I syncronistically had a discussion on grace yesterday and these poems and prose came up on the subject:

Each of us is blessed with moments of grace, moments when our soul becomes clear and quiet. Our worrying stops. Our yearning and planning and waiting for fulfillment stops. There is nothing to be done since everything is already happening. Grace uncovers the mysterious essence that unites us with all beings. Through its gift, the place, the time, the sky, and ourselves are revealed in right relation. What is inside of us and what is outside of us comes together, if only for a moment.

In this moment and place we sense the indwelling essence of spirit and stand humbled before its mystery. We know we are known by something larger than ourselves. Grace awakens us to a natural compassion, allowing us to be kinder with ourselves and all living beings. We open our hearts knowing the Earth to be holy. Who can say what ignites these moments of illumination.?

From: Moments of Grace and illumination; in Life Prayers by Elizabeth Rovers & Elias Amidon

Enough. These few words are enough.
If not these words, this breath.
if not this breath, this sitting here.

This opening to the life
we have refused
again and again
until now

Until now

David Whyte

As swimmers dare
to lie face to the sky
and water bears them,
as hawks rest upon a air
and air sustains them,
so would I learn to attain
free fall, and float
into the Creator Spirits deep embrace,
Knowing no effort earns
that all surrounding grace.

Denise Levertov