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In All Things

A Prayer for Hard Times

James Martin, S.J.May 20, 2009

Beliefnet asked a few people to write a prayer for those facing hard economic times. Here is what I wrote. Maybe it will help you or someone you are close to.  The rest are here.

Please

O my God,
I know that you love me.
And I know that you want me to be happy, safe and secure,
But sometimes it's so hard to find you in all my troubles.
I know that there are many people worse off than me,
But please help me with my problems.
I'm so worried, God.
Please help me find the support I need.
Please help me not to worry too much.
Please help me to be humble enough to accept help from others.
Please help me to stay away from the "what ifs" and the "if onlys."
Please help me to remember to help others, even when I still need help.
And please help me to trust in your loving kindness, your care and your grace.
Because I know that you love me, and you know that I love you.
And if all you want to give me right now is your love,
Please let that be enough for me.
Amen.

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14 years 11 months ago
amen , amen , amen .
14 years 11 months ago
Father, your prayer evokes resonances with both Ignatius (Take, Lord, receive) and Merton, who wrote:''My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you and I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road although I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death, I will not fear, for you are ever with me and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.'' Your prayer is simply beautiful and good and true. Thank you so much. pax, amor et bonum JB
14 years 11 months ago
I printed this prayer out and gave it to my 13 yr old son who is struggling right now (greatly) with having Juvenile Diabetes.  He is approachig his 10th anniversary of diagnosis this summer and he's wondering why he has this disease and why God doesn't take it from him.
14 years 11 months ago
Amen.
14 years 11 months ago
Father You will never know what good your prayer has done for me tonight. God Bless You

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