prayers of my heart, a collection of articles and writings by Alicia Randolph Rapking

  At the moment, I am sitting in history—my history, or at least part of it.  I am in Alzey, Germany, which is located in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. For many Americans who have German ancestors that arrived before the Revolution, it is likely that they came from this region or the surrounding states.  … Continue reading An Unseen Rope and Unheard Voices

For a brief time, this past Saturday afternoon, I realized that I was feeling pure joy.  A beautiful early spring afternoon had beckoned me to my favorite place—outside—and I was enjoying bright sunshine and vivid colors at Black Water Falls.  I had been hiking the paths and attempting the still icy, snow covered steps to … Continue reading A Theological/Emotional Roller Coaster Week

I have always liked February 4th! I always thought it was the best day of the year. I still do! It is an elegant day, just after the midpoint of winter, still time for a fluffy snow, yet closer to spring and my favorite daffodils! It is a good day to be born, so I … Continue reading Early Morning Reflections on a Birthday February 4th, 2018

My mind races. I want more. But it is You I have in this moment, and the next moment, and the next. I breathe in You. You breathe in me. Colors collide–green and blue and purple, a vortex swirling behind my closed eyes and then, total darkness. Rich and deep and velvety darkness. I know … Continue reading In This Moment

    This year, I am ploughing through winter with the determination to enjoy it.  I know that sounds strange, especially since the last couple of years I have not enjoyed any part of winter at all and I have expressed that in my writing.  However, this year on the Winter Solstice, I made a … Continue reading Kindling the Flames