About the Author: Richard Holdsworth

I was born in Yorkshire, England and live near Philadelphia, USA. I am a former merchant mariner; professional writer and community college teacher; I retired from a career in juvenile justice. I have been involved in numerous social causes and explored various religions, sects and cults. My spiritual growth began with a dramatic conversion to Christianity in 1963, and subsequent old-style evangelism before I questioned restrictive dogma. I have written a collection of meditations, prayers and contemporary canticles that have been used for innovative worship services. In my writing I use modern language, psychologically sound principles and contemporary concepts to express and develop well-established themes. I attempt to make ancient wise precepts relevant for contemporary living. Although I use new perspectives, wisdom does not change.
  • By Published On: July 7, 2015

    When she was six, my daughter Hannah asked, “What’s God?” I am not sure what I replied, but I certainly assured her that it varies for different people and whatever she thought about it was OK: God is not trapped in one religion. We all have “gods”, for we all hold faith in things unseen— principles, affections, opinions and other intangible sources of conviction, inspiration and direction.

  • By Published On: June 20, 2015

    Oh, Source of All Gratitude, help us to be Thankful when we are tested to our limits, stretched beyond belief or relentlessly challenged; for troubled confrontation combined with honest exploration is a gateway to harmonious wisdom.

  • By Published On: June 5, 2015

    Although our denials, evasions and minimizations sometimes delude us, we are basically rational, mostly moral and often reasonable; and we remain lovable, capable and forgivable. We seek to improve, and strive for what is right. But it bodes us well to acknowledge that our limited minds are too partial to supply objective views about ourselves, others or situations. Our self-justifications, personalized preferences and subjective notions can always benefit from a candid reality check.

  • By Published On: May 9, 2015

    Faith in goodness leads to serenity, where peace with quiet flows. With faith I can cease being a hostage in the jail of fear and grief, and escape the prison of what went wrong.

  • With optional responses

    By Published On: November 19, 2014

    Oh, nurturing God we thank you for the seeds The source is yours and all in it

  • By Published On: August 29, 2014

    Especially when I feel stressed, may stillness help me to become calm, so that I can wait for silent consolation.

  • By Published On: August 7, 2014

    Early Christians too brought great historical stories to their new convictions: stories that had preceded Jesus. Matthew, for example presented Jesus as a revitalized Moses who completed revelations from the Torah. He showed how the new faith emerged with fresh expectations and a novel sense of liberation. But he also showed how it consistently remained within established Jewish law and practices.

  • By Published On: June 13, 2014

    One breath; one breath at time. A breath-on-breath is all we get, and you cannot take it with you

  • Motto of Buoy Tender USCGC William Tate

    By Published On: May 1, 2014

    Oh, Guide of the Way, My safety in trust Determine my path

  • By Published On: April 22, 2014

    The Right Moral Way has not changed over time and remains psychologically sound. In a “Psychology Today” article entitled ‘The (Only) Seven Spiritual Principles We Need to Succeed’, Karl Albrecht reveals traditional key values for moral living that are still crucial in contemporary times.

  • By Published On: March 26, 2014

    Wage peace! to acknowledge faith declare love confess failure expose injustice admit mistakes

  • By Published On: February 16, 2014

    Sing a new love song; for in every moment, compassion does marvelous things: its power dissipates hate and revenge. Compassion creates contagious miracles

  • By Published On: January 19, 2014

    Creator of conception, designer of formation, develop my day for your realization.

  • By Published On: November 23, 2013

    Oh essence of all that is worthy of praise, teach us to be grateful for our blessings; help us grow in compassion toward those less fortunate than ourselves, and draw us closer together in the generosity of your Grace.

  • By Published On: November 11, 2013

    God in our distant places Draw us closer

  • By Published On: November 7, 2013

    Almighty foundation of all that is harmonious, lead us through this passing strife.

  • By Published On: October 12, 2013

    Look at me! Check it out! I am grinning like a kid again! I am one with the world in a flow of wonder! Land, sea and sky join in my delight

  • By Published On: September 20, 2013

    What is my reality? Let doubts be cleared

  • By Published On: August 15, 2013

    Praise universal wisdom; be thankful for what you learn. You who seek insights, advocate for self-knowledge,

  • By Published On: July 12, 2013

    All: If I could say one word, I would say Amen

  • By Published On: July 2, 2013

      One of my favorite books from the 1970’s is To Have or To Be, by Eric Fromm in which he describes a significant

  • By Published On: May 30, 2013

    Generous affection is my inspiration for whole relationships. May my narrow mind arise above all limiting expectations; my fearful heart stir with certainties of compassion; and my actions witness to peace.

  • By Published On: May 24, 2013

    In acceptance I learn change

  • By Published On: May 9, 2013

    May the sacred spirit of life’s adventure Keep me safe when I feel afraid Make me steadfast when I am sad