I have a friend who says that she is not much for big prayers but prays this 4-word prayer, “Bless them. Change me.”
I know that the only thing I have control to change is me.
In our serenity prayer it talks about the “courage to change the things I can.”
Serenity Prayer
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.”
In the recent past I have been trying to discern the “wisdom to know the difference” part. I don’t want to change that person over there—I just want to know how to deal with them or the situation. I want to know how to respond and know what I can help or change.
It starts with me.
In many situations I have encountered lately, I have become aware of the attitude that I bring into each room or situation. Am I bringing chaos and angst that I am carrying in my life, with me? Or am I bringing light and peace with me into this room? Most times, I am coming into a meeting full of people with their own upset or trauma. I can’t change that, but I can change my attitude and response.
Now, before our recovery meetings, I take a pause and pray—for God to center me and guide and direct my thinking, praying only for His will for me and the power to carry that out. Help me to have a generous heart and teach me to give love freely, forgive wholeheartedly, and show kindness even when it is difficult. Help me not to give just to receive something in return, but because I want my heart to reflect Your goodness, God. Remove bitterness, resentment, and judgment from my heart. Teach me to walk in grace, mercy, compassion, and love. May what I give to others come from a heart filled with Your love. Let my life be a blessing to those around me. Amen.
The thoughts in this prayer are the essence of a this Bible verse written on a card given to me by a treasured friend, in thanks for what I had given to her:
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Pray before entering.
Bless them.
Change me.
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