open hands

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to always see that only open hands are empty enough to receive what you long to give.  Help me to empty myself and to let go of the things my fists are tightly clenched around.  Then help me to wait patiently on you to give me your good and perfect gifts.  Amen.

Scripture: Mark 10:12-22

Journal: Where in your life are you living with clenched fists?  And what would it look like to let go of those things and open your hands?  Will you?

Reflection:

open hands

clenched fists 

or open hands

which will it be

will i continually

try to control

and force

and dictate

or simply let go 

and open 

my hands

will i finally 

agree to release 

my desperate grip

on that which

was not mine 

to control

in the first place

and open my hands

for only open hands

are able to receive

and all of life is a gift

to be received

not a possession

to be defended

Prayer

Closing Prayer: Dear God, I am so afraid to open my clenched fists! Who will I be when I have nothing left to hold on to? Who will I be when I stand before you with empty hands? Please help me to gradually open my hands and to discover that I am not what I own, but what you want to give me. And what you want to give me is love—unconditional, everlasting love. Amen. (With Open Hands by Henri Nouwen)