Let me see and hear (Tippett / Nouwen)

Taking in the good, whenever
and wherever we find it,
gives us new eyes for seeing and living.

--Krista Tippett

Dear Lord, 

    Give me eyes to see and ears to hear. I know there is light in the darkness that makes everything new. I know there is new life in suffering that opens a new earth for me. I know there is a joy beyond sorrow that rejuvenates my heart. Yes, Lord, I know that you are, that you act, that you love, that you indeed are Light, Life, and Truth. People, work, plans, projects, ideas, meetings, buildings, paintings, music, and literature all can only give me real joy and peace when I can see and hear them as reflections of your presence, your glory, your kingdom. 

    Let me then see and hear. Let me be so taken by what you show me and by what you say to me that your vision and hearing become my guide in life and impart meaning to all my concerns. 

    Let me see and hear what is really real, and let me have the courage to keep unmasking the endless unrealities, which disturb my life every day. Now I see only in a mirror, but one day, O Lord, I hope to see you face to face. 

    Amen.

--Henri Nouwen  

Image source: Marko Ivan Rupnik, The Healing of the Man Born Blind (mosaic), https://www.bethimmanuel.org/audio/man-born-blind
Quotation source 1
Quotation source 2