Day 8: Writing my own prayer

A while back I developed an interest in written prayers.  This came from a beautiful reading of the prayer of St Francis. I wanted to find more classic prayers that I could assemble into a personal collection of prayers that I could meditate on when I lacked inspiration or needed to connect to God's intention towards me.  

But as I looked,  I had a hard time finding something that spoke to me in quite the way the prayer of St Francis did (besides the lords prayer and David's confession). So I decided to write one for myself.  

I have to add that it initially felt awkward writing a formal prayer for myself.  But I found the process to push me to search my soul for those things I repeatedly bring to God,  those things I struggle with and that version of myself that I desire God to mold me into. 

Working hard on writing and tweaking over time as i pray it again and again, it becomes a favorite pair of jeans. An old stand by that reminds me of faith in all its dimentions that i can grab on to when I feel myself starting to drift. 

I highly recommend the process if writing is a medium that speaks to you.  After going through it,  I almost fell like having a personalized written prayer should be a standard issue tool for all Christians - right along side memorized scripture and favorite hymns. Having words to go to whenever you need them is so helpful.  I actually keep my prayer on my phone. 

Also... another things about a personal written prayer,  it is written in your own language... how ever you use language.  So it might not be pretty or poetic or publishable.  It's just there - words from yourself to yourself to help point you back to God when you get lost or want to remember what you wanted to say. 

Since I have been talking about prayer practices, I felt it fitting to share .... also,  would love suggestions for particularly inspiring prayers Google is probably not the best tool for the job.

An everyday prayer for when I need it:

Most holy father, 

Teach me your ways. 

My instinct is not holy.  

It is human. 

It is fearful and limited and full of good intention, but so far from your perfect way. 

Train my brain with your thoughts.

Lift my eyes from my present moment into your eternity. 

Breathe me back from eternity into your presence with me in this very present moment. 

Soak me in love ....and allow love to shake free my fears and selfish anxieties. 

Teach me again the ways of love.  

For they are hard to practice,  even harder to master.  

Soak me again in your grace. 

Open my heart to receive your peace and to send that peace forward. 

Grant me peace in knowing that you are. Beyond all that I know 

Or can even imagine... 

you are. 

Silence my heart with the gentle whisper that calls me back to who you are and who I am in you.  

 Gently hold me...

 and in the holding... 

 mold me... 

 and in the molding... 

take up residence in my life. 

Amen