A prayer for heavy hearts and troubled minds
The last few weeks have been a wild ride for my household—in every way, shape, and form. Two kids off to their college experiences (altered as they may be), and one going back to school part-time in person. Shifts in our professional landscapes. Spiritual challenges. And health procedures… to name just a few.
It got the best of me the other day. I ended up in a heap of tears. And when that happens I’m honestly not much good at praying… the words just get tangled up in sobs.
In those moments, I’ve found that reading the prayers of others helps me. Where I am bankrupt to express myself, I often lean on the Psalms. I also recently found Prayers of the Early Church, which is full-to-the-brim with timeless wisdom. Perhaps you’ll find something that gives voice to your situation there, too; it’s categorized by need.
If you’re struggling to quiet your mind, as I was (and am), join me in this prayer of Augustine’s, for “refuge and peace”:
O Thou full of compassion,
I commit and commend myself unto Thee, in whom I am, and live, and know.
Be Thou the Goal of my pilgrimage, and my Rest by the way.
Let my soul take refuge from the crowding turmoil of worldly thoughts beneath the shadow of Thy wings;
let my heart, this sea of restless waves, find peace in Thee, O God.
Thou bounteous Giver of all good gifts, give to him who is weary refreshing food;
gather our distracted thoughts and powers into harmony again;
and set the prisoner free.
See, he stands at thy door and knocks;
be it open to him, that he may enter with a free step, and be quickened by Thee.
For Thou art the Well-spring of Life,
the Light of eternal Brightness, wherein the just live who love Thee.
Be it unto me according to Thy word.
Amen.
—Augustine
Used with permission: The Project Gutenberg EBook of Prayers of the Early Church, by Various. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you’ll have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.