My Prayer

"Certain thoughts are prayers.  There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees." – Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

God, thank You for all the wonderful things I have in my life today.  Sometimes, I find myself wondering why exactly they’ve been given to me, of all people.  After all, I know I’m not the best example of how to live in Your way…but thank You just the same because I realize that every day of life I’m given is another opportunity to get it right.
 

Thank You for blessing me with great teachers—people who have taught me more about life than I could ever have dreamed of learning.
 

Thank You for the trials that You have made me endure throughout my life.  I know my life has been an easy one.  I know that compared to those around me, what I’ve been through is nothing–a walk in the park….so thank You for what little adversity I have faced.  Somehow, that adversity, as insignificant as it may be, has made me a better person than I would ever be without it.
 

I know that You’ve given me my blessings so that I can make things easier for the important people in my life.  I’ve tried to do that as much as possible.

But here’s the problem: I’m not always sure how to.  
 

I try as much as possible to be there for loved ones so that they may lean on me, but I ask you: Does it even help?  
 

I want to do more. 
 

I want to take the pain away.  I know I can’t do that.
 

You can, but that’s not what I’m asking for.  I understand that Your plan for each of us is unique, and the pain You ask us to endure is part of a greater purpose.
 

It just doesn’t make sense to me, God.  And while many people might have reservations about questioning You, You know I’ve never been one of those people.
 

So, yeah, I’m asking why.
 

Why is it that I go through life with more strength than I have ever had to think of using, while loved ones like my best friend–who has experienced more trauma, heartbreak, and confusion in 10 months than any one person should ever have to endure–struggle to find it when they need it most?
 

You’ve blessed me with confidence…self-assuredness…strength.  You’ve put me in a good place, Lord, and I am thankful for that.  With all these blessings, I feel I don’t have the right to ask for more, but I am.

I’m asking You to take some of it from me.
 

Take it from me, Lord, and give it to her. 
 

Simply give it to the people in my life who need it more than I do.  Give it to my loved ones coping with disease or injury, the ones questioning their abilities or their standing, the ones looking for answers to questions that are so much more important than mine.  I have more than enough.  If I can’t make the pain and uncertainty go away, at least take some of my strength away from me and let them use so that they can keep fighting their way through the hard times.
 

Please…