“Help” is a prayer that is always answered. It doesn’t matter how you pray–with your head bowed in silence, or crying out in grief, or dancing. Churches are good for prayer, but so are garages and cars and mountains and showers and dance floors. Years ago I wrote an essay that began, “Some people think that God is in the details, but I have come to believe that God is in the bathroom.” ~Anne Lamott
Here are more prayers from the pages of the journal I’ve been keeping for eight years. Some are old and some were just written days ago. My prayer today that one of these may give you comfort, give you companionship, give you boldness to add your own words.
When you feel lost and alone.
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. (Merton)
When you need to be reminded that this is not the end.
Lord, let me not forget You are truly in charge, and it is You who will pour through my everyday life.
When what is going on around you – and in you – makes you want to fight.
So here I am – and I’m fighting. I’m praying. Going to war. Naming the names of those I am fighting for. Because I believe there is victory. I believe You are victory.
When you need to dwell on what matters.
If this was my last day, what would the bed upon rising feel like to me? What would the air upon walking feel like on my face? If this was my last day, what would conversation sound like? Would there be enough hugs? Would I stop long enough to savor one passionate kiss?
When you need even more prayers.
Saturdays are for gathering up the words of the week and putting them in basket for you. This week my personal journey has taken a toll on how many prayers have been posted – time zones and please-be-present moments in a foreign land have even moved prayers from my journal to scraps of paper and text messages. I am more convinced than ever of prayer’s power. It is a weapon of warfare unlike any other. I would love to pray for you. Send a message my way.
Last year, I shared the stories about pictures I’ve taken. This year during the month of October, I’m opening up my journal and sharing prayers. They’re not eloquent or poetic – they’re simple honest talks with God. Some prayers are joyful and some are screams. Some are said in the morning and some at night. It’s my hope the words might help someone else find the words.
