joann Nelander, mercy, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality on December 13, 2011 by Joanna
O, Mary, thank you for Your Child.
See my empty arms.
See my open heart.
Place your Treasure
In my embrace.
He smiles at me,
As I push aside His swaddling,
To gaze in awe
On the Babe of my redemption.
Mystery of mysteries,
Mercy of God,
You’ve come to me.
You’ve come for me
I dare a kiss on Your sweet brow,
My Emmanuel.
© 2011 Joann Nelander
Carry Me
Posted in My Journal with tags Christ, cross, pain and suffering, Poetry, Prayer on December 7, 2011 by JoannaYou have carried me on Your shoulder. I am that wound that pained You greatly. Carry me into my future. As You carried Your Cross. I know I hurt; I can feel it myself. Now in heaven, You are free from pain, Except for that, which You suffer, In the mystery of Your Church on earth, Except for that, which You suffer in me, For love of me, for love of Your Cross. I am the cross You lovingly still bear. © 2011 Joann Nelander All rights reserved
I Watched a Friend at Prayer
Posted in Catholic, Christian, My Journal, Poetry, Prose & Prayer with tags christianity, cross, Freed, God, Prayer, Religion & Spirituality, Savior-God, sin on November 29, 2011 by JoannaI watched a friend at prayer.
From the moment her eyes
Met Yours on the Cross,
She was enraptured.What is it that passes between like souls?
The gulf between You, God,
And Your creature is unfathomable,
Yet, Your love spans the distance and dissimilarity
With the intimacy of a mother
Suckling her infant,
All giving, all gift and all grace.I watched my friend at prayer.
The world about her changed.
A holy space surrounded her,
As angels hurried to and fro,
Now bowing, now prostrate, now adoring.All prayer unites,
As earth receives its Savior-God,
As Man exercises dominion,
Freed from Sin and chains.Angels in swift flight,
Aloft on mission-wings ,
Now ascending,
Now descending.Peace on earth
To men of good will,
As Time and Eternity kiss,
Love knowing no distance.I watched my friend at prayer,
As her prayer became my prayer,
You drawing all to Yourself.
Draw me now,
And all will in turn
Run after the odor of Your ointments.©2011 Joann Nelander
Holy Trinity Prayer
Posted in Holy Spirit with tags Elizabeth of the Trinity, Prayer on October 29, 2011 by Joanna“O my God, Trinity whom I adore… grant my soul peace; make it your heaven, your beloved dwelling, and the place of your rest. May I never abandon you there, but may I be there, whole and entire, completely vigilant in my faith, entirely adoring, and wholly given over to your creative action.” (Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity)
Listening to You, O God
Posted in My Journal with tags Christ, christianity, God, Jesus, Prayer on October 28, 2011 by Joanna
Listening to You, O GodI am listening, O God,
I am listening.As my ear rests upon Your Breast,
The throbbing of Your Heart, a plaintiff call,
Sounds a sacred prayer
In unending rhythm, eternal.Though stopped
In Your willed bodily Death,
It’s steady beat pierced the earth,
As Your Spirit descended to captivate
Those justified by Your Blood,
The prize of Salvation won upon Calvary’s mount.High ridged mountains of prayer
Span the course of centuries,
As I now in my ordained place,
Offer my will to You in this my time.As that same once spent Blood,
Now courses through my veins
In sweet Communion,
Speak peace to me.By Joann Nelander copyright 2011
All rights reserved.
Resting in Your Spirit
Posted in Catholic, Christian, Faith, In a nutshell, Thomas Sowell with tags adoration, altar, Eucharist, God, Jesus, Prayer on October 18, 2011 by JoannaI am witness.
I am martyr.
You are silence in action,
No moving parts,
Yet accomplishing Your intent,
While I keep watch.
You rest upon Your Altar.
I rest in You.
You are Son.
You are Witness.
You are Martyr.
You are Living Testament,
Covenanting with Man,
Promising me.
Draw me.
Give me Your vision of holiness.
Cause me to desire.
Infuse wisdom
As answer to my pleading desire.
O, Happy Cause.
O, Moving Spirit.
Be one with the essence of me,
That fallen nature might drink
Of Your Eternal Spring.
