Inspirational Prayer

Understanding 101

Understanding 101 Lost amongst my acres of knowledgeand mounds of booksI'm a mere academic,Trying to make sense of life and love. I own a mellifluous mountainof meandering meaningless wordsand I mouth them when the moment arises. I cannot tell the difference betweenpatois, idiolect, jargon, dialect,idiom, argot,...

Overcome My Fear

Overcome My Fear Help me deal with the worriesthe fill my heart with dread.What if I make a mistakethat delays treatment?What if I make a mistakethat prolongs someone’s pain?Or, even worse, shortens their life?Help me remember that you are here,not only for the patientsbut also for me, their nurse.Help m...

The F-Word

The F-Word I’m a feminist.There, I said it,though You are not shocked.It was You who made me so.Growing up aglow in Your love,it was obvious.If You loved me,then what I am is special.If You believed in me,than what I am is capable.If You respected me,then what I am is worthy.You taught me that being a feministisn’t shameful or unw...

Emerging

Emerging I am great at withdrawing,at crawling deep inside myself,forgetting that I do not, cannot operate in isolation.Draw me out againand show me the community You've given me.Make me humble enoughto accept the blessings of...

Wings

Wings Butterfly-to-be: A pupa inside this chrysalis.Life-before-life, alone in a quiet place,never dreaming, thinking or hopingthat there’s a future out here in the real world.It seems illogical to destroy comfortable cocoons;and yet it must be donefor the life we are meant to live must begin.Help me learn how to recognize change,to be prepared f...

The Hike

The Hike The world seems endless.The hills rolling on below and around me,the trees tall and unbendingfrom here to the horizon and beyond.I see You.I see the work of Your hands,I hear the sound of Your voice,I feel Your breathsoft and cool on my skin.

Just Desserts

Just Desserts I knew I shouldn’t... even before I ate it.But it was so tempting, so delicious, so mine.I say I want to lose weight, I know what it takes— really.I do know, but somehow I can’t bring mysel...

Going Viral

Going Viral Here's my soul's Status Update:I know the power of words.I've been wounded by an off-hand comment.I've been uplifted by unexpected praise.A bad attitude can be catching.From the sniffles of sarcasm to the contagion of criticism.These days, it's not just birds that "tweet"and you really can "friend" someone you've never...

Holding Pattern

Holding Pattern When it seems like you're up in the air with nowhere to land, hold on.  There's a clearing in the distance.When the past comes knocking and tries to bring you down,hold your head up.There's a new day on the horizon.When the...

Your Ideal

Your Ideal Today I am stressed.Stressed to the pointof losing my way in life.It feels easier to sort out waysto be in my addictionthan to be stuckwithin my head today.Stuck in my headfeeling powerlessover what is happeningin my world.

Stepping Back

Stepping Back Please help me to step backfrom the rush and clamorof day to day life.  Help me to disconnectif only for a few momentsso that I may sit quietlyand do nothing but breathe.  In this way, may I find the space and the time to feel Your presence. To connect with the well-spring of peacethat comes only throughthat...

A Question of Balance

A Question of Balance Ying, yang, high, low...Laid back, impatient; stay, or go?Decisions we make, each day of our life,praying for serenity, in moments of strife.Sometimes, it’s the tiny actions that matter;We know that a hug can make many things better.Help me be at peace without being complacent;active without being agitated;

Outspoken

Outspoken I've been called outspoken,headstrong, a rebel.But if I am these things,it is for Your sake.You gave me a discerning mindto examine the world with.You gave me a voice,and a destiny.I will not squander these things.I will shout,and pray that it is Your voicethat will be heard.

Whispers to a Writer

Whispers to a Writer

Change is Coming

Change is Coming I feel like I have fallenand I can't get up.Source of my strength, lift me.Change is coming.My dreams and visions are shattered.Source of my strength,put it all back together.Change is coming.

Heart Opened

Heart Opened Open my heart, so I can see the truth around me.When I am shown anger,help me see the hurt that sparked it.When I am shown arrogance,help me see insecurity. When I am shown aggression, help me...

Morning

Morning I spend the day alone with my thoughts.They’re spread among endless coffee cups,strewn between papers that need grading.  They taunt me like books stacked on my floor,ones that need to be read and resolved.  Help me to remember amidst this scurry:Every morning we have the choiceto r...

Free at Last!

Free at Last! I quit judging, fudging, procrastinating,gossiping, belittling;my personal pity party.I forgive my partner, my relatives,my friends, my workmates & boss;myself.I embrace kindness, empathy, benevolence,those who need me most;You.   ...

The Making of a Star

The Making of a Star It's not fame that I seek, but a grand opportunity to shine through service.Isn't that what follows all the buffing and refining?...

You, Everywhere

You, Everywhere Who knew You could be presentin the mopping of a floor?But there You are.I find You, too,next to the breadas I fix his brown bag sandwich.And there You are,riding shotgun, as I rush to the storeto pick up that prescription. You are always there,just to one side of my busy day,

I Am Ageless

I Am Ageless What if there were no mirrorsupon which to reflect?Would I strive harder, laugh louder,believe in myself more?Would I embrace a world filled withendless possibilities? What if birthdays had no numbers,just a celebration of this life?I fear growing older.Will You help me with my struggle?Can You bring forward...

