My Holy Three

My Holy Three
The ground of me.
In knowing myself
May I know Thee.

Write upon my heart
The thoughts that are Your own.
Seat Yourself upon
My empty throne.

You who find no place
To rest Your Head.
Here, rein and rule
To delight and  wed..

My Holy Three
The ground of me.
In knowing myself
May I forever know Thee.

©2012 Joann Nelander

Fear Not

 

Fear not to approach

And behold the child.

See, it is you!

 

He holds His treasure

Cradled in the arms

Of His Only Begotten Son.

 

No memory of sins forgiven

No repugnance,

For past crimes vanish,

Banished, by His flaming Love.

 

The Spirit and the Bride

Say “Come!”

 

©2012 Joann Nelander

Stir into Flame

Fire once flame

Enkindled by the Spirit,

Smolder.

Embers still aglow,

Await a new Wind,

And a prayer,

Sent on the breath

Of the will,

Catalyst and fuel.

 

O Spirit blaze again

To the heavens,

Sending heat and light

To ignite those cold,

World-weary and, now, ready.

 

Then will the sparks fly

And the earth shake.

Lord Jesus, send forth Your Spirit,

We are athirst and longing.

 

©2012 Joann Nelander

The Visit

In flight
Into Egypt
Hungry,
Hurried,
Yet at peace.

You pass my way.
Because you are holy
We are worlds apart.
Yet you touch me
By your plight.

You must eat.
You must drink.
Rest a moment
Under my tent.

Holy visitors,
Let me wash your feet.
Your smiles
Enter my heart
As a symphony

Stay the night.
Bring the star
From heaven
To light my adobe.

Dwell forever
Here in Spirit
Though you must hurry
On your way.

Journey on,O, Protector,
O Mother, O Child.
With me,
In your hearts,
Now, I wait
For you forever.

I tucked a little rattle
Under His blanket.
Perhaps, He’ll hear me
In the sounds,
A remembrance,
Like a prayer,
In the rattling of beads.

By Joann Nelander

Virgin Mary Consoles Eve

This painting is so consoling, I just have to share it again since Advent brings us closer and closer to the precious moment of our Savior’s birth.  He comes to save Fallen Man, and with such a gentle hand.

“Virgin Mary Consoles Eve”


Crayon and pencil by Sr. Grace Remington, OCSO
Copyright 2005, Sisters of the Mississippi Abbey

Pray Along with the Church – Office of Readings

Marvelous praying of today’s Divine Office: Office of Readings

More- everyday, throughout the day, at divineoffice.org