I’ve grown to really like prayers written by other people. I have written before about my love for St. Francis’s famous prayer (made into song by Sarah McLachlan). The thing is, when I pray my own prayers, I usually do one of two things: 1) ramble, or 2) repeat “Help me!” or “Thank you!” Anne Lamott’s book about prayer, Help, Thanks, Wow helped me see that this is not actually a bad thing…still, it’s nice praying thoughts that have been lovingly and carefully shaped by someone else.
I have a pocket edition of the Book of Common Prayer, and in it lies a prayer that consistently gives me peace and courage. It’s titled “Major Life Transition,” so obviously it is especially relevant right now. May it encourage you as it has encouraged me.
Lord, help me now to unclutter my life, to organize myself in the direction of simplicity. Lord, teach me to listen to my heart; teach me to welcome change, instead of fearing it. Lord, I give you these stirrings inside me. I give you my discontent. I give you my restlessness. I give you my doubt. I give you my despair. I give you all the longings I hold inside. Help me to listen to these signs of change, of growth; help me to listen seriously and follow where they lead through the breathtaking empty space of an open door.
What established prayers have encouraged you or been meaningful for you? Leave a comment and let me know!
It Is Trish 