Photo by Mickey O’neil on Unsplash
Lord, I am stiff and rigid in my prayers.
I need to loosen up.
To talk to you as a human being.
To discuss my problems and my fears with you.
To behave as a disciple and not as a distant admirer,
setting you on a pedestal
where I feel sure you have no desire to be.
I would like very much to enjoy my prayers.
To feel as relaxed as I do when taking a walk in the country.
I would like to enjoy my communion with you
as much as I enjoy a piece of good music or a good ballet.
I must make my mind work at my prayer
so that I can bring everything into it.
I know you are interested.
It is I who am dull and stiff and “mannered.”
Humanize me, Lord.
Norman Goodacre, 1907-2000, English minister and author
_________________
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
prayer & verse 