Repost of something I wrote several years ago

A DAILY PRAYER

Dear God in heaven,

Help me to face all of life’s troubles with calmness and strength, and not to give in to depression and despair.

Keep me mindful of the love of my family and friends, even when I am furious or frightened and feel most alone.

Grant me the patience and understanding to treat them with the love and respect they have earned, even when they are angry or frightened.

Remind me of the kindnesses they have done me when I have deluded myself into believing that they hate me, wish to harm me or do not care about me.

Bring me to understand that their dislike of my actions or words does not mean they have ceased to love me; and that loving me does not obligate them to endorse my poor behavior, nor to rescue me from its consequences.

Let me find the discipline and integrity to keep all of my promises and fulfill all of my obligations promptly and in full, in both letter and spirit; and the maturity to recognize and deal with the consequences of not having done so at once, rather than being in denial and avoidant.

Give me the will and integrity to stand and accept responsibility for my misdeeds, failings and errors; and the courage to do whatever is needed to make amends.

Make me at all times gentle and forgiving toward others, as I would have them be toward me ... even when they fail to be.

Steel me with courage to face my enemies, humble me with appreciation for my friends...and endow me with the wisdom to distinguish one from the other.

Enable me to shoulder my burdens, misfortunes and sorrows with a light heart and to rejoice in my successes, good fortune and blessings.

Show me that which is good in me, that I may realize its fullest potential; and also that which is bad, that I may reduce it to its least.

Let no sunrise come that I do not seek to do good for another; and let no sunset find my anger and hate still kindled toward another.

And make me always grateful and honoring of You for bestowing these things I ask upon me each and every day.

—Matt G. Leger