when words fail

even though prayer is simply talking to our Father,

if we’re honest as followers of Jesus, sometimes it’s hard to find the words to say (Romans 8:26). I’ve have been tremendously helped over the years by books like Valley of Vision, which collect the prayers of holy saints who have gone before, who give me words when my own words fail.

This morning in my daily worship, I used this prayer from an old, dead guy, Anselm, to pray for a number of friends and family in my life. May God use it in your prayer life too.

Grace, and peace, to you, dear reader.

O blessed Lord and Savior, you have commanded us to love one another—grant us grace that, having received your undeserved bounty, we may love every man in you and for you. We ask your blessing for all; but especially for the friends who you love has give to us. Love them, O fountain of love, and make the to love you with all their heart, with all their mind, and with all their soul, that those things only which are pleasing to you they may will, and speak, and do.

And though our prayer is cold, because our charity is so little fervent, yet you are so rich in mercy. Measure not to them your goodness by the dullness of our devotion; but as your kindness surpasses all human affection, so let your hearing transcend our prayer. Do to them what is expedient for them, according to your will, that they, being always and everywhere ruled and protected by you, may attain in the end to everlasting life.

Yes, and very amen, in Jesus’ name.