Prayers Written from the Heart
Compassion and Prayer
Reflection By Robbin Brent
Beloved, help me to know I am never alone. Help me to trust in ever deepening ways that you created me in love to be an instrument of your healing life-giving love and compassion.
When suffering is present, it is natural to ask why it is happening and to wonder where God is in the midst of the pain. Listening deeply in prayer offers us a window into our need to wait for God, trusting in the expanded reality of God’s timing, and trusting that God is always present. This week’s theme inspired me to write a prayer to God, and then to write what I imagine God’s compassionate response might be. It turned out to be a deep and prayerful call and response practice where I listened for guidance, trusting that God also dwells in my imagination. Here is part of my prayer:
Beloved, why is it so hard for me to fully believe that you love me, especially when I am at my lowest ebb, covered over in doubt, anger, and fear? Help me to trust in ever deepening ways that you created me in love to be an instrument of your healing life-giving love and compassion. Help me to know I am never alone. Amen.
Part of the response to my prayer:
Beloved of My Heart, you are growing each and every day in your trust and acceptance of how much I love you. Endlessly, without reserve. Trust that. Even when you suffering. Especially then. You were created in love to be an instrument of my infinite love and compassion. You are never alone. I will never let you go.
If writing a prayer appeals to you, you might begin by prayerfully opening your imagination and listening, trusting that God is there with you. You could also find a prayer that you are drawn to at this point in your life. We have included additional prayers related to compassion on pp. 78–79.
Making it Personal: If you chose to write a prayer to and/or from God, what was the experience like for you? Did you discover anything surprising or insightful in your prayer? If you chose to find a prayer, which one or ones were you drawn to right now?