My prayer group is precious to me. Having missed it over Spring Break, my heart was that much plumper, and aching for connection. It re-calibrates me to be with other spiritual women whose intention is to point our petitions toward God and those people who need an extra splash of love.
Sometimes I can feel sheepish about the regularity of my
entreaties. And yet maybe sheep are the right comparison. Lambs follow their shepherd with the simple trust that they will be protected, and fed.
Still I like to round out my requests by coming back with gratitude. The list I keep on my phone is long, and when I visit it each week I marvel at how many have been answered. Babies that came with ten fingers and toes. Children whose travel plans went well. Surgeries with good
outcomes.
One recent entry was a prayer to turn down the volume on coveting. I didn't even have to ask twice before I felt a shift. Being a witness to another person's blessings did not need to include a shadow side of jealousy. It was like going from the black and gray of pouting, to the full on color of gladness.
Another prayer was about how much to help someone. Conversations with others who are bent on bringing light to a
shady world helped me trade the self-absorption of what I was doing, for how I could support someone who is burdened. I let go of reluctance for the more joyful stance of eagerness.
I will be sticking with this prayer gig.
"Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
And attend to the voice of my supplications.
In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,
For You will answer me." Psalm 86