A Prayer
(an excerpt from "Enjoy the Lord" by Father John Catoir)
I have a prayer I want you to read.
Maybe it will help you.
Even if you can't say you believe,
just try reading it once in a while--
and thinking about it.
Just imagine that God is talking to you.
You do not have to be cleaver to please me;
all you have to do is want to love me.
Just speak to me as you would to anyone
of whom you are very fond.
Are there any people you want to pray for?
Say their names to me, and ask of me as much as you like.
I am generous, and know all their needs, but I want you to
show your love for them and me by trusting me to do what
I know is best.
Tell me about the poor, the sick, and the sinners, and
if you have lost the friendship or affection of anyone,
tell me about that too.
Is there anything you want for your soul?
If you like, you can write out a long list of all
your needs, and come and read it to me.
Tell me of the things you feel guilty about.
I will forgive you if you will accept it.
Just tell me about your pride, your touchiness,
self-centeredness, meanness and laziness.
I still love you in spite of these.
Do not be ashamed; there are many saints
in heaven who had the same faults as you;
they prayed to me and little by little,
their faults were corrected.
Do not hesitate to ask me for blessing
for the body and mind; for health, memory, success.
I can give everything and I always do give everything
needed to make souls holier for those who truly want it.
What is it that you want today? Tell me, for I long
to do you good. What are your plans? Tell me about them.
Is there anyone you want to please? What do you want
to do for them?
And don't you want to do anything for me?
Don't you want to do a little good to the souls
of your friends who perhaps have forgotten me?
Tell me about your failures, and I will show you
the cause of them. What are your worries?
Who has caused you pain? Tell me all about it
and add that you will forgive, and be kind to him,
and I will bless you.
Are you afraid of something? Have you any
tormenting, unreasonable fears? Trust yourself to me.
I am here. I see everything. I will not leave you.
Have you no joys to tell me about?
Why do you not share your happiness with me?
Tell me what has happened since yesterday
to cheer and comfort you. Whatever it was,
however big, however small, I prepared it.
Show me your gratitude and thank me.
Are temptations bearing heavily upon you?
Yielding to temptations always disturbs the peace of your soul.
Ask me, and I will help you overcome them.
Well, go along now. Get on with your work, or play,
or other interests. Try to be quieter, humbler, more
submissive, kinder; and come back soon and
bring me a more devoted heart. Tomorrow I shall
have more blessings for you.