By Joann Nelander
Copyright 2011
All rights reserved.
One Solitary Prayer
Posted in Catholic, Christian, Faith, Holy Spirit, Imitation of Christ, My Journal with tags God, Poetry, Prayer on October 18, 2011 by JoannaMy night and day have become one,
One solitary thought emblazoned on my heart.
You dance before me in miriad faces.
All are Yours
And plead Your touch.
All throw my prayer upon Your back.
All fall as stripes
Imploring You,
Become all.
The edges disappear as You, Lord, come into view.
You take the lead upon my stage, my time, my life.
I “Yes” You into being,
Although You have always been ,
But now You be in me.
The thorns of Your crown touch me first,
And I begin to bleed with You.
In agony, my body weeps for all loss,
Which I now gather in my prayer.
With beggarly steps, I offer my feet for Your bath,
First of water, then of Blood,
Your Becoming in me by grace.
“I live now, not I, but Christ, and Him crucified,”
Now content,
Sweet strength and consolation.
My soul and Your Spirit enlivening my spirit.
O, come Holy Spirit, eternally
By Joann Nelander
Copyright 2011
All rights reserved
Freedom’s Holy Light by John Keisling
Posted in American, Art, audio, United States, Video with tags 9/11, America, defence, firemen, freedom, heroes, Islamic fundamentalism, John Keisling, NYPD, Prayer, September 11, song, terrorism, U.S.A., Video on October 7, 2011 by JoannaThis song was written by my friend, John Keisling and sung by his sister, Anna Keisling Robillard:
Jesus , Savior in Repose
Posted in Catholic, Christ, Christian, devotion, Faith with tags adoration, altar, Catholic, Christian, Jesus, Prayer, savior, tabernacle on September 28, 2011 by JoannaO, my Jesus, in gentle and humble repose upon the altar, Wrap Your arms about me. My body yearns for Your embrace. Only Your Humanity can unlock the treasure trove of grace, You hold in store for me, a repentant sinner, Grace, You purchased for me by Your Coming to Man as Man, In Your weakness and poverty and might. You called Yourself, Son of Man, And by Your obedience, suffering and Death upon the Cross, Showed us True Love. All Holy, All Human, All Love, Servant of God, Benefit and Benefactor of Man, Apply the fruit of Your Saving Death To my humanity, To the glory of God and the continuous deification of my poor, desirous body and soul. Conceive in me thoughts, words and deeds, which bring to fulfillment, Our Father's plan for my life and eternity, So, that purged of all Sin and concupiscience, I might shine with radiant joy, Hidden and secure in Your Heart, As does Your Virgin Mother, Mary. "Be it done to me according to Your Word." Amen. Copyright 2011 Joann Nelander All rights reserved
Prayer to the Powerful Babe
Posted in My Journal with tags Babe, Christ, Fiat, God, God-man (mystic), Jesus, Mary, poerful prayer, Prayer, Sacred Heart on July 8, 2011 by Joanna
O, Jesus, True God,
Beginning human life
In the womb of Mary,
I come to You in Your first moments,
O powerful Babe.Mother Mary’s “Fiat”
Brought the Father’s Will to Earth,
Wrapped in the stuff of Man,
Purity’s Flesh emerging as cells divide.I come to You, God-Man,
In Your holy beginning,
Awaiting, with all creation,
The formation of Your Sacred Heart
In Time.O, Happy Fruition,
O, Incarnate Son,
In Mary’s virginal womb,
Bless with inner healing
The whole of my life.
Bring to my concupiscence
Conformity to the Father’s Will.I am the least in my Father’s house,
But by my spiritual visitation,
My willing presence,
In the nascent Being of the Christ,
One, so small and mean as me,
Can find a home
As the Heart of Jesus
Is formed and fired.O, powerful Babe,
O, pure and holy Fetus,
I trust in You
From Your beginning
As Prophet, Priest and King,
To bring me,
And all creation,
To a happy end.
AmenCopyright Joann Nelander 2011
All rights reserved
Shout for Happy!
Posted in My Journal with tags anniversry, Catholic, Christian, marriage, poem, Prayer, wedded on June 11, 2011 by JoannaO holy saints of God,
Help Us to celebrate this day.
