A Prayer

Lord,
slow me down.
ease the pounding
of my heart by quieting
my mind. Help me to know the
magical restoring power of sleep.
Let me look upward into the oak branches
and know that it grew solid, strong and en-
during because it grew slowly. Give me strength,
courage, wisdom, vision, and a clear mind that I may
carry to fulfillment the responsibilities placed upon me.
Renew my energies that I may utilize, to the fullest, the tal-
ents bestowed upon me. When life has struck me a low blow, help
me to remember that this too shall pass. In times of prosperity,
remind me that the present is all that I have. Permit me to enjoy
it and find fulfillment. Permit me to persist in my pursuit of those
inexorable laws which, if too long ignored, will crush me - but which,
if observed, can be the ever willing tool to accomplish Thy will.
Help me to understand that the real secret of happiness is to
learn that I have no boundaries.
In good times,
let me befriend
others, knowing
that I will need
their solace in
my time of ad-
versity. May I
ever be mindful
that not my will
but Thy will be done.