Today I have four short prayers for you. They are very different from each other, but perhaps you might find one of them expressing some of your own thoughts or feelings. Several years ago during my annual retreat, I was struggling with someone. I shared my struggles with my retreat director. We conversed about this situation for a little while, and then she said, “During this week, I suggest you pray for this person. Every day. Nothing long, nothing special. Just offer a sincere little prayer for her.” She added, “After all, we have no idea what she might be bearing right now in her own life.” I followed her suggestion. After a week, my prayer didn’t change that person. But I did sense a small change in myself… a slight shift toward greater patience. Here’s a prayer I wrote based on that experience:
Prayer #1: “And Jesus said, ‘Pray for Them'”
Instead of being angry with her, pray for her.
Instead of worrying about him, pray for him.
Instead of judging them, pray for them.
Instead of gossiping about her, pray for her.
Instead of pitying him, pray for him.
Instead of being afraid of them, pray for them.
Instead of belittling her, pray for her.
Instead of ignoring him, pray for him.
Instead of disliking them, pray for them.
Instead of giving up on her, pray for her.
Instead of forgetting about him, pray for him.
Instead of thinking there’s nothing
you can do about her, him, or them,
pray for them… pray for them.
Prayer #2: “If All I Ever Heard” (From my book Picking Strawberries)
If all I ever heard was the chirping of a single bird,
If all I ever smelled was the scent of one sprig of lilac,
If all I ever tasted was the sweetness of one strawberry,
If all I ever touched was the softness of one bunny’s ear,
If all I ever saw was the vastness of one starry night,
I would have reason enough to fall helplessly in love with Thee,
my Beloved Creator God.
Prayer #3: “Jesus, You Cleansed the Temple” (from my book When the Blue Heron Flies)
Jesus, you cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem.
Your flipped tables over, set doves and lambs free,
and chased out all the money changers,
while yelling, “My house shall be a house of prayer–
not a den of thieves!”
Jesus, come now and do the same in me.
For I too have set up clutter where sacred space was meant to be.
I too am caging living things with my excessive need to control.
I too am enamored with glitz and power and material gain.
Come, Jesus, and reclaim me as your own.
Come cleanse the temple of me.
Prayer #4 “Prayer of the Tuckered Out” (from my book Just Because)
O God, look down upon me, so weary, worn, and stooped,
And hear the humble prayer of one who’s really pooped.
I ask not for good fortune, nor for serenity.
Instead one thing I beg you for: how ’bout some energy?
Sometimes I’m not so good, God, I fight, complain, and shout.
I offer no excuses, except I’m tuckered out.
My spirit is so willing. It wants to do what’s best.
The problem is my flesh, God, for all it wants is rest.
This prayer should be much longer, but what else can I say when
I’m too dog-tired to stay awake? Have pity, God. Amen.
For reflection:
Did any of these prayers resonate with your thoughts and feelings at times in your own prayer life? If so, which one(s)?
What people, events, or things in your life make it easier for you to believe and trust in God?
Prayer can come in all shapes and sizes, can be done in all kinds of places and for all kinds of reasons. What are some of the places you pray? When is prayer easy for you… or when is it challenging for you?
What helps you to persevere in prayer?
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PS: Last week I was working on a future blog on falcons. When I went to save it, I forgot to type in the date I wanted that reflection to be posted. As a result, my rough draft was instantly posted and an alert was sent out to most of you. As soon as I realized my mistake, I screamed “Yikes!” and removed it immediately. So, if you went looking for it, you found “page cannot be found” instead. Thank you to those who wrote asking me where the reflection was or if I had been hacked. All I can say is: Mea culpa! And I’m SO sorry for the confusion!
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I found this little song by Shawna Edwards. It expresses to me the great variety of ways we can pray… the many different forms our prayer can take… how we can pray anywhere, alone or with others… We sometimes make prayer too complicated. This song suggests, “Just Pray.”
