Yes to both, on my behalf last week. I returned from my 50th high school reunion exhausted and finally caved in, calling “uncle” to the cold bug that had been nagging at my health for days. Now both sick and tired.
I can’t even remember that last time I was sick. I’m NEVER sick. I’m used to my daily active routine and don’t have the time to be sick. I was depressed, depleted, and dejected.
I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move, and really didn’t care about it. I just couldn’t motivate myself to do anything…not any little thing, except reach for another tissue.
My usual daily routine including my 4-mile meditative walk, my writing, and even my daily prayers were shelved. I couldn’t muster the energy or wits about me to put the normal into my life.
As I stewed in my self-pity I remembered reading what Cardinal Joseph Bernardin wrote in his book, The Gift of Peace. As he fought his battle with cancer he shared his struggles with prayer, giving us some words of advice.
He urged us to pray now! He counseled us to pray now while we are enjoying good mental and physical health because down the road we may not have the oomph to muster the thoughts and feelings for prayer.
After remembering his admonishment, I tried to say my daily prayers that are so routine that I can’t take step in the morning without whispering, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.” But the words rang hallow.
Or “Good morning, Lord, what grand and glorious adventure do you have planned for me today,” sounded empty, devoid of any feeling. Geez….I couldn’t even pray. In my own way, I now somewhat understood what the Cardinal was trying to teach us.
It was at this time that remembered a book, that my dear high school girl friend, Jackie, recommended a few years ago, “Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers” by Anne Lamott. These one-word prayers are perfect for times when we feel “overwhelmed”.
Author, Anne Lamott gives us the “Cliff notes” of prayer, the first being “Help”…help those who are suffering. “Help” those in need”. “Help” our country. “Help” me get through these days without a family drama! Simply pray, “Help”. (You know how to fill in the blanks!)
“Thanks”, the second prayer should be an easy one. “Thanks” for getting me through that interview. “Thanks” for my healthy child”. “Thanks” that I didn’t get a speeding ticket. Thanks for NyQuil! A pattern of gratefulness builds happiness.
The final prayer, “Wow” takes your breath away. It’s the innocence in us that is breathless in the face of wonder. “Wow” is seeing the vastness of the ocean for the very first time. We are at a loss of words taking in the beauty of the Grand Canyon. “Wow” look at those wildflowers along the path. “Wow” look at Shamu! “Wow” look at that sunset! “Wow” expresses the “awe” that we live in, sometimes taking it for granted.
The words don’t have to be arranged in a certain order to memorize, but the thoughts and feelings are conveyed to the Creator in a simple meaningful way.
You don’t have to be sick to use these simple heart-felt prayers. Busy schedules, loss of words, traveling or whatever is a great time to have these essential prayers in your hip pocket to keep your Divine connection in stressful times.
Try them for yourself and see how easy prayer really is. Let’s heed the Cardinal’s advice and not wait for the end.
What prayer do you say in “times of stress”?