Shift Change

Shift Change I have no idea what today will bring.I know only that I will have to react quickly,as I take stock of the situation.Help me seize the information I needto give each patient the best possible care.Help me remain calmin the face of fear and painas I release my patients into Your care.I can only do so much,but with You I can do so much...

Road Map

Road Map Today I feel lost,so I turn to You for direction.My heart is a compass.Set me to true north.Lead me where I need to go.Be my guide.Take me with you,for you know the roads.I know the climb will be arduous.But when I get there,oh, the view will be worth it!

Muses

Muses As I sit musing, I wonder,where does inspiration comes from?Everything distracts me as I work at my desk:the indigo flame of sunset out my window,a sweet furball of a dog with the bark of Darth Vader asking for a belly rub,the joyboy padding...

Soothe and Comfort

Soothe and Comfort They've had a big fight.I want to join in, shouting out loud.How dare she accuse him,condemn him,not love him as much as I do?Help me hear without judgement.Help me weave together an understandingthat I could not find on my own.Help me draw peace from Your presence.Help me listen, soothe, and comfort...

Light in the Depths

Light in the Depths Down herewhere only the lantern-fish swim,too deep for sun to penetrate,I see a glint. It is You, reaching for methrough the churning seas,a hand to pull me back to the surfaceand into the light. I had made myself a home here,among the shipwrecks,thinking I'd never return to the shore.But You saved me,

Going Green

Going Green Yesterday it occurred to me,as I washed the same clothes,emptied the same dishwasher,and scrubbed the same kitchen sink, again:I am Your poster child for “going green”Because You recycle me!Cost saving and efficient, You help the earth by the energy I generate,by doing tasks in rep...

Always There

Always There Give me the strength and wisdomto face all adversities in life,no matter how large or trivial.Though I know You are always with me,I sometimes forgetwhen I am wrapped up in a struggle.The only thing I need is a gentle nudge;the reminder that You soldier on along side me.Help me to stop and realize,You will never...

Breakdown

Breakdown The workplace is no place for tears.Yet despite knowing better,I crumbled like sand.Bring me back from the precipice.Help me win back the respectof my coworkers and bosses.Let me use my emotions as strengths,to find solutions and right inequities,so no one else need be crushedby the weight of their feelings.Let me be just in all my business...

Mother

Mother The greeting cards lie.They put words to what is unsayable.You alone know how I see her:She is seven feet tall,a monolith, all-powerful.Still, she is tiny and fragile—a strong gust could part us—and I cannot think of losing her.Tell her for me. I trust You.Tell her how much I love her,how our closeness awes me,so that I hardly know where she ends

Career Girl

Career Girl Everybody who works heretells a story with their clothes.Some have on suits; I’m wearing a uniform.Make me proud of myself and what I doas I go to work each day.Let the people I work withknow that I’m here to do a job,and I mean business.

Once Overwhelmed

Once Overwhelmed What if?What then?Tormenting thoughtsof random fears,torrential rains of worry pummeled my sanctity to a flooded swampof muddy misery.No morewhat ifs,what thens,cascading through myconsciousness, uncontrolled.

Courage to Reach Out

Courage to Reach Out "Help those in need,"You tell me,but I hesitate. Will she welcome my helpor think I'm interfering?Because she has so little,will it look like I'mflaunting all I have,rubbing her face in my success?What if I do or say the wrong thing?Worries fill my minduntil...

You, Me, and the Lamp Post

You, Me, and the Lamp Post Just between us—I've done things I wouldn't want to see in the headlines,so I won't be throwing a stone in your direction.Every dark alley,

Finding Time

Finding Time It's everywhere.Sitting on the bus or driving in the car.Waiting at the deli counter, number 56 in hand.Who knew 3 pounds of lean corned beefcould get me closer

The Temple

The Temple Remind me that You live here,that You designed this bodyas a place for us to meet,an instrument to serve You,a vessel through which I exploreand experienceYour diverse creation.Teach me to revere it as You do,to protect and honor it,to forgive it when necessary.Like me, it is...

A Difficult Boss

A Difficult Boss What can I do?Too much is expected of me.Good is never good enough.I cry on the way to work,makeup ruined before I get there.My boss rages, unjustified.When I speak softly,Iím told to be less timid.When I speak up,I'm told I'm too aggressive.

The Tricky Ways of Trends

The Tricky Ways of Trends It seems these days that anything goes.Maybe I'm just ancient because I appreciate relicslike courtesy and modesty.  Maybe I'm not hip, because I actually like being a lady You would be proud to...

Make Life, Make Sense

Make Life, Make Sense Woke up and felt a fissurein my faith today,but there is just no wayto take my heart out of its groove. All is well.  There's always a way.Help me get past my need for everythingto make sense right now.

Recovery

Recovery Every day, I lumber up the staircase, twelve steps at a time.I haven't even reached the 'one-day-at-a-time' point yet;I'm taking it by the millisecond.Looking back, alone in the world, I turned in the wrong direction.Even when I stopped believing in You, You never stopped believing in me.You were there whether I...