Please share a thought or two with us below…
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58 Responses
Recently Pope Leo spoke of Brother Lawrence’s Practice of the Presence of God. To find God everywhere, in all things and people all the time. It’s a way of being, a ground on which to stand. Your prayers echoed those words of the kitchen brother and the mighty Pope.
Priscilla, I am humbled that you put my simple prayers “in the company” of “the kitchen brother and the mighty Pope,” two individuals I hold in high esteem. Thank you! Melannie
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
I found all of these prayers/poems (“proems”) beautiful! But in “Jesus, You Cleansed the Temple” I found these words both beautiful AND challenging: “Jesus, come now and do the same for me./for I too have set up clutter/ where sacred space was meant to be.” When I read the word “clutter,” I immediately thought of the clutter and debris I take in when I find myself “doom scrolling.” Ugh! A habit I need to break!
John, I never heard the expression “doom scrolling,” but (if I’m honest) it is something I sometimes get caught up in too. Then, afterwards, I wonder why my spirit feels down and sluggish. Thank you for your insight that “clutter” can come in many forms. Melannie
John, Sister Melannie and all:
Those words also jumped off the page for me! Our cluttered minds these days take concerted effort on our parts to slow down, stop scrolling, be more present and to make our prayer life a priority. Thank you for this wonderful post!
Lord, change me!! Not the other one – ME!
Michelle, I really liked your last line… Would that we all could pray those hard words! Melannie
Beautiful reflection and I love the song. It reminded me of my days as an elementary school music teacher.
Eileen, A nice memory to reflect on… Melannie
Praying for others is truly God’s gift to us whenever we struggle with someone. You are so right…they may not change…but sometimes they do…but we change…and that is far more significant. Jesus always met people where they are at…and we need to do that also. It’s the release from the prison in which we have placed ourselves. And it is there that Jesus comes to meet us. God bless you.
Father John
Father John, How good to hear from you again! These words of yours stood out for me: “we need to meet people where they are… It is the release from the prison in which WE have placed ourselves.” Wise words! Melannie
I loved the prayer, Pray For them. I am currently struggling with someone so this is very timely. It is a struggle for me to pray for them but I need to remember that they might not change but I will. I have printed out your post today and tucked in my morning prayer book.
Kathy, At any given moment we might be struggling with someone… Your words reflect this universal human experience. Thank you for sharing this with us! I detect in you much “good will.” Melannie
I like this line, “Instead of being afraid, pray for them.” I feel fear when I am having a conflict; need to include this line in my prayers. Leave it in God’s hands so I can, hopefully, respond instead of practicing avoidance. After all they can’t eat me, haha.
Ilene, Thank you for highlighting how fear can prevent us from doing the right thing, or good thing, or even Christian thing… I smiled at your last sentence… Melannie
Nom nom 🤤
I, too, am struggling with someone at the moment (honestly, for a long time), but the line that struck me was from Prayer #3: I too am caging living things with my excessive need to control.
I think I might need to combine the first and third prayers. Is the living thing I am caging me or the other? I’ll be spending some time with this question!
Charlene, What a great question to ask ourselves! Thank you for offering your questions for all of us! Melannie
I loved all your prayers but especially #2 and #3. Hope you don’t mind that I printed them to make bookmarks for myself. It’s a way to help me remember to pray more throughout the day whenever I get a chance to open one of the books I might be reading. Thank you for your blog, you are such a sweetheart!
Barbara, And thank you for thinking enough of these prayers to want to copy them. Of course you may… And you’re a “sweetheart” for adding your comment to my refection! Melannie
Wow! The first prayer got to me. I was/still am just wanting to give up on her. Plus #4 — not sure it was the prayer or the face of tuckered out doggie. Maybe a little of both. Thanks Milannie I will miss going to Chardon for jubilee. But I will livestream!
Joni, I’m glad the two prayers “got to me.” I too loved that picture of that dog! Dogs can be so exprssive! … I will miss seeing you at Jubilee! Glad you can livestream the Mass on our sndusa website on Sunday, June 28 at 1:00 (ET). (I put in this plug!) Melannie
Beautiful, beautiful reflections. All 4 prayers spoke to me but especially #1 and #4. I struggled for years trying to accept and get along with 2 coworkers, one in particular and finally I too got advice from a counselor to just pray for him. It took several months but I did see that those prayers changed me and I learned to be more tolerant and compassionate.