Bedeck our house in pure white lilies,
Picked by the hand of Love.
Such were the souls of Mary and Joseph,
As they journeyed forth to live the Father’s Will,
As they kept faith,
Bless the years that pass.
Bless the days that be.
Our youth God entwined,
Weaving gold out of straw,
Fashioning a cord that bound us ever close in dreams of love.
O, Holy Love,
Your fiber of Being,
Imperceptible, yet alive,
Knit the garment of our marriage.
As we gifted each other
With our very lives
And lived the Promise.
Taking pleasure in each other,
And the mystery You impart,
Mutual donation and happy hopes
Gave substance to our youthful reveries.
Soon, You delighted Your children with children to sweeten the wine we sipped.
You never waited on our understanding or perfection .
You built rather on duty and faith, Married unto eternity.
Your sacrament enfleshed in our lives as grace,
Filled our days with laughter amid challenge,
Befriended us in friends ,
As a corsage of heart and healing.
You opened the door of opportunity,
And we feared not to enter in.
Receiving in the womb, Your joy and plenteous reward,
Covenant love lived despite our weakness.
Hope hanging like numberless leaves,
On trees the formed an arbor for our love.
Yes, dear saints, sing songs with us,
To welcome home the Promised Groom,
Who never left our side.
Make of this day a joyful shout,
A happy anniversary!
Throw Away Life?
Posted in My Journal with tags christianity, Creator deity, God, Incarnation, Jesus, Prayer, prose & poetry, Religion & Spirituality on April 3, 2011 by JoannaHow sad is Man?
He values the rare,
Exults the extraordinary,
Crowns the celebrity.God, on the Other hand, proliferates.
He calls good all He creates,
Dignifies life by His Love,
And Humankind by His Incarnation.For want of goodness,
Man may usurp the place of God,
Seat himself
Upon that lofty throne.For the want of love
Man may throw life away,
Too small, too young, too needy
Too dependent to matter.How sad is Man upon his throne?
He beats his chest,
And declares his liberty;
Forgets his neighbor, chooses self.How sad is Man,
Unencumbered of diety,
His own god,
And lord of all he has stolen.Yet, God dignifies his defiant creature.
God respects the time of Man,
And give His Goodness
Sway over Holy Wrath.Out-side of Time.
There is only the Eternal.
In Time, mind and Man are matter-dependent,
Sustained in rhythms tuned by the Creator.When Time is rolled up
With the stars, like a scroll,
And fire devours all matter,
Where will the spark of Man exist?While living, Man chooses,
Until Death declares
All he has chosen final,
The Star of Hope extinguished.O Man, gladden the lot of Men.
Your eternity begins in the Heart of God.
You are rare.
You are extraordinary.Celebrate the Lord, Your God!
Copyright Joann Nelander ©2011 All rights reserved.
Lenten Whispers
Posted in Catholic with tags Christian, God, Lent, Prayer, prose & poetry on March 31, 2011 by JoannaYou who eat to gladden your gut,
You who indulge to comfort the flesh,
Come to a true banquet!Rejoice your spirit,
Give joy to your soul.
Fatten your prayer on faith.Let words ravish the Heart of God.
Even words unspoken, but burning in your heart,
Call angels to your side.Quiet the world, by stepping apart,
Still your flesh in earnest fast,
Widen the breath of your praise.The majesty of God inclines to your lips.
For it is He, Who has promised.
Whisper and He smiles.Copyright Joann Nelander © 2011 All rights reserved.
Empowered
Posted in My Journal with tags christianity, HaShem, Names of God in Judaism, Prayer, Religion & Spirituality on March 28, 2011 by JoannaIt is not my prayer.
It is our prayer.
I pray with the Church.
I am one among all,
All Yours,
All giving voice
To the Church Militant,Called by Your Name,
HaShem, the Name!Empowered by the Name,
HaShem, the Name.Copyright Joann Nelander © 2011 All rights reserved
Cry of One Forgiven
Posted in My Journal with tags forgiveness, Jesus, Prayer, prose & poetry, Redemption, Relationships on February 19, 2011 by JoannaHow can I thank You
For Your forgiveness,
For that moment,
In which You scattered
My accusers,
And took my part?As I looked up
From the mud of my despair,
Your majestic countenance
Was all.