Joyful Words

Joyful Words You gave us all the ability to laughand the desire to play.Please help me to not confusetaking You seriouslywith taking myself too seriously.Please help me to rememberthat a laugh and a smileand a bit of funcan go a very long way.

Mad Enough

Mad Enough I want to fight, to yell,to lash out at the worldin which these things happen.But good girls don't yell or clench their hands into fists.What would people think?I hold my anger tight,and it becomes a part of me.With You, I can let it go.

Forgiveness Step One

Forgiveness Step One “You have to forgive him.It’s the right thing to do.”Why do they tell me to forgive and forgetwhen he beats me down with his words?If I continue to live this life—  I will hate myself.Please, lend me Your strength.Let me lean on You as I walk away.Lend me Your...

Workplace Hazard

Workplace Hazard I dread the workday. Every day I struggle to keep peace with a difficult coworker. When I work with this personI feel my sense of self-worth diminish.I feel disrespected and unheard. As I go in to work, I feel myself bracing for a blow.Please surround me today with Your perfect peace.

A Marriage in Trouble

A Marriage in Trouble We sit in silence.I say nothing;he looks at the TVwhile I stroke the cat.The couch is small,but miles separate us.A stranger in my home.I rub my arm,desperately needingto feel touch.Please can't You healthis pain, his heart,my contempt, his indifference?

Lessons For My Child

Lessons For My Child Help me to teach my child.To give her wisdomand show her how to choosegood people to be in her life.Help me to teach my childto look withinfor her very best—that You are herstrength and guidance.

On Track

On Track At times, I feel I’m the engineer on this train, and some days, just cargo.  All I need to know is that I’m on the right track.Before I even began this journey, You’d mapped out the route.Each time we pull into a stop, I think my trip is over.Then the train starts up again, back out into the sun.

Priorities

Priorities I can do it all I’ve told myself; I’ve got lists. Yet, why do I sometimes forget to talk to You? Were You not on my list? Help me to keep You at the top...

Forgive, Forget, Move On

Forgive, Forget, Move On How can I ever forget?You tell me forgiving begets forgetting.Easier said than done.I nurse my hurts and keep them close,like treasured souvenirs.Pry open my fists and force them loose.It is time to move on,even though I'm afraid of the road ahead,what it looks likewithout the distraction of old...

Seismic Shifts

Seismic Shifts I believe in magic and miracles.I believe that You said it, and that settles it.Everything comes to me at just the right time,in symmetry, in synchronicity, in Your time.I await You in perfect repose.There is nothing more that needs to be done.No furious flailing, no sackcloth and ashes.

Becoming

Becoming Thoughts become attitudes,attitudes become decisions.Decisions become actions,actions become habits.Habits form character,character shapes our destiny.Help me to deal with my thoughts properly.Then You will fill my life

Choices

Choices I watch as he weighs the choices.I want to tell him what to do.“Make the safe choice.”“Make the choice that I want,the one that keeps you close to me.”Help him to be more objective than I can be. Help him to make the choicethat takes advantage of his strengths and his passions,his knowledge and his...

Listening

Listening Your voice is like the rainthat gently hits the roof of my car.It's a song asking me to open a doorand exit.  Get up.  Move on.Rise from there and laugh again.  But all I want to do,for just now,is sit inside and listen.  You make everything new again.

Inertia

Inertia It's so hard to get motivatedto change the things I can.I tell myself I must let goof what does not nourish me.I shouldn't just live with 'the devil I know'There is a lioness in methat needs to roarand a great, golden paththat leads to peace.I ask You, discombobulate meshake my boots, and I knowI will be so much...

Prism

Prism Refractions of light from a prism:a heterogeneous, multi-faceted rainbow,splitting the spectrum.Transparency separating the lightinto its component elements.It's not the brightest, fastest, or keenest raythat makes the enchantment happen,but it strikes the right place at the right time.Help me be a prism to my companions;to help them discern what is...

Learning Curve

Learning Curve We begin the month as fools;willing winter's end and spring's beginning.You bring our wish to bud in every leaf and blade,summoning new beauty out of dead roots,and make us wise again to eternal rebirth. This is my chance for rebirth, too.Spring has sprung and so should I:out...

Divine Penmanship

Divine Penmanship As another busy day unfolds,may I remember to look up.If even for a moment, may my eyessearch the sky for Your signature.Itʼs written everywhere -in the wisp of a cloudin the brilliance of the sunin the bold declaration of a shooting star.

Segues

Segues Impossible, he called me.In fact, I said,I am quite possible.Just not very likely.I told him, you disagree with everything I say.No I don't, he said.My husband and I never argued.That would have beentoo much like communication.I found out the road to hell is paved...

Perfectly Imperfect

Perfectly Imperfect You who see me at my worstmake me be my best.Struggling with the stress of the season,remind me:happiness has seldom depended on a spotless home,an endless buffet or love given from holiday packages.I know I can't be flawlessI can only be me.Please, I need your reassurance  that I am perfectwith all my...