A Prayer for Patience

 

 As a follower of Jesus of Nazareth I say:  

“Love everyone, even those who follow a different path, and let God take care of the details!” ❤️🙏

With this in mind, I really dislike the expression “love the sinner, hate the sin” (sorry St. Augustine!).  Let’s be honest: truly such a strategy is humanly impossible (and perhaps is actually an underhanded and self-righteous excuse to hold in contempt those who are “different”).

Here’s a nice prayer I recently discovered that I believe resonates quite well with the thought I first stated above:

A PRAYER FOR PATIENCE

O Lord hear my prayer for patience and perseverance in all situations.

Purify my intentions and correct my thought patterns.

Help me to try my best 

and sincerely to pray for myself,

for those for whom I have great love, 

as well as for those with whom I disagree!

 
Bless me with the light of understanding, 

kindness, compassion and forgiveness.

Help me to trust others, 

to give them "the benefit of the doubt" 

and to rely upon your grace daily 

as I give myself to you 

and in the service and care of others.

O Lord mold my life 

after the pattern of your own patience, 

after your mercy, 

and after your never-ending unconditional love!

Amen.