I’ve been doing some reflecting on healing these days–not merely the physical kind, but other kinds as well. Here’s a little prayer that arose from my reflecting…
“Heal Us, Loving God”
Heal us, Loving God, from our tendency to judge others. Remind us that we have no idea what burdens others may be bearing… Heal us from pettiness. It prevents us from seeing the bigger picture… Heal us from the need to win every argument. Remind us that losing an argument can be a blessing.
Heal us, Loving God, from taking life too flippantly–or too seriously… from thinking of ourselves only as consumers rather than givers and sharers… Heal us from the kind of constant worrying that prevents us from doing the good you are entrusting us to do.
Heal us, Loving God, from taking the beauty and mystery of existence for granted… from a cynicism that insists, “No better world is possible!… Give up already!”… Heal us from rushing so much to get things done, that we miss seeing, appreciating, and connecting with the people you put into our everyday life.
Heal us, Loving God: from being slaves to the clock… from an incessant need to be in control… from criticizing others who are very different from ourselves–or who are very much like ourselves.
Heal us, Loving God: from the fear that prevents us from taking risks for justice and compassion for all… Heal us from thinking that the only way we show our love for you is by our total physical exhaustion. Rather help us to cherish the virtues of rest, play, and humor… Heal us from the need to have You and everyone else operate on our time schedule.
Heal us, Loving God: from the viciousness of jealousy… from the tyranny of greed… from the demon of revenge… Heal us from The Great Untruth that says we are all isolated individuals walking on this earth–rather than embracing The Blazing Truth: we are all one interconnected community of beings of the earth.
Heal us, Loving God: from thinking of our faith as a set of rules to follow rather than a personal, loving, life-long relationship with You… Heal us from the kind of certitude that slams the door on further growth, deeper undertsanding, and greater compassion… Heal us from a lack of trust in Your love and promises. Keep these words of yours alive always in our hearts: “I have loved you with an everlasting love… The Kingdom of Heaven is in your midst… Behold, I am with you always.”
Heal us, Loving God, heal us. Amen.
For reflection:
Did any request for healing stand out for you?
Did you find yourself anywhere in this prayer?
What other kinds of healing do you think we can we ask for from God? Would you like to share any of these with us below?
Our video is a simple song called “Heal Us Lord” by Keka Zucha. This version includes the lyrics plus simple arm and hand gestures that you might want to do (standing or seated) as you listen and pray along. I found the experience to be prayerful and calming.
I welcome your comments below. I always enjoy reading them!
41 Responses
Happy Monday Sr. Melanie & all!
I absolutely loved the humbling prayers that grounded me in what REALLY matters!
For me…” Heal us from thinking that the only way we show our love for YOU is by our total physical exhaustion. Help us to cherish the virtues of rest, play, and humor” speaks volumes to me.
It can be so difficult to take a breath, be still & not get caught up in the “rat race” of life. The song this week calms my mind so I can focus on striving to live in the moment & see the
opportunities our Lord puts before me each day.
Carol, The line you refer to (Help us to cherish the virtues of rest, play, and humor), came to me at the last minute. I was ready to post this and I added these words. I know I needed to pray these… I’m glad they resonated with you too… Thanks for responding! Melannie
Good morning, Sr. Melannie…
Good morning, all…
A beautiful and much needed prayer! “…we are all one interconnected community of beings of the earth.” So true!
“Heal us from the kind of certitude that slams the doors on further growth, deeper understanding, and greater compassion…” Words I need to reflect on, as I am struggling in the current political climate.
Thank you, John… this prayer emerged party from our “current political climate” as you said. Melannie
Just what I needed to hear Sr. Melannie. Last week, I found out the Bishop is closing our church on Christmas Day. It is such a painful time for our community.
My prayers are with you and your parish community, Kathleen… as I’m sure are the prayers of many of my readers… These “letting go’s” are so difficult… Melannie
Wow! Sr. Melanie! Thank you for this thoughtful meditation and reflection! God always gives us what we need and when we need it!
Thus week I am beginning the process of my elderly mother moving out of our apartment and into an Assisted Living facility. She is very upset and angry at times with me over the loss of her independence. With the enormity of her care this past year, I really have not had the “quality ” time to spend with her and hopefully I will be able to have this Treasured time.
At the same time I a victim of Domestic Violence from my separated husband of 37 years. He told me we were getting a divorce for my last year’s Christmas present.
Mediation is this Wednesday and I really, really, really want peace, justice, and equity as I was an at home mom. Your you tube video “Heal US Lord” is a TRUE blessing I needed today and forever!
Thank you Sr. Melanie, may God bless you and your ministry!
Catherine, Many of us can relate with having to put a dear parent into an assisted living facility… It can be so emotional… So, my readers and I will hold you in special prayer as you deal with two extremely painful situations. I hope you can feel our support… Melannie
Thank you for this reflection that is significant for conversion and surrender to God.
