Over the last several years, I’ve found myself composing prayers. It’s not something I ever set out to do; it just came along on its own. Here’s a prayer that came along a couple of weeks ago (I’m still working on memorizing it).
Grace and peace to you…
dw
With growth into adulthood, responsibilities claimed me, so many heavy coats. I didn’t choose them, I don’t fault them, but it took time to reject them.
— Mary Oliver, Upstream
According to Scripture, it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain.
“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.”
— St. Thérèse of Lisieux, as quoted in paragraph 2558
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2562, 2558
Is the truth beyond all truths, beyond the stars, just this: that to live without [Jesus] is the real death, that to die with him is the only life?
— The Wise Man
Frederick Buechner, Secrets in the Dark: A Life in Sermons, “The Birth”
Eternal Father, I offer you
the body and the blood, soul and divinity
of your dearly beloved Son,
our Lord, Jesus Christ,
in atonement for our sins
and those of the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful passion
have mercy on us and on the whole world.Holy God,
holy Mighty One,
holy Immortal One,
have mercy on us and on the whole world.— Divine Mercy Chaplet
becoming flame 