Assisi column and steps  
 

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ON TODAY'S SITE:

Black Elk, James Allen, Thomas Merton, John Shelby Spong, Beth Moore

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Dear Readers,

Black Elk was a Holy Man of the Oglala Lakota nation who eventually
merged his Native American spirituality with Christianity. He found
no contradiction in the two religions and experienced a number of
profound visions. His prayer on today's site overflows with power
and depth. I invite you to examine each phrase - even each word.

To get you started, ponder the way he addresses God; first in a
tender and familiar way, "Grandfather" and second, with awe, as
"Great Spirit." Then he humbles himself in his own "feeble voice."
And is there a more complete description of Almighty as "older
than all need, older than all prayer"? Don't overlook how Black
Elk defines the intersection of holiness. His prayer for the
journey of life we all walk is at once grounding and uplifting.

- Lisa

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Orchard in bloom
Photo by Chuck Bowman    All rights reserved

         

Grandfather, Great Spirit,
once more behold me on earth
and lean to hear my feeble voice.
You lived first, and you are older than all need,
older than all prayer.
All things belong to you --
the two-legged, the four-legged,
the wings of the air,
and all green things that live.

You have set the powers of the four quarters
of the earth to cross each other.
You have made me cross the good road
and the road of difficulties,
and where they cross,
the place is holy.
Day in, day out, forevermore,
you are the life of things.



Black Elk (1863-1950)
Famous Holy Man of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux)


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You cannot travel within
and stand without.


James Allen (1864-1912)
English inspirational writer


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I will not fear, for You are ever with me,
and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.


Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
Trappist monk, activist, author


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Send us anywhere in this world
You would have us go
Only go thou with us.

Place upon us any burden You desire
Only stand by us to sustain us.

Break any tie that binds us
Except the tie that binds us to thee.

Amen.


John Shelby Spong (1931 - )
Liberal Episcopalian theologian


The Last Word:

To God, our journey is as
important as our destination.

Beth Moore (1957 -  )
American evangelist, author





 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 








 







 












































 






 





 

 




Utterly Random Bonus Quote:

You are what your deep driving desire is;
As your deep driving desire is, so is your will;
As your will is so is your deed;
As your deed is so is your destiny.

The Upanishads

  




Welcome to
The Religion Network!

I'm Lisa Bowman, editor
of The Religion Network,
a multi-faith Web site.
We offer motivational
thoughts exploring
various topics each
Monday, Wednesday
and Friday.

The Religion Network
holds that inspiration is
found in all faiths; and
furthermore, that finding
commonalities in the
world's religions builds
bridges of understanding.

Religion as an institution
s a precious gift,
blessing us and
uplifting communities.
However you worship,
may this site enhance
your journey. To read
my personal story, click:
biography.

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