I can relate to your prayers of exhaustion. Some nights I crawl into bed and just ask our Lord for rest and a good sleep. Thanks for all your insights and the thoughts shared by others.
Loretta, You received some good advice from that counselor! Glad the prayer/poems spoke to you. Thanks for letting us know. Melannie
Who isn’t struggling with someone?
Even if it’s small. I loved the video & how it touched on all religions. I wish some would realize we are all God’s children regardless…..I loved all 4 prayers.
Sue, Good question!… And I too liked the inclusivity of the video images… And Amen to: “I wish we would realize we are all God’s children regardless…” Thank you! Melannie
Thank you for another wonderful message. That last prayer really resonated with me. Even the photo of the dog connected. I really liked the video. Hope to share it with those I live.
Diane, Thank you for your very positive feedback! Melannie
I love the cleansing the temple one best. Thank you for sharing all of them, and I look forward to seeing the falcon one, when it’s ready. I appreciate your work and sharing your process, too!
Take care, Margaret
Margaret, Thanks for writing again. I always appreciate your comments! And the falcon reflection is scheduled for this coming Monday, June 8! Melannie
All four prayers had a line or more that made me uncomfortable which means there is a message for me. I can relate to all of these poems and have some soul searching and PRAYING to do. As the line in the song says, “just pray”. Thank you for your blog. It touches places in me that I sometimes don’t want to deal with.
Celeste, What’s the old saying, “God doesn’t call us to be comfortable, but to be comforters”… or something like that. You are correct to imply that what makes us “uncomfrtable” sometimes can be a movement of the Spirit. You sound like a person who is very honest with herself! Thanks for your comment. Melannie
Many more thanks for all of your prayers, dear Melannie. # 4 made me laugh several times. I’m glad God loves a cheerful giver, as Scripture says. I’m sure God also loves humorous prayers. Incidentally, today Medicare declined as nicely as possible to pay for a surgery that was set for tomorrow. I agreed with their logic. Whatever alternative my surgeon may choose, I’m trusting that God continues writing with irregular lines. Continued cheer! and other blessings.
George, I’m glad #4 made you laugh. Laughter is one of God’s greatest gifts to the human race! And I agree with you that “God continues writing with irregular lines.” Prayers for your health issue–and your doctor! Melannie
I prayed that first prayer…In stead……pray
St.Martin de Porres said “Everything could be a Prayer if offered to God.”
Instead~~focus on the light of Jesus’ Love.
Your blog is so down to earth and also full of grace .
Thank you.
Sister Ave, Thank you for sharing that wonderful quote by St. Martin de Porres. I had not heard it before… Positive feedback like yours encourages me to keep writing… Thank you! PS: I was taught by the Akron, OH Dominicans from grades 6-8! Melannie
Melannie I loved all your prayerful reflections and could find myself relating to all four. Praying for another person does bring a change within ourselves. I experience that too.
Thank you for sharing your prayers with us Melannie.
Mo, Thank you for letting us know that prayer #1 resonates wth your own personal experienc. That’s good for us to know! We’re in good company! Melannie
I like all four prayers, especially #2. But the one I most relate to today is #4. I’m fighting off a severe cold virus and am so tired. The symptoms have kept me from sleeping much. That dog’s expression is priceless! Thank you!
Annie, Hope you’re on the mend by now… And yes, I agree: “That dog’s expression is priceless!” Sometimes we humans hide our inner feelings too much. Hopefully we all have people in our lives with whom we can share our real feelings like: I’m so tired… I’m feeling so down… I just want to sleep… Melannie
i agree — all four of them — each in its own way. I saw myself in every one. Thank you for them.
