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Despite my own
very human tendency for long-winded prayers, what we offer to God is not judged
on word count or waxing eloquent.
Sometimes shorter sentences offer a doorway to our shy souls. A few honest, heartfelt words can open/offer
space for our souls to speak. Below are
four short prayer sentences by Justin McRoberts. Read each slowly, savoring the flavor of
words, engaging the thoughts, noticing your emotions and response. Pause after each sentence to recognize where
the words are landing in your body.
May I cease to be
annoyed that others are not as I wish they were, since I am not as I wish I
was.
Pause to breathe
and let the words settle.
Before I see
someone as a problem, may I see him/her/them as a human.
Pause to breathe
and let the words settle.
May the depth and
energy of my criticism be at least equaled by the depth of my commitment to
help.
Pause to breathe
and let the words settle.
Help me, O God,
spit out the taste of rage and regret rather than keep swallowing it.
Pause to breathe
and let the words settle.
Which of the
above did your shy soul say, “Amen”? Which
one of the above four sentences stretched or challenged you? Which one did you shout, “Objection!” as your
response? Which one do you question if
you could really live this way?
Go back and
re-read the sentences, this time noticing and naming where and with whom
you might be able to live these words.
Remember, God is not asking for perfection, but for you to be wholly and
beautifully you ~ with all your fabulous foibles. The hopes and heartbreaks, the divine dust
that you are. May these prayer sentences
find a space and place in your life in these Lenten days. Amen.
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