You loomed before me,
Brighter than the Sun.Who could have imagined
Such grandeur?
You wore holiness like a crown
That more than circled Your brow.
Rather, it emanated,
As light from Your Being,
Announcing Who You are?Only humility can receive You,
And dare Your gaze.
For Your Eyes
Pierce the soul,
Revealing all.Only those crying for a Savior
Dare look up,
To confess with that glance
Their fault and nakedness,
Helpless and all pleading.Only the thirsty
Can drink in the majesty
Of Your knowing.
For pride is the travesty,
That hides,
For fear of revelation.That moment shattered my fear
And rent the clouds of all my life.
Taking proffered Hand,
I rise to my feet
Then, as now, again,Light embraces me
As my rags fall to my feet.
In their place
Love has woven a mantle,
A robe of Being,
That more than clothes me.It is a signal grace,
That names me,
With it, You announce
To all Creation
Who I am in You.My “Yes” reverberates
Throughout the Universe.
I am new,
Like a star at its birth,
Bursting forth
With Your Holiness;
Baptized in Your Redemption.How can I thank You
For Your forgiveness,
O, You, Who took my part?
Go now,
In search of my accusers.Copyright 2011 Joann Nelander
Found
Posted in Catholic, Christ, Christian, Church, Faith, Poetry, Religion with tags Catholic, Christ, Christian, Jesus, Poetry, Prayer, the poor on February 7, 2011 by JoannaMy Lord, my Love,
Turning to you,
I meet Your gaze.
Your eyes never stray
From your child.Since my conception,
That awesome moment,
You have kept
Careful watch over me.Through fleeting years,
You have guarded me,
As the apple of Your eye.
Your angels await my prayers.
I part my lips,
Pronouncing Your Name,
And they are at alert.“Thy Kindom come”
A flurry of wings
Break the silence.
“Thy Will be done. “
The brightness of electrum
Pervades the air.“Give us this day
Our daily bread.”
Shining beings glow white hot,
Wings unfurl.Soaring heavenward
To the throne of God,
Weightless spirits
Obtain my abundance,
In measure overflowing.Depending on You,
For even my gratitude,
I rejoice,
For the Sun rises
Each day in my heart.Searching for You,
I find Your trail,
There is food on the table
And horses in the stall,
My children, too, are clothed,
And I am adorned in virtue,
Protected by humility.
What have I,
You have not given me?Though I spend myself in labor,
My vigor, I have not exhausted.
Though, I fall into bed at night,
I look back on a day,
Lived in Your Presence.Now, I recognize Your disguise.
I find You in the dawn.
Announced by bird song.
Heralded in my children’s cries.
“Tie my shoes,”
I hear You say.Hope sends out new shoots,
As I find my strength refreshed
By your calm streams.
My duty awaits me,
And I am Your steward.Drawing from coffers
That may appear empty,
They are, none-the-less,
Full of opportunity,
As Your poor
Are always with us,
Depending on You,
And, You, on me.You no longer hide.
You await me in the voiceless.
Your vessels of helplessness
Beckon me, “Come!”Your Cross surrounds me,
As I find myself
Nailed to the society of men.
The blood of Adam fills my veins,
But, so too,
The Blood of Christ.As I expend myself on family
You are fed and clothed
In your hunger and nakedness.
As I lift my voice in song,
The high heavens resound,
Echoing Your Name.My Jesus, You, fill the Universe,
For need and the Promise of Plenty,
Are all about me,
And I am Church,
Throbbing with Your Blood,
Beating with Your Heart.Copyright Joann Nelander
Love’s Return
Posted in Religion, Spiritual with tags love, Prayer, Prayer and Spirituality, prose & poetry, triolet on January 28, 2011 by JoannaMoved by Love, my Love,
How do I make return?
Struggles press, take hold of.
Moved by Love, my Love,
Power proffered from above
Too requisite to spurn.
Moved by Love, my Love,
How do I make return?Copyright Joann Nelander
(experimental triolet)
