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printA Prayer for the Moment
Sometimes just the right prayer drops into your life when you need it most. Sunday morning our pastor ended the service with this blessing: Life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us, so be quick to love and make haste to be kind.
“Who wrote that?” Carol whispered.
“I’ll ask,” I said.
The day was going to be tumultuous. After church we would drive to the hospital, where Carol’s dad had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. How long would he last? What sort of treatment would he get? Was he even strong enough to take any treatment? If ever life seemed short, it was now.
“I don’t know who wrote it,” our pastor said. “I just picked it up from someone else.”
“I’ll Google it,” I said.
Our visit with Carol’s dad was a good one. He was mentally sharp, full of observations on life, ready to retell some of his favorite stories. “If that’s the last time I see him,” Carol said when we left, “I would feel glad that we had a visit like that.” Life is short.
Monday it looked like he would come home. Tuesday they said he needed to stay. Today the prognosis is not so good. We’re heading back to the hospital soon. In my heart and head I ask God for some help through this, some wisdom, something to hold onto in the rockiness of what might be last days and might not. Then I remember that blessing from Sunday.
The author, unknown to me, was a French writer, Henri-Frédéric Amiel, from the nineteenth century. I’m holding on to those words: Life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us, so be quick to love and make haste to be kind.
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Rick Hamlin is the executive editor of Guideposts magazine and the author of 10 Prayers You Can't Live Without. To learn more about the book and explore your own prayer journey, watch this video.
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Your Comments (6)
Sandy, I look for the same 'right words'.. but then I remember that He isn't looking for poetry, but earnestness.
It's nearly two years since I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer..so I KNOW my birthdays are limited. I take lots of meds for pain every day, and yet am able to live alone, drive, and mostly live as I want. I'm also diabetic, although after losing 85# in the first year with cancer, I no longer need medication for it! this is my first prayer of the day:
'Lord, Thank you for another day to love my life. Please do what you will to make this day a good one, and help me to deal with the rest.'
There are many MANY other 5-second prayers throughout the day, but that's the very first one of the morning.
I've discovered I'm Much Better at prayer when it's just a short one.. 'single issue' ones are easiest. If I try to cram everything into one prayer, I just drag on and on and bore myself..I can't imagine Him listening to my droning, either! =) If I keep my prayers short and quick, it's much easier to 'pray without ceasing'..
I've really tried to work on my prayer life. By just 'mentioning things' to God through the day, I think I do a much better job...and it gives me time to listen for the answers, too!
I want to improve my prayer life. I have been trying to "pray without ceasing" which to me is the same as talking to God all through the day. Our pastor says to imagine God beside you and talk to him like a friend so this is what I have been trying to do and there are times when I am driving alone in the car, I can honestly feel him sitting in the passenger seat. I am still working on trying to "hear" God (I think I'm pretty thick headed). For a long time, I paid attention to my "gut feelings" but I am starting to realize that these "gut feelings" are God talking to me. I also know he talks to me through other people as he has done in your comments. Out of all the comments, yours stuck with me and I had to reply. Thank you for all your advise and I'll keep you in my prayers.
Sandy, You have prayed to God and in the most beautiful way, your own heart thoughts in words. God Bless you, I often feel the same lack of a seemly prayful correctness... Bobbi Lynn, Thank you for your simple reminder and pointer for me also.
Sandy,
I don't think you need a special prayer in order to open up your day with God; the thoughts you penned are the perfect prayer. Prayer is from the heart and you don't need the "right words". Your own heartfelt prayer is what God desires. God loves us each so much and wants a relationship with us. Didn't Jesus teach us that God knows when a sparrow falls from a tree? Or God knows the number of hairs on your head? He cares and loves you! Talk to God like you would a good friend, and read His Word. Your problems and concerns are His concerns too when you bring them to Him each day. He will guide you and give you wisdom for every area of your life.
I meed a good morning prayer to open up my day with God. One that tells Him how much I love him; one that THANKS Him for this day, for my health, for the pets (like kids) I have; for my many blessings; for my freedom; one that asks for my husband to be healed from the pain he has & for Him to be in control of his diabetes. One that tells Him how much JOY His love brings to me. One that
tells Him how small I feel & wish I could do more for Him. One that He could guide me to teach my grandchildren or get my grandchildren to a Sunday school so they could learn about God & His son. I bought some books to read to them, but whenever they come to our house they are wound up like a piano wire!!!
I need His guidance for so many things & I know He is busy with more important problems, but I pray He could help me somehow. Even if it is to just say the right words in the right prayer.
Thanks so much,
Sandy Preston
May God Bless you for all of your many good & helpful deeds!
God bless you, dear lady
you just stated your prayer. He will answer.