I recently took about a dozen friends from our church on a prayer retreat to the Upper Room in Nashville.
One of several highlights was to spend some time with Beth Richardson, the Director of Prayer and Worship at the Upper Room. She taught our group of the ancient Celtic tradition of the "Bless to Me" Prayer and invited us to write one. My thoughts immediately went to what was right in front of me, which so often I fail to be grateful for.
Here is my prayer.
---
Bless to me this pen I hold.
With it I trace the light
and the shadows
of each day,
putting into words
the unspeakable nudges
of the heart.
Bless to me the ink that pours,
making permanent
the fleeting thoughts,
memories, and prayers
of my spirit.
Bless to me the paper on which I write,
which allows me to read
the contours of my
journey's ups and downs,
with a larger perspective,
even God's perspective.
Bless to me those who have written before me,
tracking the patterns
of the spiritual life
so I am going
where others have gone before.
Bless to me this time,
for all time spent reflecting
is the best time spent.
Bless to me the idea that
I am not writing for others,
not really.
I am writing for you,
and for you to touch
and heal me.
Bless to me, Oh Lord.
Bless to me.
Amen.
