I have heard it said that prayer is the key to God’s house. We all have our favorite prayers, both those written down and prayed for centuries, and those we make up on the spot to fit our every day life situations.
As much as I love the prayers of our beautiful Catholic liturgy, the meditative prayers and mysteries of the rosary, traditional litanies, and novenas, I like to have a few short and simple “on the spot” prayers that I can call up without working my brain too much. (You often need to find your “key” quickly!) These basic, heartfelt prayers spring rapidly from my mouth to God’s ears.
When Jesus said, “I will not leave you orphaned….I will send you a Paraclete.”, I believe he gave us our best friend forever, the Holy Spirit, who guides us in the challenges and gives us everything we need to get over the next hump. Thus, my favorite short prayer has always been, simply, “Come, Holy Spirit, come!” The Lord knows exactly what is happening and what I need in that moment. Long, wordy explanations of my situation are not needed.
Years ago someone taught me to make “Jesus sandwiches”. This is where you “sandwich” your intention between two repetitions of Jesus’ name. So simple, yet so complete! You are awaiting the birth of a grandchild: “Jesus, baby’s birth, Jesus.” You are taking your first flight to Europe: “Jesus, safe travel, Jesus.”
When watching the news, or hearing of someone’s illness or relationship difficulties, I pray, “Lord, please send light to that place.”
Meister Eckhart, the 12th century German mystic, said:
“If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.”
In my evening prayer I always begin with a gratitude list from the day. This list encompasses everything from safe return home to the mauve and violet iris that opened in my garden.
In nursery school my children were taught a prayer I still say when I fall into bed exhausted, and need to sum up all that’s in my heart: Thank you, God for everything today. Amen.
I love to sit in silence with a lit candle and invite the Lord, “Abide with me.” Short, but so full, so deep. He comes.
Try this: Take a moment to think of your favorite, simple, go-to prayers. Stockpile them in your memory. You’re going to need at least one of them today.