Joan, Yes, the prayer is asking for conversion… which is a lifelong process… Fortunately we have God’s grace supporting us every step of the way. Thanks for your comment. Melannie
Dear Melanie,
I love your healing prayer and the video. So glad I signed up for this.
Enjoy today!
Thank you, Diane! I’m glad you signed up too! Melannie
Blessings, Melanie and all!
A friend is living with a challenging diagnosis and “waiting” for treatment to begin. I have shared with her this link. Melanie, you have included three parts of prayer for me, words, music and movement. Thank you. Peace-Prayers-Pat
Pat, How kind of you to share this with your friend who is “waiting” for treatment. I’ll pray for her–and you! She is lucky to have you as a friend. Melannie
Sister, you are an angel here. This prayer of healing has me crying. Thank you for this prayer. Almost every part of it has touched me in a profound way. Thank you, again. I thank God for you and your ministry.
And I thank you, Celeste, for reading this blog for many years. It’s people like you who encouragement me to keep writing. Melannie
Hello Sr Melanie
Thanks very much for sharing this healing prayer which was really grounding.
We can easily fall into many of the traps above, convincing ourselves that we are dutifully carrying out God’s will. When we take a moment to ponder (or symballousa, the Greek word), the spirit will gently speak within us and guide us along the path to the most loving thought or action.
Many thanks
Andre
Andre, I like your word choice: “When we take time to ponder, the spirit will gently speak within us and guide us along the the path to the MOST LOVING THOUGHT AND ACTION. That’s the goal of all our pondering or discerment, isn’t it? Thanks for responding! Melannie
Thank you! I was touched by the entire prayer but especially thinking our faith is a set of rules rather than a personal relationship and that this relationship can be strengthened in play and rest as well. Wonderful reminders to start the week.
Pat, Yes, it’s easier to follow a rule than it is to develop a personal, loving relationship with anyone–let alone our Beloved God! Thank you for writing! Melannie
The song was perfect — thank you.
Glad you liked it Patt… I found it “by chance”… Melannie
Thank you so much – I look forward to each post and the challenges and prayer prompts they provide.
Thank you, Claudia! Melannie
I thank you Melanie, this was is a beautiful meditation and I can see it being used with various groups to bring healing and peace.
May we use it?
Thank you with loving gratitude
Sr Peg maryknoll
Yes, Peg, you certainly may use this prayer. My editors always ask only that you give my name with it. You could give the name of my blog too. (My editors want to sell my books…) Melannie
I’m wondering when we lose an argument it actual means we took the time to listen to the other person and in that losing is the blessing…
Susan, Thank you for your great insight into what I wrote. I hadn’t thought of it that way! I like what you said about the blessing! Melannie
I saw myself in so many of these prayers for healing. I spent this past weekend asking God for so much needed healing. Thank you for putting my prayers into such beautiful words.
Marcella, I’m very happy that my simple words resonated with YOUR prayer… That must be the Spirit working… Thank you for letting me know! Melannie
Lord Jesus heal me of my lack of trust🙏🏼
Amen, James… Amen! Melannnie
Thank you for this healing video. It really calmed my mind and heart.
You’re so welcome, Carol. I’m glad it did! Melannie
My son and daughter-in-law cut us off and wouldn’t allow us to see our grandchildren. I believe in living one day at a time. My husband and I went to NYC for the holiday to make best of things. We went to museum of natural history. While there I went into the shop and chose one of the rocks that have words on them. Chose one pink gem with one word…ALWAYS.
Put it in my pocket and later heard I am with you always. I have never forgot it.
Times are even more challenging now as my husband will have procedure this Friday to unclog severely blocked artery. Have tried to get in touch with our only son to no avail.
But I will remember that God says…I am with you Always.
Ilene, I’m so sorry about your situation with your son. And I promise to pray for your husband’s procedure. Yes, keep remembering that God is with you always… and all ways… Melannie
Thank you Melanie for this prayer/reflection / song….. plenty of ‘food’ for today….. to end with that sing and the actions really helped me to enter fully into the Word ….
Yes, heal me Lord…. Not just now but always….
Thanks too for the smiles & humour of last week ….some smiles have lasted….
And thank you, Rita, for entering so fully into both blogs–this week’s on healing… and last week’s on humor… We need both, don’t we? Melannie
Dear Melanie,
Thank you so much for this….I especially enjoyed the movement, and found great joy and peace joining in by doing the movements with Keka. It was a great blessing to me
Yolande, I’m so glad you found a blessing in the song and movements… I did too. Thanks for writing! Melannie
Dear Sr. Melanie:
Today I am going to the wake of my youngest sister, Kathy, who passed away. Tomorrow is her funeral mass. I just read all your prayers and they lifted me up so much. I know that my sister isn’t suffering any more and for that I am so very grateful to God. There was a feeling of shock, then sadness, but ultimately relief that she is in her spiritual life. The best life we can live. Thank you for all your prayers.