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

Originally, I wrote this article at the end of 2018 on the fourth day of Christmas, but I publish it at the close of the Day of Epiphany, a day when we think about a star, some Magi, and the flight to Egypt–the rest of the Christmas story.  Peace.  CAR   Today is a dreary … Continue reading The Faces in My Heart

  I have cried this Day I have cried out to the wind and the water And the presence of God’s spirit That I know is here In this lonely and dreary Winter place   Restoration Is my cry Restoration Is my longing A one word Breath prayer That pours from my soul Like the … Continue reading Restoration

  The rain comes In rapid drops That slow From time to time And speed again As if to say “Not this year” They are bold To make an appearance In these water soaked Moments On a night that Should be Crystal clear   It is Solstice night When the darkness Envelops the world And … Continue reading Solstice Night

    One frosty morning An Advent wind Called me outside Into the pre-dawn darkness   It wasn’t a stormy wind But it was strong  And determined In those early morning  Shadows   So I went out  In the darkness And stood Still   The Advent wind  Sang to me Danced around me  Tasseled my … Continue reading The Advent Wind

It is an Advent night, cold and dark and quiet, with an edge of longing darting through my reflections.  International news has caught my attention again and my heart is breaking as I remember and pray.  Earlier today, more violence erupted in our world.  It is a daily occurrence, a moment by moment occurrence, far … Continue reading Advent Longings:  Pondering Strasbourg

  It began as a prayer, from deep in the heart of a great poet.  Out of his contemplation of Haggai 2:7, the words first began to take root: and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the Lord of … Continue reading Advent Longings

I wasn’t ready Not this morning This 16th day of November When yesterday the sounds  Of waning autumn Of crunching leaves Of scampering squirrels Of newly lit roaring fires Echoed through the passing moments   And neither was I ready This late afternoon As blowing winds  Herded gathering shadows Into the blanket of darkness   … Continue reading Waiting For the Season of Snow and Ice