The Three Essential Prayers

Back in 2012, spirituality author Anne Lamott wrote about “the three simple prayers essential to coming through tough times, difficult days and the hardships of daily life.” She titled the book: Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential Prayers. For Lamott, it is these three prayers- asking for assistance from a higher power, appreciating what we have that is good, and feeling awe at the world around us- that can get us through the day and can show us the way forward.

I often think upon the wisdom she shared in this book. (If you don’t’ know her writing, she is awesome: down to earth, funny, honest and shares hard-earned wisdom with humility and love.)

Help. This prayer recognizes the truth that we cannot make it through life all on our own. We need each other, and we need guidance from above. We need the comfort and the courage that Spirit can provide. Scripture encourages us over and over to ask for what we need. Even when the asking might sound like an angry demand- God can take it. “When you seek me with your whole heart, you will find me with you, says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Thanks. Over and over we are also encouraged to recognize the many blessings we have received- even the tiniest gifts. Especially in difficult times, the challenges and struggles can overwhelm us and sap our strength and our will to go on. But even small glimmers of gratitude and delight can feed and renew us.

Wow. When so much seems broken, it truly is essential to remember and reclaim what inspires awe and wonder in our soul- the blossoming trees, the small act of unexpected kindness, the beauty of orcas swimming, the grandeur of the Cascades, the miracle of birth, the fidelity of a friend.

So, dear ones, keep asking, keep thanking, keep opening your heart to everyday miracles. God has got us and will see us through.

Blessings, Pastor Annette