Thank you, Patt. I value your positive response to these prayers. Melannie
Hello, thank you for your down to earth blog. All 4 prayers are great. The one that relates the temple that Jesus cleaned to my heart has given me pause to contemplate.
I am always praying for more energy, this prayer made me smile.
Bless you for sharing your beautiful gift of writing with us.
Maureen, And I thank you for reading my blog and for writing comments like this one! Melannie
Prayer #1 touched my heart. I am struggling to love someone who is hurting.
Thanks Sr. Melannie.
Kathleen, I’ll join you in prayer for this person–and for you! Melannie
All four prayers were meaningful, but I especially liked #2 & 3. “For I too have set up clutter where sacred space was meant to be.” (Oh to control the wanderings of the mind!)
Today’s blog speaks of prayer as reaching out to God anytime, anywhere and for any reason. The video seems to tie it all together.
Thank you for this meaningful reflection.
Bless you!
Beverly, I too thought the video “tied it all together.” I think the Holy Spirit realy helps me to find these songs and videos. There are so many good ones out there. Thanks for writing! Melannie
Thank you Sister Melannnie,
Prayer 1and 4 were my favorites. I liked the simplicity and humor in #4.
God bless.
Bernadette, Thank you for the positive feedback. That helps me to keep writing this blog! Melannie
Good afternoon Sr. Melannie. Both #1 and #3 spoke to me . I have been worrying about a young man in my life for a long time – what will happen to him, who will love him, and on and on. I have turned him over to Mary recently because a mother is always there for her kids and have a fierce love for them always. Nothing in his situation has changed but I am more at peace about the whole situation. One of my friends even noticed it and asked me about my seemingly lack of worry. Lack of worry is not true but I have come to rely on Someone else to handle it.
For #3 I have believed that we are meant to be a dwelling place for the Lord but I don’t know how to deal with that “junk drawer” stuff. Guess I need a little help with spring cleaning of my house but I hesitate to ask for help.
Thanks for this week’s blog Sister. So much to think and pray about. God bless you and each of us!
Martha, What a beautiful decision: to turn over this young man to Mary. And even though your worry is still there, you have found more peace in doing this. Thank you for sharing this experience with us. And I smiled at your “junk drawer” metaphor… Yes, we regularly need to “de-clutter” some of the “stuff” in our house, that is, in our heart and soul. Your comments are always so good, Martha. Keep them coming! Melannie
Prayer #1 and #2 and the song.
Thank you Sister.
Thank you, Rosemarie. That’s good for me to know. Melannie
Prayer 1 and Prayer 4 speak to me. Today I was all in on prayer 4. I am so dog tired on Wednesday teaching that I have to have a coke and leave the grounds for lunch. Prayer 1 speaks to me everyday teaching 6th Grade Math.
When you sent the accident post I was like please do not be sending the blog multiple times per week. It’s is right where it needs to be on Monday, no more no less. It is so edifying. The more often it comes the less edifying it could be become.
I am going to share this blog with my 6th graders on Friday during Religion class.
Also, a friend of mine died in a farming accident by suffocation in a corn bin, please pray for the repose of his soul
Brandon, Glad your teaching 6th grade math made you resonate with #1 and #4! I’ll pray for your important ministry of education!… and yes, I could never do more than one post a week. Some weeks it’s hard for me to manage even one! So one per week it is!… And my deepest sympathy to you on the death of your friend. What a tragic loss… I’m sure my readers are saying a prayer for him, his family, and for you… Melannie
Everyday I pray for all those I encounter throughout any situation and I know God blesses them through the good or through the bad! Every experience is given to God to do what I cannot do for them who come into my life daily! Give them to God in simply praying for them!
(I am in Salaverry Peru during June)
Francis Marie, Blessings on your time in Peru. I’m sure it will be a rich experience for you! Thank you for responding to my blog! Melannie
Very inspiring and made me step back and reflect on your words!
I am in Peru for the month of June and my return to the United States July 1, arriving July 2 in Ohio. I am here in Peru experiencing whatever God wants me to receive at this time. The sisters are awesome and very loving and happy!