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Forgive me, Lord, for I have neglected so much this past year.
On too many days, I—and maybe those reading this as well—have forgotten to pray and be and do as we ought, out of the gifts we have been given, out of simple gratitude for the privileges we have that come with breathing.
So now, dear God, hear this prayer:
May kindness become our default mode, in every interaction, each day.
May we become fluent in the language of grace—and keep practicing those trickier grace-filled words until we’re proficient.
May we listen more than we speak. Full stop.
May we look for God’s presence as we travel through each day, whether we’re walking, driving, bicycling, or waiting and sitting on a bus, train or ferry, whether we’re at home, in an office, a library, or cafe. Everywhere God might be which is everywhere we are, may we look–hard.
May we make time to be creative, not for the outcome of the task, but for the enjoyment of the process. May all of our creative efforts become an offering and a path toward adventure, and may each conversation we have become an opportunity to reflect a greater love.
May I—may all of us—rest well and often, laugh much at the right things, pursue justice and compassion for those who live without both, and eat well. May we read (books) daily, cuddle pets regularly, love our neighbours extravagantly, and live lives that delight our Maker, each day and each moment we’re given in the months ahead.
And if we cannot manage any or all of these prayers, may we return often to, as Anne Lamott put it, this simple and profound prayer:
Help. Thanks. Wow.
Amen
Jo Kadlecek is a writer, teacher, church leader and dog lover. As an American Australian, she writes semi-regularly on her blog, A Sun Burnt Faith.
thewadrproject.com 