God, you are my rock and refuge.
(Of course, sometimes I forget to lean on you and attempt to take control…)
Ever-present God, you are with me all the time.
(Sometimes it doesn’t feel like you are with me. Sometimes I forget to talk to you…)
Forgiving God, I’m sorry I was so judgmental yesterday.
(But those people made me so mad! How can they possibly believe what they say?)
Nurturing God, thank you for my family.
(Is it really necessary that the teenage years be so traumatic…for everyone?)
Creator God, thank you for your wonderful creation.
(I wish people would take better care of it. I am driving a fuel-efficient car now. Of course, I still let a lot of water go down the drain during a day…but I recycle...)
Healing God, be with my friend’s wife, recently diagnosed with cancer.
(And thank you that it wasn’t me or anyone in my family. I really could not deal with that right now. No time, not enough emotional reserves.)
Lord of all creation; be with the poor, the hungry and the homeless.
(I donate food to the crisis center. I give money to the homeless shelter. I’m comfortable doing those things.)
Awesome God, speak to me and help me hear your call.
(Could you send me a really obvious message, so that I know it’s really you? But please don’t ask me to do anything outside of my comfort zone...)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
(What can I possibly do to bring peace to your world? Can’t you just snap your fingers and make everyone get along?)
Loving God, guide me on your path.
(If you could manage to make it an easy path, that would be great. I’m pretty tired, and would really appreciate a little less stress in my life.)
O God, help me to pray without parentheses…
~Sally Hoelscher