Twenty years ago I discovered a wee, 2″ x 3″ and 1/2″ thick book in an antique store. Today that book, Week-day Prayers, is among my most precious possessions. Written by Christian Reisner, his prayer offerings are short yet richly infused with meaning. Listen in…
O Thou Tender Shepherd, straighten all our paths today. Save us from the hesitation of doubt. Make us considerate of others’ feelings. Soften the sharp words that threaten to slip off our tongues. Sweeten our deeds with kindness. Teach us how, like our Lord, to endure wrong in silence. Ballast us with love. Direct our aims. Steady our hearts. Plant right loves. Employ our good impulses. Give direction to enthusiasm. Spur us to our best. Bring us to the end with our assigned tasks well done.
May I suggest you now reread this prayer, pausing after each sentence. Then read it aloud and notice what phrases stick to your soul. Words that give us pause are often a window to our needs. Sticky words can open skylights of understanding.
This pray is a keeper! Thank you Patsy! Blessings to you.
“Save us from the hesitation of doubt.” I don’t like hearing that I’m at all in doubt when I know that My God IS and DOES and CAN and WANTS TO in my life. Thanks for the encouragement to press on through this profound prayer, and for stilling a heart that I didn’t realize until now was so anxious today.
Sharpen, O Lord, the sharp words that threaten to slip off my tongue when I’m home alone all day with the kids, and someone steals someone else’s toy, and then someone else spills juice all over the floor . . . Grace in my speech when I’m dealing with my children is a theme that God keeps bringing up. Thanks for sharing this beautiful prayer!